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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 1

Written Answers. - Albanian Elections.

Simon Coveney

Question:

46 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the current political situation in Albania. [30403/03]

The political situation in Albania has been dominated in recent months by the campaign for the local elections which were held on 12 October. A number of irregularities have been identified in the conduct of the elections and repeat elections are being organised in a number of municipalities, including Tirana. The ruling Socialist Party retained a majority of municipalities, although its vote was down on the previous local elections held in 2000.

Parliamentary business in Albania has been held up in recent months by political disputes, including infighting in the Socialist Party. Following the resignation of the foreign Minister, Mr. Meta, on 18 July, the Government failed to obtain parliamentary approval for a replacement. The next major political event will be the Socialist Party congress on 12 December. The EU agreed to open negotiations with Albania on a stabilisation and association agreement as a result of increased political stability during 2002. The negotiations opened in February and the latest round took place in Tirana on 6 and 7 November.

On 9 December, the General Affairs and External Relations Council expressed its concern at the slow pace of reform in Albania. It urged the Albanian Government to intensify its efforts. It is important that progress be made in the fight against organised crime and corruption and that the functioning of democratic institutions and of public administration be improved. The Government and the people of Albania face a daunting challenge in building a new future in co-operation with the EU.

As President of the EU, Ireland will encourage political leaders in Albania to work together to ensure the rapid implementation of essential and wide ranging reforms. This process will help to speed up progress in the negotiations for a stabilisation and association agreement with the EU. I look forward to receiving the Foreign Minister of Albania in Ireland in March, when we have scheduled a Troika ministerial meeting as part of the EU-Albania political dialogue.
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