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| Yuri Kim interviewed after Electoral Reform agreement |
Political parties in Albania reached an agreement on Friday evening on the reform of the elections, while the majority agreed to step back from the replication of the OSCE / ODIHR recommendations regarding the depoliticization of the electoral administration, thus accepting the request of the opposition which saw with doubt the formulas proposed for this purpose.
US Ambassador Yuri Kim, who together with the EU Ambassador Luigi Soreca encouraged strongly a compromise between the parties, said after the meeting of the Political Council, where she was present that “Each party and each person gave his contribution, but also has given up something. And they did this so that Albania would benefit. This is a moment of pride," she said, adding that "some will criticize this agreement as insufficient, but if we look at it in a broader context, this is a big step forward, and I hope it will be something from which anyone can benefit from”. In a statement issued later, the US embassy noted that "the agreement also takes steps to depoliticize the election administration in Albania, ensuring greater transparency and greater independence of election personnel." Some depoliticization measures will take effect immediately, while some additional measures will take effect immediately thereafter. "This agreement should give Albanians more confidence in overseeing disputes through the inclusion of judges who have passed the vetting," the statement said.
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| Copy of Electoral Reform Agreement reached by Albanian political parties |
For his part, Ambassador Soreca also said that the EU welcomed the agreement, which "came as a result of an all-inclusive process that began in January. On Wednesday we had a good deal, after a long discussion, but you know that it was the united opposition that sought to look at and further examine other details related to the depoliticization of the election administration. This is in line with OSCE-ODIHR recommendations, and we support it. Based on this, the majority accepted the change and we have the agreement", explained Soreca. He further stressed that "from this evening, Albania is closer to the European Union, because one of the conditions for the opening of negotiations, will be met soon. This also comes at a very good time. The European Commission will also propose the framework of negotiations that will be the basis for EU integration. So let's move forward," said Mr. Soreca.
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| Copy of Electoral Reform Agreement reached by Albanian political parties |
The agreement was also welcomed by the OSCE Presence in Tirana. "It is commendable that all political parties became part of this process and that their constructive proposals, as well as their ability to compromise and accept different views, contributed to an important step forward for democracy. in Albania, for the benefit of the Albanian citizens", it is underlined in a statement distributed in the evening. "We hope that all agreed changes will be approved by the Assembly as soon as possible," the OSCE said.
