OSCE Chairman welcomes conclusion of Albanian election process

VIENNA, 1 September 2005 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, today welcomed the conclusion of the election process in Albania, which was marked by the declaration of final results by the Albanian Central Election Commission on 1 September.

The declaration now paves the way for the subsequent convening of the new Assembly on 2 September, as announced by President Alfred Moisiu.

"After two months of hard work of the Albanian elections institutions, the composition of the new Assembly is now known and it is able to convene," said Minister Rupel, who has followed the election process with close attention.

"I appreciate the role of President Moisiu in the whole process and I congratulate the new Assembly. I am looking forward to co-operating with the new government led by the winner of the elections and hope it will be able to take office soon, the Chairman-in-Office added.

The OSCE, including its Presence in Albania, would continue assisting the country in pursuing its domestic reforms, including further reform of the electoral system drawing on the recommendations and expertise of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.