During the two-day conference on the 30th anniversary of Albania’s membership in the Council of Europe, Peleshi emphasized the special importance that this relationship has had in the institutional and political history of the country.

According to him, in the course of these years of great transformations, the Council of Europe has been an unwavering point of reference for the standards of building democratic institutions, for the protection of human rights and for the strengthening of the rule of law.

Speaker of the Assembly also underlined that the Venice Commission has served as a reliable and impartial authority in providing legal expertise, especially at important moments for the political and constitutional life of the country.

Peleshi stated that the Albanian Parliament has developed a fruitful and constructive cooperation with the Venice Commission over the years, which has helped in the drafting and improvement of constitutional legislation and beyond, strengthening democratic control, balances of powers and resolving institutional tensions in complex political moments.

Peleshi informed that the Parliament has established a Special Commission for the Electoral Reform and that in context of the cooperation it will seek the opinion of the Venice Commission on the proposals that will emerge from this process.

“The Albanian Parliament remains committed to seriously following the recommendations of the Venice Commission, considering it as an invaluable contribution to strengthening the standards of the rule of law and democracy”, said Peleshi.

Albania, he said, has only one path: to belong forever to the free and democratic world, where human rights are respected and the rule of law prevails. /j.p/p.s./

The former president of the Venice Commission Gianni Buquicchio, who was also present in the conference, recalled the long and continuous role of this institution in the electoral processes in Albania, emphasizing the significance of the stability of democratic rules and the avoidance of unilateral changes to the Electoral Code.

On her part, President of the Constitutional Court Holta Zaçaj emphasized in her speech before the representatives of the Parliament, the Government, the Council of Europe and the Venice Commission, the vital importance of the constitutional justice for guaranteeing fundamental rights and preserving democratic balances.

While emphasizing the long-term cooperation with the Venice Commission, the President of the Constitutional Court stated that, “During these three decades, the Venice Commission has been an essential partner in consolidating our constitutional system and in protecting fundamental human rights. This cooperation has helped to increase the professionalism and legitimacy of our institutions, strengthening the foundations of the rule of law”.

Zaçaj continued her speech by emphasizing that, “Requesting an advisory opinion should occur in advance, not as a means to contest a given decision-making. This is essential to preserve the institutional authority of the Court and to respect the separation of powers”. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

The meeting focused on details over the UK government efforts to strengthen democracy and independent institutions in Albania and the region.

Celibashi and the British diplomat also shared views on the recent developments and the legislative changes to Electoral Code that will allow Albanians outside the country to vote in the next year’s parliamentary elections in the country.

Ambassador King-Smith assured Celibashi of continued and multifaceted assistance for Albania’s central election body to strengthen its coordinating role in the framework of investigations into electoral crimes and financing of campaigns, political parties and candidates running for election.

State Election Commissioner Celibashi expressed gratitude to Ambassador King-Smith for his role as a true friend and champion of support for democracy in Albania.

/u.sh/