Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-05-13

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Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] YUGOSLAV ARMY KILLS ALBANIAN STUDENT AT BORDER WITH ALBANIA

[02] BISHOP ARTEMIJE CALLS FOR SERB-SERB DIALOGUE ON KOSOVA

[03] OPERATION IN CUSTOMS HOUSES LOW

[04] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT SALI BERISHA HOLDS NEWS CONFERENCE (summary)

[05] ALBANIA-BERISHA-2

[06] ALBANIA-BERISHA-3

[07] FINO MEETS WITH MRS ALBRIGHT IN THE U.S.

[08] TWO WOMEN KILLED AND ANOTHER WOUNDED WHILE TAKING SOCIAL ASSISTANCE IN BERAT

[09] VEHICLE OF NATIONAL UNITY PARTY SHOT IN MIDDLE ALBANIA

[10] "SP STAND NOT TO DISCUSS ELECTORAL LAW MAY CAUSE A GOVERNMENT CRISIS" - Selfo

[11] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT AGREES BY MAJORITY OF VOTES TO INCLUDE ELECTORAL DRAFT-LAW IN THE AGENDA

[12] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT AGREES BY MAJORITY OF VOTES TO INCLUDE ELECTORAL DRAFT-LAW IN THE AGENDA

[13] DECLARATION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF ALBANIA

[14] PRESS REVIEW

[15] STATE SECRETARY IN THE FOREIGN MINISTRY LEAVES FOR ITALY

[16] MINISTER OF JUSTICE TO PAY WORKING VISIT IN GREAT BRITAIN

[17] ALBANIA'S DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

[18] MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL ISSUES IN SEMINAR FOR EMIGRATION QUESTIONS

[19] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT APPROVES A NUMBER OF LAWS ON ELECTIONS

[20] ALBANIAN MONARCHISTS SUPPORT ELECTORAL LAW

[21] "DECLARATIONS FOR NON-PARTICIPATION IN ELECTIONS AND WHICH INFRINGE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION GOVERNMENT ARE IRRESPONSIBLE" - Pollo

[22] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT ADOPTS THE LAW ON ELECTIONS

[01] YUGOSLAV ARMY KILLS ALBANIAN STUDENT AT BORDER WITH ALBANIA

Luan Haradinaj, 24, from Gllogjan village of Decan was an excellent student at the Physical Education Faculty at the Tirana University.

Details on the environments of this very grave act of State Serb terror on the Albanian population in Kosova are not known yet.

Numerous Serb forces, concentrated on the border zones with Albania, where they exercise an iron control, constantly threaten and terrorise the Albanian population.

Many Albanians have been killed and wounded over the past years on both sides of the border. b.j/joci/eva/lm/E

[02] BISHOP ARTEMIJE CALLS FOR SERB-SERB DIALOGUE ON KOSOVA

The letter, which besides the Artemije bishop was also signed by the leader of the Serb Movement of Resistance from Kosova, Momcillo Trajkovic, says that the Serb Orthodox Church and the Serb Movement of Resistance will continue to be "lament voice of the desert", and "now invite all the relevant forces in Serbia and the Serb people as a third partner".

Both efforts for Serb-Serb dialogue on Kosova, called by Bishop Artemije and leaders of the Serb Movement of Resistance, in April and by the beginning of May, have failed.

The parties represented in the Serb Parliment are instructed "to realise the seriousness of the Kosova issue, as well as the danger threatening this Serb unique cradle".

The Slav tribes and later the Serb medieval state stretched out on the Albanians inhabited territories of Kosova in the 12th and 14th centuries. In the years 1877-1880 Serbia and Montenegro annexed several Northern Albanian territories and later, during the first Balkan war, they occupied Kosova. This occupation was recognised by the London Conference in 1913.

Kosova had been inseparable part of Albania until it was detached from the Albanian trunk.

