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Koha Jonë

E Enjte 17 Korrik 1997

Berisha, President until autumn

48 hours of ping-pong with KOZ over Berisha. The final report has still not been signed; an answer from the Presidency is awaited. Dr. ALBA HILA, urged the departure Page 2 Fino is waiting for the KOZ results and at the stadium Will Berisha leave, and when will he leave? That is the question that continues to trouble the Albanian public. Answers still cannot be given in full; for now he has only said that “we will hand it over,” while at the same time he is saying something else in private. On Sunday it is expected that he will be informed of the final result of the 29 June elections. Here he reportedly said that “if we cannot find a way, we will respond.” After Sunday, almost all procedures will be completed and the handover of the Presidency institution to the newly elected president will be carried out. So said a government minister, but the statement that “he will leave” is becoming absurd. On Tuesday, after a dinner with Prime Minister Fino, Berisha waved goodbye with a hand. Asked about the government’s efforts, the gentleman said without thinking twice, “as long as there is time.” After that, Fino left the stadium to get the result and meet the agencies in difficult areas, treated as unimportant. Thus, when Parliament is convened, now two days after the expiry of the handover deadline, Berisha and Fino are left without clarity; the right date should be found to arrive soon (extended by three days and by its own nature) with an outgoing mandate. It is learned that arrangements for the departure from the stadium have been considered. During the discussions, deadline procedures in several forms were put forward, steps for resignation were discussed, but the statements that “he will leave” are becoming absurd. PS leader Fatos Nano has said that “Berisha cannot remain even 48 hours after the certification of the result.” Photo GENT SHKULLAKU Fino, Raklli of the government of reconciliation, with the “Raklli” of TVSH, Arlian Teperena
Alba Hila Fino Fatos Nano Raklli Gent Shkullaku Stadjum

The Constitutional Court, Berisha’s shield

What is expected to happen today in the Assembly, even if the consequences are still fragile, is a contested move. Berisha wants the Constitutional Court to wait for a new decision from the Presidency. This amounts to delaying the procedure. In political circles it is said that during the last two days work has been under way to find a legal formula that would avoid conflict, but the constitutional deadlines are drawing near. Deputies from the new majority have asked that the procedure not be blocked any further. According to sources, several options for getting out of the deadlock are being considered. One of them is for the President to resign before the new parliament meets. Another option is for the Constitution itself to take effect. Prime Minister Fino has held several meetings with representatives of the parties to discuss the institutional path. He has stressed that the election result must be respected and that the country needs stability. If no political agreement is reached, the situation can only be resolved through a clear constitutional interpretation. This is expected to be the main issue in the days ahead.
Alba Hila Fatos Nano