Albania: OECD's Zannier concerned about election
Observer mission "very strong", but risk of instability

02 MAY, 12:36

(ANSAmed) - VIENNA, MAY 2 - The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development is ready to increase its scrutiny of Albania's parliamentary elections on June 23 because of concern about the political climate in the country.

The OECD may send more observers to Tirana in a "much broader election mission", OECD secretary-general Lamberto Zannier said.

"We are watching with concern signs of growing political conflict and we are expecting a very competitive electoral process in a difficult climate," Zannier told ANSA.

There is concern that developments there could undermine the stability of the entire region.

"We hope that there will not be excessive nationalism that could create elements of instability in the region," he said.

"The OECD has invested so much in Albania".

After talks with Edi Rama, the head of the Albanian Socialist Party last week, Zannier said he hoped that the upcoming elections would contribute to developing constructive interaction among Albanian political forces and strengthening democratic governance. "I would like to emphasize that I expect all sides to contribute to bringing the expected degree of legitimacy and credibility to the electoral process," he said at the Time.

(ANSAmed).