EU calls opposition for peaceful protest

“for the benefit of Albanian citizens, most of whom want to see the country move forward with the reform process and move towards membership in the European Union, we call on all sides to rely on the existing bid for dialogue with the aim of finding a way out of the current political situation as an urgent matter”, the statement says.

EU's Complete Declaration
The European Union delegation and European Union Member States embassies in Albania fully respect Albania's fundamental right of citizens to demonstrate. However, we repeat the importance of exercising this right peacefully.

We condemn the acts of violence that have occurred in previous protests and call on leaders of the protest as well as the Albanian authorities to ensure that today's demonstrations are held fairly and peacefully. All parties involved have the responsibility to ensure the safety of those on the streets of Tirana tonight. There is no room for violence in a peaceful protest. Law enforcement authorities have the responsibility to act with restraint, even if provoked.

For the benefit of Albanian citizens, most of whom want to see the country move forward with the reform process and move towards membership in the European Union, we call on all sides to rely on the existing dialogue bid with the aim of finding a way out of the current political situation as an urgent issue.