In a recent diplomatic visit to Shkodër, the French Ambassador, Catherine Suard, opted to remain tight-lipped when questioned by journalists about the politically charged climate in the country. "I heard the word politics and prefer not to respond. It's not normal for me in this context to comment on politics," stated Suard when asked if she is part of the group of ambassadors negotiating with parties to restore
normalcy to parliamentary life.
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| Ambassador Catherine Suard in Shkodër speking to media |
During her brief address to the media, she delved into the country's integration process into the European Union. Suard emphasized that France supports Albania in its 34-year aspiration to join the bloc, citing the developments during Emmanuel Macron's visit to Tirana as evidence.
"I want to clarify that France has not had a negative stance but a new approach to Albania's integration into the EU. I would like to mention Macron's visit, where he declared France's support for Albania. In this mandate that I have just taken, I want to ensure that France supports this process. We want a strong Europe and thus a strong Albania. The desire exists, but we need continuous and swift improvements," she stated.
Ambassador Suard refrained from commenting on the specific political tensions in Shkodër but provided insights into France's positive stance regarding Albania's European integration. She referred to Macron's visit as a crucial moment where the French President expressed unwavering support for Albania.
The French diplomat emphasized the need for continuous and swift improvements in Albania to align with European standards and aspirations. While diplomatic in her responses, her silence on the local political tensions in Shkodër raises questions about the depth of France's engagement with Albania's internal political challenges.
The visit highlighted the delicate balance diplomats must strike between addressing local concerns and adhering to a broader diplomatic strategy. As Albania navigates its path toward EU integration, the role of ambassadors like Catherine Suard becomes crucial in fostering positive relations and facilitating the necessary reforms for a stronger Albania within a united Europe.