EU ‘very concerned’ about deadlock effects on ombudsman

TIRANA, Nov. 2 – The Delegation of the European Union on Tuesday issued a statement on behalf of the EU Heads of Mission in Albania, expressing their concern the political stalemate has on the nomination of the People’s Advocate, as the country’s ombudsman is known, and urging all political parties to find a way out on the issue.
The statement said the EU Heads of Mission commend the role played by the national human rights institutions and NGOs in securing human rights for all without distinction of any kind. Implementation of existing legislation and strategies is crucial to consolidating and guaranteeing enjoyment of these rights.
“The EU is very concerned by the impact of the current political stalemate on the functioning of the People’s Advocate institution. The EU calls on all political parties to proceed urgently on the nomination of the new People’s Advocate. The political stalemate should not impede the adoption in the parliament of reforms and measures which are aimed at the interest of Albania and its citizens.”