First plenary session of new Albanian Parliament
09/09/2013 18:40

The first plenary session of the new Parliament coming out of the June 23rd elections was held this Monday afternoon.

This ceremonial session had the presence of diplomatic body representatives and religious community leaders, besides the Parliament Members.

After hearing the national anthem, Namik Dokle led the session as the oldest Parliament Member.

“I am declaring the opening of the first meeting of the eighth legislature of Albania. This is the first legislature in history that starts without boycott, thanks to the Parliament Members elected by the Albanian people. May love come where there is hate, and unification where there is division”, Dokle declared.

The Socialist Party Parliament Member then read all the names of the Parliament Members, and chose the ones of them who will temporarily lead the Parliament’s Secretariat. Since this duty belongs to the youngest Parliament Members, they are: Ylli Shehu, Klajda Gjosha and Olta Xhacka.

The session leader warned the establishing of the temporary commission for the verification of mandates, members of which were elected by the Parliamentary group leaders.

Gramoz Ruci from the Socialist Party appointed: Armando Subashi, Vexhi Mucmata, Ermonela Felaj and Besnik Bare. Edi Paloka from the Democratic Party appointed: Fatjona Ademi, Oerd Bylykbashi, Arben Ristani and Gerti Bogdani. Petrit Vasili from the Socialist Movement for Integration appointed Vangjel Tavo.

Dokle closed the inauguration ceremony of the new legislature by announcing the next session on Tuesday at 11:00. In this session the Commission for verification of mandates will present the report for the elected Parliament Members, which will need verification.

After taking the oath, the Parliament will hold a session for appointing the Parliament Speaker, who will be the Socialist Movement for Integration leader, Ilir Meta. Meta will also appoint the vice speakers.

Arvizu: We expect cooperation in Parliament

After the session was over, the United States Ambassador to Tirana, Alexander Arvizu, greeted the chosen Parliament Members by wishing them success in their job.

“I want to express my best wishes on behalf of the United States and the 140 newly elected Parliament Members. I think that 40% of them are young, 40% are not for their first time, and I am very happy with the number of women in the Albanian Parliament and government. This is a day to celebrate, but there is still much work to do. All eyes will be on the government and the Parliament developments”, Arvizu declared.

A similar congratulation came from the European Union Ambassador, Ettore Sequi: “I think that this is a historic day for Albania”, he declared.