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Statement by OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Adrian Severin on Albania
TIRANA 31 March 2001
TIRANA, 31 March 2001 - The following statement was issued today by the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Adrian Severin, at the end of a visit to Albania from 29 to 31 March:
"Albania continues to make good progress in her democratic development. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly shares the wish of the country to become a fully-fledged member of the European family of nations and supports Albania's process of integration into the European and the Euro-Atlantic structures. We appreciate all the efforts being made by the Albanian Government and other political forces to enhance political stability in South-eastern Europe and we recognize the fact that Albania is strengthening its ties within the region.
"In this context it is of particular importance to note that the Albanian Government, as well as the main political forces of the country, have strongly been in favour of political dialogue in Macedonia and condemn any use of violence. A peaceful future can only be achieved if the different peoples of the Balkans learn to live together with mutual respect for one another. I am particularly pleased to note that both the Government and the Opposition are committed to ensuring that the concerns of Albanians in neighbouring countries do not become an issue during the upcoming election.
"Since the crisis of 1997, the OSCE has been a witness of the political transition in Albania and of the considerable progress being made recently. During the past few years, Parliamentary Assembly Presidents and other Parliamentary Assembly members and officials have visited OSCE Missions and Field Offices. The Parliamentarians have on many occasions expressed their interest in Albania and I will particularly encourage further visits to this country.
"At present, top priority focuses on the forthcoming parliamentary elections. The local elections in October 2000 were assessed as having been an important step forward for Albania. However, it is now extremely important to ensure that further progress is made in preparing for and running free and fair elections in June 2001.
"With this in mind, I applaud the process of dialogue recently established between the ruling majority and the opposition. This has contributed to the reduction of political friction in the country. This dialogue should be a means through which a general framework of national confidence is built. Within this framework the legislative process could develop more smoothly and the constitutional state institutions could work more efficiently.
"The agreements reached through the political parties' dialogue must not replace legal procedures. Decisions must be taken by the appropriate institutions in accordance with the law. National institutions such as the Central Electoral Commission have to be respected. It is equally important to consider only very essential amendments to the electoral code before the election. To make more sweeping changes at this stage would violate international standards.
"The Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE stresses the importance of meeting forthcoming deadlines in order to ensure a successful outcome. At the same time, I call on the political parties to fully participate in the electoral commissions at all levels."
For further information, contact:
In Albania - Carola Reissland, Spokesperson, Head of Press and Public Information / Media Development, OSCE Presence in Albania, Rr. Donika Kastrioti, Vila 6, Tirana, Albania, Tel : ++ 355 42 35 993 ext. 123; Fax: ++ 355 42 35 994 ext. 40002; e-mail: [email protected]
In Copenhagen - Mr. Jan Jooren, Press Counsellor of the OSCE PA, e-mail: [email protected], Tel.: +45 33378040, Fax: +45 33378030.
"Albania continues to make good progress in her democratic development. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly shares the wish of the country to become a fully-fledged member of the European family of nations and supports Albania's process of integration into the European and the Euro-Atlantic structures. We appreciate all the efforts being made by the Albanian Government and other political forces to enhance political stability in South-eastern Europe and we recognize the fact that Albania is strengthening its ties within the region.
"In this context it is of particular importance to note that the Albanian Government, as well as the main political forces of the country, have strongly been in favour of political dialogue in Macedonia and condemn any use of violence. A peaceful future can only be achieved if the different peoples of the Balkans learn to live together with mutual respect for one another. I am particularly pleased to note that both the Government and the Opposition are committed to ensuring that the concerns of Albanians in neighbouring countries do not become an issue during the upcoming election.
"Since the crisis of 1997, the OSCE has been a witness of the political transition in Albania and of the considerable progress being made recently. During the past few years, Parliamentary Assembly Presidents and other Parliamentary Assembly members and officials have visited OSCE Missions and Field Offices. The Parliamentarians have on many occasions expressed their interest in Albania and I will particularly encourage further visits to this country.
"At present, top priority focuses on the forthcoming parliamentary elections. The local elections in October 2000 were assessed as having been an important step forward for Albania. However, it is now extremely important to ensure that further progress is made in preparing for and running free and fair elections in June 2001.
"With this in mind, I applaud the process of dialogue recently established between the ruling majority and the opposition. This has contributed to the reduction of political friction in the country. This dialogue should be a means through which a general framework of national confidence is built. Within this framework the legislative process could develop more smoothly and the constitutional state institutions could work more efficiently.
"The agreements reached through the political parties' dialogue must not replace legal procedures. Decisions must be taken by the appropriate institutions in accordance with the law. National institutions such as the Central Electoral Commission have to be respected. It is equally important to consider only very essential amendments to the electoral code before the election. To make more sweeping changes at this stage would violate international standards.
"The Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE stresses the importance of meeting forthcoming deadlines in order to ensure a successful outcome. At the same time, I call on the political parties to fully participate in the electoral commissions at all levels."
For further information, contact:
In Albania - Carola Reissland, Spokesperson, Head of Press and Public Information / Media Development, OSCE Presence in Albania, Rr. Donika Kastrioti, Vila 6, Tirana, Albania, Tel : ++ 355 42 35 993 ext. 123; Fax: ++ 355 42 35 994 ext. 40002; e-mail: [email protected]
In Copenhagen - Mr. Jan Jooren, Press Counsellor of the OSCE PA, e-mail: [email protected], Tel.: +45 33378040, Fax: +45 33378030.