Crisis, Brussels lashes Albania
04/04/2011 19:35
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Albania’s political situation, the Albanian Parliament role, the judicial system independence, the administration reforms and the economic fiscal matters are to be discussed on the second meeting of the Association-Stabilization Committee with the Albanian delegation, headed by Majlinda Bregu, Albanian Minister of European Integration and chief of the European Commission Representation for Albania, a commission directed by Pierre Mirel, Director for the Western Balkans at the Directorate General for Enlargement at the European Commission.
According to a confidential document secured by Top-Channel, the Brussels position on the political situation will concentrate on the crisis between the two ruling parties, mostly on the January 21st events, demanding a full and independent investigation only by the judicial system.
“The EU delegation will express its deep concern on the actual political situation, including the prolonged political stalemate and the lacking of a productive political dialogue; will express EU’s regret on January 21st violence and dramatic events, emphasizing that these tragedies and the escalating problems that followed are not those of an EU aspirant country. This situation risks to postpone the Albanian European perspective”, the document says.
In addition, the EU delegation will emphasize the imperative significance of a full investigation on January 21st events by the appropriate judicial authorities.
“The investigation should proceed by the General Prosecution and all resulting culprits must be punished. The judicial authority must be able to function independently, without any obstacles or unnecessary interferences. All direct or indirect obstacles should be avoided and also state institutions should not be overlooked. Judicial institutions’ independence is one of main concerns”, says the document.
The preliminary document repeats the EU position that both Albanian government and opposition share the responsibilities for overcoming the political crisis and calming the confrontational situation.
“EU delegation will appeal the Albanian parties to change their political tone. Harsh rhetoric does not contribute to the restoration of order and to avoid further violence or polarization of the Albanian society”, continues the document.
This position of the EU delegation will also express its concern on the functioning method of the Albanian Parliament, even recommending a protocol amendment.
“EU delegation will point out that a proper functioning of the Albanian Parliament demands improvements in its controlling performance and supervisory functions. The need of measures that can guarantee full and efficient implementation of the Parliamentary protocol will be emphasized. A reviewing of this protocol is also recommended, based on a consensus between parties, in regard of the composition and mandate of a parliamentary investigating committee”, the document underlines.
Part of the political criteria will also be the media, highlighting the need of an amendment on the libel laws of the Penal Code, demanding the Albanian part to implement the actual law on information approach.
This should encourage Albania to actively promote the pluralism of ideas and full media freedom.
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