The Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Vincenzo Amendola, is on visit in Tirana today. Accompanied by Italian Ambassador Alberto Cutillo, and by the Special Envoy for the preparation of the Western Balkans Summit, Michele Giacomelli, the Italian top-ranking official met with the Speaker of the Parliament, Ilir Meta, whom he congratulated for his recent election as President of the Republic. Undersecretary Amendola also met with the Deputy Prime Minister Niko Peleshi, the Deputy Foreign Minister Odeta Barbullushi, several members of the Albanian Parliament and the leader of the opposition, Lulzim Basha.
The talks focused on the complexity of the Country’s current internal political situation, in respect of which Mr Amendola called on his interlocutors to persist in promoting dialogue with the aim of making all possible efforts to promptly find a shared solution among the parties, in line with the mediation proposal put forward by a delegation of the European Parliament. Mr Amendola underscored the importance that the upcoming elections be inclusive and be conducted in full compliance with the Constitution and with international standards.
Indeed, Albania’s European accession process – which Italy has always staunchly and consistently supported – requires a stable internal political scenario which might enable the Country to continue with the reform process in an atmosphere of full cooperation.
In this scenario, the Trieste Summit scheduled for next 12 July will be able to offer the opportunity to consolidate the path undertaken by Albania and the Balkan countries towards EU integration.
It is with the intention of assuring constant interaction with the Government of Albania and of the other Western Balkan Countries that Italy is preparing for the Summit. To this end, Foreign Minister Alfano will host a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Region in Rome on 24 May.
