Statement of Commissioner Štefan Füle following the consensual appointment of the Ombudsman by the Albanian parliament
"I am particularly glad that the Albanian Parliament has agreed today to appoint Mr. Igli Totozani as the new People's Advocate.
I want to commend the Albanian Parliament and the political parties for this important result and for the transparent and open process leading to this appointment. Filling this position will help strengthen a key independent institution that plays a fundamental role in safeguarding Albanian citizens' rights.
I want to stress that the way in which this appointment was finalised is an important step towards consolidating the dialogue between the ruling majority and the opposition.
I welcome this development that paves the way for fulfilling one of the 12 key priorities identified by the European Commission in the Opinion on Albania's application for EU membership.
This is another encouraging sign of the new impetus that Albania is gaining on the path to EU integration. I look forward to further positive developments in other key priority areas in 2012.
I wish the new Ombudsman every success in fulfilling his important function".