Mustafaj in Brussels on Albania’s integration, Kosova issues

TIRANA, Feb. 14 – Albanian Foreign Minister Besnik Mustafaj visited Brussels where he met with international officials of the European Union and NATO, and also other international institutions and local Belgian senior officials.
His visit was part of the EU meeting with Western Balkan countries aiming to get integrated into the EU. The EU repeated the open door policy saying each country would get evaluated along its integration efforts based on personal performance. Mustafaj said that during 2006 Albania had good results in the fight against organized crime. He also said that his government had good results in the regional cooperation especially that in energy and infrastructure which are the main concern here.
Kosova was another main topic of discussion where Mustafaj was directly involved. The minister supported the Ahtisaari package and also said that any delay of the process would destabilize the situation in Kosova and consequently in the region.
In Brussels Mustafaj also met with Kosovar President Fatmir Sejdiu. Mustafaj told Sejdiu that at these moments the Kosovar Albanians should be self-reliant and the political class should show maturity and responsibility. They should not fall prey to the provocations aiming at destabilizing Kosova. Such a period is a strong proof for the good functioning of the democratic institutions in Kosova, said the minister.
During the visit Mustafaj also met with Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D’Alema, who is to visit Tirana in June. D’Alema will also bring a group of Italian investors with him. Italy is Albania’s main trading partner and donor country.
Mustafaj also met with Belgian counterpart Karel De Gucht. Albania’s integration into the EU was the main topic of discussion, along with the Kosova issue. (Tirana Times Staff)