“Gender equality and non-discrimination are not negotiable. They are fundamental human rights and universal values that underpin democratic societies,” the Embassy said in a statement.

“The United Kingdom stands ready to support Albania in advancing equality, dignity, and democratic principles. In a society committed to these values, there is no place for attacks against ambassadors,” it added.

The comments came after the European Commission’s Enlargement Commissioner, Marta Kos, also condemned Berisha’s remarks about Gonzato’s sexual orientation, calling them “unacceptable.”

Speaking in parliament on Thursday, Berisha said the EU Ambassador had urged lawmakers to adopt a draft law on gender equality but “could not impose his personal beliefs on Albanian society.”

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In an official press statement the UK Embassy congratulated those who have been elected to represent the citizens of Albania at a local level,  noting that the counting process is still ongoing in many areas.

“The UK Embassy closely followed the local elections on 14 May. Today, we want to congratulate those who have been elected to represent the citizens of Albania at a local level, noting that the counting process is still ongoing in many areas. The UK fully supports the preliminary elections report of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), which was published today. We welcome the report’s acknowledgement of a generally well administrated election by the Central Election Commission, despite some technical challenges. We support the report’s focus on encouraging Albania to address issues around the misuse of state resources and allegations of vote buying and pressure on public sector workers and others to vote in a certain way,” the Embassy said in its statement.

UK Embassy also encouraged all political parties, politicians and institutions to address these concerns, including through the ad-hoc Parliamentary Committee on electoral reform.

“We encourage all political parties, politicians and institutions to address these concerns, including through the ad-hoc Parliamentary Committee on electoral reform. We look forward to cooperating  closely with newly elected Mayors and Municipal Councils. We encourage them all to focus on how they can best deliver for all Albanian citizens in their local areas,” the UK Embassy stated.

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