USIA - Text: Burns Statement on Albanian Elections Preparation, 97-05-13

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TEXT: BURNS 5/13 STATEMENT ON ALBANIAN ELECTIONS PREPARATION

(Party maneuver undermines efforts to resolve crisis) (440)

In a written statement, Burns said "Such action runs directly counter to the principle of consensus decion-making which led to the formation of the Government of National Reconciliation and which provides the basis for international assistance to Albania."

Unless all parties adhere to their commitments, Burns said, "It will not be possible for the international community to sustain its engagement in helping to restore order and democratic institutions in Albania."

Following is the text of Burns' statement:

(Begin text)

ALBANIA: PREPARATIONS FOR ELECTIONS

It is particularly unfortunate that this was done while a Government of National Reconciliation delegation led by Prime Minister Fino was outside of Albania, traveling to Italy and the United States to strengthen international cooperation in the rebuilding of Albania.

The United States strongly supports the Government of National Reconciliation and Prime Minister Fino. The formation of this government, and the commitment to free and fair elections, provide the basis for international cooperation with Albania. It is imperative that Albania's political parties work together to resolve the crisis in their country and stand by the March 9 agreement which produced the Government of National Reconciliation. To move forward on restoring democratic institutions, free and fair parliamentary elections must be held promptly on the basis of procedures acceptable to all parties and in accordance with the terms of the agreements reached.

Dr. Franz Vranitzky, the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman in Office, will be traveling to Tirana on an urgent basis to address concerns raised by today's maneuver in parliament and to see that the process of consensus is respected. The United States calls on all parties to cooperate fully with Dr. Vranitzky, as agreed in the May 9 "political contract." It will not be possible for the international community to sustain its engagement in helping to restore order and democratic institutions in Albania unless all parties adhere to the commitments they have made on working together and on cooperating with the OSCE.

(End text)

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