Brussels, 05/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - On a visit to Tirana on 4 February, European Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Füle said that Albania's candidate status is within reach - it is up to the country's political leaders to make it a reality. In Füle's view, European consensus on Albania must be translated into action. “Albania's entire process of EU-related reforms needs to be sustainable, inclusive and consensus-driven - for the benefit of all Albanian citizens”, Füle stated after his meetings with President Bujar Nishani, Prime Minister Sali Berisha and leader of the Socialist party, Edi Rama.
Once again Füle called on the politicians to ensure that the elections on 23 June are conducted in accordance with international standards so as to improve the credibility and prestige of the democratic institutions and to strengthen politicians' responsibility towards the Albanian people. He added that the successful conduct of the elections will be a crucial test for the smooth functioning of the country's democratic institutions. On the social network Twitter, Füle said that “the most crucial question of the Albanian modern state” is “what needs to be done for the elections not to be contested?” The elections are also an important element for deciding to give Albania candidate status.
On Twitter on 1 February, Füle stated that, although the elections in Albania are important, they will not resolve the critical issues - that there is no culture of compromise and the lack of inclusivity. During a conference on the Balkans on 29 January, Füle had called the Albanian parties to find a consensus and the means to deal with the questions pending. He added that this was a “minimum minorum” for recognising Albania's candidate status, stating that three reforms remain to be made - reforms for which the texts are at an impasse in the Albanian parliament. (CG/transl.fl)