Expressing concern about the decision of the opposition to withdraw from Parliament, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland said: “In a democracy the legislature is the first instance where political issues affecting the whole country should be debated and solutions should be sought. The Albanian opposition should not abandon parliament”.

In view of the announced protests in Tirana today, he said: “All parties should refrain from violent rhetoric and violence on the streets. The right of assembly and demonstration should be exercised peacefully”.

See also :

• Albania and the Council of Europe