Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2006-09-06-Speech-3-043"
| Predicate | Value (sorted: default) |
|---|---|
| rdf:type | |
| dcterms:Date | |
| dcterms:Is Part Of | |
| dcterms:Language | |
| lpv:document identification number |
"en.20060906.5.3-043"2
|
| lpv:hasSubsequent | |
| lpv:speaker | |
| lpv:spokenAs | |
| lpv:translated text |
"Madam President, first of all my honourable friend, Mr Ilves, deserves fulsome congratulations on the very important work he has carried out on this important motion, which reflects the current state of relations between the European Union and Albania and highlights all the major problems and challenges facing the Albanian Government and the Albanian political forces.
It is a fact that the signature of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement opens a new path for Albania towards Europe, towards the European institutions, with the ultimate objective of integration into the European family. We must always remember this; it is what the European strategy decided in Thessaloniki says and I believe that the European Union has every strategic interest, despite enlargement fatigue, to strengthen these European prospects of the countries of the Balkans.
Clearly a great deal still needs to be done in Albania, as Mr Ilves has pointed out. I should like to touch in particular on two or three points. On the question of combating corruption, we are of course all agreed. However, under no circumstances should the present Albanian Government use combating corruption as a pretext to settle political accounts with the opposition forces. This is a serious issue which we have experienced in Albania in the past.
The second issue is the need to proceed immediately to reform the electoral system and update electoral rolls. This is very important, because it will help to smooth out political life and consolidate a democratic political system.
The third issue is respect for the freedom of the media and, of course, the prevention of government interference in its operation. I should like to point out here – and my comments are addressed to Mr Rehn – that there has been increased government interference over recent days in the operation of media of the Albanian democratic opposition, to be specific the socialist party. I refer, Mr Rehn, to the Top Channel television network, which is being hampered in its operation by the Albanian authorities. This too is an issue which we need to highlight.
Finally, respect for minorities. Albania really does need to take important steps here. There is a Greek minority which is playing an important role and is an asset to the democratisation of Albania and, of course, the functioning of the Orthodox Church and the spiritual role of Archbishop Anastasios must be facilitated."@en1
|
Named graphs describing this resource:
The resource appears as object in 2 triples