TIRANA, May 11 /ATA/ The chairman of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, stated on Monday that Albania’s European integration process has been distorted by the government and, according to him, has turned into an occult and closed process.
When asked by journalists about Prime Minister Edi Rama’s statements that the opposition represents a unique species doing whatever it takes to throw a stick in the wheel of integration, Berisha said that the opposition is supporting the process in a serious and responsible manner.
“The opposition is contributing to the integration process in the most serious manner. It has undertaken a very determined struggle and takes pride in having laid bare the government’s deceptions and corrupt lobbying, also presenting the truth about the Albanian reality as the only path toward EU integration,” declared Berisha.
He emphasized that the integration process must be based on merit and clear standards, also referring to the recommendations of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
Albania’s path to the EU is impeded by those who defend the misappropriation of citizens’ resources and those who make a sham of elections by merging state institutions with party structures. These are the elements that hamper and complicate Albania’s integration into the EU.
“They are the ones who do everything to transform the most fundamental process of Albanian society today into a secretive one,” he stated.
Berisha accused Prime Minister Edi Rama of lacking transparency in the integration process, claiming that he withholds the recommendations and guidance of European institutions.
“Edi Rama has turned this into a closed, opaque process, as if it were his own property, instead of a process that, as emphasized by the European Parliament, should center on parliament, public opinion, civil society, the media, and other key stakeholders,” Berisha remarked.
He also mentioned the forums of the European Union, emphasizing that they continuously review Albania’s progress and impose additional requirements in the integration process.
Berisha reiterated his respect for the European Union institutions and their diplomatic representatives, but insisted he stands firm on his public statements.
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