Acting Head of OSCE Presence in Albania meets new Democratic Party Chair, welcomes commitment to democratic institutions

TIRANA, 1 August 2013 – Acting Head of OSCE Presence in Albania, Robert Wilton, met in Tirana today with the Democratic Party Chairperson Lulzim Basha to congratulate him on his election and discuss future plans of the party.

Wilton highlighted lasting OSCE support to all participants in Albania’s democratic institutions and the Presence’s commitment to maintaining co-operation with all the political actors. He specifically referred to the Presence’s on-going assistance project for the Albanian Assembly.

Speaking after the meeting, Wilton said: “With the announcement of the new Cabinet of Ministers, and conclusion of the appeals period in the Electoral College, Albania moves to a new phase of this democratic process.”

He said he was encouraged by the “ambitious and positive” programme offered by the new Government. “An active and engaged Opposition is an essential part of any functioning democracy, and I am heartened by Chair Basha’s commitment to participation in and the promotion of the democratic institutions of Albania, as well as to  the rights of its citizens,” Wilton stressed.