Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-06-26

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Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] PRESS RELEASE BY ALBANIAN PRESIDENT'S PRESS AND INFORMATION OFFICE

[02] MILOSEVIC ASKS FOR STRENGTHENING OF SERBIAN ADMINISTRATION IN KOSOVA

[03] GOVERNMENT HAS LEGAL RIGHT TO CHANGE POLLING HOURS - Nano

[04] THREE KILLED, ONE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A CAR EXPLOSION

[05] ALBANIAN-SERBIAN ROUND TABLE ENDS PROCEEDINGS

[06] PRESS REVIEW

[07] ARMED PERSONS ATTACK POLICE VEHICLE IN TIRANA

[08] PRESS RELEASE OF ALBANIAN PRESIDENT'S PRESS AND INFORMATION OFFICE

[09] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS DELEGATION OF ALBANIAN-AMERICAN CIVIC LEAGUE

[10] "ELECTIONS IN ALBANIA - THE BEGINNING OF A ROAD TOWARDS POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC STABILITY" - Vranitzky

[11] ALBANIAN POLITICAL PARTIES CONTINUE MEETINGS WITH THEIR ELECTORATE

[12] ACTIVE MEASURES BY OSCE FOR ELECTION MONITORING IN ALBANIA

[13] "POSTPONEMENT OF ELECTIONS WOULD WORSEN THE SITUATION" - Vranitzky

[14] DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF ALBANIA DECLARATION

[15] PRESS RELEASE OF ALBANIAN COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

[16] PRESS RELEASE

[17] DP VEHICLES FELL IN AMBUSH IN PATOS - DP Press Office reports

[18] WE WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL TO PACT OF ROME - SHEHU

[19] DP CONDEMNS EFFORTS OF SP TO PREVENT ELECTION CAMPAIGN

[20] "ELECTIONS, IMPORTANT FOR ALBANIA AND PEACE IN BALKAN" -DIOGUARDI

[21] DP YOUTH FORUM EXPRESSES BELIEF ON VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY

[22] TENSE SITUATION AFTER FIGHTS AMONG GANGS IN VLORE

[23] COUNCIL OF EUROPE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY DISCUSSES ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN ALBANIA

[24] INTERIOR MINISTER INVITED TO AUSTRIA BY HIS AUSTRIAN COUNTERPART

[25] COUNCIL OF EUROPE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY DISCUSSES ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN ALBANIA

[26] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS INITIATORS OF ALBANIANS' MOVEMENT IN THE WORLD

[01] PRESS RELEASE BY ALBANIAN PRESIDENT'S PRESS AND INFORMATION OFFICE

Every effort to present this technical mistake as an essential change of the draft decree is nothing but a deliberate speculation. ssh/xh/e

[02] MILOSEVIC ASKS FOR STRENGTHENING OF SERBIAN ADMINISTRATION IN KOSOVA

Radio Prishtina in Serbian language said that Milosevic has asked for the strengthening of the Serbian state administration in Kosova. Using strong tones, he said that "what is worth of for circles in Serbia should also be worth of for those in Kosova." After this directive, he spoke about "European standards and criteria and the European way of communication." He added that the "work of the state bodies should be improved and based on the principle of equal footing before the law and reflect the policy of national equality."

The talks covered the "danger" of discrimination but no-one said that Albanians are discriminated. They spoke about the need to develop Kosova as the most undeveloped region, but that was within Serbia's demands to intensively exploit the large natural resources of Kosova.

Milosevic urged the beginning of workings of two new thermo power stations using the coal of Kosova.

The welcoming atmosphere in Prishtina and other cities with large number of Serbian police and flags was very provocative and threatening for the Albanians. bj/pta/pas/ak/e

[03] GOVERNMENT HAS LEGAL RIGHT TO CHANGE POLLING HOURS - Nano

Nano considered the polling hours, guarantees on movement of observers and Alba forces, and the Albanian police structures to provide a safe climate in the country "problems that can be solved".

The Socialist leader said that the "government sees itself as an authority which can solve this issue," considering a possibility that the polls in Albania should be organised like in Greece whose local time is two hours fast than ours.

Nano said that the change of local time on June 29 is "legally possible".

