EU: Concerned about political polarization
17/07/2011 12:10
The Washington Agreement Must Be Reactivated! 06/01 19:04
EU is concerned about the polarization of the political
situation in the country, valuing that the decisions of the Central
Election Commission, and especially those of the Electoral College, did not
remove the shadows of doubt that were cast on the counting process.
“Naturally, we have closely followed May 8th local elections, and we discussed the developments in the Council of Foreign Minister this June. The Council noted with concern the polarization of the situation. This week we had news from the Electoral College’s decision, especially about their argument, which was missing in the past week. This argument does not add or delete our doubts on the procedures used for the ballot counting process. We believe that what is needed now is a reformation of the laws and legislative structures. And this must be performed in full transparency and in a comprehensive way”, declared Maja Kocijancic, Spokesperson of EU High Representatives Catherine Ashton.
For this reason, EU supported the idea of consulting the Commission of Venice.
“We, as the European Union, have also supported the proposition of the Council of Europe for addressing this matter to the Commission of Venice, in order to guarantee that such issues will not be repeated in the future”, Kocijancic declared.
EU reiterated their appeal to create the proper conditions for a political dialogue, focused on the reforms and the European future. The assessment for the whole electoral process is expected to be published on the progress report for Albania, in October, after the final OSCE-ODIHR report will be read.
The Pyramid
Top-Channel: The ruling majority passed a law for demolishing the building where Top-Channel has a part of its facilities. The Albanian government, and the European Union as well, were made aware about this problem. What is your stance on this case?
“This is also one of the matters that we have monitored, and we are aware about its complexity, because there are a series of matters combined: media freedom, property rights, the legal aspects and the political interest. What we want to see now is a solution to this matter, about Top-Channel’s location, in a manner that must be transparent, comprehensive and legally clear”, Kocijancic declared.
Prepared by: Arta Tozaj
Top Channel
