Joint declaration of the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Bashkim Fino TIRANA, 16 March / ATSH /. Today, at 10:40, the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Bashkim Fino, signed the joint declaration whose content is as follows: The President of the Republic and Prime Minister Fino agreed as follows: Completely separated from the communist past of monism, and in order to break once and for all with the consequences of the totalitarian order, we must do everything possible to create and ensure the functioning of the rule of law and a democratic society. We are fully convinced that only through concrete contributions and trust in one another, regardless of where we have been divided, can we overcome this grave crisis. The restoration of order and public calm is in the highest national interest. Upon this depend the normalization of life in the country, the return of the authority of the state, and peace and understanding among citizens. In line with this major demand, we call on all Albanians, especially the youth and students, to set aside hatred and passions, to firmly condemn every act of violence, to renounce weapons, and to turn to understanding and dialogue. Through understanding and cooperation we can restore the country’s stability and solve the many problems and needs of Albanians. At the same time, we call on all state structures to show maturity and cool-headedness, but also to carry out their duties responsibly in accordance with the law. We consider unacceptable any attempt, whether from the far right or the far left, to exploit the situation and to stop the process of Albania’s democratic integration into Europe. Under these conditions, we deem it a national duty and responsibility to involve all political forces in the reconciliation process, and they must place national interests first and clearly support the establishment of order and the protection of institutions and the constitution. We invite all political forces and various forums to take and support concrete initiatives to overcome the difficult situation. With regard to some requests submitted recently, the President of the Republic considers them worthy of review by the Assembly and expresses his readiness to make his own contribution in this regard. Albanian Telegraphic Agency The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, and Prime Minister Fino agreed as follows:

The President of the Republic yesterday presented the request if such is the case. The first meetings of foreign correspondents with the President and other personalities have given signals. TIRANA (News/ ATSH) Yesterday the President of the Republic and foreign correspondents have expressed themselves in different ways about the importance of national reconciliation. In the continuation of the crisis, any deviation from the agreement represents a danger for the country’s future.

Last Tuesday in 1991 he came to rest in peace and died after several hours of sleeplessness. “RD” calls this newspaper, and “RD” is also trying to do much for salvation. We are fully convinced that only through concrete contributions and trust in one another, regardless of where we have been divided, can we overcome this grave crisis. Under these conditions, we deem it a national duty and responsibility to involve all political forces in the reconciliation process. In a climate of hope, trust, and understanding, everything can restart and take the right course. The Albanian people want peace, order, and a safer future.

TIRANA, 17 MARCH / ATSH / An American helicopter landed for a few minutes yesterday morning to evacuate members, American and Albanian, of the U.S. embassy, mainly families. Driza and the minister (?)… Albania had been closed for several weeks. … calmly and under strong security measures. Extraordinary measures were observed at Rinas airport and in the surrounding areas. Various sources reported the departure of several important people toward Italy.

BRUSSELS, 17 March / ANSA / Next week, senior officials of the European Union will discuss at a regular meeting whether to provide money to help the armed forces enforce order in Albania, but only if the situation worsens. European Commission spokesman Nikola Vankhove said that the amount of possible aid would depend on the situation. Albania remains at the center of EU concerns.

VATICAN CITY, Reuters special report. Yesterday the Pope called on all Albanians, “thinking of the great biblical exodus,” to adopt a “peaceful” attitude toward their brothers and to find a peaceful way out to overcome the unrest. “No more fratricidal hatred, no armed violence, but dialogue, especially for young Albanians,” he said. “I address myself with a heavy heart and with concern for the fate of the Albanian people: ‘I call on everyone to lay down their arms.’” The White House first stressed yesterday that the US was working together with the European Union, Italy and other countries to help Albania. But later it suggested that a peacekeeping agreement might fail. “After speaking with all governments, it seems that there are difficulties in putting it in place,” White House spokesman Mike McCurry said aboard the presidential plane. Prime Minister Fino agreed with the European Union’s request to the ambassadors of Assembourg