British Ambassador calls for compromise

VLORA, Nov. 13 – British Ambassador Fiona McIlwham last week was in southwestern Vlora to take part in a panel discussion on Albania and the European Union. She was also accompanied by Socialist lawmaker Arben Malaj and the Cam one Dashamir Tahiri, and also the Vlora Prefect. It was an event hosted by Fate Velaj, Chairman of the Vlora Forum for International Dialogue.
The Ambassador said that Albania’s politicians needed “to seize the opportunity to break the stalemate and focus on important reforms that will deliver real benefit for ordinary Albanians.”
“If Albania is to make real and rapid progress, the politicians of all parties need to find a way to work together more constructively. They need to put national interest above party interest. Albanian politics cannot be zero-sum.”
her words came just as Brussels gave to Albania the go-ahead for the visa liberalization and a No for the candidate status.
McIlwham reaffirmed the UK’s firm support and commitment to EU enlargement for Albania, insisting that enlargement must be rooted in reform and a firm foundation of democracy, the rule of law and shared values.
The Ambassador said that the decision to liberalize visas was a very positive signal of the EU’s commitment to Albania and the important progress made since the 1990s.
On the other side, she added that the Opinion gave a very clear account of what still needs to be done to make further progress towards the EU.
The Ambassador said that acquiring candidate status “is not simply about ticking boxes and passing legislation. Albania must build a credible track record of reform and implementation, in particular in the area of rule of law.”
She suggested that ordinary Albanians, like the EU, want to see firm action on the culture of impunity and greater equality of opportunities for all.
“There needs to be a greater sense of justice and opportunity for all, not just the well-connected. With a credible track record in reform, corruption and organised crime cases, Albania’s case for EU progress will be compelling,” the Ambassador said.