Republicans want a post in the cabinet

TIRANA, July 7 – Fatmir Mediu, leader of the Republican Party and part of the governing coalition of Prime Minister Sali Berisha, said it was his party they again received a post as minister in the cabinet.
Mediu had been defense minister until the March 15 Gerdec blast, after which he resigned. His parliamentary immunity has also been lifted and he is being investigated, though yet to be charged with abuse of post.
Mediu said much time has passed since he left the minister’s post and the time has come for his party to regain a ministerial post before the parliamentary session ends at the end of the month.
Mediu further said, in an interview, his party had already communicated with the premier and they expect to have a ministerial post in the days to come.
The cabinet has left the post of deputy premier vacant after Gazmend Oketa moved to the defense minister’s post when Mediu resigned.
The Republicans want a ministerial post that would be equal in value to the defense ministry. (Tirana Times Staff)