Media advisory

TIRANA, 8 May 2008 - The important role of the Parliament in the European integration process will be discussed at a conference tomorrow in Tirana, organized by the Albanian Parliament, the OSCE Presence and the European Movement Albania.

The main topics of discussion will be: local ownership of the process, how to establish a regular dialogue with interest groups on European integration challenges and EU policies that promote democratization and the rule of law. The role of parliamentarians under the framework of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union will be particularly highlighted.

Keynote speakers include Assembly Speaker Jozefina Topalli, Prime Minister Sali Berisha, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lulzim Basha, Socialist Party Chair Edi Rama and Ilir Meta, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on European Integration, as well as Ambassador Helmuth Lohan, Head of the European Commission Delegation in Tirana, and Ambassador Robert Bosch, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania.Government Ministers, Members of Parliament and civil society groups will discuss Albania's integration challenges.

The conference takes place on Europe Day and is part of events organized to mark European week in Albania.

Journalists are invited to attend the event, which starts at 10 a.m., Friday, 9 May, at the Tirana International Hotel, King Zog I Boulevard.