Aderholt Calls For Peaceful Dialogue In Albania

Contact: Darrell "DJ" Jordan
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CONGRESSMAN ROBERT ADERHOLT STATEMENT ON THE VIOLENCE IN ALBANIA

Washington, DC - Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Alabama) today issued the following statement on the unrest and violence erupting during protests in Albania.

“The United States is a good friend of Albania. Over the past decade, the U.S. Congress worked to ensure Albania’s successful inclusion into the NATO Alliance. I have supported Albania and the efforts of its people to strengthen their democratic institution and adhere to the rule of law.”

“I oppose any use of violence against democratic and legitimate institutions. Democracy and the rule of law are not served by violence and power cannot be legitimately taken in the streets. All grievances and disputes must be addressed within legitimate institutions through dialogue and in accordance with the law."

“I believe it would be helpful to have a full investigation into what happened during the January 21st demonstration. Today, I reiterate the call made by others to avoid further acts of violence. My hope is that the Albanian political leaders will choose to work for the future of the Albanian people through dialogue within recognized institutions. Only with a return to calmer political discourse can Albania move forward to full European integration.”

International peace and human rights are issues that Congressman Aderholt has worked on for over a decade. In July, Congressman Aderholt was reelected as Vice Chair of the General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions during the 19th Annual Session of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) in Oslo, Norway. As vice chair of the committee, Congressman Aderholt helps to set the agenda on democracy and human rights issues before the Parliamentary Assembly. The Assembly helps steer the policy direction of the OSCE in monitoring and encouraging the 56 participating states to comply with international commitments on security, economic issues and human rights.

Congressman Aderholt participates in the Parliamentary Assembly as a member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission. The Helsinki Commission is an independent agency of the U.S. Government charged with monitoring compliance with the Helsinki Accords and advancing comprehensive security through promotion of human rights, democracy, and economic and military cooperation in 56 countries, including Albania. Aderholt has been a member of the Commission since 2001.

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