Berisha hails Italy for reducing time of permanent stay for immigrants

TIRANA, Aug. 5 – Albanian government of Prime Minister Sali Berisha welcomed and hailed a decision of the Italian government to reduce the time of permanent stay in that country for immigrants who want to get official documentation and citizenship. “That is very good news for thousands of Albanian immigrants and their families who have chosen Italy as their second homeland,” the government statement said. It is believed that some 300,000 Albanian immigrants live in Italy going there by boats and ships and legally after 1990. “That decision is proof of the respect and gratitude of the Italian government and people for the honest and devoted contribution of the immigrants who have gone to Italy with the hope and belief in a better life and future,” said the statement. “The prime minister believes that Albanian immigrants in Italy will continue to be strong bridges of cooperation and friendship between our two people and countries.”
Italy is Albania’s main economic partner for post-communist Albania. It has been an important supporter in the country’s efforts toward integration into the European Union and NATO.