The former Austrian chancellor and Socialist leader did not discuss the proportional law which is the biggest problem for tiny parties. pas/ak/e

[04] THREE KILLED, ONE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A CAR EXPLOSION

Ilir Zeneli, his spouse Xhina Zeneli and Filbert Demo died at the place and Agim Zeneli was seriously injured at 21. 00 p.m. on Wednesday while passing one of the main roads of Fier, between the Post Office building and Hotel Apolonia.

The fourth were known activists of the Democratic Party.

The DP candidate for deputy Vasil Ndreko said that this is a political killing and said that the fourth were among the most active organisers of an electoral rally in Libofshe near Fier. Sources from Fier exclude the possibility of personal vengeance.

It is not clear what caused the explosion but a grenade or bomb attack has been excluded.

High ranking officials of the Democratic party are expected to pay today last tribute to the victims. pas/ak/e

[05] ALBANIAN-SERBIAN ROUND TABLE ENDS PROCEEDINGS

The statement says:

1. Participants of the Albanian-Serb round table organised by the Council for Human Rights and Liberties in Prishtina, Helsinki Council on Human Rights in Serbia and Belgrade's county from June 23 to 25 in Ulqin, Republic of Montenegro, note that the issue of Kosova is a grave and serious problem which needs immediate solution. Repression exerted by the present Serbian regime in Kosova stirs up tension and causes destabilization in the region.

2. They expressed dissatisfaction that the present Serbian regime negating even the existence of the Kosova issue which has become international, paves the way for further aggravation of the situation, radicalism and danger of an escalation of violence.

3. They support the peaceful solution of the Kosova issue in conformity with fundamental principles of the international law and world-known relevant documentation. The participants are convinced that this stand enjoys the understanding and support of democratic forces in Kosova, Serbia, Montenegro and broader.

4. They establish that it is a necessity to open a political dialogue and in this context to stress the special responsibility of the Serbian authority to start a dialogue with legitimate representatives of the Albanian people in Kosova. For a dialogue it is necessary to immediately lift all the forms of repression and irregularities in Kosova.

5. Considering the tragic events in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, the participants are committed to a more concrete presence of the international community and its constructive role which means convocation of an international conference to solve the Kosova issue.

6. The participants agreed with the fact that the dialogue should continue and the organisers of the round table commit themselves for that. bj/pta/ak/e

[06] PRESS REVIEW

Zeri i Popullit covers the electoral campaign of the SP and rallies of the Socialist leader Fatos Nano in Shkodra and Cerrik. It covers the meeting of former Austrian Chancellor Franz Vranitzky with Socialist leader Nano." "Free elections, confirmed by the OSCE", the paper says. Under the title "Berisha sabotages transparency on pyramid schemes," the paper reports on yesterday's press conference of Finance Minister Arben Malaj. In its 11th page the paper carries the article "Ahmet Zogu was self proclaimed King."

Republika covers the arrival of former Austrian chancellor Vranitzky in Tirana. "Central Election Commission - first leg of the tour of OSCE envoy", the paper says. The paper quotes Finance Minister Arben Malaj as saying "I do not engage myself in transparency" referring to yesterday's press conference.

Under the headline "Vranitzky meets election authority" the newspaper Rilindja says "all the problems be solved before elections." The same paper reports that an international conference on Kosova is proposed referring to the Albanian-Serb round table in Ulqin.

Under the headline "Gangs' pressure on Democratic party stepped up", the newspaper Albanian reports that the DP offices were blown up." It also reports that some DP activists have been shot at, two killed and one injured. Under the title "Albania, between two political models," the paper carries the commentary of the journalist Mero Baze. Under the title "Minority being armed and instructed for whom to vote," it says that "electorate from Greece" is expected to vote for Omonia candidates and Human Rights Union party. The paper says that "this imported electorate" is not only expected from the South of Albania but also in Korca and Shkodra.

Tribuna says "Pressure on the DP in Vlora, party offices burnt down." "Vranitzky starts talks in Tirana with election authority" the paper says.

Koha Jone carries a letter of the president of Xhaferri Foundation quoting Xhaferri as saying "Berisha took me 13 milliard leks." It reports on the talks of Vranitzky, OSCE high ranking official, in Tirana. The paper covers the situation in Vlora under the title "Vlora is anxiously waiting the elections. City covered by threatening posters: Leave Vlora as soon as possible."

