OSCE Presence welcomes agreement between Albanian political parties

TIRANA, 31 August 2006 - The OSCE Presence in Albania today welcomed agreement between Albanian ruling and opposition parties on electoral and media issues and noted that the move was a positive reflection of the parties' shared responsibility for Albania's reforms and future.

"I believe the agreement opens the way for a constructive relationship between the majority and the opposition and towards their co-operation in pursuing the key domestic reforms," said the head of the Presence, Ambassador Pavel Vacek.

The Presence expects a full and expedient implementation of the agreement, he said. In particular, it hopes for a speedy resumption of electoral reform work and constructive and orderly preparations of the next municipal elections in line with recommendations by the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

Ambassador Vacek reiterated that the OSCE Presence was ready to further assist the Albanian authorities and political representation in pursuing the objectives of the agreement and beyond.