12/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - Albania is more than ever determined to pursue its reforms to reach its “final objective” which is EU membership, the Albanian foreign minister said after the ministerial troika with the EU on 11 March in Brussels. The country will continue to be a “strong partner” in international relations where Albania comes “fully” into line on the EU's declarations and common positions, explained Lulzim Basha, speaking to the press. In 2007, the country concluded a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU which has already been ratified by 14 EU member states, Michael Leigh, Director General for Enlargement at the European Commission,, was pleased to point out. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that the next legislative elections, foreseen for 2009, are “free and fair” and that reform of the judiciary is speeded up. Javier Solana, EU High Representative for CFSP, who also attended Tuesday's meeting, stressed the need for electoral law reform and called on the authorities in Tirana to “avoid making the same mistakes” as during past elections. Mr Basha told the press that the last three elections in Albania have been “free and fair” but admitted that “the electoral infrastructure” needs to be improved to avoid “technical” dysfunction. (H.B.)