Albanian parties reach agreement to solve political conflict

Albania's government reached an agreement with the main opposition parties on 18 May 2017 to solve the political crisis affecting the country for months.

The agreement includes an arrangement by which the opposition joins the government and takes over a set of ministries until the parliamentary election takes places. This was re-scheduled to be held on 25 June with the participation of the opposition parties.

It also comprises an agreement for the end a parliamentary boycott and the adoption of a judicial reform to implement rules which are seen as necessary to advance Albania's EU accession negotiations.

The European Union welcomed the agreement.

EU: EEAS: Press Release, 19.05.2017: Statement by Federica Mogherini and Johannes Hahn on the agreement reached by political parties in Albania https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/26509/

Reuters, 18.05.17: Albania's parties end three-month standoff with agreement on reforms http://www.reuters.com/article/us-albania-election-pact-idUSKCN18E2RT

Balkan Insight, 19.05.17: Albania Opposition to Join Govt Ahead of Election http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/opposition-enters-with-technical-ministers-in-albanian-gov-05-18-2017

Balkan Insight, 18.05.17: Albania Resolves Political Crisis With Election Deal http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/albania-resolve-crises-with-parties-pledging-to-enter-elections-05-18-2017

European Western Balkans, 18.05.17: Agreement on crisis resolution in Albania reached https://europeanwesternbalkans.com/2017/05/18/agreement-on-crisis-resolution-in-albania-reached/

European Western Balkans, 19.05.17: Rama-Basha agreement, Election Day on June 25, Cabinet reshuffle https://europeanwesternbalkans.com/2017/05/19/rama-basha-agreement-election-day-on-june-25-cabinet-reshuffle/

EurActiv, 19.05.17: Following Macedonia, Western pressure resolves Albanian crisis https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/following-macedonia-western-pressure-resolves-albanian-crisis/

Balkan Insight, 22.05.17: Albania Analysts Ponder Recent PM, Opposition ‘Big Deal’ http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/albania-analysts-ponder-recent-pm-opposition-big-deal--05-22-2017

EurActiv, 23.05.17: Albanian opposition joins government to clear vote obstacles http://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/albanian-opposition-joins-government-to-clear-vote-obstacles/

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