TIRANA, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The fight against drug cultivation and trafficking as well as the preparation of a normal electoral process are the two priorities of Albania's newly-appointed interior minister, he said Monday.
Fatmir Xhafaj told reporters his challenge was to take Albania once and for all off the list of countries which cultivates cannabis, warning that there would be no compromise with traffickers, offenders and corrupt police officers.
former interior minister Sajmir Tahiri was dismissed days ago following Albanian opposition allegations over police involvement in drugs trafficking. Over the last three years, the Interior Ministry and state police in particular have been often accused of defending drug dealers and traffickers.
As Albania holds general elections on June 18, Xhafaj said he would do everything to make sure all procedures concerning the elections were followed in accordance with the law.
"The elections belong to the people and police is at their service. We will not allow police to interfere in this process. We aspire to hold free and fair elections," he declared.
Opposition parties have declared that they will not participate in the elections if Prime Minister Edi Rama will still be in office. However, the majority has made it clear that elections will be held with or without opposition.
