USIA - Text: Burns Statement on Visit of Albanian Prime Minister, 97-05-12

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From: The United States Information Agency (USIA) Home Page at <http://www.usia.gov>

TEXT: BURNS 5/12 STATEMENT ON VISIT OF ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER

(Albright, Fino discuss June parliamentary elections) (530)

Burns issued a statement May 12 following Secretary of State Albright's meeting with Prime Minister Bashkim Fino and other members of the Albanian Government of National Reconciliation, noting that they discussed efforts "to restore civil order and lay the groundwork for free and fair parliamentary elections on June 29."

As further evidence of U.S. support, the spokesman said, Albright announced the resumption of $12 million worth of bilateral democracy and economic technical assistance programs.

Following is the text of Burns' statement:

(Begin text)

The secretary stressed the importance of reaching a consensus on the election law immediately and following through on the all-party agreement to hold elections in June.

During the discussion, the secretary highlighted the important role that international organizations -- particularly the OSCE under the leadership of former Austrian Chancellor Vranitzky -- are exercising in helping the Albanians reach consensus over the elections process and political renewal. The secretary assured the Albanian delegation of the full support of the United States for the Government of National Reconciliation in its efforts to restore Albania to the path of democracy and sound economic practices.

As further evidence of U.S. support for the Fino government, the secretary announced the resumption of a number of bilateral democracy and economic technical assistance programs, valued at approximately $12 million, geared to help Albania bridge the period leading to the elections. Among the programs announced for restart are the following:

• Elections support carried out by the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic institute and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.
• Democracy assistance performed by ORT and the ABA's Central and Eastern European Law Initiative.
• Private sector economic development facilitated by the Albanian-American Enterprise Fund.
• Technical advice on the provision of basic public services performed by the Urban Institute, Development Alternatives and other contractors.
• Agricultural assistance to small private farmers carried out by VOCA, Land 0'Lakes, Winrock, the International Fertilizer Development Center and other contractors.
• Assessment missions by U.S. government agencies to explore technical assistance to key reform-minded ministries, such as the Ministries of Justice, Agriculture and Finance.

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