Nikolaos Chountis, European Parliament Rapporteur for Albania and member of GUE/NGL and EL, expressed on Tuesday his regret on the death and injury of protestors during the recent demonstration in Tirana and urged for an impartial and immediate investigation over its circumstances.

“President Berisha and the Albanian Authorities must respect the democratic right of citizens to demonstrate. The Government and the Opposition should act with political maturity and responsibility. Government and Opposition have to take all necessary measures to prevent the escalation of violence and to find a political solution through dialogue”, Nikolaos Chountis affirmed.

The Albanian opposition, headed by Edi Rama, Socialist Party president, called on the citizens to continue the struggle “because the way out is clear - either a free Albania for all, or keep the people subdued under the boot of barbaric power". 2009 elections have not been recognised by Edi Rama, who alleges that the poll was manipulated in favour of Berisha. The international community defends that election standards haven’t been accomplished in the country since the fall of its Communist regime in 1991.

On a joint statement of the EU External Action service and the enlargement commissioner Stefan Fule, EU has warned Albanian politicians to cease violence following the death of the three anti-government protesters and the injury of another 150 people in front of the Prime Minister's office on Friday. EU had previously denied Albania’s application until the political impasse ends. The country remains as one of the poorest in Europe, with a huge unemployment rate and surviving, in part, from the economic dependence on Italy and Greece for importations and from the money sent by refugees working in a foreign country.

Following an appeal from the United States and the demand of the European envoy, conservative Prime Minister Sali Berisha said he would call off the pro-government rally planned for Saturday. The opposition has refused to cancel its own upcoming demonstration, reaffirming that protests planned for Friday would be peaceful.

“As noted in the past, including in the Resolution adopted by the European Parliament, respect for democracy, application of law, combating corruption, full transparency and the sincere efforts of all political forces are not only necessary conditions for a solution to this chronic political stalemate, but also for addressing the problems of Albanian citizens”, the MEP concluded.

Local elections are scheduled for the 8^th May, but the general elections are not planned until 2013.