Rice, U.S. Secretary of State, speaks to BBC about Albania and Kosovo; urges election of consensual president

“Elections are very important for a democratic society and the way the country carries out the elections will be decisive for the integration process towards NATO and The EU,” according to U.S. Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice. She spoke at length during a BBC interview about the Albanian presidential crisis which, according to Rice, is being widely followed by the entire international community. When it comes to Albania’s relations with the outside world, reaching a consensus on the next Albanian President is imperative, Rice explained, urging for a quick solution of the crisis. Rice said there is a role for both the majority and the opposition to play in resolving the crisis which has halted the progress of Albania in other fields. Rice also noted that the fine by tax authorities against Top Channel was a worrying and unwelcome phenomenon. The U.S. Secretary of State also referred to Kosovo, repeating the official U.S. position that independence is the guaranteed result for Kosovo and that the US is making every effort for a compromise solution. Rice urged the Serbian government to cooperate with the International Court of Justice.