Justice reform should be consistent with the needs of Albania’s citizens

By ALEXANDER ARVIZU
For the United States, judicial reform in Albania is a priority of the highest echelon. Today’s forum builds upon the momentum from the October 6 meeting hosted by President Nishani. In that earlier meeting, there was a clear consensus that judicial reform should have a vision, and that the reform should be comprehensive and inclusive. All the participants understood that only meaningful reform will bring about the change necessary for Albania’s continued democratic development and ensure Albania’s path toward EU integration.
Judicial reform is one of the requirements for performance-based standards – and for eventual membership in the European Union. Albania’s obligations in this regard are clearly spelled out in the Roadmap with the European Union.
But let us stop for a moment and think: judicial reform is a much deeper and more profound concept; it is not just a matter of satisfying an external precondition. While judicial reform is a requirement for Albania to open accession negotiations with the European Union, there is an overriding consensus that it is necessary for Albania to change direction, to break from the legacy of the past, to realize the potential to consolidate and strengthen institutional democracy.
There is an expectation from Albanians and the international community that this reform be designed to cure the problems with the system, and not simply achieve political goals, or change personnel in institutions. This is the time to build that trust by moving forward with a deliberate, inclusive, depoliticized process.
It is important for the majority to set the proper tone, by reaching out to all stakeholders, including political opposition in a sincere way. Likewise, it is incumbent upon the opposition to maintain a healthy perspective, to keep rhetoric in check, and be less confrontational.
We strongly urge the government to work closely with the European Union to ensure that the Roadmap is followed. This conference is evidence that there is will for change. Our presence today demonstrates that national and international support is available for this reform. The resources of EURALIUS, OSCE, the Venice Commission, our own OPDAT and USAID, and others are available. They should be fully utilized.
In closing, I wish simply to repeat the recipe for a successful reform process:
First, take it one step at a time. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Second, the process should be comprehensive and inclusive.
Third, the EU roadmap should serve as the key guide. Fourth, the reform should benefit from the consultation and support of all relevant players. Fifth, input should be sought from the Venice Commission.
Last, and most important, the process should not be politicized, but be consistent with the needs of Albania’s citizens. The desired end state is a better Albania for everyone.
The United States, along with the international community, will stand with you, and will remain by your side, in your efforts to ensure the rule of law in Albania – but we ask that our Albanian partners, all of them, – also commit to this process of implementing a substantive and effective judicial reform.
These were the remarks by U.S. Ambassador Alexander Arvizu at the Conference on Judicial Reform in Albania held this week in Tirana.