US Urges Calm After Albania Politician Murder

Tirana, 19 June 2009

US ambassador John L WithersThe US Embassy in Tirana has urged Albanian politicians to maintain a "peaceful environment" in the run-up to elections after a local party boss was killed by an explosive device placed in his car.

“We urge the Government of Albania and all political actors to work together to maintain a peaceful environment where all Albanians who wish to do so can vote with a calm and peaceful mind on June 28,” said the embassy in a statement.“We once again express our hope and expectation that the upcoming elections are in full accordance with international standards.”

Aleksander Keka, the local head of the Christian Democratic Party in the Malsia e Madhe region in Northern Albania, was found dead early on Thursday after his car exploded and went off-road close to the city of Shkodra. The 38-year-old was found a few metres from his burning car on the highway linking the town of Koplik with Shkodra. Police are still investigating the cause of the explosion.

The death comes just days ahead of the June 28 parliamentary elections, which are seen as key for Albania’s EU accession hopes. With Albania newly promoted to NATO membership and EU candidate status, the ballot is seen as a crucial test of the country's democratic credentials.EU officials in Brussels and Tirana have said the poll will be considered a litmus test for the EU aspirations of the Albanian government.

The election campaign has already been marred by murder after a supporter of the opposition party killed a 25-year-old activist from the ruling Democratic Party in the village of Qerret, close to the town of Durres.On May 4, opposition deputy Fatmir Xhindi was gunned down outside his home in the town of Roskovec in Southern Albania. Xhindi’s murder remains a mystery to this day. No suspects have been identified.