TIRANA, Nov 9 /ATA/ European Parliament Member, also the rapporteur for Albania Isabel Santos, stated on Tuesday from Tirana that Albania is ready for the next step forward in accession process.
At a press conference after the meetings held during her visit in Tirana, Santos stressed that Albania has delivered on all the necessary requirements to hold the first intergovernmental conference, adding that she is glad that after the elections parliament has hit the ground running.
“I understand the importance of Parliament, as a place that represents the will of all Albanians. I am glad that parliament has hit the ground running paving the way for cooperation between the opposition and the majority. “This dialogue can become very important.”
Regarding the media, Santos said that “I received confirmation that the majority will not move ahead with the draft law on the media outlets. Albania should take into account the recommendations for the media law.”
Regarding the reform of the justice system, Santos said that “the reform of the justice system should go ahead with the same procedures until every judge or prosecutor is vetted. I was glad to hear that parliament has sought the opinion of the Venice Commission on this issue.”
Santos added that electoral reform is crucial for other elections.
“I have an important message to share. There is a majority in Europe that recognizes the progress that Albania is making and they want it to integrate. The time has come for Albania to be rewarded for its reforms. “Let’s support Albania,” said Santos.
Pressed about the “Open Balkan” initiative, Santos stressed that “the ‘Open Balkan’ is irrelevant to the European integration process, it does not belong to me to talk about that.”
“It is an initiative designed to step up cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans. The priority, in my view, is the process of European integration. I am focused on this process and I am sure that everyone is focused on this process either,” she said.
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