Lajčák: Violent protests hinder Albania's reforms; dialogue on crisis resolution

 Miroslav Lajčák (left) and Gent Cakaj in Tirana in a briefing

 "The escalation of violence during some protests run by the opposition has become boring. The riots should not replace the democratic engagement, rather they erase every opportunity for dialogue and every chance to find a common ground," said the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Miroslav Lajčák.

At a briefing with the Minister in charge of Europe and Foreign Affairs Gent Cakaj, the Slovak top diplomat said that "the continuetion of the violent protests will hurt Albania's efforts for reform and undoubtedly hinder the domestic and international priorities."

Lajcak said that the only way to find a solution to the political crisis is the constructive dialogue.

Asked about the 2017 elections, he said that "the elections in Albania were monitored by the international authorities including the OSCE/ODIHR, which is the highest authority in this regard, and there were reports that show that your electoral process meets free and fair the election requirements."

Asked about the June 30th elections in Albania he said that "I'm sorry for the opposition's decision for not participating in the elections. I do not believe it is a decision in the best interest of Albania and its citizens."

"In democracies we should use democratic institutions to discuss and resolve the different ideas we have about things. But boycotting the institutions, boycotting the election, is definitely not the way to the solution," he said.

"Many generations of Albania have dreamed of having fair and honest elections, and this right should be respected for the people to express their will," Lajčák said.

"Elections in Albania have been monitored by the international authorities including OSCE-ODIHR, which is the highest authority in this regard, and there have been reports that show that your electoral process meets the requirements of free and fair elections. At the same time, ODIHR has issued the recommendations for further improvement of the electoral process, "he added.

"The way to the solution is to better implement these recommendations and how to meet the highest standards to ensure fair and free elections."