The European Commission publishes the annual 2021 Progress Report on Albania, confirming the country’s steady progress in delivering sustained track record and tangible results on EU-oriented reforms, and highlighting the future challenges on an ongoing path as the country expects the European Council to keep its word and launch the accession negotiations with Albania;
Prime Minister Edi Rama: Good morning everyone! As you already know, it is now an established tradition that the European Commission’s annual Progress Report is formally handed over in a protocol manner in Albania too – just like in every other country involved in this process – by the highest-level EU Delegation representative. I must thank Ambassador Soreca, not only for his present at this very crucial moment of the interaction between Albania and the European Commission in a span of a year, but very sincerely also for the great and hard work done by the entire team in the EU Delegation to Albania, an ongoing work on daily basis, an overly demanding on-call schedule work, away from the public attention through a complex interaction with all ministries, the government agencies and departments, and the civil servants involved in the aligning process, and helping us in what makes the process an unique tool for the candidate countries in view of modernization, state-building and alignment of entire their institutional, legal and social establishment with the European Union.
I have been stating several times that this is an instrument offered by the European Union in this world to the countries that for 1001 reasons are at an intermediate phase of transiting from a certain stage, which was called a dictatorship in our case, to a functioning democracy. In this aspect, it is essential to everyone to realize that in addition to membership itself, this is an internal, necessary and irreplaceable process to build right here where we live a state that works in accordance with all norms and standards of a democratic and modern state.
The report we receive today is just one we receive as part of several such reports already, with the Commission again reconfirming its conviction that Albania has met all the conditions to formally launch what was previously decided by the European Council and to together with the European Union start the membership talks.
In the meantime, I would also like to point out something I have repeatedly underlined in all instances and the highest-level forums, where Albania and other Western Balkan countries takes part with the European Union, as well as at my bilateral talks with the EU leaders that at the European Commission we find a fair, unbiased and rigorous partner that assesses progress based on the fact-finding missions. And it is for this reason I would reiterate repeat today that in none of the capitals of the EU member states there is a similar structure that would compete the European Delegation in terms of the quality of observation and in terms of fairness, because the Delegation is a big team working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, precisely to monitor everything that happens. While when we find out that just a few weeks or days ahead of a decision-making at a political level of the European Union that one or another member state finds all sorts of excuses and demands for this to be fulfilled, then this is purely political. They are not technical assessments and that’s why the Progress Report is for us a roadmap, a guideline, while everything else is just politically-motivated interference in the process, although fully understandable. Parliaments in various member states, MPs or groups of MPs issue statements and indorse resolutions, which actually have to do with the troubles they face in their own countries. Totally legitimate ones and of course we can’t refuse to take them into consideration, but it is incomparable what the Report and the Commission itself represent in terms of objectivity.
I would be brief, but this is a press conference with full freedom of press for all our invitees from all the interested media to make questions and we will certainly provide replies, but I would like to briefly note that the Report, first and foremost, objectively certifies that Albania has emerged from an undisputable electoral process in terms of integrity and compliance with the standards and the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations.
Second, Albania has kept progressing in delivering key state-building reforms and consolidation of the democratic institutions, from the justice reform with the vetting process again being hailed as a success story; with the public administration reform again confirmed as a progressing process; with the fight against organized crime and corruption defined as an area where progress is being made; where respect for the human rights and freedoms reconfirmed as a fundamental value of the democratic processes in our country; where the balanced politics in terms of the gender equality is highlighted and praised; where our efforts to align national legislation with that of the European Union are observed and praised; where progress towards a functioning market economy, despite the obstacles and the blow due to the pandemic is referred as a progressing effort; where Albania’s multifaceted committeemen and pursue of a foreign policy in line with the EU foreign policy is again re-emphasized as a value in this process.
These are the Report’s key findings. On the other hand, to make it clear to everyone, the Progress Report is not simply and just a document containing positive assessments, but it is also a document that highlights all the challenges, problems and issues that need to be tackled so that the country moves forward and makes more progress. Today’s Albania, apart from its tangible progress, is not a country – and we all know quite well, we are aware about it – that can become a full-fledged member of the EU today, even those who don’t want us to join would have wanted and wished for it, because Europe has no appetite for enlargement for the time being, but for us to reach to that point we need to keep making steady efforts.
