UN General Assembly
2007

every effort in order to ensure that the initiative can become a success story. European integration and membership in NATO are two main objectives for Albania. We are committed to undertake any reform and take any step to achieve those goals. A year ago, we signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union (EU). We are working seriously in every way to fulfil its standards and obligations. At the same time, we have undertaken thorough reforms of our armed forces, with the assistance of many NATO member countries. We are also working to strengthen the rule of law and democracy in our country. We are hopeful that by the time of the next NATO summit, in Bucharest, we will be in a position to deserve an invitation to join the alliance. It was not long ago that the Balkans was the stage for human tragedies, brutal wars and ethnic cleansing based on the concept of a “greater country” and fuelled by the extreme nationalism and racism of a nation that