German, Dutch FMs urge Albanian opposition to end parliamentary boycott

The visiting foreign ministers of Germany and the Netherlands, Sigmar Gabriel and Bert Koenders respectively, called on Albanian opposition on Monday to end the parliamentary boycott and get ready for the June 18 elections.

The ministers told a press conference that the current political deadlock risked Albania's European Union (EU)membership bid, which is considered as a top priority of Albania.

The German foreign minister said at the joint press conference with his Albanian counterpart Ditmir Bushati that the parliamentary boycott of the opposition is blocking justice reform and damages Albania's reputation.

"If parliament continues to be blocked as well as the reform of the justice system, then your path towards the EU is getting harder," he warned, noting that the opposition could make proposals for free and fair elections but the boycott was not a solution.

Albanian opposition parties have unanimously refused to take part in the general elections in June, asking for the prime minister's resignation. They have been boycotting the parliament and continued protests in the main streets of the capital since February 18.

But such request has not been supported by the ruling majority.

On his part, Dutch Foreign Minister Koenders said that the Netherlands supported Albania's European membership bid but this required the implementation of important reforms such as the justice system. Endit