In Conclusion, I would like to state the following. We shouldn’t assess and judge our efforts based on how much, how, why or why the green light is not switched on in every station at a time when, according to the Commission, we deserve it, because such a process is not carried out just because we are asked to do so in Brussels, Paris or elsewhere. We have not embarked for them at all in this process. We are doing it for ourselves, we are doing it for our children, we are doing it so that the future generations find in this county a state functioning equally with the same quality as a dignified EU member state. This is about us. This is about Albania and it is not about others and as such Albania would then sit as a dignified and equal member at the EU table. And this process is a very tough one with many with many uphill, it is a process with many challenges but it is the only way. There is no other alternative, there is no other option, and there is no avoidance that wouldn’t lead us to right where Albania and Albanians deserve to be.
Thank you very much, Mr. Ambassador. The floor is now yours.
EU Ambassador to Albania, Luigi Soreca: Dear Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Yesterday, the European Commission adopted its 2021 enlargement package, including the annual report on Albania, which I have here and it is my pleasure to hand over to the Prime Minister.
Right after this press conference, I will present the key findings of the annual report to the National Council of European Integration. I have had the opportunity to hand over the report to Speaker Nikolla, and I will do the same with President Meta.
The latest weeks have once again demonstrated that the Western Balkans remain a high priority for the EU. Three weeks ago, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited the region, starting with Tirana where she firmly reiterated the Commission’s commitment to Albania’s future in the European Union.
She confirmed the Commission’s determination to move forward on the accession negotiations by having the first Intergovernmental Conferences with Albania and North Macedonia as soon as possible under the Slovenian Presidency before the end of the year. On 6 October, at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Brdo, leaders reconfirmed their commitment to the enlargement process and their joint engagement to take forward the region’s transformation, and to support its economic recovery after the COVID crisis, in particular through the Economic and Investment Plan.
Based on the new methodology, the annual report adopted yesterday provides a fair assessment of where the country stands on its EU integration track since last 2020. It gives credit when credit is due, and underlines areas where progress has been insufficient and which require more attention. Overall, the report acknowledges that despite continuous challenges, in a context marked by the pandemic, Albania has continued to make progress on the EU-oriented reforms and to deliver tangible results. The report confirms that Albania has delivered on the conditions set by the Council. The Commission therefore reiterates its view that the first Intergovernmental Conference should be held as soon as possible and before the end of this year.
Intensive work is ongoing by all EU Leaders to work with the Member States to overcome the pending bilateral issues to make this happen. The delays in the official launch of accession negotiations decided by the Council in March 2020 are having a negative impact on the credibility of the EU.
Let me now say a few words on the most relevant issues addressed in the Annual Report.
In the area of rule of law, the report acknowledges that concrete results have continued, with progress on the judicial reform and on the vetting of judges. Albania has also made progress in the fight against corruption and organised crime. It has put in place new specialised law enforcement bodies. It has actively participated in a number of international law enforcement operations against organised crime, leading to high profile arrests. The reform momentum on rule of law topics must continue. In particular, we expect continued progress in developing a track record of law enforcement.
The report clearly acknowledges that Albania is once again 100% aligned with the EU Common and Foreign Security Policy. We are fully aware that this involves sometimes difficult decisions by the Albanian authorities. Reason why we commend Albania for this continued achievement.
Let me highlight one area where the report raises concerns, freedom of expression. The atmosphere of verbal attacks, smear campaigns and acts of intimidation against journalists has not improved. More needs to be done to ensure the independence and legitimacy of the media regulator, as well as to strengthen the public service broadcaster’s independence, professional standards and financial sustainability. Self-regulation in online media needs to be ensured. The parliament and government resulting from the 25 April elections must uphold the commitment to ensure that any possible changes to the media law would be in line with the Venice Commission Opinion and submitted to proper consultations.
Another important area we will continue to follow very closely is the minorities. It is also key to see more progress on minority-related issues. The remaining by-laws on the rights of people belonging to minorities need to be adopted, while the process for property registration, expropriation and compensation needs to advance.
As regards the economic criteria, the report considers that the Government and the Central Bank took swift and appropriate actions to support business, households and the health sector, in the wake of the COVID crisis. This cushioned the impact on the labour market and preserved macroeconomic and financial sector stability.
