“EU status depends on justice about January 21st”
16/02/2013 00:00
Linda Rama: Between Family, Work and Albania’s Future 18/08 14:30
Roderich Kiesewetter, rapporteur for Albania at the largest German
party, joined the critics made by the US about the January 21st trial,
which found the National Guard officers not guilty for the killing of
four protesters.
In an interview for Deutsche Welle, Kiesewetter declares:
“I don’t know the investigation details, but when the Prosecution demands the highest punishment, 23 and 25 years in prison, and the Court acquits the defendants, I think it is a case that needs special investigation. In Germany that would immediately cause the establishment of a Parliamentary Investigation Commission, due to the uncertainties brought by that decision. Yes, we want an independent judiciary in Albania, but between the 25 years to prison request and finding acquitting the defendants there is a huge difference, and that would be understandable for EU countries that want Albania to progress, among which is Germany. That is why I think that a thorough investigation is required, especially when Albania aims to become an EU member and receive the candidate status. They should avoid giving impressions that the verdict might have reached illegal levels”, Kiesewetter declared.
Kiesewetter says that he criticized the behaviour of the Albanian justice authorities since January 21st 2011, and that the investigations cannot end with this verdict. When keeping in mind that Albania is trying to join the EU, this verdict has a special weight.
The Demo-Christian MP adds that EU cannot allow the candidacy of countries that have open irregular matters.
“My appeal for the Albanian authorities is to work together, investigate the events and make a good promotion of their country abroad. The EU is interested to know why this verdict was reached. All details should be given and it must be clear that the Albanian judiciary is interested to resolve cases. Albania cannot afford giving the impression that things are kept hidden here. Without a complete transparency on this case, all countries that support Albania’s EU candidate will withdraw and say: ‘Albania needs more time’. I hope this message will be understood in Albania, and that Albania gets itself together and finds a quick solution in the upcoming weeks”, he added.
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