Statement by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Lajčák on developments in Albania

Bratislava/Nicosia, 10 June 2019 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Slovakia’s Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák expressed his concern today regarding the latest developments in Albania, which may deepen the political crisis further and bring the functioning of the state institutions to a standstill.

The Chairperson-in-Office called on political leaders to demonstrate restraint and respect for the legislation in force as well as for the constitutional roles of the respective democratic institutions. He emphasized his expectation that the leaders will act in accordance with democratic principles and respect the right of citizens to vote for their representatives within the time limits set by the Albanian legal framework. He also expressed his belief that Albania is capable to deal with the situation on its own, within its constitutional and legal framework and will find a solution that will enable the country to focus on challenges that citizens of Albania consider important.