Opposition complains of poor diplomacy

TIRANA, Feb. 6 – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Edmond Haxhinasto reported on the progress and the challenges of the Diplomatic Service in the framework of the European integration process of Albania at a hearing session of the Parliamentary Commission of European Integration.
But the focus of the meeting became the opposition Socialist party’s complaint that the diplomatic service had hired unprofessional diplomats among the family members of the government and the governing Democratic Party lawmakers. They said that 17 lawmakers had their family members in the service.
Haxhinasto denied the criticism and added that his ministry’s main objective remained the development of Albania in the European integration process, specifically for the acquisition of the candidate country status and the opening of negotiations for the membership in the EU.
Haxhinasto said that the political class is very clear about the agenda of 12 obligations which must be fulfilled, and that can be accomplished with common work and real will from all parts. It is very important to maintain the focus on the implementation of this agenda, avoiding the advancement of party policies that impede or alter the axle of this process.
He also mentioned that Albania has every chance to acquire the candidate country status during this year, by implementing the action plan which fulfills the reforms in every area.
Haxhinasto also spoke about his ministry’s role for the progress of Kosovo’s European integration process, including the lobbying for the initiation of the political dialogue for the visa liberalization in this country. He assured that Albania will provide all possible assistance to fulfill the reforms in the areas which are covered by the EU guide.