European Parliament urges deeper reforms in Albania

TIRANA, Oct. 9 – A delegation of the European Parliament headed by Doris Pack, a well-known figure in post-communist Albania, hailed Albania’s successes in the democratic developments and its regional role but also urged authorities from all sides of the political spectrum to further deepen the reforms.
Albania’s efforts along the Stabilization and Association Agreement, political situation, electoral reforms and those in the judiciary and public administration, fight against organized crime and corruption, property ownership, respect of minority rights, economic situation and Albania’s role in the region were among the main topics of discussion between the Albanian parliament and the European counterparts.
As noted, the judiciary reform is a fundamental factor in the country’s integration efforts into the European bloc.
In that context, Pack and the EP discussed with all top leaders and politicians the case of Prosecutor General Theodhori Sollaku, listening to two opposing views from the governing Democrats and the opposition Socialists.
Pack said that first the parliament and the Albanian authorities should take care of the institution of the prosecutor’s office and then proceed to remove, or not remove, the post of its top official.
Pack hailed the consensus reached among the governing coalition and the opposition on the main issues such as the creation of the electoral reform parliamentary commission or the commission on reform in the judiciary.
The fight against corruption and organized crime remained top issues for the government’s agenda.
Albania’s SAA, which it signed with the EU in June 2006 and considered a first step toward membership, has been ratified by ten EU member countries. All should ratify it before the country starts negotiations on becoming a candidate, though that step also asks for fulfillment of many other documents and practices by Albania .