EU had warned about CEC
16/04/2013 00:00
Several policemen injured and Molotov bottles towards the institutions at the march of the Albanian opposition in Tirana 07/10 21:04
The Head of the European Diplomacy, Baroness Catherine Ashton, started
her visit in Tirana one day after the harsh debates held in the Albanian
Parliament, when the majority, despite the appeals from the EU and the
US to stop its actions, replaced the Central Election Commission member
that was elected by the Socialist Movement for Integration after the
latter changed sides and joined the opposition.
The climate in which Ashton visited Albania was reflected in her first declaration, saying that she is visiting Tirana one day after the harsh Parliament discussions, which have been followed closely by the EU.
Ashton reminded the Albanian politics the EU stance about the CEC.
“Yesterday we expressed our concern about the citizens’ trust in the electoral process. It is a responsibility of all politicians to guarantee independent institutions. For the EU it is very important that the parliamentary elections will be held in full accordance with the international and EU standards. This is a test for the functionality of the democratic institutions in Albania, and its further progress towards the EU”, Ashton declared.
She also commented the role of Albania in the region.
“To preserve the constructive role of Albania in the region, we need to avoid nationalist speeches. It is necessary for Albania to continue its traditional role as an honest and constructive actor. We need your help in our constant efforts to keep stability and to help the progress of the entire region”, Ashton declared.
The Baroness also mentioned the Albania’s integration processes.
“The EU progress is up to you. We need to see a stable history, especially on corruption related matters and war against organized crime, as it was recently stated in the EU conclusions published after the meeting of this December”, Ashton declared.
Ashton started her visit with President Nishani, Prime Minister Berisha and the opposition leader, Edi Rama.
Ashton: Politicians should be responsible
During her meeting with President Nishani, Baroness Ashton declared that she feels encouraged by Albania’s determination to realize the reforms, underlining that although the European path is difficult, the experience of other countries has shown that it is all worthy.
The Baroness showed interest on the electoral process in Albania, saying that a credible process is needed especially for the voters. Ashton expects the Albanian politicians present alternatives and electoral priorities with responsibility, and to respect ethics by avoiding harsh rhetoric.
President Nishani expressed Albania’s commitment to fulfil the integration standards, and its responsibility to become a decent EU member. He thanked the EU and Baroness Ashton for supporting and encouraging all regional countries, especially Albania, with the integration democratic processes.
Nishani stated that Albania has the necessary institutional capacities to hold free and honest elections in full accordance with the European standards. The only challenge is the behaviour of the political parties during the electoral process and after the elections.
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