EC, conclusions for Albania

“We all know that the elections in Albania have often been contested. The successful conduct of the elections in June, next year, will be essential for demonstrating the commitment of all Albania’s political parties for the electoral reform. This will be a crucial test for a smooth functioning of the country’s democratic institutions”, declared the Cypriot Foreign Minister, Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis.

The debate focused mostly on the appeals for political dialogue, the elections and concerns for nationalist rhetoric.

“When Mr. Berisha visited Vlore for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of independency, he mentioned five countries where there are Albanian communities. After that he tried to change that declaration, and I think that his efforts made things even worse”, declared the Greek MP, Marietta Giannakou.

“The European Parliament and the European institutions must hold a stance against such nationalist and irredentist declarations, so that we can promote good relations between Albania and the neighbour countries”, declared Nikolaos Chountis, repporteur for Albania at the European Parliament.

“The elections are a great chance to show how strongly the Democratic values are installed in the politicians and mechanisms of that country”, declared Eduard Kukan.

“Without cooperation between the government and the opposition, the progress that we have wouldn’t be possible. I appeal the Albanian friends, in government and opposition, to keep walking on this path, because without cooperation there will be no further progress in the issues mentioned by the Presidency and the Commissioner”, declared the Czech EMP, Libor Roucek.

Last night’s debate ended within 30 minutes for Albania. The EP Resolution, which appealed the EU Council to give the candidate status, was voted two days after the conclusions of the member countries.

Cornelissen: Albania, victim of its politics

The Dutch EMP, Marije Cornelissen, blamed the Albanian political class that has already started the electoral campaign by leaving aside the country’s needs and the EU agenda.

This politician also criticized Berisha’s move with his declaration to equip all Albanian nationals with Albanian passports.

“One of our biggest concerns for Albania is the political climate, the lack of political will between the two main parties to cooperate. This seemed to have improved in the last year and for a while the Parliament seemed to be in a working order, but now I am not so sure. In November, three requested peaces of legislation failed passing Parliament due to a totally unrelated power struggle. Why? Prime Minister Berisha announced that all ethnic Albanians might get Albanian passports, knowing fully well what this could cause in the region. He’s been a politician for far too long not to realize this, so why? And our Parliamentary delegation that was planned for next week was cancelled at the last moment. I have my suitcase ready. I was looking forward to constructive and corporative dialogue with the coalition and the opposition, but they obviously don’t want. Why? All of this before an important meeting with the Council, which makes it a coordinated effort to destroy all Albania’s chances for the candidate status. Why? I think that the electoral cakmpaign has already started, by not respecting the needs of the country and the European agenda. I would want to give the EU candidate status to the Albanian people, but I fear that the politicians elected by them are the ones who lost it, through their domestic power struggle, and this will not be possible until they resolve this priority. I plead to Mr. Berisha and Mr. Rama, on behalf of your country. Please”, declared Cornelissen.

By ARTA TOZAJ

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