EP approves resolution for Albania
22/11/2012 00:00
Linda Rama: Between Family, Work and Albania’s Future 18/08 14:30
The European Committee of Foreign Affairs voted with 61 votes in favour,
1 against and two abstains the draft-resolution for Albania. The
European MPs appealed the council to give the candidate status to our
country without any further delays, if the key reforms given by the
Commission would be fulfilled.
On the same time, the draft-resolution expresses the concern for the low progress in the judiciary and underlines the importance of a non-corrupted, independent and transparent judiciary. The elections of 2013 are estimated an important test for the maturity of democracy in Albania.
The European MPs appeal all political forces to hold an electoral campaign and free and honest elections, and work together to improve the political climate in the country. The report appeals the Albanian authorities to bring the legislations for the elections, the freedom of meetings, the freedoms of associations and the freedom of media in full accordance with the international standards and fully implement it.
During the voting, the Foreign Committee also passed the amends of Eduard Kukan for the January 21st trial and the situation of the former political prisoners. The report prepared by Nikolaos Chountis expresses a deep concern even for the high level of unemployment and the high number of Albanians who live under the poverty limit.
More efforts are needed to fight the discrimination against the Roma community, the LGBT and vulnerable groups of the society. The EP reports are supportive and advisory, but they also criticize some of the key efforts of Albania. This resolution will be voted on December in Strasbourg after the EU Council of Ministers decision for Albania.
Prepared by: ARTA TOZAJ
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