First Macedonian party in Albania registered

Tirana, 13:29

The Tirana Court has accepted the application for registration of the first political party founded by Macedonians in Albania. The party, dubbed Macedonian Alliance for European Integration, won court's endorsement after three consecutive adjournments, Makfax news agency reports.

"This is a historic momentum for Macedonians in Albania following 15-year efforts to register a political party that will work in the interest of Macedonians in Albania. The court had finally made a positive decision," the head of the Macedonian Alliance for European Integration, Eftim Mitrevski, told Makfax news agency.

According to the law, the Tirana Court is to issue a registration document within next 15 days, Mitrevski said.

"We believe that the first party of Macedonians will provide a positive contribution to successful resolution of problems encountered by Macedonians in Albania, and it will also encourage the democratic processes in the country," Mitrevski said.

Kimet Fetahu, leader of Macedonian Association "Peace" and member of the Initiative Board of the newly founded party, underscored that registration is a big step forward to European integration, however it is too late for the new party to participate in the forthcoming general elections in Albania due to expired deadlines.

"We are pleased with court's ruling, however, the deadline for announcing participation in elections, scheduled for 3 July, has expired," Fetahu said. /end/