The European Union asks the Albanian Government to continue resolutely with political and economic reforms The European Union will support Albania with credit for farmers, supplies, infrastructure and the development of local communities The Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union called on the left-wing opposition to stop exploiting the current situation for party purposes At yesterday's meeting in The Hague, the Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union decided, among other things, that the European Forum's “Contact Group” should begin the process of building a multinational civilian and police administration, including Albanian representatives, in order to speed up the return to normality and the restoration of public administration through an inclusive process. The Council's communiqué stresses that the country will be supported with credit for farmers, supplies and infrastructure. The development of local communities and social cohesion will also be supported. It also strongly calls on the Albanian Government and the opposition to refrain from threatening actions and to return to consultations within the framework of the political round table, underlining that contact with the legitimate authorities is important for achieving cooperation. The Council calls on the Albanian authorities to preserve internal order and calm, without using excessive force. The statement notes that the Albanian government has requested assistance from the EU, WEU and OSCE. The communiqué states that if the Albanians do not manage to resolve the political crisis in the country, the EU will review its aid. According to the document, restoring order and calm is a process that must be supported by economic and financial measures. Meanwhile, the European Commission has been tasked with helping to find a solution to the crisis by consulting with the authorities and international organizations. The statement reiterates the need for all parties to cooperate in overcoming the situation. The declaration of the Council of Foreign Ministers was approved at the end of yesterday's meeting in The Hague, where the situation in Albania and the ways to restore stability were discussed at length.

Interview with the Secretary for External Relations of the PDS, Albert Brojka Page 3

In the Italian Parliament The Italo-Albanian friendship treaty will soon be ratified The political line for approval of the agreement was submitted recently to parliament by the foreign minister, “Ambassador Dini” The adviser on political affairs at the Italian embassy in Tirana, Alberto La Volpe, in an interview for the newspaper "Europa", stated that the centre-left government in Italy intends to revive as soon as possible the Italo-Albanian friendship agreement. He said that the document prepared years ago has remained pending, but is expected to go to parliament soon for approval. According to him, the agreement would create more solid foundations for bilateral cooperation and for Italian assistance to Albania in the current crisis. He stressed the importance that Italy attaches to the stability of our country and to support for democratic institutions.

President Berisha receives the International Socialist meeting Kastriot Islami, vice president [?] of the People's Assembly, member of the Socialist Party and vice-chairman of its parliamentary group, justified the left's non-participation in the round table by arguing that “Berisha does not recognize the elections.” Sali Berisha, who is holding talks with representatives of the Socialist International in our country, said that he cannot hold talks with those who call for violence. According to Mr. Berisha, there can be no talks with people who are demanding the government's resignation by force, the removal of the legitimately elected President or the dissolution of Parliament. He also said that Berisha had accepted a political solution with the mediation of international bodies and in compliance with the Constitution. The President stressed that Albania is going through a difficult situation, but that the legitimate institutions must be protected. He called on political forces to avoid the rhetoric of violence and to engage in democratic ways to overcome the crisis.

Kosovares [?] declares that it is in the interest of peace and stability in the region that economic aid be given to Albania. He stated that, before the latest developments, the coalition government in Albania had been a factor of stability in the region. He said he hopes that all sides will cooperate to achieve a solution to the political crisis and that international support for our country should continue. The statement was made after a meeting with diplomatic representatives accredited in Tirana.

Protest statement Representatives of 8 social and political groups in the city of Shkodra expressed themselves yesterday through a statement against the positions of the chairman of the Socialist Party, Servet Pëllumbi, and of the delegation of the Socialist International. The statement says that they came to Albania to incite division and to support actions against legitimate institutions. The statement condemns acts of violence, attacks on public buildings and any attempt to incite citizens against the constitutional order. The participants called for support for democratic institutions and for the avoidance of party interference from outside.

The Democratic Party to BBC The PD will take part in the EDU meeting in Paris The spokesperson of the Albanian Democratic Party, in a response to BBC, declared that Albania will be represented at the upcoming EDU meeting to be held in Paris. According to him, the Democratic Party remains committed to cooperation with sister European parties and to support for democratic processes in the country. He stressed that the political force he represents is determined to continue the reforms and to confront the crisis with constitutional means. The response was made in the context of increased international interest in developments in Albania during 1997.

The presidency speaks out on Albania Among the large number of statements by governments and international organizations on the situation in Albania, Austria has recently been included as well. In an official statement quoted by RADIO VIENNA, the Austrian foreign minister, Wolfgang Schüssel, announced that Austria supports Albania and the strengthening of democratic institutions. Mr. Schüssel stressed that the Albanian crisis must be resolved by political means and in compliance with the constitutional order. He underlined the need for dialogue between political forces and for economic aid from European countries. According to the statement, Austria is ready to provide further contribution within the framework of international initiatives for the stabilization of Albania.