I must reiterate – and it is the third time I am stating this today – in the enlargement package adopted yesterday, the Commission reiterated its clear recommendation that the IGC should take place as soon as possible and before the end of the year. But while we are all eagerly waiting for this to happen, it is crucial that Albania continues to fulfil all related conditions, and continues to deliver on EU-related reforms in all areas. Key areas where continued progress is expected are the judicial vetting and its extension, a track record against organised crime and corruption, as well as key EU-related reforms, which – as the Premier stated – are first of all in the strategic interest of Albania and provide concrete benefits for citizens. EU integration works already on the ground, it is already happening every day improving the lives of so many Albanian people. I therefore hope that the Government, the Parliament as a whole, as well as other stakeholders of the society will all be ready to go the extra mile, aware that only by doing so they can ensure that the national and cross-party priority of the EU integration of Albania can be achieved. Thank you so much.
– While presenting the Annual Progress Report, the Commissioner noted that a significant number of high-level officials have been indicted and sentenced on corruption charges. I know this is not a competence of the executive and it is entirely a matter of the judiciary, but would you give a hand by accepting the proposal submitted by the opposition Democratic Party demanding the vetting of all politicians? Would this be a way to help justice? My other question has again to do with the DP proposal. Now that you won the third term in office and the Socialist Party was confirmed as leading party even when racing alone, will you agree to allow the electoral coalitions by supporting the required constitutional changes?
PM Edi Rama: I don’t think it is esthetical for me to comment on these proposals, taking notice of the fact that we have expressed total readiness to seriously discuss them in a dialogue process that, according to me, should be cherished through good will among the parties and it is for this reason, I apologize, but I won’t issue any statement or opinion before we give this dialogue a real chance and of course before we are granted the opportunity to confront our opinions with the other side, being totally willing to listen without any prejudice and by asking to be heard
After all, the quality of coexistence at every instance ranging from the small family to a whole big community is not determined on how frequently we agree with one another, but on the way how we agree. It is something else not to agree, acting on understanding and by cherishing a constructive spirit of interaction, while it is completely something else not to agree and engage in a fierce political conflict. I wish that we give a full chance to dialogue. The opposition has submitted three proposals and it can submit more proposals in the future and the opposition is in its own right to do so. We are obliged to provide a chance for these proposals to be discussed without hurting this discussion process by rendering final opinions in advance, because I already said it would be unethical vis-à-vis the respect for this process and vis-à-vis practical embodiment of the readiness I have already expressed on my part and on our part, confirming that we are ready. Yes, we are ready, but the proposals should be discussed directly with them and not in front of mirrors with everyone speaking and nobody listening to what others are saying.
-The Progress Report reads that Albania has made progress with reforms, but, on the other hand, no tangible results have been achieved in terms of the country’s EU integration. What should Albania do more for the first intergovernmental conference to open?
-Among others, the Progress Report notes that Albania has not made progress regarding the freedom of speech and the media. What will happen with the anti-defamation package? Will the government return the bill for further consideration to Parliament?
EU Ambassador Luigi Soreca: I think that the EU integration is taking place every day and Albania is being integrated and Albanian citizens are being integrated into the European Union also through the fruitful exchanges, through the European Union’s financial assistance. Regarding the further steps, I believe I made it very clear; Albania has demonstrated; it has delivered results and now it is time for the European Union to keep its promise. So it is time for the member states to read the report and find in this report the strong points to overcome the remaining bilateral issues and to allow Albania and North Macedonia to sit at the table where they deserve to sit, because they have delivered on all the things required of them.
PM Edi Rama: There is a nuance one has to highlight when it comes to the word “result” in Albania’s integration process. Albania has delivered the results it had to achieve in this phase of the process. It is the European Union the one failing to deliver results, because it is the European Council that has said we should sit at the table of accession talks, but it is still not ready to do so. It is the European Union, not Albania, the one failing to deliver results in this case. Albania has delivered tangible results. The results Albania has achieved are domestically important. If we keep maintaining the reform momentum, if we keep delivering on the reforms process, starting with the judiciary reform, and the European Commission, in my view the only objective judge in this process, since others are subjectively influenced by their internal political developments and this is normal, if we keep making progress in all aspects, we make such progress not to pass the exam there. We are making such progress so that they stay here in Albania to become better every day. These are results that no matter what happens in the formal aspect there, they are accomplished results here domestically. It is important that one never forgets this. Let’s suppose that the European Union will keep doing so for 10 more years? What are we supposed to do? Shall we give up working and delivering on reforms? Shall we stop moving forward with the transformation process and consolidation of the country’s democratic and social establishment? Who are we going to hurt? Do you think that those in Berlin or Paris would lose their sleep? We would be hurting our own selves. We are doing all this for ourselves. The European Union is certainly irreplaceable in this process, precisely because through the Commission it helps us by providing instruments, by providing its huge know-how it has amassed throughout its entire history on how to deliver on all the state-building efforts, it helps us through its critical assessments, it helps us through its funds.
