TIRANA, Sept. 24 – A government decision has ordered all ministries and institutions under the jurisdiction of the prime minister to funnel all communications with internationals through the foreign ministry and to seek permission ahead of time for meetings and any public statements on foreign policy issue.
The decision, which was taken earlier this month but was made public until its publication the Official Gazette, orders all ministers, deputy ministers and heads of other central institutions to report to the foreign minister ahead of time on all meetings they hold with international representatives and foreign diplomats.
It also notes they must make sure “all verbal and written statements and interviews on issues important to external relations are consistent with the government’s program for foreign policy.”
“On foreign policy issues of particular importance, the aforementioned officials, in their public statements should consult in advance with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the decision notes.
