TIRANA, Nov 20 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama focused on Albania’s European Union integration process and Greece threats to block Albania’s EU bid over the case of the elected mayor of southern Albanian municipality of Himara, Fredi Beleri who has been arrested on vote buying charges.
Asked about Greece’s decision to block a letter from the 27 member states to the EU Commission on opening up the first five chapters of the accession process for Albania because of the so-called “Beleri” case, PM Rama said that this barrier could not last long.
“I don’t want to engage into this debate. I sincerely think this decision to block the process won’t last long, because it wouldn’t be serious. On the other hand, Beleri case is a matter for the judiciary. If you are to look at the Progress Report, Albania is highly praised for the justice system reform. I am very happy because Albania is the country that has progressed most in the region regarding these issues,” he added.
The government head stated that Greece and Albania share strategic relations and that the barriers set up by the neighboring country to Albania’s EU integration could not last long.
Asked about the effect of the Kosovo-Serbia recent developments on the region’s European integration, Rama said “this is perhaps an additional reason for the region to integrate in the European bloc.”
“In geopolitical terms, it would be a political suicide if the European Union excludes the region or certain states. It should do quite the opposite by including and united, because it is the only way to achieve final long-lasting peace in the region,” he said.
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