Top U.S. official tells Albanian authorities they should keep up reforms to have strong, independent democratic institutions and urges politicians to work in the interests of the people.
TIRANA, Sep. 6 – The United States will keep a close watch on developments in Albania prior and during the general elections next year, a top U.S. diplomat said during a visit to Tirana.
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker said the coming weeks are critical for Albanian politicians to show they are serious about carrying reforms in favor of the Albanian people.
“We expect to see continued progress of reforms and respect for the independence of democratic institutions. The coming weeks are particularly critical,” said Mr. Reeker at a press conference. “Washington remains committed to the ongoing democratization of the region and its Euro-Atlantic integration … Washington will keep a close eye on the region next year,” he added.
Mr. Reeker, who was in Tirana for an international conference and to meet with country’s top leaders, spoke in a joint press with Albanian Prime Prime Minister Sali Berisha.
Mr. Berisha said that the Albanian government will make every effort to gain EU candidate status and hold free and fair elections next year and invited the U.S. government and institutions to have a wide presence in the upcoming general elections.
He added that the independence of the country’s institutions were a key topic during the talks.
“I assured [Mr. Reeker] that we remain fully committed to work for the independence [of these institutions] and thanked him for the great assistance the United States of America has given these institutions so that they function better,” said Mr. Berisha.
“We expect to see continued progress of reforms and respect for the independence of democratic institutions. The coming weeks are particularly critical.
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Riker is conducting a several-day visit in the Albanian capital, where he also met with President Bujar Nishani and other officials.
The top U.S. diplomat also met with the general prosecutor Ina Rama. The two officials did not make any comment after the meeting.
Mr. Riker was expected to meet representatives of political parties later and visit projects of the U.S. Agency for International Development in Albania before leaving for Kosovo Sunday.
Mr Reeker’s visit comes as the Albanian parliament is dealing with key reforms in the justice system and implementing EU requirements to get official candidate status.
Next year’s elections are seen as a key opportunity in Albania to move to a more stable political climate in which opposing parties don’t see elections as do-or-die affairs.
