“It is a pleasure to meet the future of Albania, which is represented by youths. During this journey we want to talk to the local government representatives and mayors about the work that needs to be done and the future of the EU accession process, as we are at a crucial moment and never before have we been so close to starting the accession negotiations. We are presenting projects, programs that are funded by the EU, such as those of IPARD, or in the context of post-earthquake reconstruction. It is an important moment during these three weeks to show Albanians that Europe is here,” he said.

Soreca was also asked who was responsible for delaying Albania’s EU accession

“I will tell you what a close Albanian friend told me a few weeks ago. This friend of mine is a professor and he told me that since 1991 Albania has progressed a lot, but he added, according to his daughter, this pace of advancement has not been that fast. Albania has come a long way, it is very close to that moment for opening of negotiations and we think that this time has come. I repeat one thing I say time and again: the EU will not be complete without the Western Balkan countries. Therefore, I think that Albania and the countries of the Western Balkans will join the EU, ” Soreca said.

“Today is a special day. This is because 29 years ago, the judge Falcone was assassinated in Italy. He was the person who developed the concept of tracking money. The Mafia killed Falcone but could not kill off his ideas and the principles he left behind. Albania has taken major steps forward in the fight against organized crime and money laundering. Is this effort enough? No, there is a lot of work to be done and we will help Albania, especially with the concept of tracking money. I can tell you that we will succeed, we will succeed. Justice reform is producing a lot of Falcone-like magistrates in Albania,” he said.

Designation of Berisha as ineligible/ Soreca: This is a decision of US government which we fully respect

From Korça, the EU Ambassador was also asked about the decision of the US State Department to designate former President and former Prime Minister Sali Berisha as ineligible to travel to the US.

Ambassador Soreca said that it is a decision of the US government that we fully respect.
/sm/