Britain against the Albanian left “The so-called democratic opposition is an entirely communist opposition and undoubtedly more aggressive and more savage than many others” “The so-called democratic opposition is an entirely communist opposition and undoubtedly more aggressive and more savage than many others,” Lord Çeshum declared, blaming the Albanian left for the technical irregularities observed during the electoral process of 26 May.

. Shehu invites the socialists to Parliament. The DP backed by Europe. The resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe was adopted unanimously, with two abstentions. Certainly, the resolution’s adoption did not involve only representatives of centrist or right-wing parties. A considerable number of those voting belonged to left-wing parties, and with their votes they contributed to the political consensus in Albania and the continuation of reforms in the country. They voted for the new Albanian parliament and, at the same time, for its legitimacy and for the legitimacy of the elections from which this parliament emerged. The positive effects of the resolution for Albania’s democratic continuity cannot be dampened by the negativity coming from the Albanian left-wing press one day after it was announced. The distorted interpretation of the resolution, claiming that new elections have supposedly been called for, creates an image of chaos in the country and unsettles people, as well as minimizing as much as possible the resolution’s effect in discouraging investment in Albania. The readiness for dialogue or political calm suggested by the resolution was trampled even by those who raised their hands in its favor. Namik Dokle’s newspaper continued its series of attacks on Albanian institutions yesterday, while also portraying the resolution as a fictitious success for the party that won the elections. Readers of this [newspaper?] in Europe were also told yesterday, in the newspapers of Gjinushi and Ceka and in the newspapers of the “deputies” of Poli Q, that Europe is a plaything they can use for their rhetoric. The resolution clearly states that the elections and Parliament are recognized, while also offering assistance with further drafting of Albanian legislation, which needs such assistance. The resolution contains many suggestions which a good, well-informed observer of Albania and Albanian politics would consider valuable and capable of being taken on board, primarily by the left, to take even a single step forward in renewing themselves or to establish even a minimal distance from their discreditable past. If the Council of Europe did not consider almost all the demands of the Red Front, that is not the fault of the people in Tirana, whom the PS and Poli Q will not leave in peace with their rallies, one Saturday and another Friday. There have also been communist Fridays in Russia. Nor is it the fault of the Council of Europe’s own representatives, who find it difficult to consider requests coming from a former secret-service informant or from others who tried to keep former President Alia in power. According to the latest reports, several socialist MPs have decided to go to Parliament despite their party’s decision to boycott it. This is a phenomenon that cannot be separated from the natural course of a politics with a moral compass, which must be practiced in Albania. Immorality is increasingly setting its own limits, extending no farther than the leadership of the Socialist Party and the ten people who lead Poli Q. Political morality cannot be compromised by these people, who seek to punish everyone whom they voted out of politics a month ago. By declaring the Albanian parliament legitimate, the unanimous once again expresses Europe’s support for the Democratic Party and its government. It shows that Europe supports democracy in Albania, not the communists in Albania. The chairman of the Albanian Democratic Party, Mr. Tritan Shehu, returning yesterday from Strasbourg, where a special Parliamentary Assembly was held to discuss the situation in Albania following the conclusion of the 26 May elections, described the decision of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe as a fair decision that recognizes the legitimacy of the Albanian parliament and the results of the 26 May elections, and invited the opposition to take part in Parliament. “I will say,” Mr. Shehu added, “that the Council of Europe resolution is consultative and advisory in nature and, ultimately, it is the vote of the Albanian people that decides.” “This decision,” he said, “also invited the socialist opposition and put pressure on their party to return to Parliament, because Parliament is undoubtedly the temple of dialogue. We, as the Democratic Party,” Mr. Shehu stressed, “are open to dialogue and invite the Albanian opposition to take its seats in Parliament, because that is precisely where the laws for Albania’s democratic future are decided.”

Interview with Leni Fisher, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, given to the BBC How do you assess the debate held and the adoption

Interview with Albert Brojka, Secretary for Foreign Relations of the ADP There is no serious or tense political situation in Albania; there is no kind of political crisis. All of this is imaginary, existing in their hot-headed minds, and reflected in their press.

Anti-Americans at rallies to greet America

How do you assess the debate held and the adoption of the resolution on the recent elections in Albania? of the resolution on the recent elections in Albania? -This was yet another great opportunity for the Council of Europe to play a decisive role in a necessary situation, bringing Albania’s political groups to a common table so that they themselves could assume full responsibility for the future. -Ms Fisher, why did the draft resolution have to be amended? -The amendments were made by consensus and compromise, and all the political forces in the Council of Europe supported them. Of the five political groups, that is, the Socialists, Christian Democrats, Liberals and Radicals supported the compromise stating that the Assembly calls on the Albanian parliament to contribute by establishing the framework and giving priority to legislation, in implementation of the recommendations of the OSCE and the Council of Europe, including the amendment or repeal of the law on genocide. I think we must be open to making changes. If a law creates many difficulties, it is possible to amend it or make it more acceptable. I think the debate was worthwhile and I hope it will produce the right results in Albania, since that is more important than the debate in the Council of Europe. -Ms Fisher, what did the Council of Europe offer Albania? -The Council of Europe offered its assistance in preparing the elections that may be held in November—I don’t know the exact date—so the local elections can be prepared together with the Council of Europe, the regional assemblies and the regional groups here. I think the debate was long and all sides showed a great deal of responsibility. Many points were raised in the proposals put forward; the process of discussion in the various groups and committees was lengthy. I think this was a good signal for Albania. It needs it.

Anti-Americans at rallies to salute America The leftists seek further tensions -The former communists’ stubbornness in pursuing strategies used by the Nazis in the 1930s to seize power appears extremely dangerous to the security of democratic processes in Albania

Members of the PS polling commissions sign the payment records for May 26 According to sources close to the local authorities, all members of the polling-station commissions representing the PS and the left-wing opposition in the Tirana district during the May 26 elections have collected the payments provided as state compensation for all members of the electoral commissions. Page 3

Meksi–Simitis meeting Page 2

ANNOUNCEMENT of the Democratic Party All members of the National Council of the Democratic Party are hereby notified that the National Council of the Democratic Party will meet on Sunday, 30 June 1996, at 11:00 a.m. at the Palace of Congresses.