TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ Dutch Ambassador Marleen Monster said Albania’s protests reflect public discontent and social tensions, stressing that while citizens have the right to demonstrate, violence is unacceptable.
During a visit to Korçë, where she met with law enforcement representatives to discuss media freedom, Monster stressed that citizens have the right to protest, but that violence is unacceptable.
“The protests showed that there is considerable tension in society and that people are dissatisfied; otherwise, they would not have taken to the streets. The violence shocked us. Protesting is a good thing, but violence is something we would not want to see,” the Ambassador said.
Monster also commented on the European Commission’s Progress Report on Albania, welcoming the progress made while stressing that further efforts are still needed in certain areas.
Monster said the European Commission’s Progress Report recognises Albania’s significant progress, while pointing out that further work remains to be done in several areas.
She reiterated the Netherlands’ support for Albania’s EU accession, emphasising that membership commitments must translate into concrete results. She identified the rule of law as one of the key areas requiring continued progress.
Monster said the Netherlands remains firmly committed to supporting Albania’s EU integration process, describing the Dutch approach as strict, fair and proactive. She stressed that commitments must go beyond written pledges and result in tangible action on the ground, identifying the rule of law as an area requiring further progress.
She also underlined the need to maintain the momentum of justice reform implementation and honour the commitments already undertaken.
The Ambassador called on Albania to stay the course with its ongoing reforms, stressing the need to ensure the continued implementation of the justice reform and fulfil all newly undertaken commitments.
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