International community urges dialogue

TIRANA, July 26 – While the echo of the political fight is still audible, it seems that the international community has added to its efforts to convince Albanian politicians to sit down and talk about the country’s future and leave aside their party interests. EU Ambassador Ettore Sequi met with President Bamir Topi last week to talk about the situation in the country and how to overcome such a political deadlock and resume reforms so much needed for the integration process into the bloc. Sequi made it clear that Albania has not fulfilled the 12 key recommendations the European Commission made in its progress report for the tiny western Balkan country last year– warning that unless the government and the opposition resume efforts on them “the country’s Europe prospect is threatened to remain far away from the major aspirations and interests of the Albanian people.” Sequi has been repeating that European integration should turn into a national goal. EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele said last week the country’s continuing political deadlock hasn’t helped its bid for EU candidacy. He urged for reforms and referred to “the missed opportunity to make substantial progress” down the EU path due to the violence and political standoff in the wake of a disputed May 8 election for mayor of Tirana. The EU will decide by October whether to grant Albania candidate status. The trio of ambassadors made a statement on the countrys political situation appealing again for dialogue between political parties.
OSCE Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth stressed the necessity of commitment by both parties, to build an institutional dialogue. He said that political dialogue is necessary for the integration of Albania. “Dialogue must come quickly, in order for Albania to move forward on the path of European integration”
The call also came from OSCE Chairperson in Office and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Azubalis in Vilnius. “The continued controversy over the appeals process following the May 8th local elections has highlighted the need for further electoral reforms,” Azubalis said.
It is very much needed that in order to overcome the crisis Albania must overhaul its electoral legislation. The EU, which has repeatedly noted the political impasse hampers Albania’s aspirations to join the bloc, also urged electoral system reforms.
The European Union has said it is ready to facilitate the task through the seminar process that began earlier this year and encouraged Albania to return to a level of political dialogue that would allow the proper functioning of key democratic institutions, such as Albania’s parliament. It very much remains to be seen how Albania and its politicians will use the international community support and assistance in its path of progress toward the European Union.