Statement by Secretary General Lamberto Zannier following meeting with Edi Rama

VIENNA, 24 April 2013 - Statement by OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier: "I have just concluded a productive meeting with Edi Rama, chair of the Albanian Socialist Party, where we discussed a number of issues, including Albania’s role in the OSCE, developments in South Eastern Europe and the upcoming Parliamentary Elections in Albania. During the meeting, I took note of Rama’s position and listened carefully to his concerns about the latest developments connected to the Parliamentary Elections and more specifically to the role of the Central Election Commission.

"It is my hope that the upcoming elections will contribute to developing constructive interaction among Albanian political forces and strengthening democratic governance. I would like to emphasize that I expect all sides to contribute to bringing the expected degree of legitimacy and credibility to the electoral process, starting with securing a meaningful and full membership of the Central Election Commission (CEC). I believe that the Electoral Code amended in 2012 constitutes a solid basis for the conduct of good elections."