USIA - Text: State Dept. on Albania's Economic, Political Unrest, 97-02-25

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TEXT: STATE DEPT. ON ALBANIA'S ECONOMIC, POLITICAL UNREST

(Urges Albania's leaders 'to put animosities aside') (470)

A statement issued February 25 by Glyn Davies, deputy spokesman for the State Department, also urged community leaders to "issue a call against violence" and called on Albanian authorities "to respect the right of their citizens to demonstrate peacefully."

Davies added, "We hope that, as Albania seeks to emerge from its present crisis, it will recommit itself to basic principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

"Among those steps which we view to be crucial to this end are an inclusive constitutional drafting process, followed by free and fair parliamentary elections."

Following is the text of Davies' statement.

(Begin text)

ALBANIA: ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL UNREST

While we understand the motivation for these protests, we urge that leaders in the affected communities issue a call against violence. At the same time, we urge the Albanian authorities to respect the right of their citizens to demonstrate peacefully. We are deeply troubled by reports of beatings and other acts of intimidation directed against persons identified with the opposition and against representatives of the media.

Our recently issued Human Rights Report expressed our concern over the political path followed by the Government of Albania during 1996. We hope that, as Albania seeks to emerge from its present crisis, it will recommit itself to basic principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Among those steps which we view to be crucial to this end are an inclusive constitutional drafting process, followed by free and fair parliamentary elections. Progress can only be built upon active and constructive dialogue among those with varying political views, both among and within the various parties. We have found in our experience such vigorous debate to be a natural and important element of democratic life.

We believe that there is a future for Albania as an integral part of a free, democratic, and prosperous Europe. But that future can be attained only if all of Albania's political forces work together to reverse the economic and political downward slide which Albania has experienced in recent times. We urge all political leaders of Albania to put past animosities aside and join in such an effort.

(End text)

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