Statement by Prime Minister Edi Rama:

I believe it is a moment of relief for all Albanians, for all citizens of this country who have already received the news that the Democratic Party submitted to the iron will of the Albanian people, and to the iron will of our strategic partners to advance together with the Albanians a historic reform that paves the way to a revolution in the justice system for an ultimate overthrow of the caste of the corrupt and the incriminated holding hostage justice in this country.

It is my pleasure to share with you all the text message that I, the Speaker of Parliament and the leader of the opposition received from the European Union, through Commissioner Hahn.

“Dear Prime Minister,

Dear Speaker of the Parliament,

Dear Chairman of the Democratic Party!

Following the telephone conversations had with the three of you yesterday and today, I would like to reiterate the following points of the so called “hybrid proposal”, which you have on the table. These points are “the red lines” for the international community, as we have highlighted on a continuing basis throughout the process.

First, the role of the International Monitoring Operation must have a solid legal basis in the Constitution.

Second, I want to reaffirm, as we have said throughout the process, that the International Monitoring Operation will make recommendations which are not legally binding. These recommendations will include appropriate justification for the position taken, based on criteria set by legislation.

I believe that we can now proceed on that basis.

As discussed, please confirm via a reply to this message, so that the vote in parliament takes place tomorrow.”

Which means that “the red lines” were there, are there and will remain there fixed, by the unanimous vote of the Assembly of the Republic of Albania.

Which means that thanks to these “red lines”, this Reform has guaranteed a defensive line from any attempt to thwart the revolution in justice by means of political or financial corruption.

I want also to answer to all those who had a moment of concern that was conveyed to us through messages regarding the victory announcement by the Democratic Party chairman.

First, I am very happy that the Democratic Party became part of this great victory for Albania and Albanians.

Secondly, I am also very pleased that the delirious effort to declare war to the United States and the European Union resulted to be an air bubble.

Third, I want to share with you the fact that this is the Draft of the Constitutional Reform, and nothing will be changed in this draft in terms of the two issues that held this process hostage until the last hour: the involvement of the International Monitoring Operation in the Constitution and the role of the International Monitoring Operation. We are clear on the first one. As for the second, I will ease for you the translation of what we heard earlier by the chairman of the Democratic Party, and will read this constitutional draft that until recently was anathematized as a “conspiracy against the sovereignty of Albania”.

The draft says: The international observer performs the following tasks:

a) S/he makes recommendations on the qualification and selection of candidates for the position of the member of the commissioner etc.

b) S/he presents findings and opinions on the issues examined by the commission etc.

c) S/he submits to public commissioners written recommendations to submit a complain.

d) They have the right to receive all the information immediately, the data for the required people and documents, in order to monitor the process and the reassessment.

Dear sisters and brothers,

today, everyone should feel relieved not only for the fact that this historical reform will pass tomorrow by consensus, since no wall of deafness can stand against the historical call any more, but also for the fact that, against all odds, no group was created in Albania that could stigmatize our country with an indelible stain, as a country where political battle takes place between a party that is with the European Union, the United States and everything the democratic world represents, and another party that calls into question the foundations of this world.

While thanking everyone for the outstanding contribution, and expressing my gratitude to the Albanian people whose pressure was felt in all segments of the Albanian political elite, as a painter I am glad that the “red lines” have remained deeply red.

Many thanks!