” “Now, Albania is "called to fulfil the obligations set forth by the agreement; and this is a big challenge. Only Albania can put in place the stated reforms", but "the European Union will stay on its side along the way to modernisation". During the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the 25 member states that is taking place in Strasbourg, the Austrian Minister Ursula Plassnik gave a favourable opinion of the signing of the Agreement for stabilisation and association (Asa) with the Eagle Country, represented by its prime minister Sali Berisha. "Signing the agreement means laying the cornerstone for bringing Albania closer to European standards. If it has been adopted specifies the president on duty of the Council it is just because of the hard work" done by Tirana "within the democratic and economic reforms" that have been kick-started after the fall of the Communist regime. In addition, "a long-term perspective of joining the EU" appears clear, "its speed depending on the efforts that will be made" by the Albanian government to meet the Copenhagen criteria. The Asa (which has already been signed by FYROM, while negotiations are under way with Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro) establishes first of all that a free trade zone be created between Albania and all of the EU member states. Again, Plassnik stated that Cyprus and Turkey have met halfway, so the negotiations about Ankara’s accession to the European Union can be officially opened.” “
