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Tirana, January 27, 2011 NOA
Brussels, January 27, 2011 NOA/ Ervin Tirana - - The Group of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament today expressed its profound concerns about the aggravating situation of political polarisation in Albania, a country closely associated to the European Union by a Stabilisation and Association Agreement and having applied for membership of the European Union.
It therefore strongly denounces the adoption of a resolution by the parties belonging to the government majority in the Albanian Parliament declaring last Friday's demonstration in Tirana as an outlaw besiege of the Prime Ministry and an attempted coup d'etat by the leader of the Socialist Party against the government.
It insists that those who are responsible for the shooting of three participants in the demonstration will be brought to justice and therefore demands that the Albanian authorities will fully cooperate with the Prosecutor General's office in carrying out the necessary investigations. It deplores the statements of the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament and the Prime Minister exerting pressure on the Prosecutor General to drop charges against those who have been responsible for the shooting.
The Group of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament stresses that the shooting of citizens and interference in the course of justice to avoid the arrest of those who gave orders for this shooting are unacceptable in a country seeking membership of the European Union. It calls on the leaders of all political forces to resolve the problems of Albania and to decide on the future of the country by constructive dialogue and in a way which is compatible with Albania's ambitions on the road towards membership of the European Union. Such a dialogue in order to find political solutions is a prerequisite for further steps towards European integration - its absence would seriously jeopardize the country's relations with the EU.
The Group of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament confirms the basic right of demonstration of the people of Albania. It however considers that under the present circumstances the organisation of such actions may only further aggravate the tensions in the country and may result in further bloodshed. It therefore calls on the leaders of all political forces to show the necessary calm and restraint in the current difficult situation for Albania. They must contribute to democracy and stability of the country.
The Group of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament finally calls on the Commission and the High Representative to increase their efforts to create the conditions for finding a way out of this serious crisis in Albania and to engage the main political leaders in a constructive dialogue on the future political course of their country.
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