site.btaVice President Iotova Talks with Albania's Chief Negotiator with EU

Sofia, May 31 (BTA) - Albania's progress on the road to the
European Union was discussed here on Monday during a meeting
between Vice President Iliana Iotova and Albania's Chief
Negotiator with the European Union, Zef Mazi, the President's
press secretariat said. Zef Mazi's visit is part of his tour of
the capitals of the EU Member States, where he presents the
progress of his country.

Mazi pointed out that Albania is seriously focused on the
reforms required by the EU, and thanked Bulgaria for its
support. The main question posed by Albania is how long the
process of postponing the start of accession negotiations will
continue.

Vice President Iotova noted the contribution of Bulgaria, which
during its EU Council Presidency put the topic of the Western
Balkans on the European agenda. Iotova and the guest expressed
the hope that Slovenia will once again make this topic a
priority during its Presidency. 

The two politicians also discussed the bilateral relations
between Bulgaria and North Macedonia. Iotova expressed
conviction that the negotiations should be conducted in
compliance with the rights of people of Bulgarian origin in
North Macedonia, and that hate speech should be stopped.

The positive step taken through last week's joint visit to Rome
by the Presidents of Bulgaria and North Macedonia, Rumen Radev
and Stevo Pendarovski, was  highlighted.

The rights of the Bulgarian national minority in Albania were
also discussed at the meeting. Mazi assured the Vice President
that the remaining four out of a total of 12 statutory
instruments from the secondary legislation of the 2017
Protection of National Minorities Act, which covers the
Bulgarian minority as well, will be adopted soon.

Mazi also met with caretaker Justice Minister Yanaki Stoilov,
the Ministry of Justice said. Mazi briefed Minister Stoilov on
Albania's progress in judicial reform. NV/DT