The recent developments in Tirana are being followed closely even in
Brussels. Peter Stano, the Spokesperson of the EU Commissioner for
Enlargement, Stefan Fule, declared that they are following closely every
event and are aware of everything.
“We encourage the authorities to implement the law for the compensation of this category”, he declared.
TCH: A hunger strike of the former political prisoners is being held in Albania. Is the Commission aware of this?
Peter Stano: “Certainly that the Commission is aware of what is happening in Albania, and we are following the events very closely. We know about everything that happens day after day, because, as you know, Albania is a partner country in the integration process and for us it is important to know everything that is going on in the society of the country.”
TCH: One of the 12 priorities of the European Commission is the compensation of people who have lost their properties during the communism era. The former political prisoners lost their rights and freedom in that time, and now they are demanding their basic economic rights. Is there any request of the Commission towards the Albanian authorities on this issue?
Peter Stano: “These are very important issues. It is very important to treat the compensation of the politically persecuted persons during the past regime, and encourage the Albanian authorities to implement fully and without obstacles the legislation for the compensation of these people. There are laws for this very important and serious issue, together with the treatment of people who have been persecuted during the past regime for political reasons. This should be made through a democratic and legal framework. We encourage the Albanian authorities to implement fully and without delays the laws about this compensation.”
TCH: One of the hunger strike members set himself on fire today and almost died.
Peter Stano: “Yes, we are aware of this. This is a very unfortunate event, and we express our condolences to the family of the person in question. We hope that his health will improve soon.”
Brussels: Arta Tozaj
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