The Belgrade occupation regime is trying the eliminate any non-Slav cultural trace in Kosova, even by attacking the Illyrian cultural monuments. The Kosova underground is rich in minerals. The most precious mine is that of Trepce, which extracts gold. joci/pas/lm/Z

[03] OPERATION IN CUSTOMS HOUSES LOW

They mainly come from Italy, while the number of the other border countries is still low, while over 3000 subjects operating with import are estimated in Tirana alone. Actually their activity is not known and not checked.

Many of the traders, the customs' director, Maksim Ymeri, admits, complain of travelling insecurity.

Some 14 customs agencies operate in Tirana. Their employees ask a greater assistance on the part of police to realise the complete collection of revenues.jz/lm/sh/.

[04] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT SALI BERISHA HOLDS NEWS CONFERENCE (summary)

"These committees imposed a medieval situation in the districts of Vlore, Tepelene, Sarande and Gjiroskaster," he said.

To a question by a RAI reporter what would president Berisha do if the committees did not disband, Berisha answered that they had been and were a serious stumbling block, which would be overcome for holding the elections.

"It is up to the political forces, which organised and backed this mixture of Tupac Amaru, made up of enverists, traffickers, mafias and others, to dissolve them and open the way for the electoral process and free vote, as they have pledged."

"I am fully convinced that very few are the Albanians today who want to determine their destiny through kalashnikovs and not free vote."

Asked by the reporter of Italian "Il Giorno" whether the political contract signed by ten parties was enough to guarantee free and fair elections, when their date would be and whether this date would also serve for referendum for monarchy, Berisha responded that he considered fully possible the implementation of the May 9 agreement and the holding of elections.

"I trust in the political forces, in a social contract, a social peace and a joint decision for a civilised campaign," Berisha said adding that "difficulties exits but they are surmountable".

He expressed himself in favour of the referendum for monarchy, although he himself was for the republic, and said that Leka Zogu I, although self-styled, was a reality for Albania. pas/lm/z/

(to be continued)

[05] ALBANIA-BERISHA-2

"I, as a politician, entirely open to the press, show understanding to it both when it is wrong and when it says the truth", Berisha said.

As regards a possible visit to the Vlore city, Berisha said he would soon visit this city and that nothing had shaken the respect he felt for the Vlore citizens.

"I am convinced that they have lived through an unmerited terror. In the past two months the left-extremist-led committees took hold of the city," Berisha said, adding that Vlore would recall in its history what it has suffered from these committees.

Responding to a Zeri i Popullit reporter, Berisha said that the anti-genocide law was a law imposed from the past and that he, personally, was for easing it.

"I have been in favour of easing this law for the mayors and commune councillors and now I deem it necessary to also adapt the prescription concept," Berisha said.

Referring to the forthcoming election results, Berisha said that the chances of DP's loss were almost nonexistent.

"However, I say that I am and will always remain prepared both for victory and loss, for crisis and stability", Berisha said adding that currently the chances of victory for the DP and its allies that did not organise and involve in the rebellion were greater than ever.

"It is true that the Albanians reproach, criticise the DP. Some of them are even angry with it. But, nevertheless, all are analysing that this party did not organise the rebellion, that this party could not rebel against itself. It is true that it did not foresee the armed rebellion, it is true that it did not prevent it, but it is also true that it dominated it through political means and this is also a merit of the Albanian democracy," Berisha said.

Asked by a Reuter's reporter when the election date would be decreed and whether it would be put off unless the committees disbanded, Berisha said that he would discuss with the parties to fix the election date.

"The ex-opposition members have signed the May 9 agreement and I have no reason to call into question their vow before the Albanian people and the OSCE international community," he said. pas/lm

(MORE)

[06] ALBANIA-BERISHA-3

To a question by Dita Informacion reporters regarding the concrete responsibilities of the President of the Republic, alongside the other institutions, for what took place in Albania, Berisha said tahat the responsibility of the President of the Republic stood first on that he did not foresee the rebellion, second, more should have been done to consolidate institutions and third, mistakes were also made in choosing the people.

