03/08/2012 (Agence Europe) - Cyprus encourages Albania on its way to European integration. On Tuesday 31 July, Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis encouraged Albanian leaders to rapidly pursue the reforms necessary for Albania to make progress towards European integration, particularly the 12 key priorities defined by the European Union (see EUROPE 10615). During a visit to Albania, Kozakou-Marcoullis said: “We would be very happy if, during the Cypriot presidency, Albania met the necessary conditions to facilitate a positive Commission recommendation and decision by the Council in December, granting it candidate status”. She also emphasised that political stability and national consensus are essential for achieving tangible progress and she urged leaders to step up both the efforts and determination needed by all the different stakeholders. (CG/transl.fl)