Topi takes advice, support from Europe, U.S.

TIRANA, June 5 – The recent country’s political developments, especially the political frictions on the nomination of new Supreme Court judges and the reform in the justice systems, were the main topics of discussion that President Bamir Topi had Thursday with European Commission and U.S. ambassadors in Tirana.
Topi met with Helmuth Lohan to discuss on the recent political situation, reforms, strengthening the rule of law and independent democratic institutions, balance of the powers and the fulfillment of the required standards for Albania’s integration into the big European family, according to a statement.
Lohan learnt about the recent developments, reform of the justice and electoral systems, legal procedures on the nomination of the Supreme Court judges and the law on legalization, all topics of the recent debates between the presidency and the parliament dominated by the governing Democratic Party.
Topi’s decrees have been delayed or opposed by the Democrats of Prime Minister Sali Berisha in a first clash of forces between the two institutions, despite the fact that Topi, former Democrats’ deputy leader, was elected from them.
In another meeting, this time with the U.S. Ambassador John L. Withers, Topi also discussed the same topics, according to the statement, adding that this time they also included Albanian efforts to now become a full NATO member, for which Washington has been the strongest supporter.
“After evaluating President Topi’s moderate and positive role in guaranteeing the Constitution and independence of the democratic and constitutional institutions, Ambassador Withers assured the head of the Albanian state on the unshaken support form the United States for the Albanian democracy, justice system, independent institution and Albania’s full integration into NATO,” said a statement.(Tirana Times Staff)