TIRANA, July 30 /ATA/- President of the Republic Ilir Meta, at a news conference on Tuesday, focused on EU accession process of Albania.
President Meta said that Albania cannot open accession talks unless normal elections are held.
“I have said it that in the face of a sweeping crisis in the country, ineptitude to hold inclusive local elections which by law should be held on October 13, the opening of accession talks with EU is unlikely,” Meta said.
“As to the statement of EU representatives here or of EC personalities with a mandate up to 5 years, they better follow the coherence of my stands in these 30 years. I see myself as a local leader, I do not undertake to solve global issues, however it would be a futile attempt to ask any EU ambassador about the truth, for none of them knows more about integration than me who has uninterruptedly worked for 30 years because their mandate is limited,” Meta said.
“As a former December student and a politician elected to several positions in this country, and in my capacity as president today I assure you that my opinion is more responsible and rational than anyone’s because I am not here to return the favor to either the opposition or the government, I am here to serve the national interest as is the EU accession of the country. Without inclusive elections on October 13, do not expect any miracle out of the blue and awaken to see the accession talks have been started. To that end, I have appealed for genuine political dialogue between the parties on this issue of paramount importance,” Meta said.
/sm/
