The Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the European Parliament, David McAllister, during a media conference in Tirana was asked about the case of Belinda Balluku, suspended from her post as Deputy Prime Minister and for whom SPAK has requested her arrest.
McAllister stated that the case was part of discussions during the visit and meetings held in Albania, but stressed that he was not in a position to comment on an individual case or to get involved in its legal aspects. However, he underlined that there is also a dimension of political responsibility that needs to be resolved within the Albanian government itself.
He added that Albania still has work to do in the European integration process and that any development that affects the functioning of institutions and justice reform is closely followed by the European Union.
The European Union Ambassador to Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, also expressed the same view, stating that the government's initiatives related to the rule of law are closely monitored. "We closely follow the government's initiatives related to the rule of law, not only because we are concerned about their harmonization with that of the EU, but also so that they do not affect the justice reform. As for the impact or influence they have in this case, I would not have a comment on this case. We expect to be consulted on these initiatives," said Gonzato.
