Brussels, 10/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, the Committee of Permanent Representatives approved the granting of a mandate to the European Commission for negotiating a stabilisation and association agreement with Albania. This mandate is expected to be adopted by the General Affairs Council on 21 October. The Commission and the majority of delegates (especially France) insisted that Albania continue its reforms (particularly in the area of competition, State Aid and intellectual property rights) so that the agreement can be implemented. The Commission will submit a report to the Council on the most recent developments and propose concluding negotiations as soon as it thinks Albania is ready. In its annual report on the stabilisation and association process with Albania, published on 4 April, the Commission, whilst welcoming the progress that has been achieved, insisted on the efforts that still needed to be made in fighting against political instability and corruption, strengthening the legal system and institutions, as well as reform of the legal economic framework in order to attract foreign investment.