COPENHAGEN, 25 January 2011 - The President of the OSCE PA Mr. Petros Efthymiou today issued the following statement:

“We express our deep concern for recent violent acts in Albania, which resulted in the loss of human lives and in several injuries. We call on the Albanian Government, the political parties and all political forces of the country to preserve constitutional stability, as well as to exercise maturity and restraint, in order to avoid repetition of violent events and escalation of tension. Maintaining peace and stability is of the utmost importance, not only for Albania, but also for the broader region.

“In line with its key aims, the OSCE PA shall support all peaceful and viable efforts to strengthen democracy, protect human rights and preserve the rule of law."