The Albanian Parliament elects Berisha President of the country for the second time Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha, President of Albania The speech of the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, on the occasion of his re-election to the office of President of the Republic All united to build our future For the Albanian Parliament, my election in a secret ballot by an absolute majority of votes was a great honor and a heavy responsibility before the Albanians, before the nation and its history. I feel this honor for all Albanians wherever they are, and I feel that it is a great obligation to devote all my strength to efforts for the unity and stability of Albania. Overcoming the current difficulties and the serious wounds created in the economy and in the lives of citizens requires great commitment, as broad an understanding as possible, and determination to move forward. Albania will be a free and sovereign country, with the free market as the safest path for the country's integration into Europe, for the present and future of its people. Europe, Albania's partners and friends, will find in Albania's free and dignified citizens a serious and reliable state for relations of cooperation and understanding in the interest of both sides. Therefore, I consider this vote not only an appreciation of my work so far, but also a commitment to carry out to the end the mission of the President in the name of national unity and the interests of the country. The Presidency of the Republic in these difficult times will be an open institution for every citizen, for every political force and for every initiative that helps overcome the crisis. Kosovo and the national question will be at the center of my attention as President of the Republic. Europe: Albanian government calls of Albania and by Albanians and their future Albania is a civilized citizens for today and their future

The speech of the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, on the occasion of his re-election to the office of President of the Republic For the Albanian Parliament, my election in a secret ballot by an absolute majority of votes was a great honor and a great responsibility before the Albanians, before the nation and its history. The Albanian Parliament elected the President of Albania and, for another governing term, Sali Berisha. The highest choice of the Albanians for the President of the Republic, according to constitutional provisions, is a trust of the people in the person who represents the unity of the nation. In the name of this trust, I bow before my fellow citizens with the deepest respect and with the promise that I will serve Albania with all my strength. At this moment I greet and thank all the deputies who took part in the vote and those who supported me with their vote. Albania is going through difficult days. This requires calm, wisdom and unity. We will overcome this test only through law, order, dialogue and work. I call on all Albanians to contribute to civil peace and to the protection of institutions. Nothing is more important than the life, freedom and dignity of citizens. The state will do its duty and no one should take the law into their own hands. Albania belongs to Europe and will move toward it. Kosovo remains an inseparable matter of our national concern. The Presidency will be open to any initiative that serves reconciliation, stability and the public interest. Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha, President of Albania

The state of emergency is declared throughout Albania The Albanian Parliament yesterday approved the presidential decree declaring the state of emergency throughout Albania. The approval of the decree came after numerous discussions and amid measures taken to restore constitutional order. The law on the state of emergency grants state bodies expanded powers to maintain public order and security. During the session, the need for national unity and support for legitimate institutions was emphasized. This measure was presented as necessary to prevent the escalation of the crisis and to protect the life and property of citizens. The decision enters into force immediately and applies in all districts of the country.

Robbery and terror The toll of events in the south of the country remains serious. In Fier, over the last few hours, a relative calming of the situation has been observed after the intervention of the law enforcement forces and local structures. However, in Vlorë there have been more victims and armed incidents. Robberies, attacks on institutions and other acts of terror have been reported, increasing citizens' sense of insecurity. The authorities have called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with state bodies. The situation remains tense and developments are being followed with great concern.

The Local Emergency Headquarters in the Fier district officially informs all residents that as of 19:00 on 03.03.1997 and thereafter, entry into and exit from the city of Fier and movement around the city are permitted only with special authorization. All commercial activities, services and vehicle traffic will be strictly controlled. Citizens are invited to comply with the orders of the law enforcement authorities and to avoid unnecessary gatherings. Failure to comply with this notice will incur liability under the law.