USIA - Text: UN Security Council Resolution on Albania, 97-03-13

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From: The United States Information Agency (USIA) Gopher at <gopher://gopher.usia.gov>

TEXT: UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION ON ALBANIA

(UNSC urges peaceful solution of turmoil) (510)

The UNSC issued the call late in the evening of March 13 after representatives of Italy and Albania appealed to the 15 members of the Council to do something about the violent chaos engulfing Albania. The statement was read early evening in a formal session by Council President Zbgniew Wlosowicz of Poland.

"The Security Council calls upon the parties involved to continue the political dialogue and to live up to the commitments undertaken on March 9 in Tirana. It urges all political forces to work together to lower tension and facilitate the stabilization of the country," the statement said.

Italian Ambassador Francesco Fulci told journalists outside the Council chamber that his government feared "a real massacre could start any moment in Albania and we think that it is very important to reassure the people that somebody is taking care of what is happening there."

Albanian Ambassador Pellumb Kulla asked for the presidential statement because, he said, "the country is out of control and the people through this statement have a source of optimism for the future. We hope to have a better situation in the future...this will help."

Following is the official text of the UNSC statement:

(begin text)

13 March 1997
PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION IN ALBANIA

The Security Council calls upon the parties involved to continue the political dialogue and to live up to the commitments undertaken on 9 March 1997 in Tirana. It urges all political forces to work together to lower tension and facilitate the stabilization of the country.

The Security Council calls upon the parties not to impede the provision of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population and, in this context, recalls the importance of keeping open all means of communication in the country. It encourages Member States and international organizations to help with the provision of humanitarian assistance.

The Security Council stresses the importance of regional stability and fully supports the diplomatic efforts of the international community, in particular those of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the European Union, to find a peaceful solution to the crisis.

The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council informed of developments in the situation in Albania.

The Security Council will remain seized of the matter.

(end text)

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