So, this way we will see results on both sides. If there is someone to be held accountable for not delivering results that is the European Union itself, which for three years now has been receiving the EC recommendation for Albania to sit at the table and start the accession talks, but the EU still fails to show up there. We have frequently explained the reasons why the EU fails to show up there and this is not about blaming the bloc at all.
Things flow according to a certain logic in the European Union and we have no other choice, but accept it. We can neither change it, nor lose our passion for the EU integration and inclusion in that family, just because that family currently faces certain problems at this stage and we haven’t caused those problems and therefore it is not us to resolve them.
On the other hand, the question about freedom of the media represents a good opportunity to tell you how we need to adapt ourselves as we make efforts to become part of this family.
I personally neither agree with what the Report notes, nor with the idea that the freedom of the media is being questioned here. If there is a country where one can say whatever he wants without facing any consequences, even by moving beyond the limits of imagination, that country is called Albania.
But on the other hand, although I don’t agree, it is my and our responsibility to realize that there are certain concepts within this family, there are some ways of seeing things that we need to adapt to. I started with myself. I haven’t provided any contribution to the 2021 Progress Report by replying to the way I think and I say things, but it won’t happen again with the journalists. I haven’t done it previously in order to intimidate you or threaten you, but I have done so as an individual thinking it is his right to reply just like being one of you, but seemingly forgetting the fact we are no longer the same and it is me the one who should refrain from issuing statements and comments. I personally have no finger on this year’s Report. Ambrosia can testify to it, since we haven’t had issues with each other.
Regarding the anti-defamation package, we haven’t taken it forward. I don’t understand why some are concerned about a non-existing thing. If they tell me they are concerned about independence of the Albanian public broadcaster, I don’t recall any previous period in the history when the Albanian Public Television has ever been more independent than today, a broadcaster that can do whatever it wishes and the communication between us and them has no influence whatsoever. The public broadcaster is just like any other broadcaster.
However, we adapt ourselves to the process.
In my view, the freedom of defamation in our country is at the highest level.
No freedom of defamation exists in none of the countries like in Albania given that I constantly follow the international media throughout the world. The freedom of defamation in Albania is at the highest level. Could this be the freedom of the media? I don’t think so. However, we have to adapt ourselves to it as we have no other choice, because our goal is to join this family. It is impossible that we tell them “you are right” when we like what they say, and then state “we are sovereign” anytime we don’t like their opinions. Of course we are sovereign, but the decision to join this family is a sovereign decision resting with all Albanians and we can’t proclaim individual sovereignty or resort to sovereignty whenever we don’t like it because of personal, political or party interests.
I personally don’t like it. I am not hiding it. I don’t like their approach towards the situation of defamation in Albania. However, I can’t do anything about it.
–A question for Ambassador Soreca. Few days ago, one of Albania’s top jurists, Ledi Bianku, wrote an article and concluded by writing that the piece’s title could have been “the Commission against the Commission or Europe against Europe.” He was referring to the fact that Europe applies different standards when it comes to the Polish judiciary system and other standards when it comes to the Albanian justice system. Likewise, Kosovo and North Macedonia’s ministers have acknowledged that the European Commission has not suggested them to adopt the justice reform model being implemented by Albania. Which are the standards the European Commission applies to Albania’s justice system seemingly unlike the justice systems in Europe and the Western Balkans?
-The second question is addressed to PM Rama. The Progress Report cited mismanagement of public sources and functions allegedly to buy votes in the elections and the lead of the sensitive personal data, showing the citizens’ political preferences, hinting at the so-called patronage system of the Socialist Party. Given that the Report voices concern about this, I would like to ask you: are you still proud of the Socialist Party’s patronage system and will you continue to use these teams of volunteers in the upcoming elections?
