Tirana Times editorial
TIRANA, Nov. 1 – As U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ends her tour in the Balkans, which in addition to Albania included visits to Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Croatia, the message was clear: the United States still cares deeply about what happens in this part of the world even though at first sight for the past few years it appears to have focused its attention elsewhere.
It is a message that should not be lost, because despite the changes of the past decade, this region still needs U.S. focus.
The Balkans have long disappeared from the global headlines, largely due to the stabilizing nature of the past decade as part of the region’s efforts to join the European Union, but as crisis in Europe continues and its effects are felt in the region, the Balkans still demand attention because some of the gains of the past decade can be reversed if they are not dealt with properly.
Driven by economic insecurity, populist political forces are growing in the Balkans, and in the absence of attention from the United States and the European Union, each preoccupied with the economic crisis at home and elsewhere, there is a chance for regress in the region.
The United States has played a vital role in making the Balkans the better place it is today, and Albania and ethnic Albanians in the region owe a debt a gratitude to the Land of the Free.
Albania rightly sees the United States as the key strategic partner, having a relationship that goes even further than the one it has with most European partners. Much of the strong relationship stems from support the United State have given to Albanians in critical moments of the nation’s history נfrom guaranteeing Albanian independence in the early years of the last century to helping stop ethnic cleansing in Kosovo more than a decade ago.
It’s no wonder then that Albania and Albanians look up to the United States. It’s a respect the U.S. has earned and should use to nudge Albanians toward a consolidated democracy governed by the rule of law, as Secretary Clinton pointed out during her visit last week.
The next few months are critical for Albania. The country has a chance to show that it can hold elections that are accepted by all parties, a last step in cementing a strong democracy in the country.
Secretary Clinton did not mix words about what’s best for Albania: “I urge not only leaders of Albania, but the people, the citizens of Albania, to work hard to make this next election a success that reflects the depth of your commitment to democracy,” she told parliament. “At the same time, it’s always important to remind ourselves that consolidating democracy requires more than elections. It requires the rule of law. It requires strong institutions, including an effective and impartial judiciary. It requires openness in government so citizens can hold us, hold leaders, accountable.”
It’s a message Albanians should heed. After all, it comes from a friend, seeking to help a key regional ally.
