Opposition wants candidate request for EU this autumn

TIRANA, June 1 – The opposition Socialist Party asked the Democratic Party government of Prime Minister Sali Berisha to make a formal request for candidacy to the European Union this autumn.
The Socialists said they considered EU membership as a strategic priority, convinced that “Albania should make the official request for EU membership at the beginning of autumn, claiming the status of the candidate country and guaranteeing the European family of our determination to comply with all the obligations of this process,” according to a statement. Two years ago, Albania signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union, considered a first step toward membership, though it set no fixed timing when the next stage would start. Albania’s receiving candidate country status means having to fulfill more obligations, however, Albanian politicians believe it is time to move ahead.
Albania has always been praised for its moderating role in the Balkan region, but Europe also wants it to show improved results in fighting crime and corruption and updating the level of its administration before claiming taking other steps toward membership.
The opposition also claims that the country’s ever-squabbling politics belongs to the past. Observers believe the opposition’s request is most likely a political move to show voters that, though they were not the ones to sign the SAA, they were the initiators of taking them to the next stage. The opposition further said they would present their request to the parliament so that it will be assured of being voted upon. (Tirana Times Staff)