"As regards pyramid schemes, I have publicly declared my own responsibility in giving them too much allowance" Berisha said, inviting all Albanian politicians to acknowledge their responsibilities.

Asked by a Swiss reporter that what would happen in Albania if elections were not held, Berisha said:"I assure you that the elections will take place and their holding is vital for Albania. I predict neither failure to hold them nor abortion of the electoral process."

A reporter of Rilindja Demokratike asked what would have happened if there had been a strong intervention by the state concerning some 200 people moving from one town to the other, burning down institutions.

Berisha responded that the Albanian government's definition on a political solution was misunderstood and exploited in a Leninist, unacceptable way by those who were determined on violence.

"Certainly, more consolidated institutions would have avoided much of what has happened," he said.

Asked by a RTV reporter about the approach on the Kosova issue and the continuation of training for peaceful missions, Berisha said that Albania's stability was very important for the stability of the region and that the Albanians should stick to the peaceful, democratic solution to their problem.

"In our programme in 1991 and 1996 we have defined the solution of our national cause through integration into Europe," Berisha said.

As to the training for peaceful missions, Berisha said that it had been fruitful.

"Training the army for peaceful missions is an important direction, surely, the main objective remains the protection of integrity and sovereignty," he said.

An Italian reporter asked whether after the elections Berisha would ask confidence vote from the new parliament.

Berisha said:"In Albania a typical scenario, which led to the boycott of elections, took place upon concluding that there was no chance to win them. The self-exclusion from the political life took place and intolerance grew.

In full accordance with the Marxist theory of assuming power, the economic protests were exploited for political ends and turned into violent protests. The pretext were the pyramid schemes, but they could never justify the rebellion and violence.

I consider quite normal in a democratic country the demands for the president to quit. Those, who have not voted for the President, would surely prefer another president.

Under these conditions, if the DP loses in the poll, I will be on its side. I have and will always abide by this statement. But, the DP is on the eve of a landslide victory with an alliance, with all the forces which did not involve themselves in the rebellion," Berisha said. pas/lm/e

[07] FINO MEETS WITH MRS ALBRIGHT IN THE U.S.

During his visit to the U.S., Bashkim Fino had talks for about half an hour with the State Secretarty Madlain Albright. Attending the meeting from the Albanian party were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arjan Starova, the Minister of Finances, Arben Malaj, the Minister of Justice, Spartak Ngjela and Albania's Ambassador in the U.S. Lublin Dilja, while from the American party present were the Assistant State Secretary John Cornblum, U.S. Ambassadress in Albania, Mariza Lino and other assistants of the State Secretary.

Since the very beginning, Mrs Albright appreciated the work of the Albanian Government and especially the moderate stands of Albanian Premier in his efforts to reach a consensus for the solution of various problems Albania is having. The U.S. Secretary of State declared to her guest from Albania that the U.S. Administration recognized the coalition government as one of the best solutions to overcome the Albanian crisis. Mrs Albright said to Mr Fino that any political force which blocks a consensus be reached, as forseen in the March 9 Agreement, would be responsible for every negative internal consequence and particlarly for the blocking of international aid for Albania.

Mrs Albright also underlined that the United States of America highlights and supports the OSCE role in the eletoral process in Albania and at the same time, the idea of the role of Mr Franz Vranitzky as international mediator in the present Albanian process.

The State Secretary, Albright declared that the U.S. has frozen since February its assistance for Albania but on occasion of the visit of Mr Fino to the U.S., it will deliver 12 million USD in form of assistane for the Albanian public administration. In the economic aspect, Mrs Albright said that the U.S. supports Albania's cooperation with international economic and financial organizations so that a capable macroeconomic context be formed to intergate Albania in the international economy.

