Today the second-round elections are held in nine electoral zones of the Republic The race is open again Today the second-round elections are held in electoral zones such as Kruja, electoral zone 10; Kavaja electoral zone 22; Puka electoral zone 26; Mirdita electoral zone 30; Kukësi electoral zone 59; Peshkopia electoral zone 64; Tepelena electoral zone 101; Delvina electoral zone 108; Vlora electoral zone 110. The candidates of the political parties for deputies in these zones on 26 May were unable to win the mandate without reaching 50 percent plus one of the valid votes. According to the Electoral Code, the second round will be held in these zones. Political forces and independent candidates remained engaged until late in the campaign in order to attract the attention of the electorate. The elections of 26 May brought an undisputed victory for the Democratic Party at the national level. This victory was considered historic, both by the Democrats themselves and by public opinion. The PD won 122 parliamentary seats and secured a parliamentary majority. In the nine zones mentioned above, the electoral battle remains open. [tekst pjesërisht i palexueshëm?]

US statement on the parliamentary elections in Albania The US State Department expressed yesterday its regret over the elections held on 26 May in Albania. “The process yesterday did not meet the minimum acceptable standards and therefore cannot serve as a model for future elections,” the statement says. The document stresses that the Albanian authorities must correct the irregularities and guarantee a freer and fairer process. The statement mentions that reports from international observers have raised serious concerns about intimidation, pressure on voters, and interference in electoral administration. It also calls for the Albanian government to take steps to restore the confidence of public opinion and the international community. The US emphasizes the importance of respecting political pluralism and fundamental rights during electoral processes.

President Berisha received the delegation of the Union for the Republic of France President Berisha assessed the elections as an important success for the country and for Albanian democracy. He said that their result proves the determination of the citizens to support reforms and European integration. The French delegation congratulated the Albanian people on their participation and on the calm conduct of the process. The meeting also discussed expanding cooperation between the two countries in the political and economic fields.

Interview with Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi given to Voice of America radio Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi stated that the Central Election Commission and the government have demonstrated transparency and readiness to cooperate with international observers. According to him, the electoral process was administered correctly and every complaint was handled in accordance with the law. He stressed that the result reflects the will of the electorate and that the opposition’s accusations are unfounded. In the interview with Voice of America, Meksi also spoke about the importance of the country’s political and economic stability.

Page 2 Partial list of officers of the former Secret Service, anti-committee members and PS observers in the elections of 26 May

Interview with the Secretary General of the Democratic Party, Prof. Dr. Besnik Cingecaj Prof. Dr. Besnik Cingecaj stated that the left-wing opposition is not accepting defeat and is trying to delegitimize the electoral process. He said that citizens voted for stability and reforms, while political opponents are trying to create artificial tensions. According to him, the Democratic Party has received a clear mandate to continue the transformation of the country. He sharply criticized the rhetoric of the opposition and called it an obstacle to democratic consolidation.

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Page 2 The PUK candidates for deputy respond to Berisha’s call

Albanians voted for their country in Europe The majority of Albanians voted conscientiously, without fear and without being constrained by pressure and the force of fear. Sali Berisha said that Albanians have clearly chosen their place in Europe and the future of their children. With their vote, they challenged the anti-reform and anti-democratic forces. This was stated by President Berisha in the meeting he had in Tirana with the senator of the Vermont Parliament, Christopher T. Christendberry, who is in Albania at the invitation of the Partia Bashkimi për të Drejtat e Njeriut. President Berisha said that the entire international opinion had assessed the electoral process of 20 October 1996 as a positive step for Albania and the Albanians, on their road toward the United Europe. He added that the Albanians won, in this process, the freedom of their vote in order to exercise it. The President said that the experience of these elections will be valuable for future voting in the country. Mr. Christopher T. Christendberry congratulated President Berisha on the success achieved in the elections as well as on the progress in strengthening democratic processes. He expressed optimism for Albania’s future and praised Albania’s constructive role in the region. The conversation then focused on the Kosovo crisis, developments in the region, as well as strengthening Albanian-American relations.

Press conference of the Chairman of the PDSH Tritan Kreka [?] announced today by Bashkimi Demokraci Press conference of the Chairman of the PDSH Tritan Kreka [?] on the activity of the Bashkimi Demokratik party was announced today by the information office at 09:00.