EU official says opposition MP's resignation hurts Albania's EU integration
TIRANA, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The resignation of Albania's opposition lawmakers hurts the country's EUropean Union (EU) integration process, Director-General for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations at the EUropean Commission, Christian Danielsson, told a press conference on Thursday.
Danielsson is in an official visit to Albania and had meetings with Albanian political leaders to discuss the current situation in the country.
Last month, lawmakers of the joined opposition parties have resigned from their posts and refused the calls of the EUropean Union and international organizations to have talks with the government and end the political crisis.
Commenting on the resignation, Danielsson said that the only democratic way to solve issues remains to engage in parliament.
"The parliamentary institution is indispensable and should be the same for both the majority and the opposition," emphasized the director-general.
In regard to the opposition protests, Danielsson said that "the incitement to violent actions in protests is absolutely unacceptable."
Regarding Albania's opening of the negotiations with the EU, Danielsson said that he is working on drafting the report to be submitted to the EUropean Council and the latter will make the final decision.
"It is important to present an objective report on the fight against corruption, crime, the vetting progress and justice in general," said Danielsson.
Meanwhile, following the meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Danielsson stated that he held a very open conversation with Rama on the country's current political situation.
"Very open conversation with PM Edi Rama on the current political situation and reforms. Albania has to continue to deliver on all reform areas, and in particular on fighting crime and corruption, to make a convincing case in June, when the EU Member States will review progress," Danielsson said.
Earlier Rama said he is ready to reach a dialogue with the opposition, but does not intend to resign.
Albania hopes to launch membership negotiations with the EUropean Union in June 2019. Enditem