Prime Minister Sali Berisha, also the chairman of the ruling Democratic Party, began today consultations with the leaders of the Parliamentary parties in the ruling coalition in the framework of negotiations for election of the new President of the Republic.

Accompanying the prime minister to the meetings were legislators and members of the DP leading board, Astrit Patozi and Edmond Spaho. Yesterday the DP leading board mandated them to negotiate with the allies together with Mr. Berisha.

Mr. Berisha met today with the Chairman of the Socialist Movement for Integration Ilir Meta. Speaking to reporters after their meeting, PM Berisha said that they shared the same views with the SMI leadership, the main ally of the DP in the ruling coalition. “We are going to make all efforts for election of the President by the broadest possible consensus. There is a real opportunity and we shall hold other meetings so that the country has as soon as possible the deserved head of state. The ruling majority is willing to have in the first round suitable presidential candidates who can give credit to the country”. Mr. Berisha said he expects the opposition leader Edi Rama will entrust and mandate two party members for the negotiations, too. “We target to have a civilized, responsible and constitutional process”, Mr. Berisha said.

Further on, PM Berisha held special meetings with the chairman of the Republican Party Fatmir Mediu and the leader of the Party for Justice, Integration and Unity Shpëtim Idrizi. Speaking to reporters after these meetings, PM Berisha said there was a crystal clear willingness to make efforts for a transparent and dignified process with the broadest possible support in the Parliament. In this context, Mr. Patozi and Mr. Spaho are to contact the Socialist Party mandated officials and meet them at the Parliament’s venues, said the prime minister.

“If there prevails realism and the willingness to give the country the deserved president in line with the Constitution and the broadest possible support, then it can be done since the first round”, said Mr. Berisha.

Saying that the process must be based on trust, Mr. Berisha said that today they discussed no name during the meetings. On Monday, the process will follow with the other stages, said Mr. Berisha expressing hope for good understanding.

Answering to question about a meeting with Mr. Rama, PM Berisha said: “We have undertaken the most sweeping reforms in the country history together with Mr. Rama without holding any meeting at all. It’s not for show, the essence is of importance. I hope Mr. Rama thinks the same way.”