The violent clashes in Tirana, Albania, last Friday are unacceptable for a European country and for a State that aspires to become a member of the European Union. Three died and over 60 others are reported injured.

Marietje Schaake (D66, Netherlands), ALDE spokesperson on relations with Albania said:

"I was shocked to see last Friday's violent riots and protests in Tirana, and the excessive reactions by the police. In addition I have been disappointed and angered by the tone and content of the statements by both Prime Minister Berisha and the opposition leaders, which only fuels the already deep polarisation of Albanian political life.

"We now need an independent judicial inquiry into these events and into the deaths of the three protesters and I call on the EU's High Representative to make sure the EU is involved in such an inquiry to ensure the Albanian authorities produce an objective investigation."

"As spokesperson for the Liberal & Democrat group on Albania I will table a request for the European Parliament to hold a serious and thorough debate on the protracted political confrontation in Albania at the next part session. High Representative Ashton should nominate an EU mediator for Albania to restore calm and sensible political discourse to the country so that the legitimate aspirations of ordinary Albanians are not further thwarted by the actions and provocations of the current political leadership."

 
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