Law on Legalization of Illegal Housing Units Needs Political Concensus

MJAFT

23 March 2006

The MJAFT! Movement commended the decision of the President of the Republic Alfred Moisiu not to approve the Law on Legalization. MJAFT requested publicly from Mojsiu to not sign the Decree on the Law several days ago, in a public letter published in the media.

�The legalization of informal housing areas users is an important national issue that will impact the development of the country�, says MJAFT! �For that reason, we believe that the legalization should not be used as a political took by any political party, but should offer real and stable solution to all Albanians.

MJAFT invited the Parliamentary majority and the opposition to approach this issue in a constructive manner and not as an opportunity for bickering.

MJAFT presented a number of requests to the Members in the Parliament, among them that the Draft-Law should provide not only that ownership of public housing is given to informal tenants but to give them a clear future in their city.

The Draft-Law should also list the specific costs of the legalization process and the urbanization of illegally developed areas, which should be covered by the state and the former owners of housing units.

MJAFT also demanded from the Government to establish a transparent procedure for the adoption of the Law and the appropriate public debate, and should also come forward with strong message to stop the illegal construction and development.