Under the title "Four buses arrive in Kakavija. Police carry out escort," Independent reports on the arrival of the emigrants from Greece. The paper says "The city of Vlora on the eve of complete chaos. Armed gangs self-identified as "Opponents of the Zani gang have declared war" and have warned the citizens to leave Vlora withing two days."

Dita covers the meeting of Vranitzky with the Socialist leader Fatos Nano in its third page. The paper reports on yesterday's meeting of Leka I in Tirana.

Gazeta Shqiptare says OSCE envoy has urged the Albanian political forces to "reconciliate even after the elections." eva/ak/E

[07] ARMED PERSONS ATTACK POLICE VEHICLE IN TIRANA

The vehicle was shot by fire weapons, while it was going towards the tanks factory to take an armoured vehicle to reinforce the patrolling in the streets of the capital.

No policemen were reported injured.

According to the information "it comes out that these gangs shot and injured the special forces of the Interior Ministry, who were patrolling on June 22 by 21:30 in Tirana", said Tusha. /eva/mt/sh/ From [email protected] Thu Jun 26 19:49:05 1997

[08] PRESS RELEASE OF ALBANIAN PRESIDENT'S PRESS AND INFORMATION OFFICE

The cooperation of the World Bank and the IMF with Albania before the appointment of Mr Fino to the post of the Prime Minister has been among the most successful and the assistance of those institutions for the transperence of the pyramid investment schemes has been requested officially by the President and the democratic government.

The Government of National Reconciliation and Mr Fino did not justify themselves and postponed for four months the transparence for those firms. The reason for this was not because they could not make it because four four months they could make it four times, but they did not make it deliberately.

In fact, the demand of the World Bank and the IMF to name administrators in those firms was not realised by the Government neither with the law it sent to the Parliament on May 9, nor with the decree it brought on May 29 and which was returned by the president because it did not envisage the administratos, although its was projected after declarations in Albania and in Rome by these institutions, according to which the naming of the administratios was a clear request.

The reasons of this stand have been individual, personal as well as political, as were those for the blocking of the transparence on the collapsed foundations for four months on the part of the governnment, the Prime Minister, the Socialist Party, at a time when this process might have been realised several times during this period.

Some of the major causes for which PM Fino and his collaborator Malaj blocked the transparence and the appointment of the administrators, the spokesman stressed, are:

First, there are not few the present senior officials and leaders of the Sociailist Party, such as Minister Malaj, who with the honourariums and remunerations taken from the schemes and other benefits, have set up villas or other luxurous objects and it is understandable that it was not easy to tell those benevolent people that "the friendship is a friendship, and control is control."

Second, Premier Fino and socialist ministers could not make the transparence of the pyramid investment schemes, because their party conducted the electoral campaign of May 1996 based on such a scheme, by taking millions of dollars by the creditors with the claim that they would return those credits after the victory, but this victory was not reached.

Third, the Prime Minister and the socialist ministers could not make the transparence of the foundations because during the electoral campaign last year their loyal ally was Driza, the president of the Foundation Populli.

Inner sources of the Socialist Party prove that only for the printing of the obligations with which this party plundered the money of thousands of citizens, Driza has sponsored about 500 thousand dollars.

Fourth, Premier Fino and the socialist ministers could not make the transparence because the Socialist Party leaders, among them the present Finance Minister, declared before the protesters that the money were stolen by the Democratic Party government and right after their advent to power, they would find the money and return it to the creditors.

It is four months that socialists are leading the country and they could not find not a penny stolen by the Democratic Party Government, which, at least managed to return to the creditors some of the money they had poured in the foundations, whereas the socialist ministers, horrified by the dissatisfaction of those who were deceived in rallies, dare not touch even an invoice or return one cent more than the previous government, because everything refuted your fraud.

Fifth, prime minister Fino and the socialist ministers could not make the transparence because they had decided to declare in Vlore the "pyramid Nano" for the restitution 100 per cent of the lost money. This was the greatest pyramid scheme of deception for those who have lost the money.

The pyramid of the chaos aims to keep Albania in chaos.

The pyramid of shame and cynism of the irresoponsible politicians. The honour and responsibility of PM of the Government of National Reconci liation demanded and this was what the Albanian expected the denunciation of this great deception, whereas the Prime Minister, and the government kept silence, thus approving defenitely that a socialist governnment can never make the transparence of the pyramid investment schemes. xh/

[09] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS DELEGATION OF ALBANIAN-AMERICAN CIVIC LEAGUE

As the President's press and information office reports, Mr Dioguardi said that the Albanian-American Civic League declared that today and in the future it will support energetically the progress of democracy in Albania.

