TIRANA, April 25/ATA/-Albania has implemented major reforms, like the justice reform, and Germany will support Albania with the process of EU integration, stated on Wednesday German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a joint press conference with Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama.
While taking the floor at the press conference, PM Rama said, “This is an important moment for Albania and I am excited at meeting the Chancellor. I congratulate her on the re-election and express grateful thanks to her for all the support she has constantly given to the Western Balkans and Albania in the process of democratic development and European integration”.
PM Rama emphasized that thanks to her vision and leadership the Berlin Process has transformed the region into an area of dialogue and just 5 years ago we could not have imagined the cooperation we have developed.
The prime minister reminded that since 2014 he had discussed with Merkel the indispensability of Albania undertaking the justice reform, the vetting and the need of German support for the process.
“I am proud today of the far-reaching justice reform that Albania has implemented and the encouraging results of the vetting. The EC has appreciated it to be a model for the other Western Balkan countries, including the countries that are currently negotiating. The EC positive and unconditional recommendation for Albania opening the EU accession negotiations implies we have done the homework in this first phase of the process and hope to receive Germany’s support in June”, said PM Rama.
Likewise, PM Rama said that this is not the end, but only completion of a phase and beginning of a new one. “More reforms and sacrifices are needed so that to deserve EU membership.”
“Albania must not lose any more time and energy waiting for opening of the negotiations, but if we join the group of countries that is currently negotiating, we enter into a new phase”.
“Albania is a country of Muslims and Christians, but I would say the common religion in Albania is Europe”, concluded PM Rama.
On her part, Chancellor Merkel said she was happy at Albanian prime minister being in Germany at an important time.
Albania and Germany have close relations. 2018 marks the 30th jubilee of German-Albanian economic cooperation, said Merkel.
“The Western Balkans summit is on May 17. We shall consult on how to operate further with the process of the European future of Albania. All the Western Balkan countries must have a European prospect and one day they can join the EU”, said the German chancellor.
“The EC recommended on April 17 Albania opening of the EU accession negotiations. We have to consult with the European Council by the end of June. To open the negotiations, some pre-conditions must be met. We shall reach to a final conclusion on whether the progress is satisfactory”, said Merkel.
Merkel emphasized that Albania has implemented major reforms and has made progress.
The justice reform strengthens the integrity and reliability of the judiciary. The police will also undergo vetting, said Merkel adding that, “I can only encourage the prime minister to continue on this road”.
Further on, the chancellor said that they had discussed even on other fields like the rule of law, fight against organized crime and corruption. “These are of great importance for Albania and its people because they carry the potential of economic growth, reliability of investors, better opportunities for the young people”, said Merkel.
“I believe we have some achievements in the region like the Youth network or the Digital summit”, said Merkel.
She concluded by saying that, “Germany will support Albania so that it achieves the required progress for the decision-making in June”./r.e/p.s./
