Tirana, March 23 /ATA/- “Albania has made impressive progress in justice reform and the first results are further proof of its positive track record.”
This is what the US and EU HAVE expected of Albania,” Matthew Palmer, Director for South Central European Affairs at U.S. Department of State, stated at the reception of US State Department in honour of Minister of Justice, Fatmir Xhafaj.
Bringing to justice the elements suspected of corruption, organized crime and illegal trafficking are further proof of the progress made in implementation of this reform. With its steps taken so far, Albania has come up to the expectations of the US and EU.
For his part, minister Xhafaj stressed that justice reform is inextricably bound up with reforms in the field of security.
In this context, Xhafaj briefed the senior official of State Department on the priorities and goals of the Ministry of Interior, with special focus on crackdown on organized crime, cannabis cultivation, corruption, illegal trafficking, “Power of Law” operation, which is intended to hit criminal structures and their illegal assets, as well as restructuring of State Police as part of vetting process and Policing in Community.
Palmer validated the achievements of the Ministry of Interior and State Police, adding that this process of reforms in which the Ministry of Interior has a major part to play, should lead the country towards the opening of EU accession negotiations.
He expressed confidence that courageous reforms in the field of justice and security and the progress in their implementation are key factors to serve as guarantee for EC in its decision-making on opening of accession negotiations with Albania in the months to come. We look forward to seeing Albania progress to EU, Plamer said.
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