President Berisha highlighted the assistance and commitment of the Albanian-American Civic League and the efforts of Mr Dioguardi, thanking him for his presence in the coming elections.

These polls were considered by President Berisha as "the last chance of the Albanian political forces to help Albania come out of the difficult situation it is facing." He stressed the determination that the polls outcome must be accepted.

"But I want to stress that unfortunately, the pyramid investment schemes were exploited as a pretext to take the power through violence and today, after four months, the leader of the opposition and its government officials decided to take part in the parliament not through the free vote but with the help of the committees and the armed gangs, by candidating in the constituencies of the latter, and this will reduce the reliability of their mandate. Moreover, by declaring in Vlore that they were going to pay the money that creditors lost in the firms, they do nothing else but seek to take thir vote through fraudulence, becouse it is common knowledge that there is no government that can pay that money," said Berisha.

Nevertheless, President Berisha expressed in the meeting the conviction that the elections would lead to a calmer situation and would bring Albania out of the crisis. pas/xh/

[10] "ELECTIONS IN ALBANIA - THE BEGINNING OF A ROAD TOWARDS POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC STABILITY" - Vranitzky

Recalling the chaos and anarchy which prevailed in Albania in March this year, the OSCE special envoy said that "besides the failure of the pyramid shcmes, a cause for the situation was that the Albanians had lost their confidence in the democratic institutions."

"The conclusion reached was that the only possible way to overcome the crisis were the elections, and this was realised with the signing of the May 9 agreement," said Mr Vranitzky.

He said that without the presence of Alba mission, the situation in the country would have precipitated and then there would be no talk of earlier elections."

Addressing the observers, Mr Vranitzxky said that "the escort which will accompany you will not be a luxury but an indispensability."

"Nobody expects perfect elections," said Vranitzky, adding that "all are working that the Albanians accept the elections and this is the most realistic test for the way how these elections were held."

Vranitzky hailed the agreement signed in Rome describing it "a pact for the future of Albania," which will create the conditions for the coming government to work for the solution of the problems the country is facing. kled/xh/

[11] ALBANIAN POLITICAL PARTIES CONTINUE MEETINGS WITH THEIR ELECTORATE

* * *

The candidate for deputy of the DP in constituency 94 in Korce district, Kristaq Turtulli, had meetings these days with his electorate and has presented the DP electoral program.

* * *

The leader of the Social Democratic Union Party and candidate for deputy in the constituency 92 of Korce district, Teodor Laco, met with electorate of the quarters 14 and 15.

Laco, writer and chairman of this party, is candidating in that constituency as representative of the Union for Democracy.

Laco also had meetings in the villages Mbroje, Turhan and Qatron.

* * *

In Gjirokaster, the candidate of constituency 11 of DP, Tanush Cabej had a meeting with district intellectuals.

* * *

An electoral meeting was held in Elbasan city between the DP chairman Tritan Shehu, Genc Pollo and Vili Minarolli and inhabitants of that city.

Shehu qualified the committees as the main hindrance to coming out of the chaos in the country and the last chance for the left opposition to hit DP.

DP Secretary General Genc Pollo said that although the SP ranks are being added with SDP members, Albert Shyti, Zani and company, this party will not take more than 30 per cent of the votes, as traditionally.

* * *

The DP candidate Gjergj Sokoli had meetings with inhabitants of the constituency 11 of the Puke district, and in villages of Gomsiqe, Luf, Qerret, Qelez etc.

* * *

The SP candidate for deputy, Agim Fagu had yesterday in Tirane a meeting with his electors. Those present were also addressed by Finance Minister of the Government of National Reconciliation, Arben Malaj.

* * *

Attending the SP electoral rally in Puke also was the SP Secretary General Rexhep Mejdani.

Mejdani took part in a meeting in Vore, which was addressed by the Minister of Social Labour Elmaz Sherifi.

In Shkoder, SP candidates Bashkim Zeneli, Fatmir Ibrahimi and Xhevat Shima met with their electorates.

