Sequi: Reforms on the right time

He says that everything needs to be made at the right time, and that the good will is needed for the country to progress towards the EU.

TCH: How important is the implementation of the recent agreements between the two political parties in Albania?

Sequi: Allow me to say that I consider this as a very great achievement, and I am not the only one. The EU welcomed the creation of an ad-hoc parliamentary commission for the electoral reforms, for voting the laws that require qualified majority. This is important. This is the first step, a process that has just started and that needs to get consolidated. The rhythm of this process must accelerate. It is clear that there are other priorities too. The Commission has set 12 such, and it is up to the political forces to mobilize their energies for the Albanians, for implementing the 12 key priorities.

TCH: High representative Catherine Ashton declared that the electoral reform should be made in the right time, before the next elections. When is this right time?

Sequi: I think that the “right time” period is that which enables to address to the matters in time for being prepared for the next elections. But the right time is set by the good will. I trust that this good will is going to be there, will continue not only for this parliamentary commission, but also for other segments of the reforms that are necessary for Albania, so that the country can progress towards EU.

TCH: Are the elections still a condition for Albania’s candidate status?

Sequi: It is clear that the electoral aspect is very important. What we need now, is to end this electoral reform and address to all recommendations made by OSCE-ODIHR, because this is a clear precondition for successful elections.

TCH: Would you accept other problematic elections from Albania?

Sequi: Firstly, I would like to welcome the successful result of the “ad-hoc” Parliamentary Commission for the electoral reform. As I said, I consider it as a very important condition for guaranteeing that the elections will be successful.

TCH: And secondly…?

Sequi: Secondly, I would underline that it is important to preserve the good will that brought these important achievements, the good will that must continue so that it can achieve success.

TCH: One of the key priorities that were emphasized by the Commissioner for Enlargement, Stephan Fule, is the justice reform. What should be the next steps in this area?

Sequi: As I said, the implementation of the key priorities is the main condition. What is necessary, on my opinion, since I am seeing consensus among the political parties, is to try and work in order to establish an action-plan for implementing the key priorities. I think that by doing this, the rhythm of the reforms and the successful continuation of the process will be secured.

TCH: A great part of the EU financial aids for Albania go to the justice sector. Will you help the Albanian authorities, if the impunity culture will continue to be present, especially in high level corruption?

Sequi: First of all, allow me to thank you about this question, because it emphasizes the significance of the financial aid of the EU. Allow me to give some data that explain how important this financial help is. Since 1991 to 2012, the total sum spent on Albania is 1.4 billion EUR. We spend around 80 million EUR each year. This shows that even in difficult financial times, Europe has given a very strong support to Albania. It is clear that the segment addressed to the key priorities. It is important, especially the segments in which the EU invests money. I can only confirm what I said. All key priorities are important, including the judicial system and war against corruption.

TCH: Including the high level corruption cases?

Sequi: Including everything that is mentioned in the progress report, which we have presented to the entire spectrum, not only the political one, but also to the civil society in Albania. We clearly speak for the judicial corruption cases of any level.

TCH: Besides the consensual reforms, how can the EU encourage the Albanian government to continue the efforts with the rest of the reforms and key priorities, such as with the state administration, a sector considered as deeply politicized?

Sequi: I think that the commitment that has been shown up to now needs to be preserved. I think that for as long that we see commitment , it will be easier for Albania to progress in the European integration. We will be there to assist, we will be ready to help, but this is a duty of Albania, and we need to see some Albanian authorship.

Prepared by: ARTA TOZAJ

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