TIRANA - An OSCE report published few days ago in the media, in which some of the most important names of the Albanian politicians are mentioned, is an informing and internal material of the OSCE. The explanation was given by the Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Florian Raunig from Korca. He said that he regretted the fact that the information was manipulated and made public without authorization.

“Regarding the recent unauthorized and misleading information of internal information material of the OSCE Presence I would like to express our regret that this information was made public - without authorisation - and subject to misinterpretation and political manipulation,” said Raunig.

He explained that the information does not represent either the OSCE Presence policy or its official point of view, neither is it an assessment nor a judgment nor did it form the basis of any other reports. He reiterated that the summary was merely a collection of information from reports in the Albanian media and allegations circulating publicly. The Presence did not verify the information used, as the purpose of the exercise was to obtain an overview of allegations, not to determine their truth.

“Finally, I would like to emphasize the excellent relations the Presence established with the Albanian institutions, particularly the Parliament, the Government and the political parties and to firmly reject any attempts of trying to undermine these relations. We will continue to work closely with all players to advance standards in public life,” said Raunig.

The OSCE report published at first by Lapsi.al mentioned the highest politicians, including Prime Minister Edi Rama, his predecessor, Sali Berisha, and also Ilir Meta, as involved in corruption, illegal business activities, together with some Parliament Members. The head of OSCE Presence made this statement after the inauguration of two offices for the communication of Korca district lawmakers with electors.

“Our goal – our shared goal – has always been to strengthen the basic health of Albania’s democracy; to reinforce participation; to reinforce trust. Ultimately, a parliament that operates in a transparent, accessible, accountable and responsive manner is more effective,” said Raunig. The opening of these offices, the first ones in Albania, has been supported by OSCE in the frame of the project entitled “Building bridges between parliament and civil society”, funded by the Austrian Agency for Development. In her speech at the event, the deputy speaker of parliament, Valentina Leskaj spoke about the importance of bringing closer the electors and lawmakers.