TIRANA TIMES
TIRANA, Nov. 4 – A European Parliament delegation is on a visit to Tirana to meet with Albanian political groupings and try reach a compromise to give an end to the political stalemate in the country.
European Parliament lawmakers were headed by Eduard Kukan, in charge of its southeastern European department, to meet with governing Democratic party’s Prime Minister Sali Berisha, main opposition Socialist Party leader Edi Rama and also other top politicians in the country.
Statements after the meetings spoke mainly in a diplomatic way, referring to the country’s integration efforts, the answers to the EU questionnaire and future reforms needed for the country’s goal of becoming one day part of the bloc.
They naturally mentioned the visa liberalization, whose last decision is expected next week from the European union’s Council of Ministers, interior ministers of the EU member countries.
As usual Tirana was also praised for its constructive role in the region to preserve peace and stability there.
The political deadlock was by the end of the statements, though it seemed to be the main target of this visit.
European lawmakers heard the unchanged stance from both main political groupings. They heard opposition’s claims of vote count manipulation and its solution through a partial recount. They also heard governing Democrats’ words they do agree with the investigation of the last year’s elections but up to the courts to decide whether ballot boxes should be open.
That is not different from what Europe (Council of Europe, European Parliament and European Commission) have heard
since last year. Their efforts earlier this year have yet to produce any results or any change in the position of both political groupings.
What about this time?
