OSCE Chairperson urges Albanian government, parties to urgently resume dialogue

VILNIUS, 20 July 2011 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, today urged the Albanian government and opposition to restore political dialogue and move ahead with reforms.

“The continued controversy over the appeals process following the 8 May local elections has highlighted the need for further electoral reforms, but above all it has once more showed the urgency of the two largest political parties acting in a responsible manner. I call on the government and the opposition parties to overcome the polarization and pervasive mistrust and end the political stalemate in the country,” he said.

“We await the final assessment by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), which can support this process, but there can be no delay in restoring political dialogue. This first step is indispensable if Albania’s democratic institutions, notably the Parliament, are to function."

“The OSCE, including its Presence in Albania and ODIHR, stands ready to support the government and political parties to agree, in co-operation with civil society and in a transparent manner, on a wider reform agenda, including electoral reforms.”