With what arguments will Edi Rama, Angela Merkel?

Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama is in Berlin for a working visit. At various meetings during today he will try to convince Germany to vote for the start of negotiations. Edi Rama met this morning with Bundestag President Wolfgang Schäuble, as well as at noon, there was a session on the Bundestag Commission for the EU. There is an afternoon meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel. .

MPs from the Chancellor's party had earlier indicated reserved over the opening of negotiations. EU Bundestag Commission Chairman Gunter Krichbaum told DW (Albanian) last week that Albania still has challenges to face, especially in the fight against corruption and organised crime.

What arguments will Edi Rama convince German partners? 

In an interview given the Albanian DW programme, Edi Rama said the most convincing argument is the EC's own recommendation. This means we've done all our homework”. Rama said during a visit to Deutsche Welle's facilities in Berlin on Wednesday morning.

Regarding German Christian MP Gunter Krichbaum's criticism, he said.

It is normal to have such remarks and reserves, but it is important to understand, that Albania needs to do more and to do more of the opening of negotiations is the right instrument. ”

MPs from the CDU parliamentary group CSU, pörpiled several points to be met for the start of negotiations in November 2016. Among other things, fighting crime and corruption is required. What facts would the Albanian prime minister convince MPs of Albania's advances?

“is enough to take the aspect of the fight against the cultivation and trafficking of cannabis that has marked an extraordinary and underlined progress by the international partners themselves, thanks to air control that has been done to Albania's territory”. He reminded Rama of the EU interview. “For example, numerous operations and sequencing of criminal financial assets that have recognised unimaginable figures several years ago. For example, the entire process of law reform and Vetting reform, which is marking very good results only in the first steps. There are today 21 judges and prosecutors who have been expelled from the system. ”

Even though a German MP has been given reservations to the opening of the negotiations, they are expected to maintain a constructive attitude and not become an obstacle. Rama hopes negotiations will be opened as early as this year. “This means entering a new phase of reforms and effort by having a very favourable instrument, even though an extremely impressive instrument for us in all meanings, which is the instrument of chapters which step by step give the possibility of deepening reforms and increasing the sustainability of the entire process”, Rama said.

Albania's prime minister responded to the disproportionate question of whether Albania has any plans or strategies to contribute itself to the reconciliation of the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo. I believe that even in this respect progress is absolutely visible and tangible. Today the region is in a situation quite different from some years ago. and of course Serbia's relationship with Kosovo is a difficult relationship, but it too has its own progress”, Rama said.

Asked recently whether there is a nationwide unity on Albania's road to the EU and what can be done to ease the harsh tone of communication between the party officials in Albania, Rama said: “Everyone wants Albania's full integration into the EU, all try to say different ways, some with the right language, some with the wrong gender. But more important, let's not confuse the opposing efforts of the inside with this great cobra attempt and not put the cart in front of the horse.” / DW/