OSCE Presence welcomes agreement on elections in Albania

TIRANA, 1 July 2004 - The OSCE Presence in Albania welcomes today's agreement between the Socialist and Democratic parties to implement joint recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR and Venice Commission on the electoral law and electoral administration.

The agreement paves the way for the establishment within the Assembly of an ad hoc committee on electoral reform supported by a technical experts group.

"Today's agreement shows that there is a strong political commitment to make necessary changes to the Electoral Code and ensure that the next parliamentary elections meet international standards," said Ambassador Osmo Lipponen, Head of the OSCE Presence, who signed the agreement as the witness.

"The momentum gained from this agreement needs to be maintained so that the work can be completed within the two-month deadline," he added.

Ambassador Lipponen also reinforced the Presence's commitment to the process of electoral reform and said that the Presence stands ready to provide assistance and expertise in drafting amendments to the Code as well as in its implementation.