While the annual progress report for Albania is being processed, the
European Commission has taken note of the recent developments since the
arrest of the Socialist MP, Armando Prenga, and underlines the
importance of the rule of law and the fact that the judging on this case
should come from the judiciary.
Maya Kocijancic, Spokesperson of
the European Commission: “I cannot comment the content of the progress
report, but the Commission is finalizing it. They will pass it within
October, in one month. Later it will be discussed with the Council so
that we can make a full evaluation of the progress report, made by the
candidate countries, including Albania.
TCH: Have you followed the political developments, especially after the Parliament removed the immunity of the Socialist MP, Armando Prenga? Do you consider this as part of the decriminalization process?
Maya Kocijancic: We took note that one Parliament Member and five other persons were arrested this weekend. By rule we do not comment on ongoing investigations. We underline the importance of the rule of law and international standards for the processes. We praise the law-enforcing agencies for guaranteeing the rule of law in Albania. It is important to have a normal trial in any case. As for the decriminalization, the Commission will speak about the process reached in it through the annual report.
The European Commission is analyzing the final report published by OSCE-ODIHR on the local elections. Sources at the European executive said for Top Channel that Brussels will encourage the Albanian authorities to implement the recommendations of this document.
Prepared by: Arta TOZAJ
Top Channel
