Fratini tells Albania to offer guarantees for free visa

TIRANA, June 23 – Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini told visiting Albanian Foreign Minister, Lulzim Basha, that Italy would support offering free entrance without a visa for Albanians, but only based upon “security measures (which) are particularly important” being put in place by the government in Tirana.
Albania began negotiations to liberalize visa rules when Frattini served as European Commissioner.
“We can not liberalize visas to those countries with inadequate security measures, that is particularly important,” said Frattini, referring to the adoption of biometric passports and identity cards.
Frattini added that if Albania completed those requirements by the end of this year, then the tiny Balkan country would “have taken an enormous step forward and will reduce the concerns of those who fear for the safety of the allies of the northern League.”
Frattini also said Albania should comply with other requirements before getting a visa-free status.
Basha further received an invitation for Prime Minister Sali Berisha to visit Rome and meet with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Albanian President Bamir Topi is also expected to go to Rome. His visit was postponed earlier due to elections in the neighboring country.
Frattini is scheduled to come to Tirana next October.
During their discussions, Frattini assured Basha of his country’s strong support for Albania’s integration efforts into the European Union. He also referred to Albania as a success story in the fight against organized crime and Rome was very pleased with Albanian cooperation, according to a statement by the Albanian Foreign Ministry. (Tirana Times Staff)