Tirana Times
TIRANA, March 1 – The United States is exploiting any possibility, activity or visit of its officials to encourage Albanian political parties to engage in a political race for the May 8 local elections.
Besides Washington gave about 260,000 euros for a coalition of civil society organizations to monitor the process.
Washington has made it clear that holding free and fair polls in May remains a top issue of contest and a big challenge to the government which the opposition should exploit and take part.
They insist that only elections are the democratic tool to be used in a democracy.
The opposition continues to say that they will take part at the May 8 polls but they add that under the existing conditions no election could be held. It is not clear what that means. Will they enter the polls? They say yes and no. that has created a continuous pressure from Washington that the only way out of the existing political conflict is taking part at the polls.
The protest of January 21 turned into a riot when several hundred anti-government protesters attacked the police barricade set up to protect the prime minister’s office, using sticks, stones and Molotov cocktails. Four people were shot dead and more than 150 other people and policemen wounded.
Prosecutors are currently investigating the murders, the organizers of the protest and the violent demonstrators that attacked the police.
Prime Minister Sali Berisha claims that his government is the victim of a failed coup attempt, part of the January 21 protests, orchestrated by the Socialists, the president, the secret service, the general prosecutor and four journalists
The opposition accuses Berisha of turning a peaceful protest into a bloodbath and attacking any institution that does not agree with his version of the facts.
The recent tension between Rama’s Socialists and the ruling majority of Prime Minister Berisha has aggravated an already poisoned political climate, which has been in a troubled state since the disputed June 2009 parliamentary elections.
US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg visited Tirana last week (Friday) to meet with President Bamir Topi, Prime Minister Sali Berisha and also opposition Socialist leader Edi Rama. He strongly underlined the need for politicians to respect the constitution and rule of law, as prosecutors lead an investigation into the January 21 events.
Steinberg is the highest US official to visit Albania since the 2007 visit of former president George W. Bush, which was widely perceived as support for the Berisha government’s pro-American foreign policy, particularly regarding US efforts in Afghanistan and the resettling of former Guantanamo prisoners. Steinberg also reminded Albania that as a NATO member they have to behave as such.
He said how saddened they were by the loss of four lives on January 21st. “It is important for all concerned, and not just the families, but all people of Albania, that there be a comprehensive, independent investigation that establishes the facts and the appropriate accountability for the events. “Steinberg reassured Albania that the United States is committed to provide appropriate technical support.
In mid-March both countries will mark the 20th anniversary of re-establishing diplomatic ties after the fall of communism, “20 years of the strong partnership between the United States and democratic Albania.”
“It is critically important at this time that you take the steps that are necessary to preserve and protect the constitution, to sustain the democratic process, and the democratic elections that distinguish democracies from other forms of government,” he said.
Steinberg said that government officials and party leaders focus on the positive work ahead in building a future for the people of Albania.
He urged political parties and Albanians on the respect for the constitution and the rule of law, open and transparent elections that allow for the people to express their will in terms of the choices that they have in front of them, a commitment to civilized discourse that recognizes that while there are differences of opinions, and a strong a commitment to make sure there is fairness in all the processes, including dealing with the very severe and important challenges of corruption that so many new democracies face.
Steinberg only said that he had asked all Albanian leaders he had met with “respect for the rule of law and the constitution; respect for the independent institutions that exist under your constitution, respect for the electoral processes that are established by your constitution, participation in the electoral processes, and equally important to all these legal provisions, a civilized debate about the future of the country. ”
But he did not mention his opinion whether he expected those he met would really abide by these principles.
That is a question and answer that a diplomat would hardly give, though the Albanian people, who look so much toward Washington, would really love to have in plain simple words.
