Albanian-American Community organizations express concern related to recent events and the state of
- by: AACKMMP
- recipient: Albanian Intellectuals, Albanians Citizens
New York, NY, March 11, 2011: The following Albanian American organizations enjoin to this statement regarding recent incidents of violence and the continuing degradation of political discourse within the institutions of Albania.
Considering the Diaspora as an integral component of the Albanian nation and recognizing the sacrifices and commitment it has continually made, we feel compelled to declare our concerns related to the current circumstances in Albania. The Albanian people have overwhelmingly demonstrated their support for freedom and democratic principles and have enshrined these values in the Albanian constitution. Albania has progressed in its path towards becoming a functioning democracy, has experienced sustained economic growth, a stable currency and continues to improve standards of living, despite recent global economic and financial challenges. Albanians wholeheartedly desire accelerated progress towards integration into the European Union and to further consolidate its longstanding strategic relationship with the United States through the expansion of economic ties. Despite such achievements, we cannot ignore the continuing pervasive corruption which weakens state institutions, undermines democracy, aversely affects society and thwarts Albania%u2019s progress towards European integration.
Recent incidents in Tirana were tragic by any measure and epitomized our grave concerns over the protracted degradation of political discourse between the political factions. It is critical that a comprehensive, independent and professional investigation of the events prior, during and after January 21st is carried out, free from political interference, which should establish the facts and accountability for the event. Assistance by international technical experts is welcomed and encouraged. Proper and expeditious adjudication pursuant to the applicable laws would contribute to reducing tensions and begin restoring faith in the institutions. The political leaders must respect and promote the functions of independent institutions that have been established under the Constitution. All citizens of Albania, irrespective of position or social status, should be treated equally under the rule of law.
The people of Albania have entrusted their representative leaders with building a better nation. Albanian political leaders should recognize that the resolution of internal matters and political grievances are ultimately the responsibility of domestic stakeholders and not the international
community. Albanians take issue with the enlisting of international officials to address partisan internal disputes. All Albanians desire for their elected representatives to take responsibility for Albania%u2019s affairs and demonstrate to the citizens of Albania and the international community that they are worthy partners. The political leaders should also lower the tone of the political rhetoric and discontinue unsubstantiated accusations and bring civility back to political dialogue. Furthermore, they must ensure and prioritize that the developments in the country are in line with the fundamental aspirations of the Albanian people.
With respect to upcoming local government elections on May 8th, it is essential that Albanians remember the full scope of matters at stake throughout the region. It is of paramount importance that the people of Albania and its elected leaders continue take concrete steps to preserve and protect the aspirations of Albanians, to strengthen the democratic process and to conduct open, transparent and free elections which allow the inclusion of all ideas in the political spectrum. Moreover, political factors should respect the electoral process and engage in a civilized debate of constructive ideas about the future of the Albanian nation and its role in Southeastern Europe and the European Union. All factors should ensure that these elections are conducted to the highest standards and begin rebuilding the public%u2019s confidence in the democratic process.
It is in the best interest of the Albanian people for the political parties to immediately resume constructive and proactive political dialogue and return to a common focus on Albania%u2019s progress. Stagnating focus on past disputes at the expense of the forward looking solutions is not productive. Notwithstanding how important any disputed partisan issue is among the political leaders, there is nothing more important than the national interest itself. Thus, we implore the political leaders to reflect, reassess and serve the will of Albanians. This resonates the wishes of the people of Albania, the international community and the Diaspora.
Considering the Diaspora as an integral component of the Albanian nation and recognizing the sacrifices and commitment it has continually made, we feel compelled to declare our concerns related to the current circumstances in Albania. The Albanian people have overwhelmingly demonstrated their support for freedom and democratic principles and have enshrined these values in the Albanian constitution. Albania has progressed in its path towards becoming a functioning democracy, has experienced sustained economic growth, a stable currency and continues to improve standards of living, despite recent global economic and financial challenges. Albanians wholeheartedly desire accelerated progress towards integration into the European Union and to further consolidate its longstanding strategic relationship with the United States through the expansion of economic ties. Despite such achievements, we cannot ignore the continuing pervasive corruption which weakens state institutions, undermines democracy, aversely affects society and thwarts Albania%u2019s progress towards European integration.
Recent incidents in Tirana were tragic by any measure and epitomized our grave concerns over the protracted degradation of political discourse between the political factions. It is critical that a comprehensive, independent and professional investigation of the events prior, during and after January 21st is carried out, free from political interference, which should establish the facts and accountability for the event. Assistance by international technical experts is welcomed and encouraged. Proper and expeditious adjudication pursuant to the applicable laws would contribute to reducing tensions and begin restoring faith in the institutions. The political leaders must respect and promote the functions of independent institutions that have been established under the Constitution. All citizens of Albania, irrespective of position or social status, should be treated equally under the rule of law.
The people of Albania have entrusted their representative leaders with building a better nation. Albanian political leaders should recognize that the resolution of internal matters and political grievances are ultimately the responsibility of domestic stakeholders and not the international
community. Albanians take issue with the enlisting of international officials to address partisan internal disputes. All Albanians desire for their elected representatives to take responsibility for Albania%u2019s affairs and demonstrate to the citizens of Albania and the international community that they are worthy partners. The political leaders should also lower the tone of the political rhetoric and discontinue unsubstantiated accusations and bring civility back to political dialogue. Furthermore, they must ensure and prioritize that the developments in the country are in line with the fundamental aspirations of the Albanian people.
With respect to upcoming local government elections on May 8th, it is essential that Albanians remember the full scope of matters at stake throughout the region. It is of paramount importance that the people of Albania and its elected leaders continue take concrete steps to preserve and protect the aspirations of Albanians, to strengthen the democratic process and to conduct open, transparent and free elections which allow the inclusion of all ideas in the political spectrum. Moreover, political factors should respect the electoral process and engage in a civilized debate of constructive ideas about the future of the Albanian nation and its role in Southeastern Europe and the European Union. All factors should ensure that these elections are conducted to the highest standards and begin rebuilding the public%u2019s confidence in the democratic process.
It is in the best interest of the Albanian people for the political parties to immediately resume constructive and proactive political dialogue and return to a common focus on Albania%u2019s progress. Stagnating focus on past disputes at the expense of the forward looking solutions is not productive. Notwithstanding how important any disputed partisan issue is among the political leaders, there is nothing more important than the national interest itself. Thus, we implore the political leaders to reflect, reassess and serve the will of Albanians. This resonates the wishes of the people of Albania, the international community and the Diaspora.
This is an initiative of more than 100 organisations in the US. Further to the meeting of Albanian American Diaspora organizations held on February 26, 2011, attached please find the statement drafted by the elected panel. The panel took into consideration the working draft, other drafts, documents submitted, and comments made during the meeting. Furthermore, the panel has worked hard to keep the statement apolitical, while addressing the issues that concern us all.
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