The Image of Albania's Assembly Should Not be Violated

Tiranë, më 3 mars 2006 

The Albanian Helsinki Committee feels an obligation to become the carrier of the general public's profound concern over the sudden turn that things have taken in recent days in the Assembly. It is understandable that political forces, those of the majority and the opposition, confront each other on acute problems of the country's development. One of these problems assuming priority significance at this moment is undoubtedly the fight against corruption and criminality.

This has been precisely the topic on which the recent debate in the high lawmaking body concentrated upon. Nevertheless, in the face of the situation that has been created, it is legitimate to conclude that debate has reached beyond the limits of a normal confrontation. Political forces should call more on reason to not violate the image of the Assembly not only in the eyes of domestic public opinion, but also of the international one. Without underestimating the acuteness of the problem in question, the broad public inside the country, but also outside it, expect the parties to find common language and resolve problems through constructive dialogue so that the debate will not degenerate into a dead-end clash. In these circumstances, more coolheadedness and more tolerance is called for, otherwise the situation might spiral out of control. It is required that parties strictly adhere to democratic standards and the norms of the rule of law. They should reflect profoundly on the great responsibility they bear for the peace and wellbeing of our society.

The AHC expresses its confidence that relations between the majority and the opposition will not lead to a crisis and political forces will demonstrate maturity and prudence in solving the created situation in a way that is well-mannered and that respects the rule of law.