Joint Statement on the signature of protocols establishing diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkeyby EU Commissioners Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Olli Rehn
(10 October 2009) The European Commission warmly welcomes the signature by the Armenian and Turkish Foreign Ministers in Zurich this evening of the protocols on establishing diplomatic relations and developing bilateral relations, including the opening of the common border. The Commission considers it a courageous and far-sighted step forward towards peace and stability in South Caucasus region and a truly historic decision showing readiness to compromise on both sides.
This Armenia-Turkey agreement will benefit all countries in the South Caucasus region.
Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner welcomed the signature: “The signature of the protocols confirms the desire of both Turkey and Armenia to turn a page and build a new future. This opens new perspectives for the solution of conflicts, notably in Nagorno Karabakh. In this context I invite Armenia and Azerbaijan to intensify their efforts within the OSCE Minsk Group towards a peaceful solution of the outstanding issues.”
Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn underlined that "Turkey and Armenia have taken bold decisions on an historic step. We trust that they will show the same courage to pursue the commitments they have taken today. This will set a good example for the whole region."
The Commission looks forward to the ratification and implementation of the two protocols according to the agreed timetable and without any additional preconditions. The Commission invites both governments to engage fully in this process without delays. As far as the opening of the common border is concerned, the Commission stands ready to assist both sides in fully realizing the economic potential such an opening represents.

Statement on the resignation of Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader
(01 July 2009) The Commission takes note of the decision of Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader to resign. On hearing the news Commission President José Manuel Barroso said:
"I highly appreciated the work of Mr Sanader as Prime Minister leading his country on the path of European integration during his time in office. The country is well on track towards EU membership. It has already become a member of NATO. I thank Mr Sanader for his commitment to European integration. And I thank him for the good cooperation we have had over the years."
Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn added:
"I have highly appreciated to work with Ivo Sanader on the EU accession of Croatia even if we sometimes had difficult issues to discuss in the negotiations. His leadership and commitment to European integration was instrumental to the progress we made. I encourage Croatia now to settle his succession rapidly so as to continue with the important reforms still ahead to get ready for EU membership. A goal to which the Commission remains strongly committed."

Statement by Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn on the Albanian elections
(29 June 2009) "I take note of the OSCE/ODIHR preliminary conclusions stating that tangible progress has been made in some areas. However, these improvements were overshadowed by the politicization of technical aspects of the election process as well by violence during the election campaign. The Election Day was overall calm and peaceful. There were also slight improvements concerning the voting process although some procedural violations were observed. I agree with the OSCE/ODIHR election mission statement that the definite assessment of the elections can not be done before the vote counting and tabulation is completed. However, these elections clearly underline the need for the Albanian political leadership, across the party lines, to work hard in order to conduct elections in the future which fully meet international standards and have high public confidence of the Albanian voters. "

Statement by enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn on the murder of a lawmaker in Albania
(3 May 2009) "I strongly condemn the murder of Fatmir Xhindi. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends. I call on the Albanian authorities to investigate this crime thoroughly and bring the perpetrator to justice."