OSCE Chairperson-in-Office visits Albania

TIRANA, 13 November 2000 - The Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner, travelled to Albania today to demonstrate the OSCE's continued strong support for the country's reform process. In meetings with the Albanian leadership, Ms. Ferrero-Waldner commended the Government for its "remarkable progress toward democratic change." She said, "I believe that if Albania continues along this path, it will have a bright future as a member of the European family of democracies."

Ms. Ferrero-Waldner also opened a conference today on Trafficking in Human Beings, organized by the Friends of Albania Group, which co-ordinates international efforts and aid. The conference is aimed at raising awareness and identifying solutions for containing, if not halting, this transregional crime. "The Government of Albania should continue to be comitted to develop a national strategy that focuses on enforcement and interdiction as well as on prevention and protection of the victims," Ms. Ferrero-Waldner said.

Ms. Ferrero-Waldner also commended the Government on the 1 October local elections, which she said represented a significant step forward. "They were not perfect," she said, "and reports of irregularities should be taken seriously and addressed. But the fact that the people could cast their ballots without fear of violence or intimidation makes them so much better than those before."

Ms. Ferrero-Waldner also addressed the tremendous opportunities for South-Eastern Europe since the dramatic changes in Yugoslavia. "I am convinced that President Kostunica is genuinely committed to establishing good relations with all neighbors including Albania," she said. "The Yugoslav Foreign Minister also expressed his will to seek the involvement of Albania and other regional neighbors when it comes to the question of the future status of Kosovo. I think we should all see this change in Yugoslavia as a historic opportunity and a constructive approach by Albania will be essential."

For further information contact Press and Public Information, Rruga Donika Kastrioti, Villa 6, Tirana, Albania, http: www.osce.org/albania/index.htm, oscepress@icc.al.eu.org, tel.: +355 42 35993 ext. 153, 123, 132; fax: +355 42 35994 / 40001