Speaking of Kosova, Mrs Albright declared to Mr Fino that the U.S. denounces powerfully the Serbian repression in Kosova and that it would not allow it. In the mean time, she said they supported the dialogue and appreciated the wise decision of Mr Rugova not to declare in these moments parallel elections in Kosova and not to allow the situation come out of control. "We hope," she said, "that the Albanian government will encourage moderation."

Mrs Albright and Mr Fino also had a tete-a-tete meeting.

Premier Fino invited Mr Albright for an official visit to Albania, an invitation which was accepted with pleasure, ends the report of the Albanian Premier's spokesman. jz/xh/sh/

[08] TWO WOMEN KILLED AND ANOTHER WOUNDED WHILE TAKING SOCIAL ASSISTANCE IN [BERAT

Many of the people in front of the municipality were women who had to take their social assistance distributed in one of the offices in the Berat town hall.

The women were immediately taken to the hospital, whose sources said that Polikseni Nova, 31, and Flutura Beqiri, 28 had already died whereas Margarita Kalldremxhiu, 50 years, was wounded.

Inhabitants of Berat were also told that some boys had looted and beaten barbarously in one of the city billiards some of their age companions from nearby villages, who had come in Berat to leave for Greece.

In the mean time, wholesale centers and shops have become subject of plunder by various people.kei/xh/k

[09] VEHICLE OF NATIONAL UNITY PARTY SHOT IN MIDDLE ALBANIA

Police sources report that this is the second event connected with politicians, after the incident with the DP deputy, Ali Gripshi, where his car and pistol were robbed in the road Elbasan-Librazhd.

Mborja told ATA that the robbers have appealed on him to stop and after the refusal, they have shot with a volley of bullets on the back glass of the car. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

[10] "SP STAND NOT TO DISCUSS ELECTORAL LAW MAY CAUSE A GOVERNMENT CRISIS" [- Selfo

"With its stand, SP seems to have bee hasty and this perhaps may lead to the overthrow of the government. This law should be discussed by all means and an understanding must be reached, otherwise the consequences will be unpleasant," said deputy Hysen Selfo, after the morning parliamentary session of the People's Assembly.

In that session, the chairman of the Parliamentary Group and SP deputy chairman, Namik Dokle, in a statement in the name of his group, said that "we will not continue to discuss in the Parliament anything else before the way for the approval of the electoral law presented by the National Reconciliation Government is opened."

The DP Secretary General, Genc Pollo, called the Government law "as sort of phantasm law."

"The political contract of the parties determines clearly the criteria of the electoral law for a majority system law with proportiional components and at the same time it devaluates the law that Premier Fino compiled upon instruction of his party, totally based on a proportional system, therefore there is no grounds for discussion," said Pollo.

The presented draftlaw, according to Dokle, "aims at blocking the National Reconciliation Government and regenerates the Albanian politial crisis."

Pollo said that practically, the SP prejudges the law on elections, using it as a cause to delay the elections or for political strife.

The chairman of the DP parlaimentary gropup, Ali Spahia said that May 13 was the deadline and the Government Fino has not presented a draft law on elections."

According to the May 9 Agreement between the 10 political parties and the OSCE envoy, Austrian former Chancellor Franz Vranitzky, the Government should present the draft of the electoral law 46 days before the deadline for the conduct of the elections.

"We have made the adjustments of the formalae favouring the small parties. For all the problems we are open to discuss in the parliamentary session," said Spahia.

"The proposed amendments are totally based on the 2nd point of the political contract also signed by the SP chairman, Fatos Nano, and by all other parties," said Genc Pollo. kei/xh/

[11] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT AGREES BY MAJORITY OF VOTES TO INCLUDE ELECTORAL [DRAFT-LAW IN THE AGENDA

The draft-law is based on the political agreement of the Albanian political parties, brokered by the special OSCE envoy, Franz Vranitzky.

