Van der Linden: Albania, cautious with elections

In an interview for Top Channel, Rene Van Der Linden, former President of the Dutch senate, comments Netherland’s refusal to give the EU status to Albania.

“It is very important to fulfil the Copenhagen Criteria, because we have seen countries such as Bulgaria and Romania that entered in the EU before they were ready, and this spurred many critics at the member countries. The EU candidate status for Albania will be given only if it will be deserved and when the criteria will be fulfilled. This is not something specific that is demanded only for Albania. All member countries can keep or lose their status only through merits. For the sake of the future of EU, we must follow all rules and agreements between the member countries”, the Ambassador declared.

Rene Van der Linden says that Albania should be careful with the June 23rd elections.

“I would want to make a strong appeal to the politicians and Albanian political parties, so that they can be responsible as regards the election process. The problems seen with the last elections keep damaging the reputation of Albania, and this will be even deeper if parties will keep fighting against each other. There’s nothing worse than parties who have different opinions hold strong electoral campaigns, or when one party wins and the other party is against everything it does, there’s no room for developing the country and promoting the citizens’ interests”, the Ambassador declared.

Der Linden says that if Albania will make steps back in the elections’ standards, it will have its cost.

“The cost will have a direct influence in the relations with the international community, which could damage these relations. I want to say to the Albanian politicians that they represent the people and should take in consideration the consequences of their behaviour regarding the elections”, the Ambassador declared.

Top Channel