In his address to the PACE, Prime Minister Sali Berisha recalled the considerable distance covered by Albania over the two decades following the fall of its prevailing dictatorship; he expressed his gratitude to the Council of Europe which had always been at his country’s side in its efforts to establish and strengthen democracy, respect for human rights and rule of law.

The Prime Minister said in particular that the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers currently held by his country formed the “brightest jewel in the crown of the centenary of Albanian independence” being celebrated this year. Strongly attached to the fundamental values of the Council of Europe, the Albanian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers will be built around the theme “United in diversity.”

- Video of the speech

- Speech

- Albania and the Council of Europe