News

On 27-28 January in Tirana, Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Evaldas Ignatavičius, aiming to reduce tensions in Albania, met with representatives from the country’s government and opposition, the European Union and U.S.A.During the meetings, Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs called on Albanian political leaders to avoid confrontation and to work on behalf of the State of Albania.

E.Ignatavičius, who represents OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronis Ažubalis, held meetings with President of Albania Bamir Topi, Prime Minister Sali Berisha, Foreign Minister Edmond Haxhinasto, Chairman of the Socialist party Edi Rama and Attorney General Ina Rama.

According to E.Ignatavičius, it is important to avoid escalating the situation, to refrain from making radical statements which obstruct political dialogue and to carry out an objective and impartial investigation of the events of 21 January in Tirana.

During the meetings, the Vice-Minister E.Ignatavičius stated that now attention had to be given to Albanian local elections in May, to which election observers from the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights would be invited.

E.Ignatavičius emphasized the strong role of the OSCE mission in Albania and the preparation to continue the OSCE support for meeting the country’s commitments.

During the visit to Albania, Lithuania coordinated actions with Miroslav Lajčák, special envoy of EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, and with U.S. Ambassador in Tirana Alexander Arvizu, thus aiming to emphasize the importance of a single message to Albanian political leaders.