* * *

Prime Minister Bashkim Fino met yesterday with voters of the constituency of Laprake in Tirane. Sp deputies in constituencies 54, 55, Musa Ulqini and Ethem Ruka were also presented.

* * *

The deputy chairman of the Republican Party, Fatmir Mediu met with electors of constituency 77 in Fier where he is a candidate.

[12] ACTIVE MEASURES BY OSCE FOR ELECTION MONITORING IN ALBANIA

"There will be 500 short term observers and 90 long term observers who will monitor and will be present in the ballot counting in the majority of the polling stations on the election day," declared the chief coordinator of OSCE monitors, Tonny Welch.

According to a simple calculation, Welch said that every monitoring team consisting of two mobile observers, will monitor 10-12 polling stations, and there will be 250 such teams of observerrs.

The total number of the polling stations will be 4700 and election commissions in constituencies will be 115.

Along with the OSCR observers there will be parliamentarians from CE, the U.S. and various countries and representatives of different associations and organizations.

15 teams, consisting of 30 monitors, will go to Vlore and 3 teams to Saranda.

"In case of any possible rioting and difficulties, the teams are ordered to withdraw from nonitoring after informing the centre," said the coordinator, Welch.

The protection of the polling boxes, the ballots and the protocols is a task to be carried out by Albanian police.

All the observers will go to their set places for monitoring on June 27, 1997. kled/xh/

[13] "POSTPONEMENT OF ELECTIONS WOULD WORSEN THE SITUATION" - Vranitzky

In a news conference in Tirane after his meeting with parties' representatives and with President Sali Berisha, Vranitzky said that "if the polls were postponed there would be more chances for the situation to worsen."

With regard to a reduction of the voting hours as a demand of the Albanian authorities and OSCE, according to Vranitzky, an agreement was reached which authorized the Constitutional Court to decide whether such an act was a competence of the Central Election Commission or not.

Concerning the worry of the small parties for the election law and the division of the seats in the proportional list, Mr Vranitzky said that "there is a decision of the Constitutional Court and now the small parties are considering as a possible solution the creation of pre-electoral alliances."

As for the possibility of any objection to elections by any party and to the role of OSCE on June 30, he said that "the parties in Albania are working that the Albanians recognize the elections but if this does not happen, it depends what reasons will those who contest, present."

The chief coordinator of OSCE, Tonny Welch spoke in the conference about the last preparations of this organization for the observation of the ballot in Albania.

Asked what would be the role of OSCE if one party, despite the agreement, does not accept the polls outcome, Vranitzky said: "The parties must keep the commitments they have undertaken on May 9, 1997, and I expect them to do this." kled/xh/

[14] DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF ALBANIA DECLARATION

The Democratic Party of Albania thanks the people of Lushnje, who, although terrorized by gangs of FAtos Nano, challenged fear and took part in the rally. On June 29, all Albanians, with their vote for the Democratic Party, will suppress once and for ever the communist rebellion, whose end is approaching. xh/

[15] PRESS RELEASE OF ALBANIAN COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

According to close sources information this commissariat has, the place where the hostage is being kept has been found and the people who have taken Bezhani hostage said they would free him in return of a sum of money and that the case had not any political motive. xh/

[16] PRESS RELEASE

Police are working intensively to identify and catch the authors of this terrorist act. xh/

[17] DP VEHICLES FELL IN AMBUSH IN PATOS - DP Press Office reports

DP condemns the violence exercised in Patos against its leaders, as well as against the candidate for deputy, and calls on the Central Election Commission to intervene near the Government of National Reconciliation, which should create the necessary conditions for the conduct of free and democratic electoral campaign./pas/mt/sh/

[18] WE WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL TO PACT OF ROME - SHEHU

"One of the values of the electoral campaign is the right of every political force to move freely in the whole territory of Albania," addressed Shehu, very worried, to the OSCE envoy to Albania.

Referring to the signing of the social pact in Rome, Tritan Shehu said that "the next morning the pact was signed, the DP organization secretary, Ylli Vejsiu, was blocked and was not allowed to enter Memaliaj, which has not happened with the socialists, who have campaigned even in the towns where we have more chances to win."

With regard to the problem of reducing the voting time in the polling stations, Shehu said that "The Constitutional Court should decide who has to realise this change."

