Brussels, 20/07/2005 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the External Relations Council regretted that there had been a number of shortcomings in the elections in Albanian on 3 July, which had not met all the EU's democratic standards. The shortcomings 'will need to be addressed so that they do not occur in the future,' explained the Council. It 'called on all political leaders and parties to show responsibility and to respect fully the terms of the Albanian constitution, electoral law and Code of Conduct throughout the election process and the formation of a new government. Once it is formed, the new government, together with the parliament, must being work without delay and with genuine commitment on a clear and strong reform agenda for European integration, including in particular in fields related to the rule of law'.
In the autumn, the Commission will publish its annual Regular Report on the Stabilisation and Association process in Albania. The Council conclusions document notes: 'This will provide an opportunity to assess whether negotiations on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement could be concluded in the light of overall progress with democratic standards and key reforms. The Council reaffirmed its continuing commitment to support Albania in achieving its ambitions of moving closer to the EU, and stressed that the key to further progress lies in the hands of the Albanian authorities.'