EU says reform in judiciary is most important

VLORA, Nov. 2 – Strengthening the independence of Albania’s judiciary and improving its efficiency is one of the key aims of the European Commission’s cooperation with the government of Albania in the Stability and Association Process, according to the EC office in Tirana. EC Delegation head Helmuth Lohan, participated with President Alfred Moisiu (also head of the High Council of Justice), Justice Minister Aldo Bumci at the inauguration of the end of the rehabilitation work for the Appeals Court in Vlora funded with one million euros by the European Union. “Both parties agree that an adequate court infrastructure is an important pre-condition for judges, prosecutors, lawyers and judicial administrators to work effectively and to contribute to the development of a more independent, impartial, efficient, professional, transparent and modern Justice System,” said a EC office statement. The works on Vlora’s new Appeal Court started on 24 June 2005 and lasted for about a year. The new building includes three penal court rooms and provides the necessary facilities for the judges, prosecutors, defendants and the public. Furniture and equipment was also provided from CARDS. The construction and furnishing of the Vlora Appeal Court, as well as the recently completed Appeal Court in Kor衠followed the “Master plan for Judicial Infrastructure”, which identified these courts as priority investments. The Master plan, completed by the EC and the Judiciary in 2005, provides a complete overview of the situation of the courts in Albania and makes recommendations for investments in the sector over the next 15 years. The renovation of two additional district courts identified in the Master plan – Dibra (Peshkopia) and Saranda – will be funded by CARDS in early 2007.