OSCE Presence marks 15 years of partnership with Albania

TIRANA, 27 March 2012 - The OSCE Presence in Albania is marking its 15th anniversary today with an event organized in the Albanian Assembly, co-hosted by the Speaker of the Assembly, Jozefina Topalli and the Head of Presence, Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth.

“For 15 years, the OSCE Presence has supported Albania along the path of comprehensive reform by helping to consolidate and further strengthen national institutions,” Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth said at the ceremony.

“Significant progress has been made over the last 15 years. Due to the hard work and commitment of past and present governments, today we see a stronger, more vibrant and better Albania. The greatest joy I share with all Albanian citizens is that of Schengen visa liberalisation. With pride I can say, the OSCE Presence has helped contribute to the progress this country has made. I am especially proud that the Presence contributed to the reform process that culminated in Schengen visa liberalization. In 2012, while celebrating 100 years of Albania’s independence, I join all those who want to see greater efforts made on the reform agenda,” he emphasized.

The aim of the OSCE Presence is to promote the rule of law and human rights, as well as to consolidate democratic institutions in line with OSCE principles and commitments. The Presence is mandated to work in the fields of legislative and judicial reform, property reform, electoral reform, regional administrative reform, parliamentary capacity-building, anti-trafficking and anti-corruption, media development, promotion of good governance, the development of civil society and police assistance. It also assists in demilitarization efforts.

The OSCE Presence was created by the OSCE Permanent Council on 27 March 1997.