TIRANA, 18 October 2012 - The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth, commended the peaceful nature of today’s demonstration by a group of formerly politically persecuted persons in front of the Albanian Assembly.

“The right to peaceful protest is essential to democratic governance. I commend all involved in today’s demonstration – protesters as well as police – for ensuring a constructive atmosphere,” Wollfarth said.

“Today’s demonstration, as well as by the hunger strike of a number of formerly politically persecuted persons, raise fundamental questions for Albania. Democracy requires dialogue. Further hardening of the public political discourse can only exacerbate an already tense situation. I therefore encourage all sides, including civil society, to engage in a genuine discussion, with the aim of finding a constructive path forward.”