EU Ambassador Luigi Soreca: Thank you for the question. I think that the European Commission has made it clear about the rule of law standard in the European Union. Steps are being taken in the European Union against the member states that failed to meet these criteria. Regarding Albania, the judiciary reform is a translation of the very same principles. When the Albanian Assembly clearly decided to adopt the justice system reform we had a specific situation with the judiciary and this is the reason why the decision was made to pass the vetting process, which is yielding its results and the process should be postponed.
Indeed, it is being seen as such by other countries too, not necessarily in the Western Balkans, but also in the Western Balkans and our broader neighbourhood, which are interested in this reform. This reform is being explored. Is not being applied now, yet it could be applied in other countries in the future and for this reason it is important that the vetting process continues and completes in Albania, exactly for this reason, because it is becoming a point reference and for other countries in the region and elsewhere.
PM Edi Rama: It is clear to everyone that starting with the United States, both the Republicans and the Democrats, Great Britain, everywhere in the Western Europe and Eastern Europe, the EU member states, even in New Zealand and Australia; there is no political party without activists and supporters, or the so-called patronage activists. They could be called by other names, yet patronising is the core infrastructure of a political party that races to win elections and not only I am proud of the patronage system, since I haven’t made any comment on them after the elections, but I am even prouder than I used to be before the elections, because if it were not for them we wouldn’t turned out to be that invincible machinery, but we would have ended up organizing the “Pulpit”-like gatherings. The EC report speaks about claims that are being investigated. The Report focuses neither on the patronage system nor on Socialists etc. This is to clarify the public, because people are not going to read details of the Report. The Report hints at claims that are being investigated and the investigation will definitely go to the bottom of the whole story.
I won’t take more time by commenting on that and repeat that no problems regarding the personal data have been identified, because it is clear to everyone in the EU that when one speaks about an identity card it is all about a card, which contains sensitive personal, health, financial and social data. Our card is a sort of a licence plate containing nothing at all, but a number that implies nothing at all in terms of the sensitive personal data.
Second, the licence plates have been available on the internet for years now.
Third, these data are not valid and are of no importance and they are useless when it comes to the scope of work of the patronage system members. It was for this reason that we haven’t had such an element in our party’s database. These are issues that the relevant institutions can thoroughly investigate.
To conclude, I would repeat I am proud of the patronage system members, even prouder than I used to be before the elections, because, as I already said, we would have won not 74, but 77 seats in parliament if, not the patronage system members, but those who voted for our party wouldn’t have confused the corresponding number of our candidates with the number corresponding to other political parties. The contribution of the patronage system members to the election win is irreplaceable.
-First question for you, Mr. Ambassador, can Albania be considered as a cause for the European Union to alter its enlargement methodology?
-For you Mr. Prime Minister, should Albania undertake another major reform, like the judiciary reform, so that country secures a fourth consecutive EC report?
EU Ambassador Luigi Soreca: I can answer this question very briefly. Albania is part of the EU enlargement policy and when you are part of a game the rules cannot be changed while the game is being played. It is important precisely for all the merits of Albania. Again it has been put down in black and white on the annual EC Report that Albania has delivered and has fulfilled all the conditions and it is time to move forward. We are working hard at the EU level and with every EU member state to make sure that Albania is granted what it deserves, namely the intergovernmental conference before the end of the year.
PM Edi Rama: Of course it is not nice at all when you are told to do this and that and once you have done everything you have been asked for, you are told again: “Look, you have to deliver on this and that too, because some MPs here and there are asking again for more conditions to be met.” You deliver on all these, but all of a sudden someone else shows up and blocks everything.
North Macedonia was granted candidate status when the today’s Prime Minister of North Macedonia was a high school student.
Therefore, we must show utmost patience. All we can do is to deliver. The Progress Report is not something taken for granted. A candidate country should meet the objectives so that a positive recommendation is issued by the Commission, because it could happen that the Commission tells us: “Look, you were ready last year, but you are not ready this year.” So we should keep delivering and doing what we are meant to do.
-I have a question for Mr. Ambassador. The sentence “Dialogue is needed for the country’s political stability” is found in almost all progress reports issued by EC. The Democratic Party in opposition has forwarded three proposals that require new constitutional changes regarding three important issues, namely the vetting of politicians, the electoral reform and the territorial reform. Do you encourage such a process and will the EU Delegation contribute to this process by providing its expertise?
