TIRANA, April 28 /ATA/ – Italy urges opposition and the governing majority to work together through a constructive and respectful dialogue in order to advance Albania’s European integration agenda, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on the April 25 parliamentary elections in Albania.
”Italy praises the excellent organisation of the electoral process, as indicated by the OSCE/ODIHR in its preliminary report. In particular, the professionalism and transparency demonstrated by the Central Electoral Commission and its Commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi. Complaints of alleged fraud and irregularities will have to be assessed scrupulously and in full compliance with the procedures laid down in the electoral code,” Foreign Ministry said in its statement.
“The Sunday’s elections contribute positively to the consolidation of democratic processes in Albania and represent a significant step forward on its path towards Europe. After the electoral showdown, it is now essential that all political actors are fully committed to the country’s good and contribute to the consolidation of democratic institutions that find their crucial point of reference in an entirely legitimate and functioning Parliament,” the statement reads.
“Italy hopes that all political forces will work cohesively to support the strategic objective represented by Albania’s accession to the European Union through a constructive and respectful dialogue between the majority and the opposition. Such dialogue will allow the country to face future challenges successfully. Italy will continue to support with firm conviction the Albanian institutions and the legitimate aspirations of the Albanian people to be part of the European family,” the statement concluded.
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