“We are withdrawing from the elections because of manipulation and state terror” Statement by PS, PSD, PAD, PBDNJ, PA and PUK. Protest rally at 12:00 The Albanian opposition does not recognize the manipulated elections of 26 May and 6 June. They are considered such only by the president of the republic and the chairman of the central voting commission. But a large part of Albanian politics, as well as the Western media, consider these elections a failure of the government and of President Berisha’s policy. The PD, led by him, caused this grave situation, for which the small opposition parties are also to blame; after the referendum they decided to become supporters of the regime. Just a few hours after voting ended in Albania, the decision-making bloc began to act by any means, and at 17:00 the headquarters of the majority was attacked several times in a disorderly and disarmed manner by all its candidates, as part of yesterday’s statement about the terror used to manipulate the vote. But on the one hand the security services and on the other the undisciplined and disarmed opposition supporters, today at 12:00 there will be a protest rally in Skanderbeg Square. All the leaders of the parties that have declared withdrawal will take part. PS leaders on Sunday during the press conference where they announced their withdrawal from the elections Reuters

PB: the election results are in doubt page 7

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Nano from Bënça: “What has been suffered, withdrawn” The Secretary-General of the European Socialist Party declares: page 3

Today the Left and the Right take a position on the elections page 7

The head of state speaks frankly: “I was glad when they withdrew” The President remains resolute. He speaks about victory, about the seat and about OSSH and the opponent in front of many journalists, despite the high level of tension. President of the Republic Sali Berisha was very optimistic yesterday. Sitting before the media, he repeated in an irritable tone that the opposition boycotted the vote in order to expose its criminal scenario. Referring to yesterday’s statement, in which the postponement of the procedure for political purposes was itself acknowledged, he called all the opposition’s denunciations bluff. Commenting before numerous journalists, despite the blatant violations of Saturday, Berisha’s answer made it clear that the opposition’s withdrawal at this moment constitutes a great victory for the PD. “If it had happened otherwise,” he said, “the ground would have become more difficult for us.” President Berisha.

“I have not met any TVSH journalist” page 7

The opposition’s withdrawal calls into question the counting of votes U. Arin: “In Vlorë I saw a person eat d[n]e 7 ballot papers” page 2

Of the European Socialist Party declares: page 7

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