Statement regarding the situation in Albania

The OSCE Presence in Albania, the U.S. Embassy in Tirana and the Head of Delegation of the European Union in Tirana issued the following statement on 21 January 2011:

“We deeply regret that today's demonstration in Tirana was not peaceful and resulted in some casualties.

Violence and excessive use of force cannot be justified and should be avoided.

We urgently appeal for calm and restraint on all sides and to abstain from provocations.

Albania is a democratic country and aspirant to EU membership with the necessary democratic institutions in place.

We therefore renew our call for constructive dialogue and compromise to resolve the existing political differences.”