Secret Files Haunt Albanian Politics

TIRANA, June 29 – Parliament Speaker Jozefina Topalli said that three drafts not acted upon for the past two years would be added to the agenda of the parliament this month.
She was referring to the draft laws regarding the former Sigurimi (security) files that have allegedly involved many personalities in the country.
The draft laws focus on increasing the transparency of high officials, a move that has been neglected, though all political parties have asked for such legislation.
In this case, it seems the bill is being pushed by the need for the President to nominate seven judges to the Supreme Court.
Topalli’s governing Democrats had asked the president not to include judges who were involved in processes during the former communist regime. But that was rejected by the president.
Observers have noted that the Democrats may be exploiting their majority in the parliament to impose such a principle.
Whatever the reason, it will most likely eliminate from political and official ranks those people who have a shadowy past from the communist regime.