The draft stipulates changes including an election formula of a mixed electoral system, with a majority element and a proportional element. The formula recognises elections in two rounds in nominal constituencies, preserves the number of 115 constituencies, according to the law of 1996 and raises the number of additional mandates to 40, according to the law of 1992.

The draft changes the minimum limit of the votes for the proportional part as opposed to 1996 by reducing it from four per cent in 1996 to three per cent in 1992, to meet the demands of the parties with smaller electorate and at the same time removes the preference of the year 1996 in distributing the additional mandates for the parties winning by majority system.

This formula is the intermidiate solution between the formula of 1992 and that of 1996. kled/lm/e

[12] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT AGREES BY MAJORITY OF VOTES TO INCLUDE ELECTORAL [DRAFT-LAW IN THE AGENDA

The draft-law is based on the political agreement of the Albanian political parties, brokered by the special OSCE envoy, Franz Vranitzky.

The draft stipulates changes including an election formula of a mixed electoral system, with a majority element and a proportional element. The formula recognises elections in two rounds in nominal constituencies, preserves the number of 115 constituencies, according to the law of 1996 and raises the number of additional mandates to 40, according to the law of 1992.

The draft changes the minimum limit of the votes for the proportional part as opposed to 1996 by reducing it from four per cent in 1996 to three per cent in 1992, to meet the demands of the parties with smaller electorate and at the same time removes the preference of the year 1996 in distributing the additional mandates for the parties winning by majority system.

This formula is the intermediate solution between the formula of 1992 and that of 1996.

Deputy Ali Spahia and speaker of Parliament Pjeter Arbnori explained that the DP took this legal initiative as the Prime Minister of the Government of National Reconciliation has not yet submitted a draft-law on elections, while, according to the package of the agreement with Vranitzky he should have done such a thing, as the legal time frame for holding election on June 29 is not met.

The SP rejected that the draft-law be included in the agenda arguing that:"The proposal for the electoral law should be made by the Government of National reconciliation".

"We do not discuss this draft-law because we do not counterpoise the Government of National Reconciliation, which was created for two reasons: to secure order and peace in the country, to secure free and fair elections," the chairman of the SP parliamentary group, Namik Dokle, said.

"We as SP deputies will only take part in the discussion of the draft-law approved by the government," Dokle said. kled/lm/e

[13] DECLARATION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF ALBANIA

"Regarding the declaration of Premier Fino in Washington that '9 parties support the corrected '92 electoral law and that only DP does not agree to it' we recall that on May 9, in the presence of the OSCE envoy, Mr Franz Vranitzky, a political agreement was reached among 10 Albanian parties, whose second point foresees a law based mainly on the majority system, but combined with proportional elements. In sign of compromise DP took the maximum of the majority system of 1996 with 115 constituencies, and the maximum of the proportional applied in 1992, accompanied with some changes in favour of the small parties.

On this line was publicly also Mr Vranitzky pronounced in his latest news conference. To this solution must be united all the parties which have signed the May 9 political contract. Five parties are alredy declared in favour of this law.

The declaration of Premier Fino on the Voice of America that he had informed the U.S. State Secretary of disagreements of 9 parties over the proportional system and that DP is for the majority system is incorrect.

We consider this a misinformation and a political haste on the part of the Premier Fino, at a time when we have expected from his visit to a friendly country like the U.S. to make a dignified representation of the spirit of the National Reconciliation. Unfortunately, with this declaration Fino seems not to have understood the content of the political contract of May 9, whose signatory his party is as well.

Such acts do not separate the image of the Premier Fino from that of an obedient soldier of SP." jz/xh/k

[14] PRESS REVIEW

"The alliance of the forces which did not organise the rebellion will score a sweeping victory," Rilindja Demokratike cites President Berisha as saying.

"What attracted reporters' attention was Berisha's effort to present the situation at home as if nothing had taken place and as if the Albanians can't wait to vote for the DP," Zeri i Popullit says under the title: "Berisha starts campaign".

