OSCE Presence calls on Albanian government to ensure lustration law meets international standards

TIRANA, 23 December 2008 - Alex Finnen, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, issued the following statement today:

"The lustration law passed by the Assembly should comply with the requirements of a state based on the rule of law. In particular, the relevant provisions of the Constitution and accepted international standards should be fully observed.

"To that end, it is expected that the Albanian Government will take immediate steps in consultation with national and international experts to ensure that this law meets international standards, and in so doing will reassure its international partners of its commitments to these standards.

"The OSCE Presence notes the debate in the Albanian Parliament that passed the Lustration Law by a simple majority of the 77 members present. We also note the concerns expressed by some OSCE participating States and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe today. The OSCE remains ready to assist upon the request of the Albanian Government."