OSCE leaders express concern regarding violent protests in Albania, call for utmost restraint and dialogue

Bratislava/Copenhagen/Vienna, 13 May 2019 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Slovakia’s Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák,  OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA)  George Tsereteli  and OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella today strongly condemned the use of violence by this weekend‘s protesters in Albania’s capital Tirana, as well as the threats and attempted intimidation directed at the Head of the OSCE’s Presence in Albania and at the Organization in general. They also called on law enforcement officials to show restraint.

The Chairperson-in-Office, the President of the OSCE PA and the OSCE Secretary General stressed that the right to peacefully assemble and protest is a fundamental prerequisite of a democratic state. But strong domestic institutions – including, crucially, an effective parliament -, are cornerstones of democracy and essential for political stability and rule of law. Violence and the intimidation of international organizations’ officials are unacceptable.

They thanked the Albanian authorities for swiftly protecting the residence of the OSCE Head of Presence and encouraged all sides to show moderation during today’s protests.  “Riots are not a substitute for democratic political engagement. They cut off any chance of dialogue – and therefore any chance of finding common ground. We call on all political leaders and on the citizens of Albania to show responsibility, demonstrate peacefully, and act with restraint.  The OSCE will continue to support the democratic process in Albania”.

“A protraction of the crisis would inevitably hamper Albania’s domestic and foreign strategic priorities. Time has come to devise a domestic platform for dialogue which includes all relevant stakeholders, including all parties, civil society and academia, to overcome differences and work together in Albania’s best interest”.