OSCE: RESPONSE TO HEAD OF PRESENCE IN ALBANIA

UNCLAS STATE 109023

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OSCE PREL PGOV AL
SUBJECT: OSCE: RESPONSE TO HEAD OF PRESENCE IN ALBANIA
ROBERT BOSCH


1. (U) Post is authorized to deliver the following statement
at the October 22, 2009, Permanent Council meeting in Vienna:

Begin text:

Thank you, Madam Chair.

We warmly welcome you back to the Permanent Council,
Ambassador Bosch, and thank you for your informative report.
Since your last appearance at the Permanent Council Albania
has achieved a number of milestones on its path to Euro
Atlantic integration, including NATO accession, submission of
its EU candidacy application, and several tangible
improvements in the June 28 parliamentary elections. Despite
the current economic climate, Albania attracts increasing
foreign direct investment, and has advanced with
privatization plans. We also note further improvements in the
business climate, as recognized by a September World Bank/IFC
report. Albania deserves recognition for these
accomplishments.

Your report gives due attention to both the progress Albania
has made on important reforms over the past year and to the
challenges remaining. It also highlights the unsettled
political landscape that persists in the wake of June's
parliamentary elections.

Work remains to consolidate gains and ensure implementation
of reforms. The United States highly values the Presence's
work with the government of Albania to bolster the
independence and transparency of institutions, such as the
judiciary and prosecution, and to establish and implement
needed legislation and institutions to counter corruption.

As we noted in our September 17 statement on the
parliamentary elections, we believe that ODIHR's final report
provides a useful guide for making further improvements to
Albania's electoral system. The comments in your report
regarding potential improvements are also insightful and are
worth further consideration.

The United States fully supports the work of the Presence in
Albania and its mandate. You and your team are doing
effective and important work. We recognize your efforts over
the past years to focus and prioritize the work of the
Presence. The 2010 budget shows your intent to continue this
process, and to begin the gradual handover of OSCE activities
where warranted, for example, by converting some
international positions to national staff.

Ambassador Bosch, we commend your close attention to
coordinating the Presence's work with that of the government
of Albania and with other local and international actors. We
also note the positive relationship between the Presence and
the Government of Albania. The United States looks forward to
continued close cooperation with you and your team.

Thank you, Madam Chair.
CLINTON