Albania one step closer to launching EU membership talks: PM

TIRANA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Albania is one step closer to the launch of accession talks with the European Union (EU), Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama told reporters Monday, adding the government expected a positive recommendation by European Commission.

According to Rama, Albania's accession to EU is a process that cannot be prevented. He said the EU was engaged in process of justice reform in the country.

The PM briefed reporters about the meetings held during World Economic Forum in Switzerland last week, noting that during all meetings he had with European officials, it was made clear Albania's progress towards EU accession.

"Judicial reform, kick-off of the vetting process and above all the clarity that this process is already irreversible and unstoppable, comprises a stable basis to take a clear recommendation by the European Commission and Council of Europe adoption to opening accession negotiations," Rama said.

Rama added it was his government's obligation to make efforts towards establishing dialogue with the opposition.

On Saturday, Albanian opposition parties staged a massive protest in front of the prime minister's office, asking him to step down. Enditem