For Mr. van der Stoel, the first elections of the second round held on 2 June 1996 were clear proof that Albania was on the path to consolidating democracy and the rule of law. He stressed that, despite the remarks and problems noted, the Albanian institutions and political parties must show responsibility in respecting democratic rules. In his assessment of the electoral process, van der Stoel focused on several key points: transparency, broader voter participation, and the need to avoid unnecessary political tensions. According to him, boycott and harsh rhetoric do not serve the country’s stability. He also mentioned the importance of the OSCE’s role in monitoring elections and the need for all parties to cooperate with observer missions. The electoral process, he said, must be seen as an important stage of democratic transition and not as a reason to escalate conflicts. In closing, he expressed confidence that Albania would continue forward on the path of European integration if the political class places national interest above short-term gains. (text partially illegible in the image)

Spokesman for the Austrian Chancellery, Viktor Klima: "If this is in the coalition’s honor," such complications directed at the meeting of the Council of Europe amount to asocial behavior VIKTOR KLIMA The Austrian Chancellor, Viktor Klima, told the Austrian news agency (APA) on Wednesday that if Albanian officials were prevented from taking part in the meetings of international organizations, including the Council of Europe (CoE), this would create unnecessary complications. Klima said it was appropriate to avoid any such action, stressing that Albania, despite its problems, has made significant progress toward democratization. The Austrian chancellor made these comments after a proposal by the Austrian Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the Alliance for the Future of Austria [?] that the Albanian delegation be excluded from certain activities because of political developments in Albania. According to Klima, such actions would also damage the image of the Austrian governing coalition itself. He said Austria should maintain a balanced position and support democratic processes in Albania, not isolate the country. A spokesperson for the Austrian government added that blocking contacts with European institutions would not bring a solution, only diplomatic complications. (text partially illegible in the image)

Secretary General of IECD, Zh. Klaus Welle, congratulates the Democratic Party on its election victory Klaus Welle, secretary general of the Union of European Democratic and Christian-Democratic Parties, among other things in the congratulatory message sent to the chairman of the Democratic Party, Mr. Sali Berisha, writes: "First of all, I want to congratulate you on the excellent result of the Democratic Party in the 26 May elections. The clear electoral victory shows that Albanian citizens value the democratization process and the reform commitments. With this success, Albania confirms its European orientation and its desire to integrate into Western structures. The election result represents another important step toward real democracy and closer ties with the European Union. We are convinced that the Albanian government will continue resolutely with political and economic reforms. Our union will support all efforts aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and cooperation with the European political family." This message also praises the role of the Democratic Party in the country’s political stability and expresses readiness to deepen relations with European bodies. (text partially illegible in the image)

The chairman of the PDSH holds meetings in electoral zones 81, 82 in the municipalities of Libofshë, Topojë, Poshnje, Sheqisht The chairman of the PDSH holds meetings in electoral zones 81, 82 in the municipalities of Libofshë, Topojë, Poshnje, Sheqisht - Ljosha notes how the course of the campaign evolves and changes from the old regimes into the taking up of new progressive values that inspire admiration and deserve respect in word. What is happening here clearly shows that the government is democratically capable, and that the Albanian people are able to work, create, and earn through their own labor, with the hope of living a better life for themselves and their families and for the future of their children and their country in the new Albania. The PDSH program for building a new and prosperous Albania will continue to be implemented. Securing property rights, encouraging investment, and improving infrastructure are the pillars of development in agricultural areas. During the meetings with the residents of the municipalities, the problems of irrigation, roads, the agricultural market, and support for farmers were discussed. The residents expressed confidence in the platforms of the right-wing forces. (text partially illegible in the image)

The press and spokespeople of these two different entities were not sparing harsh tones and mutual accusations. Both sides were presenting themselves as the sole defenders of the truth and the public interest. There was talk of divergences regarding political representation, the way of organizing, and responsibility for the electoral defeat. In the discussions held, the names of leaders, organizational structures, and failed tactics were mentioned, which according to one side had caused great damage to the opposition. This split was seen by many observers as proof of the deep crisis that had engulfed the Albanian left after the elections. Meanwhile, representatives of the opposing camp described the split as an indication of the lack of a serious political alternative. (text partially illegible in the image)

NATIONAL LIBRARY TIRANA Albania as a proof of stability After taking part in the plenary session, at the meeting of the high-level conference on housing and settlement, President Berisha returned yesterday to the Homeland

Sali Berisha: The victory of the Democratic Party of the nation, Albania is being considered for the first time in its life a free country in all aspects of the lives of its citizens AFP The PD victory in the May-June elections confirmed the distance from the Communist Party Sali Berisha said on Thursday that his party’s victory in the 26 May elections and in the second round of voting on 2 June is a democratic victory, a victory of the Albanian people, and a final break from the past. "The distance from the past is even greater when we take into account the fact that this progressive victory gave the word to the people and at the same time showed that the electoral administration and the institutions functioned," said President Berisha. According to him, Albania is entering a new stage of development in which individual freedom, the market economy, and the rule of law form the backbone of public life. He added that with this result, the country is being considered for the first time truly free in all aspects of the lives of its citizens. Berisha underlined that the electoral process has been assessed by international observers and that the opposition should take part in parliamentary institutions to contribute to the country’s stability. (text partially illegible in the image)