Tirana, October 6 NOA - The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth today visited the President of the Republic, Prof. Dr. Bamir Topi in a first meeting after his recent arrival.
Ambassador Wollfarth expressed the OSCE Presence’s full appreciation for the President’s role as a guarantor of the Constitution and rule of law. The Head of Presence added that, during his tenure, the OSCE Presence will remain committed to further support the Office of the President.
Ambassador Wollfarth assured the President that the OSCE Presence would continue to pursue its overall goal to promote democratization, the rule of law and human rights, as well as to consolidate democratic institutions in conformity with OSCE principles, standards and commitments.
In referring to local government elections due in May 2011, Ambassador Wollfarth said: “An early start to the necessary administrative preparations is crucial for the 2011 local government elections. It must be in line with the latest OSCE/ODIHR recommendations. The OSCE Presence stands ready to provide the necessary technical expertise in such circumstances”.
President Topi stated that he would support Mr. Wollfarth in his mission also in order to preserve the very good level of co-operation, characterized by earnestness and mutual trust.
He praised the OSCE support to Albania’s priorities in the framework of the European Union integration, while underlining that Albania is interested in increasing its engagement and responsibility within the OSCE, by promoting the values of the Albanian society and culture.
e.r/NOA
