Brussels, 13/09/2005 (Agence Europe) - In a declaration published on 12 September on behalf of the European Union, the British EU Council Presidency welcomes the formation of a new Albanian government. The Presidency declaration reads:
“The EU welcomes the conclusion of the election process in Albania, which has resulted in the first peaceful transfer of power since the fall of Communism. The Union congratulates the Government of Prime Minister Berisha on its appointment by the new Parliament. It calls on the new Parliament and the new Government to advance Albania's progress towards EU integration by beginning work without delay and with genuine commitment on a clear and strong reform agenda. Tangible progress is required, on strengthening the rule of law and on electoral reform in particular. Recalling the conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 18 July 2005, the EU reaffirms its commitment to support Albania's ambition of moving closer to the EU and stresses that the key to further progress is in the hands of the Albanian authorities. The Union encourages all political forces in Albania to unify their efforts to accelerate that process”.