"President of the Republic said yesterday that the Southern committees make up an ugly symbol of rebellion," Republika says under the title: "I miss Vlore".

Under the headline: "Great offensive of democrats begins", says Albania, in the article: "Berisha: 'We will win again'".

Under the title;"Committees - ugly symbol of rebellion", Rilindja covers yesterday's news conference of Berisha.

"Our country is small for foreign basis", the paper cites the president as saying.

"Berisha said at his news conference that the mission of operation Alba should not be expanded further, even threatening that unforeseen complications might otherwise emerge," Koha Jone says under the title: "DP, locomotive with demolished vans".

Dita paper covers the news conference of President Berisha under the title "The blind violence shames the democratic society." "The confrontation of Berisha during the months of riots on March-April has been only with the media which does not know Albanian, but yesterday Berisha also answered in front of the Albanian media. So the news conference gains the value of the symbol of a kind of normalization of the situation," reports the paper.

"Incredible statement of Berisha: I will go to Vlore. Nothing has shaken my belief for Vlore. I will go and talk with them," reports Gazeta Shqiptare. "Vlore proved which were the committees and will remember them for long," the paper quotes Berisha under the title "Berisha: Here are my responsibilities."

Among the topics of the today's press we quote:

RD, under the title "The committees - realizer of the macabre aims," reports that the political and ordinary crime aim to turn Vlore into a new center of Mafia in Mediterranean." The paper covers the meeting of Interior Minister aelo and Minister of Privatization Ypi in Burrel under the title "Urgent measures to restore order."

Zeri i Popullit carries the editorial "After the ten firms", where it considers the last accord among the ten political parties as the most important act to smooth down the road towards the early parliamentary elections. The paper publishes the discussion held in parliament by the chairman of the SP parliamentary group Namik Dokle on the law of transparency.

Republika carries an "auto-transparency" on the Vefa company, by the boss of this company, Vehbi Alimucaj, under the title "There are no losers at VEFA".

Rilindja reports with regard to the visit of Premier Fino in USA that "USA support the stabilization of situation in Albania." On the third page the paper carries the appreciations of the German press regarding the postponement of the parliamentary elections in Kosova.

Albania paper reports that the Greek government will make possible the legalization of emigrants who have stayed in Greece more than five years.

Koha Jone in the political heading reports "The socialists propose the future coalition with the Democratic Alliance Party and the Social Democratic Party". Under the title "General, do something for Vlore, the paper carries an interview with the general of "Alba" mission, Forlani.

Dita paper, under the title, "The politics in the army was held by Zhulali" carries an interview with the general Fiqiri Cenaj, former commander of the Shkoder division. /kled/eva/lm/mt/k

[15] STATE SECRETARY IN THE FOREIGN MINISTRY LEAVES FOR ITALY

Zeri will participate in the regular meeting of the Leading Committee of the Multinational Protection Force to be held Wednesday in Rome.

Since the beginning of the activity of the Multinational Force in Albania, in the meetings of this Committee Albania participates as well. /s.sh/kled/mt/k

[16] MINISTER OF JUSTICE TO PAY WORKING VISIT IN GREAT BRITAIN

During the four-day visit in England, different issues are expected to be treated, such as the British experience during the election campaigns, the organization of Justice, the relations between the Ministry of Justice and the courts, and others.

Minister Ngjela will also visit the most important centers of the British justice. /s.sh/kled/mt/k

[17] ALBANIA'S DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF [MACEDONIA

The spokesman of the Defence Ministry said that during the visit, Mr Vukaj had a separate meeting with the Macedonian Defence Minister, Bllagoje Hanxhijski. Minister Hanxhijski voiced to Mr Vukaj the gratitute for Albania's contribution to the preparations for the current exercise and in particular for the participation of an Albanian military unit in the multilateral exercise in the context of the Partnership for Peace with NATO.

Vukaj confirmed that "now we are resolute to take part in all planned PFP activities, because this is the only road for the creation of a modern army after the standards of the Atlantic Alliance.

