"I would have asked Hajdaraga for his resignation since May, but he did not give it" The Albanian prime minister explains to the Socialist group the reasons for the recent changes in government

BY MENTOR KIKA The Stability Pact will not really face bureaucratic obstacles in the face of the will for reforms, once some additional measures are taken and the effective management of the funds it brings to the countries of the region marked by wars and ethnic conflicts begins. "The Stability Pact is a large fund that is mobilized on one side and implemented through management on the other; in the Balkans that is not easy. Unintentionally, from communism, in the Balkan states (excluding the former Yugoslavia here), unusual mechanisms for a free society were rapidly installed. Corruption spread at a frightening speed and its stain is still felt today," said Bulgaria's president, Petar Stoyanov, in Brussels last Friday, in connection with the "Stability Pact". The Bulgarian president's words come a day after the head of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Austrian ambassador Erhard Busek, expressed concern about the distribution of the funds from this pact. "I am more convinced that the countries of the Eastern European region must take a stand against corruption. Every country must fight corruption. 9 million dollars for the countries of the region marked by wars and ethnic conflicts is a large sum. I am convinced that this administration will again face challenges and the need for reforms in management. Donor organizations are sensitive; the countries must fulfill their duties," he said further. This is a fitting opportunity to analyze the situation in the Balkans now that a large part of the funds has begun to be touched. According to the Bulgarian president, easing discontent will come when there is harmonization with economic policies and development in the countries of the region. "First, corruption and the old corrupt administration must be cleaned up, capable and responsible people must be appointed to the administration, and effective and functional financing for the country must be established. This is the only way to give priority to reforms throughout the region," Stoyanov stated. He also said that the promised aid will be expected, but it must be ensured that it does not disappear into the wrong channels or through the failure to implement projects. Busek further said that the administrative capacity of the countries of the region in this regard is still insufficient, since in his view work standards also leave much to be desired. For this reason, according to reports from the Bulgarian office and the Balkan center, more efficient mechanisms will be protected and sought when the Balkan risk of corruption may erupt. Although for European officials this sounds logical and understandable, the governments of the Balkan countries are linking these statements to the current anti-corruption campaign. In any case, the problem seems to remain twofold: on the one hand, it appears that there will indeed be funds and investments for the countries of the region, and on the other hand there is fear that they will be lost because of weak administration and corruption. Referring to senior officials in the Balkan countries, governments exposed to this situation should take more serious measures. Busek further said that this issue must be raised and brought to every table. (to be continued on page 2)

General Aleks Andoni, Enver's husband A working group is created to draft the law page 20

EN Meta says: Why I removed the ministers. "I would have asked Hajdaraga for his resignation since May, but he did not give it." The prime minister explains to the socialist group the reasons for the latest changes in the government. EN Pact, fear of corruption in the Balkans. EN The last days of Ervehe Andoni. General Aleks Andoni, Enver's spouse. A working group is created to draft the law. IT Meta says: Why I removed the ministers. "I would have asked Hajdaraga for his resignation since May, but he did not give it." The prime minister explains to the socialist group the reasons for the latest changes in the government. IT Pact, fear of corruption in the Balkans. IT The last days of Ervehe Andoni. General Aleks Andoni, Enver's spouse. A working group is created to draft the law.

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