19/02/2007 (Agence Europe) - The OECD observation mission believes that council elections in Albania on Sunday were a “missed opportunity”. The observation mission highlighted many procedural shortcomings in the election, despite voting taking place in a calm atmosphere. In a press release Olli Rehn indicated that “shortcomings in preparation and how the elections took place reflect a need for increased cooperation between the parties in respect of Albania's international obligations”. The Commissioner for enlargement pointed out that “respect for democratic principles is a fundamental commitment to the terms of the stabilisation and Association Agreement signed by Albania last June”. The Commission called on Albanian leaders to improve their way of working together. (ab)