Head of OSCE Presence in Albania welcomes election of People’s Advocate

TIRANA, 22 December 2011 - The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth, welcomed today the election of the new People’s Advocate (Ombudsman) by the Albanian parliament.

“This is a major step forward in the defence of the rights and freedoms of citizens of Albania, who will now have stronger support in challenging improper actions of the public administration,” said Wollfarth, who had been calling for the post to be filled since the start of his work in Albania in 2010.

“It is laudable that the governing majority and the opposition reached a compromise on this important appointment,” he added. “Today's consensual vote shows how dialogue between the two major political blocks can deliver results for the benefit of people of Albania.”

Wollfarth stressed that the OSCE Presence stands ready to continue supporting the People's Advocate’s Office.