18/05/2020 (Agence Europe) – European Commission spokesperson Ana Pisonero regretted, on Monday 18 May, the lack of dialogue between the Albanian authorities on the one hand and representatives of the opposition, activists and artists on the other, concerning the national theatre. The government is accused by some opponents of demolishing the building on 17 May because of personal links between senior officials and private investors, while civil society wanted it to be renovated. “The demolition came at a time when we had called for a dialogue between the authorities and civil society before an irreversible decision was taken. We regret that this call had not been followed up by the relevant national and local authorities”, Ms Pisonero told the press. As tensions erupted between police and demonstrators, the spokesperson reiterated that the use of force should “always remain proportionate to the circumstances”, and called on all sides to show restraint. (CG)