WRITTEN QUESTION P-3389/00

by Christos Zacharakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Irregularities and fraud during elections in Albania

Six Greek MPs, together with other international observers monitoring the municipal elections held in the Chimara region of Albania on 15 October which were being reheld following complaints from the Omonoia-KEAD party of violence and fraud during the first round held on 1 October 2000 have reported irregularities and fraud on a large scale.

1. Is the Commission aware that, on the pretext of naval exercises and routine procedure, the Albanian authorities closed their sea and land borders on 14 October 2000, which meant that much of the population of Chimara was unable to go to the polls and vote? Is the Commission also aware that the Albanian police arrested and terrorised inhabitants of Chimara and that, on polling day, they savagely beat up voters in front of the observers and the group of MPs, stuffed the ballot-boxes with ballot-papers, drove off the election supervisors, altered the electoral registers and made multiple arrests, prompting Mr Vasilis Bolanos, a candidate, and the Omonoia-KEAD party to declare that they would not recognise the result?

2. What is the Commission's position regarding these flagrant violations in the second round of the municipal elections, which occurred with the support of Mr Nano's government and the complicity of Mr Berisha's opposition party, and what representations will it make to the Albanian Government to hold the elections in the area again?

3. Is it possible to suspend the Council's decision providing macro-economic financial assistance to Albania(1) because of that country's violation of the criteria concerning the establishment of the rule of law and respect for human rights?

4. Will relations with Albania be reviewed, with particular reference to the Council's decision authorising the Commission to negotiate a stability and association agreement with Albania?

(1) OJ L 110, 28.4.1999, p. 13.

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3349/00 and P-3389/00 given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(20 November 2000)

The Commission is aware of the irregularities and shortcomings in the October 2000 local elections in Albania namely during the second round of these elections reported by the election monitoring mission carried out jointly by the Organisation for security and cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Office of democratic institutions and human rights (ODIHR) and the Council of Europe. In particular, the Commission shares the concern expressed by the Honourable Members concerning the irregularities in the Himara area and a campaign marked by a nationalist tone and intimidation against a candidate of the party of the Greek minority and its potential voters. The Commission takes the view that the government of Albania must ensure that all irregularities are fully investigated in accordance with the rule of law and the new electoral code. It also must follow the relevant recommendations made by the OSCE and ODIHR to provide for effective means for redress and to ensure an appropriate functioning of the Central Election Commission.

The macro-financial assistance adopted by the Council in April 1999 is linked to the respect by Albania of human rights and democratic principles and can be suspended by the Community. This assistance is currently not being implemented pending the agreement by the Albanian authorities on certain technical implementation details.

At present, no formal Council mandate exists for the Commission to negotiate a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Albania. The respect of human rights and democratic principles, also in the context of the holding of elections, constitutes of course an essential element within theEU Stabilisation and Association Process, including the consideration of a future possible opening of negotiations for such agreement.

A comprehensive Community assistance package to support institution building, human rights and minority rights and the rule of law is already in place in Albania in the area of police, public administration and judiciary in order to help the country to meet European standards. In addition, assistance to non-governmental organisations is provided under the European initiative for democracy and human rights. Projects include raising awareness on the role of human rights in building a civil society, production of radio and television programmes promoting tolerance, and supporting journalist networks. Within the framework of the stability pact for South-Eastern Europe, Albania equally is involved in specific activities aiming at promoting minority rights at regional level.