The Balkans expert, David Phillips analyzed yesterday’s parliamentary vote on the dismissal of President Meta, emphasizing that it was carried out by a parliament lacking an opposition, but it’s now time for the older generation of politicians in the country to clear the way.
In an interview for Euronews Albania, Philips stated that now is the time to wait for the verdict of the Constitutional Court, which carries a specific weight in this matter.
“The impeachment vote was conducted by a Parliament that doesn’t have any opposition. We don’t know factual basis of charges against President Meta, nor do we know how the Constitution Court will treat the impeachment that was taken today. One thing we do know, is that Albania needs to be clean, it needs to have a good governance. It’s time for the country to move on, for the older generation of politicians to step aside; Ilir Meta is part of that older generation and it’s time for a change. President Meta has appointed three members of the Constitutional Court, who I am sure will be trying to protect him. But it does matter what the Constitutional Court says, because the rule of law means something,” stated David Phillips.
According to the professor of International Relations at the University of Columbia in the U.S, the clash after the April 25th elections is a new formula of conflict and parties need to find a way to walk forward.
“It’s a form of further conflict in Albania. I am sure that there are some credible concerns about the conduct of the elections, about vote buying, but we don’t know unless there’s a commission of inquiry to determine the facts. We need to move forward, the country can’t stay the way it is,” argued Phillips.
In regards to the negotiation issues, Philips declared that now is time that the process for Albania and North Macedonia to not get stalled.
“See, these problems are ridiculous. It’s time for the country to get along with its neighbors, to move forward to peace and prosperity, for North Macedonia to find common ground and to collaborate. Why are we stuck in this situation where there’s conflict and debate?” continued David Phillips.
In addition, while commenting on the negotiations awaiting to take place between Kosovo and Serbia, professor David Philips stated that he is certain that if the negotiations will be honest, there will be a reciprocal recognition between both countries, while also keeping in mind the role that the US and EU will play in the process.
“If they will be full and fair negotiations, Serbia will recognize Kosovo as an independent and sovereign country within its current quartiers. It should provide a complete account of the missing persons, and if there are reparations to be paid Serbia should provide them. These negotiations have been going on for years and years. I’m through hearing about the diplomacy and license plates, let’s get to the core issue, let’s resolve them. If Serbia wants to become integrated into Euro-Atlantic institutions it needs to address the Kosovo question. If it doesn’t it’s going to be a pariah state, it’s going to be excluded. Mr. Vucic can buy expensive Italian suits but he can’t remake his image, especially with the conviction of Bratko Mladic, the era of war criminals and genocide is over, let’s move forward, let’s address these problems, let’s make a deal and establish peace and prosperity. The US and European Union need to work together, instead of just leaving it to the EU the US should also exert its influence and leverage over the parties. A deal is not hard to realize. Let’s make it clear to Belgrade and to Prishtina, that if they want to move forward, here are the terms. The US has the clout to make that happen. If it works closely to the EU it will make it happen, if leave the same architecture in place we won’t be moving forward,” concluded Mr. Philips.
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