National Albanian American Council (NAAC)Press Release

June 24, 2014
NAAC Congratulates Albania on EU Candidate Status

  

 

The National Albanian American Council (NAAC) congratulates Albania on being granted official EU candidate status. Indeed, this is a proud achievement for Albania, it's people, and Albanians throughout the world! Congratulations to all!
 
Already a NATO member, Albania's EU candidate status is a major step for its full integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. The EU candidate status serves as recognition of the new government's reform efforts, but must also be seen as encouragement to continue public administration and judiciary reform, a sustained fight against corruption and organized crime, protection of human rights, implementation of property rights and increased freedom of the press. "Being granted the EU candidate status is not an end, but rather the beginning of a process that will require political cooperation from the government and the opposition," said Avni Mustafaj, NAAC's Executive Director.
 
There are considerable populations of ethnic Albanians in Albania, Kosova, Macedonia, Montenegro, Greece and Serbia, and a vibrant and engaged diaspora throughout Europe and the US. Therefore, Albanians have the unique opportunity to lead the process of change. Integration of the Balkans into the EU will require leadership from Albanians and we, as a people, can be a force of stability, prosperity, and peace in the region.
 
 

 

 

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The National Albanian American Council is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for Albanians and promoting peace and economic development in the Balkans by fostering democratic policy, promoting respect for human rights, and conducting educational and developmental programs.