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Sunday, 22 December 2024
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USIA - Text: U.S. Appeals to Albanians to End Acts of Violence, 97-03-03United States Information Agency: Selected Articles Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The United States Information Agency (USIA) Gopher at <gopher://gopher.usia.gov>TEXT: U.S. APPEALS TO ALBANIANS TO END ACTS OF VIOLENCE(Regrets introduction of censorship, repression) (370)Washington -- The United States appealed March 3 to all Albanians to help end the acts of violence in the wake of the collapse of pyramid investment schemes.In a statement issued by State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns, the United States urged the president and the Government of Albania and all political leaders to work together to address the current crisis. The statement also said the United States is "consulting closely with our European partners on ways to help resolve the crisis." Following is the text of the statement: (Begin text)ALBANIA: NATIONWIDE UNRESTThe United States is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Albania. We appeal to all Albanians to help end the acts of violence, which only exacerbate the difficulties in which Albania finds itself in the wake of the collapse of pyramid investment schemes.We have urged the president and Government of Albania and all political leaders to work together to address the current crisis. We regret that today, under these difficult circumstances, the parliament went forward with the reelection of President Berisha. This step is likely to increase polarization, rather than facilitate a solution. We are also concerned that the state of emergency declared by the Parliament is being used to stifle legitimate free expression. We strongly regret the introduction of censorship. While the Government has the right and responsibility to undertake measures to prevent anarchy, such powers should not be used as an excuse for repressing legitimate dissent. The resignation of the Meksi Government offers the opportunity for the formation of a broad-based government that has the support of the people to deal with both the economic and political dimensions of the crisis. We hope that such a government will quickly be formed, will restore order while respecting human rights, and will take the steps necessary to ensure the resolution of the crisis, including a process leading to early free and fair parliamentary elections. In the view of the United States Government, this is a critical moment. We are consulting closely with our European partners on ways to help resolve the crisis. (End text)From the United States Information Agency (USIA) Gopher at gopher://gopher.usia.govUnited States Information Agency: Selected Articles Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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