The US Ambassador to Albania referred to the approval of the legal amendments, in line with the justice reform that began in 2016, as a moment of historical importance. These changes, the ambassador said, will make it easier for the High Court to review the cases.
Ambassador Kim drew a comparison between the importance of the justice reform in Albania and the significance that mountains have in the country’s history.
“In my time here in Albania, I have been told many times about the importance of mountains to Albania’s history. The history of justice reform is no different”, declared the US diplomat.
Yuri Kim underlined that the full functionality of the Constitutional Court, as well as of the High Court, would pave the way to the full completion of the justice reform. The Ambassador cited the Venice Commission opinion, noting that “the operation of the High Court may be even more critical to the stability of Albania than the presence of the Constitutional Court”.
“Since 2016, you, the major stakeholders in Albania’s justice system together with the people of Albania have been making your way up a mountain. It has been a path of unexpected turns, challenges, and unforeseen obstacles. I am here today to remind you that you are approaching the summit. I tell you that the view from the top is one of a brighter future and better opportunities. The vision of where you can head from there is clear. We will get there together, step by step”, added the ambassador.
Furthermore, Ambassador Kim reiterated that the U.S.-supported Backlog Reduction Officers are working on improving the efficiency of the High Court and guarantee a functional High Court that will provide access to justice to the Albanian citizens.
“Justice institutions, including the High Court, are now functional, and justice reform is bringing positive developments and results. The Albanian public deserves to see what these institutions are capable of once they reach full capacity! We are all climbing together to the top of that mountain. Albania is now on the cusp of real justice reform”, concluded Ambassador Kim.
