British Ambassador meets new cabinet

TIRANA, Oct 5 – British Ambassador Fiona McIlwham has called on Prime Minister Sali Berisha and members of the new Government to congratulate them and to re-state the UK’s strong support for Albania’s European prospect and the reform agenda that will secure that European future.
In his congratulatory message to Prime Minister Berisha, Prime Minister Gordon Brown noted that, “This is a crucial moment for Albania, as the newest member of NATO and applicant for EU candidate status. It will be important that your new Government demonstrates quickly its commitment to Albania’s wide-ranging agenda and I hope that your Government will lead efforts to engage all Albanian parties and political parties in the policy dialogue and action that will stimulate reform.”
Prime Minister Brown also stressed that, “Judicial reform and sustainable progress in tackling corruption are now urgent priorities if Albania is to meet EU standards. I hope we can look forward to real progress on both.”
British Ministers have also highlighted the existing strong co-operation in the fight against organized crime and judicial reform, as areas in which they would hope to see renewed focus. In his message to Foreign Minister Ilir Meta, Foreign Secretary David Miliband highlighted Albania’s, “ƨelpful and constructive role in the wider Western Balkan region, especially toward Kosovo,” and his hope that this would continue.