Me poshte vijon pjesa e dyte e konf per shtyp e KM Rama dhe Ambasadorit Soreca:
-Next question is for the Prime Minister. Since 98, the Constitution has been amended dozens and hundred times. Our experts have suggested that the country’s constitution is thoroughly reviewed. Do you support a profound constitutional reform in order to regulate all the powers in the long run?
EU Ambassador Luigi Soreca: Thank you for the question. I think you actually answered the question yourself. We have continuously put emphasis on the cross-party dialogue and consensus and we have actually done so in many parts of our reports. We have welcomed the opposition’s return to Parliament as the place where discussions, dialogue and negotiations on important issues should take place. We encourage both parties to sit and discuss the controversial issues. This is how democracy works. In case we are asked to provide our assistance, we will see if this is possible and we will be ready to help the entire political spectrum in Albania, as we have always done.
PM Edi Rama: First of all, there is nothing to justify the problems triggered by the failure to respect the Constitution in its current state.
Second, we can’t change the Bible and Quran only. Everything else can change, including the Constitution, because it is not written in stone.
Third, there could be room for talks about a deep constitutional reform that would alter the state’s entire constitutional architecture, but this is an undertaking that would require a commitment of another kind and it would certainly take a long time. In principle, I always support change and I think there is always an opportunity for change and nothing is unchangeable.
The need for change and the accomplishments are a fresh impetus for us to move forward.
Having said that, it is not the right moment today, I don’t think it is part of our vision and our goals to embark on such change, because we don’t see it as an imperative of today. If others have such an idea, they are of course welcome to discuss it. Everything can be put up for discussion and of course we will discuss everything, since we have to learn to discuss. Whether we agree or disagree it is something completely different. But there is something I want to state. I will publicly reiterate it in front of the Ambassador, because I have actually said it repeatedly. As long as I serve in this office, no dialogue between the government and the opposition will ever again take place in English. There is no reason to disturb our friends and partners and invite them to mediate here and there, about this and that. We have no reason to speak in English with one another. We can speak in Albanian and the Ambassadors have their interpreters. Our international friends and partners are irreplaceable in the entire process of our growth and consolidation, because, as I already said, it is in the strategic interest of the EU and the United States to see Albania fully integrated into all structures and of course they possessed a greater know-how they have accumulated over decades and centuries and they can transfer their know-how. And they are of course there to assist us whenever we need it, but there could be no longer English language dialogue among Albanians as long as the Socialist Party governs the country and as long as I serve as Prime Minister.
-Six international organizations promoting the freedom of the media have most recently called on the government to backtrack from establishing the Media Information Agency and they have urged the EU to express its position on this issue. What is your position on this issue?
EU Ambassador Luigi Soreca: I think we have been talking at length about the freedom of speech and expression and I believe you would find an answer to your question on the Report, which has to do exactly with the Media Information Agency. What we note in the report is that the media should be given access to government activities, to government institutions in such a way that allows the media to carry out its duty, which is central and essential to democracy everywhere, including Albania. Thank you!
PM Edi Rama: Today I have just but one answer. Do you know – I mean all the six organizations – what the Media and Information Agency is? My answer is in the form of a question. Modestly, I believe that you have no idea what you are talking about when raising such a concern. However, I am ready to receive representatives from the six organizations in person, and together with the Agency Director sit and discuss the matter in front of your cameras, or behind the closed doors, with your microphones or without microphones. You can ask and we will answer every question for you to eventually realize that the Agency is completely the opposite of what you claim to be. It is totally the opposite. The Agency is just a mechanism to ensure maximum transparency in relation with you. Do you understand this?! So, the Agency is to make sure that if you encounter any problem with any of the state institutions and if you are hindered to gain official information, you can then address this mechanism and report the institution that denies you information and this mechanism will immediately be set in motion. This is one of the duties the Agency is tasked with. There are other duties and I am ready to appear in front of you anywhere and anytime you wish me to do so. Because you have such a great misunderstanding that is deplorable. What is more deplorable is that you spread across the world false alarms over ghosts that are only your own fantasy and do not exist, before speaking in Albanian with your own government. And I promise you that if after the dialogue we will be holding conclude that this Agency should be cancelled, I would cancel it. I promise, but this would happen after you hear all the arguments and if you provide an argument, evidence, an example or a reason, the Agency will be cancelled.
But otherwise – you can do whatever you want because you are free, I’m not free, the media is free, the government is not free – you have to apologize and tell all these people that it was a false alarm.
Thank you so much!
