Albania with much to do as a future NATO member

TIRANA, May 5 – NATO
spokesman James Appathurai has
expressed pleasure at the prospect
of formally welcoming the country
into NATO on the Alliance’s
60th anniversary next year.
But the spokesman has also insisted
that Albania must reform its
armed forces, establish the rule of
law and set up functioning democratic
institutions.
Albanian authorities have
pledged that the process of Albanian
integration in the Euro-Atlantic
structures will be intensified.
Albania has also pledged it will
play the role of moderator in the
interests of peace and long-term
sustainability in the region and beyond.
The Albanian leadership has
acknowledged that its responsibilities
are great and the country
should proceed with reforms and
also accelerate the pace of reforms.
Governing Democratic Party leader and Prime Minister, Sali
Berisha, also acknowledged the
opposition’s contribution and important
role in that process.
At the same time, it is very clear
that the public has long welcomed
integration into NATO and surveys
have shown that up to 95 per cent
of Albanians support membership
in NATO. (Tirana Times Staff)