Press Releases

Statement on Albanian Elections (July 4, 2005)

The United States welcomes the commitment to democratic development shown by the people of Albania on election day. We are encouraged that so many Albanians chose to exercise their right to vote for the leadership of their country, and that elections were held in a positive atmosphere.

We are aware that the election process was marked by some problems. The critical final period will be an important one for measuring progress, and we urge that all persons and political parties faithfully adhere to the electoral code and Code of Conduct and follow appropriate legal procedures. We call on all political forces to work together in a spirit of cooperation to form a new government that will undertake the reforms necessary to advance Albania's integration into the Euro-Atlantic community.