TIRANA, April 15 – An annual international consortium plenary session was held Thursday in capital Tirana to discuss on the achievements and shortcoming in the precious year and the prospects of the year ahead.
Top officials of the international organizations and countries were present at the consortium session that was also participated by Albanian Justice Minister Bujar Nishani, Prosecutor General Ina Rama and other senior officials.
Speaking about the last year, Robert Bosch of the OSCE said that regarding the police, one of the most impressive achievements has to have been their performance during the parliamentary election period. The police carried out their duties in a highly professional and impartial way and also received public praise in various International election reports, he said, adding that police reform was heading in the right direction.
He also said that a major challenge remains in introducing and implementing a more efficient and effective style of policing. To reach this goal, a more stable budgetary framework needs to be in place. Without this, we won’t see an efficient and professional police service and we won’t see the fight against corruption and organized crime being won.
Bosch said that the courts and prosecutors play a crucial role as well. “The focus of all Albanian authorities’ efforts should be on strengthening efforts to reduce and eradicate these two negative phenomena.”
“I would now strongly encourage all those national institutions and actors responsible for leading this fight to further focus their attention on all those involved in corrupt practices in political and public office – irrespective of rank or political colors Moreover, over the past year, many much needed reforms in this sector have remained stalled.”
The international official made it clear that the political crises has had its negative effects on the reforms in this sphere as well. The failure of the opposition to participate in the Assembly has led to delays in legislation requiring a three-fifths majority being approved, he said.
“The lack of an opposition has also meant that now much legislation is being passed without the level of discussion one would normally expect.”
e urged the opposition for an active participation in the parliament.
When it comes to the court system, challenges continue to be faced with the integrity of the judicial process.
