Top Channel: Ambassador Sequi, did the June 23rd elections fulfill the
requests of the European Union for Albania, to hold elections with the
high standards of the European Union?
EU Ambassador Ettore Sequi: First of all, let me congratulate with the winning coalition, and let me also say that as European Union, we have welcomed the inclusion of the EU issues and EU integration high on the agenda of all political coalitions. I think this is new and very good. As you know, and we said, the elections for the European union are a crucial test for the smooth functioning of the Albanian institutions, and in the end, we shall make our final assessment of the elections based on the reports of ODIHR. By the way, we have heavily contributed financially to this ODIHR observation mission. We said and we repeated how important are the elections for us and also for the European future of Albania. It seems, based also on the preliminary report of ODIHR, that our opinions have been understood and all messages have been taken to consideration. The elections were competitive. There was unfortunately an act of violence and we made a statement on that, but the process took place in an over all orderly manner. What is important for us now is to complete the process in a smooth way. So, it is now time to have a process which is closed. What is important, and this I would like really to underline, is that the new government will rigorously pursue the reforms which are also needed for the European Union integration agenda. This is an expectation. In this respect, I would like to welcome very much the words of Mr.Rama, which are critical to us. One is inclusiveness, which should prevail over exclusion. And compromise, which should become a general feature of Albania’s political life. Finally, I would like also to use this opportunity to underline as commissioner Fule said, that the past eight years have been of important reforms, and Albania has achieved definitely, with the government Berisha, a progress in the path of European integration.
Top Channel: The three laws known as integration laws were voted in Parliament and they will be implemented in September by the new government. The elections confirmed a rotation of power in Albania. Can all these developments give Albania the possibility to get the candidate status?
Ettore Sequi: Let me say immediately that the candidate status is definitely within reach. The approval of the three laws was a very important step, and we said it. On the other side, the December council conclusions stressed that elections according to the European and international standards were crucial precisely for the progress of European integration in Albania, but they were also mentioned when the enlargement package in October last year was presented. That progress on the fight against corruption and organized crime was also critical. The overall progress will be assessed by us in October, when we will present a progress report, and that question will be obviously much clear in December, in the next council, when the member states will be requested to follow up under our recommendations. But my point is very clear. Definitely, the candidate status is within reach.
Top Channel: How do you see the future of the Albanian integration towards the European family?
Ettore Sequi: Thank you very much. This is a very important question. But let me start by saying that there is an inspiration that Albania could build on. On the first of July Croatia will become the 28th member state of the European Union. I trust, I hope that this will set a positive inspiration also for this country, but I see definitely many challenges. Challenges which demand immediate action, in order to renew the momentum on the EU agenda. I said many times that the Albanians and the political leaders have the potential to go beyond what was until now often a culture of confrontation. The positive spirit that we saw the day after the elections will continue, because besides what Albania needs and deserves I think is precisely that. And we have very much confidence on the European future of Albania. I think that the words of Mr.Rama and his eloquent speech the other day, in a way encourage us. The words of all the leaders. For example that reference to inclusion, a stable administration and the reference to the media are definitely a challenge, a good inspiration for future actions. I would like to add a final word, based building on the events and the statements of the last few days, which are very important also for the immediate future. I think that the civilized and dignified post elections are also due to the fact that the EU mentality is progressively becoming an asset for the society, for the leaders and the intellectuals.
Top Channel: Ambassador Sequi, thank you very much for your time.
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