TIRANA, July 24 – Albania’s newly elected president, Bamir Topi, was sworn in on Tuesday in two ceremonies at the parliament and the Palace of Brigades.
Topi, 50, was elected by parliament on Friday after a small number of opposition lawmakers ended their coalition’s boycott and voted for Topi. Their actions ended Albania’s harsh bickering among political parties, especially the governing Democratic Party-led coalition and the opposition Socialist Party-led coalition, which had failed in three previous rounds to agree on a presidential candidate.
“I swear!“ responded Topi with his hand over the Constitution as he affirmed the presidential oath to obey and “respect citizens’ human rights and freedom, to protect the Republic of Albania’s independence and to serve to the general interest and advance the Albanian People.“
Most of the opposition lawmakers were present at the ceremony.
Foreign diplomats were also present at the ceremony.
In a significant move, the European Union flag was hung behind the president.
Topi replaced Alfred Moisiu for a five-year term, during which he said he would try to reconcile political groups, respect the country’s constitution and help Albania, one of Europe’s poorest, to become a member of NATO and the European Union.
Constitution and the laws, reconciliation of the political groupings, integration into NATO and the European Union, a harmonious religious atmosphere and Kosova were the main topics Topi’s inaugural speech.
“There is no division and camps in Albania,“ Topi said in his first speech at the parliament, appealing to the opposition to join forces in confronting the countries challenges of integration into the two international institutions.
Topi expressed his thanks to the U.S. Department of State which was the first to hail his election and to the EU’s Council of Ministers.
He also said that, “today I come out of party politics and their proper beliefs not only formally but practically as well. My position first belongs to the citizen who projects his beliefs in the political parties. Starting from this moment, my whole activity turns into an institutional one to respect the law.”
“Nowadays all need to change, while coping with new historical challenges, are an aspiration of the Albanian people. Albania undergoes historic moments linked to its democratic future, to its road without return toward the Euro-Atlantic family,“ said Topi.
Albania is looking forward to gain a full membership invitation from NATO next year. It has also signed a pre-membership agreement with the European bloc.
The new president also said that the country should preserve its religious harmony that would have its impact “in Albania’s evaluation as a natural part of the modern citizenship.“
Topi, 50, a biologist who previously served as agriculture minister, followed with the handover ceremony at Tirana’s Palace of Brigades.
While the national anthem was being played, gun shots were heard.
Then the outgoing President, Alfred Moisiu, delivered a speech to mention the achievements and Albania’s development during his five years.
Moisiu said he tried to create a presidential model in accordance with the constitution and the people’s will, adding that Albania had made progress in the strengthening of democracy, consolidating independent institutions and in getting closer to NATO and the EU.
“Albania has more friends in the world, has an improved reception and respected voice in the decision-making policies in the region, is a country with contributions in peacekeeping missions and in the fight against global terror,” said Moisiu.
The outgoing president said that the visit of the U.S. President, George W. Bush, was a confirmation of such Euro-Atlantic policies.
Moisiu also said that a quick solution of Kosova’s status was considered vital for regional security.
In his speech, Topi repeated that he would be a president for all Albanians.
The new president reassured his country that he would continue to play a positive role for finalizing Kosova’s status.
“I am convinced that Kosovo’s independence is a guarantee for peace and stability in the region, that together with the neighboring countries, we can go move forward toward Euro-Atlantic ambitions, leaving behind the shadows of war,“ said Topi.
In Friday’s vote, lawmakers cast 85 votes for Topi, one more than required in the 140-seat Parliament to secure the presidency, which has powers over the country’s judiciary and armed forces.
“There is no time to lose, but we should go along the rhythm of the steps in the EU and NATO. Political crisis prolong the road and also affect Kosova’s future. Let’s work together to take reforms ahead,” said Topi “We are determined to cope with the challenges and reforms, God bless Albania and Albanians!”
The newly elected president resigned from all his party posts and also president of a soccer club.
Topi has been elected three times as a lawmaker during Albania’s post-communist period.
He is married, and has two daughters.