Asked that with the extension of the idea that DP can not recognise the elections in several zones of the country, Shehu answered that his party respected the pact signed in Rome, to which it will remain "faithful".

"The party which wins will realize its coalition with the forces of its spectrum," was the idea that Shehu presented to the former Austrian chancellor with regard to the form of regime, idea which, according to Shehu "found understanding from Vranitzky."

According to him, the formula of DP regarding the role of the opposition after June 29, is to leave more space to the opposition in Parliament, the systems of control, etc./mt/sh/

[19] DP CONDEMNS EFFORTS OF SP TO PREVENT ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Leonard Demi, DP Foreign Secretary, and Ylli Vejsiu, DP Organization Secretary, mentioning the incidents against them in Delvine and Memaliaj, said that the attacks of the armed gangs are led by the SP leadership.

"The Albanian socialists, with these acts, give up finally from the political competition," Vejsiu told the news conference, whose object were the main observations of DP on the progress of the electoral process, mainly on the incident in South.

Despite the difficulties we mentioned, the DP leaders said that their party will recognise the elections.

"We have asked a social pact, but when the armed wing sets me free upon the order of Ruci, I say to OSCE, as an international body, to go and see itself how is the situation," said Demi.

"I don't know how we can call the elections free, when we are not allowed to go to the Southern zones," he added.

In response to a question regarding the prevention of journalists who were going to Shkoder to attend the meeting of Fatos Nano by armed persons, and whether can this be called a hindrance for the SP to launch campaign in North, Vejsiu said:

"Fatos Nano has not gone to the meeting of Shkoder, because he had his own affairs in Tirana."

Demi said that the socialist candidates have launched a quiet campaign in northern districts. /eva/kled/mt/Z

[20] "ELECTIONS, IMPORTANT FOR ALBANIA AND PEACE IN BALKAN" -DIOGUARDI

"The June 29 polls are important for Albania and peace in the Balkan," said Dioguardi.

In the meeting, attending were also other members of the League, seated in new York, the CEC chairman, Kume, thanked the Albanians of Diaspora for their arrival in Albania in these difficult moments.

The CEC chairman was optimist about the elections and was of the thought that an acceptable solution for all will be found.

Dioguardi stressed that "we have come here to encourage the Albanian people to participate in the elections," he said./eva/mt/Z

[21] DP YOUTH FORUM EXPRESSES BELIEF ON VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY

The electoral rally "Protect your future" was opened by the Chairman of the Forum, Afrim Krasniqi, who asked to remain silent for a minute to honor the memory of the young men killed during the four months of the communist rebellion.

The meeting was greeted by the representatives of the Youth Forum of the districts of Korce, Tirane and Shkoder.

"The meeting with you is a meeting with the victory, the meeting with you is a meeting with the future, the meeting with you is a meeting with hope. Long live the Youth of Albania! You are its victory and history," said in his message of greetings President Berisha.

While Berisha was greeting, young men, carrying national flags, DP flags and flags of the United Europe, went to the podium.

The meeting was also greeted by the chairman of the Democratic Party, Tritan Shehu, and one of the students, participant in the movement of '91, Azem Hajdari. /kled/mt/Z

[22] TENSE SITUATION AFTER FIGHTS AMONG GANGS IN VLORE

"In the sports hall of the town it was planed the meeting of Albanian United Right to filed the candidates for deputy. At the time when the meeting had started, powerful exchanges of fire from rival groups were heard, which shocked the town," the police officer, Durim Tahiraj, told ATA.

According to a release of the Alba mission, today in the morning, during a meeting of the Albanian United Right, held in the Sports Hall in Vlore, and in the presence of the Minister of Finances, Malaj, a severe fight near this Sports Hall started.

"The building was set ablaze (the reasons are not known) reported Alba and Minister Malaj, through the chief of his cabinet, asked the intervention of MPF.

After this, the MPF commander allowed the intervention of a riot force. A platoon of the Regiment 18 of Bersagliers intervened, reinforced by a platoon of carabineers and two "centaur" armoured vehicles, which enabled the evacuation of civilians from the building.

The Minister found shelter together with his escort in the Bolognia Hotel, which is under the protection of Multinational Protection Force.

The fire in the building still continues.

According to the police, its forces were in between the fire of different groups. Help from Alba was asked, which did not start patrolling immediately, but later.

