Brussels, 15/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - The EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Council, held on Tuesday 15 May, hailed the efforts made by Tirana towards European integration, while calling on Albania to complete electoral reform by 24 May, when the presidential election process is due to begin. Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle expressed concern about the fact that the electoral reform was not yet complete, saying: “It is of exceptional importance to finalise the November package before the procedure for the presidential election starts on 24 May” although he added that “if the parties need extra time it is in their hands”.
The Council underlined the importance of ensuring that presidential elections take place smoothly, as such elections represent the unity of the people according to the spirit and letter of the Constitution.
Albania's Deputy Prime Minister Edmond Haxhinasto said the election process will fully abide by the Constitution. It will be a sign, he said, and will show that the institutions work democratically. The chairman of the Albanian parliamentary committee on European Integration, Ditmir Bushati, who is part of the opposition, said: “Ten days in politics is a long time, and a lot can happen. If there is the political will, we shall be able to reach our objective by 24 May. Our commitment is extremely strong”.
Progress towards accession. Füle also said he was confident that Albania had the potential and ability to meet accession criteria, specifying that there is no time to lose before the Commission's follow-up report in October. He called on the country to meet its 12 key priorities so that the decision on candidate status may be taken this year. “Albania can and will succeed, completing reforms underway and fully keeping to its commitments”, said Edmond Haxhinasto. The previous day, at the European Parliament, Haxhinasto said that 2012 will be a year of opportunities for his country's membership of the EU. Parliament rapporteur on Albania Nikolaos Chountis said the EP is able to send a positive message to the Albanians and it would like to celebrate the country's 100 years of independence (in 2012) by giving it candidate status. (CG/transl.jl)