Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) [2], 97-07-04

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From: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] LETTER OF U.S. DEPARTMENT SECRETARY OF STATE MADLAIN ALBRIGHT TO ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER BASHKIM FINO

[02] PEACEFUL RALLY OF ALBANIN MONARCHISTS IN TIRANE CENTRE

[03] RECEPTION IN THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF ALBANIA

[01] LETTER OF U.S. DEPARTMENT SECRETARY OF STATE MADLAIN ALBRIGHT TO ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER BASHKIM FINO

"Honourable Prime Minister,

I would like to share with you the pleasure for the completion of the first round of the parliamentary elections of your country. We are concerned about the reports on incidents over the first round of polls and the general valuation of the elections should be given after the completion of the second run-off ballot on July 6. Nevertheless, we highlight the great efforts your Government has made in these difficult circumstances for the successful conduct of elections.

As we discussed during our meeting in Washington, the realisation of the elections would be only the first step in the reconstruction of the democratic institutions and of a sound economy in Albania. In order to ensure a continuous progress, it would be necessary for all parties in Albania to abide by their commitment to the spirit of the national reconciliation.

The United States on its part will be totally committed to Albania and will keep working through OSCE so that the reconstruction of your country continue the forward road."

PM Bashkim Fino avails himself of this opportunity to express his gratitute for the assistance, understanding and unreserved support of the U.S. Administration, and of President Bill Clinton and of the U.S. State Secretary Ms Albright in particular. Mr Fino voices once more the commitment of the Albanian Government and his personal commitment to the successful crowning of all electoral process in Albania, ends the report of Albanian PM's spokesman./ xh/

[02] PEACEFUL RALLY OF ALBANIN MONARCHISTS IN TIRANE CENTRE

Those present protested against the rigging of the vote, accusing the socialists of fraud in the election commissions. Monarchy advocates listened to the address of the pretender to the throne Leka I and of the Royal Court minister Abedin Mulosmani, who addressed those present to protest for the rigging of the vote, in peace and tranquillity.

With the words peace, tranquillity and fraternity, addressed the pretender to the throne opf Albania Leka I the monarchists present in the rally.

After the rally, Leka Zogu, dressed in civil clothes which he wore during the electoral campaign for the form of the regime, left the square on his car. Police had taken measures not to have excesses in the square, stationed in the main points leading to the square with their vehicles, forces and dogs.

The rally ended without incidents, differently from that held on July 3, which ended with one dead and some wounded in front of the CEC headquarters.

Today in the morning, over 15 armoured vehicles of the Multinational Force were stationed round the Central Election Commission headquarters. xh/

[03] RECEPTION IN THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF ALBANIA

During this talk, the Albanian Prime Minister's spokesman reports, the missionaries of this important international forum, in the name of Ms Catherine Lalumiere and Mr Havier Ruperez, expressed their appreciation for the efforts made for the completion of the first round of polls, the concern and need of a more intensified work to realise the second runoff ballot. They demanded that all parties and institutions in Albania should make everything possible that things go smoothly and peacefully, avoiding any incident.

In response to their interest, PM Fino explained about the latest developments of the situation, the worries that have emerged, the fact that the final turnout of the polls is not declared, and the measures adopted for the conduct of the second round of polls.

Fino focused with concern on the grave incident caused on July 3 by some armed monarchists, when they made for the high state institutions, the Council of Ministers and the Central Election Commission headquarters. He stressed that the complaints and problems that may arise should be solved only through peaceful and legal means, after the polls final result is announced.

On this occasion Mr Fino stressed that that it is not easy to surrender the political power but it is democracy that demands this, therefore in this case, the losers, whoever they are, must administer the situation correctly and not lose their minds. The Prime Minister stressed that the Albanian President must play his role to the end, keeping his words and commitments he has stated in conferences.

Mr Fino criticized the tendency and the haste of the Democratic Party and Mr Berisha to treat themselves since now as opposition, although the polls are not yet over completely, the more so when this party has many members in the present Government, or to treat the government as socialist, going so far as to yesterday's declaration through which it criticizes police without any right.

Mr Johnston voiced his full approval for all the issues, opinions and worries raised by the Prime Minister. He pointed out that the transition of the political power is not yet made, therefore we still have a governnment of national reconciliation, at least until the final polls outcome is made public. In these conditions, he agreed with the Prime Minister that DP, as a party with members in the Government of National Reconciliation, must carry out the role they have in the realisation of the electoral objective.

With regard to the claims of the monarchists, Johnston voiced his concern that by joining these manifestations himself, Leka Zogu, instead of helping solve the problem they are claiming, he becomes part of this problem. He also expressed the surprise and worry for what he considered the mistery of the question Celo, expressing his understanding with the explanations of Prime Minister Fino.

At the end of the meeting Mr Johnston and Mr Fuhrer confirmed the interest and readiness of the Council of Europe to help and support more Albania, the Government which will emerge after the elections and all other Albanian institutions, ends the report of the spokesman of the Prime Minister. xh/

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