The Situation in Albania - Comments by the Tánaiste

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dick Spring, TD, has made the following comments on the current crisis in Albania.

"I am gravely concerned at the continued deterioration of the situation in Albania. It affects not only the people of Albania themselves, but could have serious implications for stability in the Balkan region

Ireland and its partners in the European Union are involved in urgent consultations. As a member of the Troika, Ireland is maintaining close liaison with the Netherlands Presidency

We call on all sides in Albania to exercise restraint. The Government and opposition have a particular responsibility to come together in a common effort to seek a political solution to the current crisis".

Note for Editors: The EU's South East Europe Working Group is having an emergency meeting in Brussels tomorrow, and a special meeting of the Political Committee (consisting of the most senior foreign policy officials from EU Foreign Ministries) is being held on Thursday to discuss the Albanian situation.Top