The defence ministers of the two neighbouring countries discussed the ways for a further promotion of the military cooperation in the biletareal and multilateral contexts.

During the opening ceremony of the Rescuer '97 exercise, Defence Minister Vukaj also met with the Macedonian President Gligorov. They exchanged opinions on the present situation in Albania and the cooperation between the two countries.

Mr Vukaj also inspected the effective of the Albanian Army which is participating in the exercise. kei/xh/k

[18] MINISTER OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL ISSUES IN SEMINAR FOR EMIGRATION [QUESTIONS

Talking about this activity, Sherifi appealed for common long-term Albanian-Italian efforts, because according to him the urgent solution could not be enough.

One of the possibilities discussed on this purpose was the agreement for seasonal employment of the Albanian emigrants, but always stressing the fight against the illegal emigration, racism and intolerance.

The Italian Minister of the Social Solidarity, Livia Turco, reconfirmed in the seminar her readiness for cooperation with Albania. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

[19] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT APPROVES A NUMBER OF LAWS ON ELECTIONS

At the beginning of the session, a proposal of the President of the Republic on the holding of the referendum on the form of the regime, Republic or a Monarchy, was adopted.

After the approval of the law on elections, deputy Genc Pollo presented for approval the lifting of the law 56 of the law of elections, in the spirit of the CE. This law caused misunderstandings regarding the support of foreign personalities by various political forces, supporting the election campaign.

Further on, according to May 9 agreement, some tolerance and changes to the law on the scrutiny of the figures and to the anti-genocide law were made. According to them, exempt from the right to be elected are only former employees and collaborators of the State Sigurimi and former Party of Labour Political Bureau members. Ex- Sigurimi collaborators, who have not exerted this activity in the past 20 years, are not covered by this law. xh/

[20] ALBANIAN MONARCHISTS SUPPORT ELECTORAL LAW

"The law is completely conformed to the political contract," said in an interview with ATA the leader of the Movement of Legality Party, Guri Durollari. He added that the political parties "must accept this law in the name of the country's interests. It is not in the honour of the deputies to neglect national interests for party interests."

The declaration of 8 political parties of Albania not to take part in the coming elections, was, according to Durollari "an act which is completely wrong and a conseqeunce of a wrong mentality."

The monarchist leader said that the Balli Kombetar Party chairman, Abaz Ermenji, in the talks Durollari had with him, "was in favour of this law."

The delcaration of the 8 parties was not signed by the chairman and the deputy chairman of the Balli Kombetar Party and by the leader of the Christian Democratic Party, Zef Bushati.

"I think that much time was lost with the discussion of the electoral law," said Durollari, and that "his party was for a majority system law with a part of the proportional, to be realised in two rounds of elections, something realised by law.

"I see that these amendments are lready made and that the law is mixed and acceptable for us," said Durollari. He voiced his satisfaction regarding the decree for the voting on the form of the regime.

"Finally, the spirit of Albanian nationalism became aware of an injustice made to the royal family and a debt owed to the history of the Albanian people."

He considered this 13th of May, as historical. xh/

[21] "DECLARATIONS FOR NON-PARTICIPATION IN ELECTIONS AND WHICH INFRINGE [NATIONAL RECONCILIATION GOVERNMENT ARE IRRESPONSIBLE" - Pollo

"I consider completely irresponsible and threatening the declaration not to participate in the elections and which infringe the National Reconciliation Government," said Pollo after the session on the approval of the law on elections.

Referring to this declaration read in the Parliament by the SP deputy chairman, Namik Dokle, Pollo said that "so far I can say that besides the amendments passed, the law is supported not only by the DP but also by some other parties."

In the declaration, Dokle said that 9 political parties are against this law.

"The figure 9 of Namik Dokle seems to me artificial, a concoction. He also mentioned some names of parties, which have confirmed their support for this law and that time will show the position of each party," said Pollo.

