European left parties congratulate SP-SMI: “Investigations for accusations. Surprised by Brok”

30/06/2015 00:00

The European Parliament Group of Socialist Progressive Alliance
congratulated the Albanian left coalition for what they called a
significant victory in the local elections of Albania.

Gianni Pittella, presidenti: “I want to congratulate the Socialist Mayors and Councilors for being elected. I appeal them to implement the progressive reforms that offered them this success. The results of the left coaition are impressive, especially in Tirana. It is a clear sign that the Albanian citizens want to turn a page for a progressive European future”.

Knut Fleckenstein, Deputy President of the Group, responsible for Foreign Affairs and rapporteur for Albania at the European Parliament, gave this comment:

“The local elections were another step towards the consolidation of democracy in Albania. Based on the preliminary OSCE/ODIHR declaration and the observations of some EU embassies, the general panorama of the elections was much better than the previous polls. However, there a a number of challenges that need to be addressed to. But the country is on the right track. We hope that Albania will take the green light for the negotiations with the EU”, he said.

The rapporteur for Albania, Knut Fleckenstain, spoke about the stances held by European MP Elmar Brok.

“The accusations for manipulations need to be investigated. These requests have not been proven by the opposition yet. I was surprised by the last declaration of the Chairman of Foreign Affairs, Elmar Brok, on Albanian TV stations. Keeping in mind his institutional role, he should have exerted his duty impartially and react only by request of the political allies of the EPP”, he declared.

However, Fleckenstein says that the last word for the June 21st elections will be said by the final report of OSCE ODIHR.

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