The doctor of the emergency ward, Idajet Hajdini, asked by ATA on the telephone, confesses that Syrja Ali Sharra, shot by a stray bullet in the heart, arrived dead in the hospital. At the same time, due to the stray bullets, a 13 year old boy, called Zigur Veshi, and his uncle were injured. After they were treated they went home.

According to this doctor, the persons who came to the hospital have not been participants in the clashes among gangs in the town of Vlore./mt/sh/

[23] COUNCIL OF EUROPE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY DISCUSSES ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN ALBANIA

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has decided to send a delegation of 30 members to monitor the elections in Albania, on June 29, 1997.

On June 24, in the Assembly of the Council of Europe, in the debate on the pre-electoral situation in Albania, the chairman of the Albanian delegation, Ali Spahia, in the meeting of the political commission and in the meeting with the Ad Hoc committee, took the floor and said that a typical red revolution occurred in Albania, with the motive to gain the power through violence by the Socialist Party and its allies. "The organization and use of gangs by the Socialist Party, to the function of terror, violence and panic against the leaders and members of DP, obstruct the conduct of a fair electoral campaign in the climate of the national reconciliation, order and tranquility," said Spahia.

The Albanian delegation asked the Council of Europe to pay more attention to the situation and terror against the campaign and leaders of the Democratic Party.

The parliamentarians published an urgent call addressed to the Albanian political parties to avoid the aggravation of the situation and to do the utmost to provide the conduct of elections without violence. From this point of view, they consider "Pact for the future of Albania", signed in Rome by the three main political parties of the country, as "a step towards the exact direction." /jz/kled/mt/sh

[24] INTERIOR MINISTER INVITED TO AUSTRIA BY HIS AUSTRIAN COUNTERPART

I cordially thank you for the invitation. At the same manner as you estimate, I also consider very valuable the intensification of the dialogue on issues with mutual interest and further strengthening of mutual cooperation./jz/mt/sh

[25] COUNCIL OF EUROPE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY DISCUSSES ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN ALBANIA

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has decided to send a delegation of 30 members to monitor the elections in Albania, on June 29, 1997.

On June 24, in the Assembly of the Council of Europe, in the context of the debate on the pre-electoral situation in Albania, the chairman of the Albanian delegation, Ali Spahia, in the meeting of the political commission and in the meeting with the Ad Hoc committee, took the floor and said that a typical red revolution occurred in Albania, with the motive to gain the power through violence by the Socialist Party and its allies. "The organization and use of gangs by the Socialist Party, to the function of terror, violence and panic against the leaders and members of DP, obstruct the conduct of a fair electoral campaign in the climate of the national reconciliation, order and tranquility," said Spahia.

The Albanian delegation asked the Council of Europe to pay more attention to the situation and terror against the campaign and leaders of the Democratic Party.

The parliamentarians published an urgent call addressed to the Albanian political parties to avoid the aggravation of the situation and to do the utmost to provide the conduct of elections without violence. From this point of view, they consider "Pact for the future of Albania", signed in Rome by the three main political parties of the country, as "a step towards the exact direction."/jz/kled/mt/sh/

[26] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS INITIATORS OF ALBANIANS' MOVEMENT IN THE WORLD

President Berisha expressed the gratitude for the engagement of the Diaspora Albanians to help democracy in Albania in these difficult days.

Talking about the recent developments in Albania, President Berisha remembered that in the May 9 accord, the Democratic Party made all the efforts to avoid the civil war, the gaining of power through violence and to solve the situation by peaceful means through the establishment of the Government of National Reconciliation and the conduct of new elections. Unfortunately, the left opposition did not give up from the committees and the armed gangs and sabotaged the realization of the transparency on pyramid schemes. It is insulting for the democracy and the Albanians that the leaders and socialists members of the Government promise that they will return the money lost in pyramid schemes, to take up seats in Parliament by cheating the people. It is also immoral and does not serve to the country and the confidence of the people, when the leaders of the opposition, who aspire to govern the country, ask to join the parliament being chosen in the constituencies where they stop or obstruct the contest of the candidates of the other parties. The gaining of power through cheating and violent methods, compromises not only they as politicians and political force, but also the electoral process. Anyhow, we are resolute to conduct the elections and to respect their result, because this is necessary for the future of Albania and democracy in our country, stressed Berisha. /mt/sh/

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