Dutch ambassador urges compromise

TIRANA, Sep. 28 – Dutch Ambassador to Tirana Henk Van Del Dool urged political leaders Sunday not to block Albania’s European agenda by continuing the political crisis.
It is the latest in a series of calls by international officials trying to help Albania resolve the longstanding conflict between the government and the opposition.
The Dutch ambassador said the way they have failed to reach a compromise is disappointing and called on all the political leaders to resolve the crisis as soon as possible.
The Socialists claim vote count manipulation and want a partial recount but the governing Democrats say that would break the laws and be unconstitutional.
“This is not a situation that helps Albania’s European perspective or the local elections,” he said.
The opposition Socialist Party continues to insist on a thorough investigation into the June 2009 general elections, arguing the vote was marred by serious violations.
The Socialists have warned that it will stage new anti-government protests in October.
The Council of Europe managed to convince the opposition to return to parliament in late February.
That was not enough, as they again abandoned the parliament and held other forms of protests, including a hunger strike.
It was again the direct mediation of the European Parliament group leaders who smoothed the nerves of the Albanian politicians in late May. But they are flaring up again.