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The U.S. Embassy regrets that this absence of necessary Administrative Courts legislation requires withdrawal of support for an initiative identified as important by all Albanians
Tirana, October 6, NOA - The United States Embassy expresses its disappointment over the failure of the passage of the Administrative Courts Law on September 30, 2010.
The Administrative Courts Law was designed to reduce opportunities for corruption, improve transparency in the judicial system, strengthen the rule of law, boost citizen trust in public institutions, and further align Albania's judicial system with required European Union integration standards. The law was identified as an important requirement for Albania, and it has had wide support from political parties and from the business community.
Failure to pass this law has resulted in the withdrawal of continued U.S. assistance to the Administrative Courts component of the nearly 16 million dollar Millennium Challenge Corporation agreement. Earlier planned activities that now will not be undertaken by the U.S. include implementation of an electronic case management system, purchasing of equipment, overseeing of initial training sessions, and conducting of a public awareness campaign to inform citizens regarding what would have been the benefits of the new Courts.
Non-passage of this law will also affect any future consideration of Millennium Challenge Corporation “Compact Status” and related funding possibilities.
The U.S. Embassy actively engaged both parties and sought their support for passage of this law.
The U.S. Embassy expresses its appreciation for the measures taken by the parliamentary majority to seek its passage. It is regrettable that the opposition chose not to vote on the bill.
The American people have been generous with their deep support for Albania’s development and progress. Since 1991, the United States has provided over 700 million dollars in assistance to Albania, including programs focused on reducing corruption, advancing the rule of law, strengthening democratic institutions, improving health care, promoting greater security, and assuring continued economic development.
The U.S. Embassy regrets that this absence of necessary Administrative Courts legislation requires withdrawal of support for an initiative identified as important by all Albanians.
e.r/NOA