Dokle said that SP will not take part in the elections with the law of 1996 or a law similar to it.

According to Pollo, there is no reason to consider this law the same as that of 1996. "The amendments brought aimed precisely at an essential improvment of the law of 1996 and are conformed to the recommendations of CE and OSCE," he said.

Pollo explained that according to Point 2 of the political contract signed on May 9, the amendments have enriched a law which in its context was based on the majority system with a more extended element of the proportional system, hence from 25 seats in the proportional system, the number is goes to 40 seats."

Referrring to the electoral law, Pollo said that "we have been in contact with OSCE which has been informed of the presented amendments and knows that they are in the spirit of the point 2 of the political contract reached on May 9, 1997.

"Additionally," said Pollo, "the accounting of the votes for the parties that surpass the limit goes in favour of the small parties. The point 1 of the contract envisages that the elections must be held within June. The deadline is June 29 and this is determined by law. According to the constitutional laws, 45 days before, that is, on May 14, 1997, the president must declare the election date.

Regarding DP acts, Pollo said that "DP supports the National Reconciliation Government for the mandate this government has, that is, the restitution of the constitutional and public order and preparation of the country for the elections. If SP sees itself incapable for elections, if it sees that is has no chance to win and tries to repeat the tragic event of a year ago this would be an irresponsible behaviour towards for this party itself and for Albania. xh

[22] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT ADOPTS THE LAW ON ELECTIONS

At the beginning of the plenary session, the chairman of the SP parliamentary group, Namik Dokle read out a declaration in the name of the SP, SDP, RP, CDP, BKP, HRUP, PLD which said:

"Renogotiation of the May 9, 1997 Agreement between the political parties in the presence of Mr Vranitzky is indispensable."

On May 9, upon the proposal of the OSCE mediator Franz Vranitzky, a political contract was signed for the holding of elections on June 29, 1997. According to the main constitutional provisions, the President of the Republic decrees the election day 45 days prior to the declaring of the date of elections.

The National Reconciliation Government has not presented the electoral draftlaw until today. In the mean time, the Prime Minister is on a working visit to America and the Minister of Law, Spartak Ngjela, whose institution should compile the electoral law, left today on a several day visit to the Great Britain. In this situation, the DP Parliamentary Group presented a draftlaw on elections.

According to Article 23 of the main constitutional provisions "The law-making initiative it entitled to the President of the Republic, the Council of Ministers, to any deputy and a group of nationals who have the right to vote."

According to the declaration, the Socialist Party and 7 other parties, claim that:

"The blocking of the law-making initiative of the National Reconciliation Government with regard to the new draftlaw on elections that it has prepared, is a flagrant violation of the above agreements and has the value of a vote of nonconfidence towards the government."

"The compilation of this law is based on the May 9 Agreement between the political parties and former Austrian Chancellor Vranitzky, and basis for the package of understanding were the maximal demands of the majority system law of 1996 and those of the law of 1992," said the DP secretary general Genc Pollo.

Dokle warned that SP and other parties would immediately review their further participation in the National Reconciliation Government and that the present parliamentary political parties refuse or will reconsider their participation in the parliament until the situation is unblocked.

The law envisages amendments including a formula of elections of a mixed electoral system, with an element from the majority system and an element from the proportional system. The formulae includes elections with two rounds in nominal constituencies, retains the number of 115 constituencies according to the law of 1996 and increases the number of supplementary mandates to 40, according to the law of 1992.

The formula changes the minimal limit of votes for the proportional part of the law of 1996, reducing it to 3 per cent under the level of the law of 1992, to meet the demands expressed by the parties with a small electorate and at the same time it lifts the favour of the law of 1996 in the distribution of the supplementary mandates for the winning party in the majority system. In this way, this formula is an intermediate solution between the formulae of 1992 and that of 1996.

The new electoral law adopted by the Parliament today was also supported by the Legality Movement Party. xh/

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