TIRANA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Albanian business representatives urged politicians on Monday to sit down and find a solution for the current political crisis that is seriously damaging the country's economy and business.
The representatives made the declaration while attending a meeting organized in the capital Tirana by Albanian Chambers of Commerce and Private Entrepreneurship Associations.
All the participants unanimously asked for dialogue and reflection among the ruling and opposition political parties to solve the political crisis.
According to the President of Albanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nikolin Jaka, the political crisis has given its first negative effects in the economy.
"The effects have been noted in the significant reduction of investments, as well as in tourism, where tourists have started to cancel their bookings," Jaka said.
Jaka underlined that the long-lasting political crisis has created a climate of mistrust among the entrepreneurs and citizens.
Luan Bregasi, head of "Business Albania", called on the politicians to find a solution.
"They should reflect and immediately meet. We don't give any recommendation for the solutions, but it is our moral duty to call on them to meet, reflect and find the best solution. The political crisis has caused big problems, especially in tourism," Bregasi said.
In his remarks, head of Albanian Tourism Association, Enver Mehmeti, said that according to the preliminary data registered in the first four months of this year, the tourism market dropped by 9.5 percent compared to the same period of last year.
Since mid-February, Albania has been going through a political crisis, with the opposition parties holding several anti-government protests -- some turned violent, asking Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and his cabinet to step down for early general elections.
