Telephone conversation between Berisha and Demirel The Spokesperson for the President of the Republic announces that on 21 March 1997, President of the Republic Sali Berisha had a telephone conversation with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Sulejman Demirel. President Demirel, expressing his deep concern about developments in Albania, told President Berisha that he and his country fully support the National Reconciliation Platform presented by the President to the political forces and embodied in the agreement of 9 March, as the best way to lead the country out of the crisis, and support the efforts of the Government of National Reconciliation and President Berisha to restore stability. Turkey recognizes only Albania’s legal institutions and is determined and ready to engage and assist Albania in all areas in restoring its stability.

. For all patriotic Albanians, in heart and deed, in Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and the Diaspora, it has become entirely clear that the politicization of the pyramid-scheme crisis, escalating to armed rebellion, a coup and ultimatums demanding autonomy in several southern cities, was conceived and prepared long ago by the authors of the scenario now being carried out. The aggressive demands for the full return of the money lost in the pyramid firms, for the resignation of the Meksi Government and subsequently of President Berisha, have been accompanied by openly armed actions against state institutions and local authorities, with the aim of paralyzing and replacing them with illegal bodies such as military or rescue committees, which are in reality acting as authorities of occupation and autonomist local self-government. In reality, these are loud alarm bells warning of the danger of institutionalizing an anti-state or the rule of crime and chaos, of the mafia of every color and flag, and at the same time of the danger that Albania’s territorial integrity may be violated through autonomy or the secession of some cities or regions of southern Albania. But the authors and actors of this scenario, inspired by dusty annexationist maps or maps hastily reproduced once again, and by Albanian and non-Albanian sponsorship, will never succeed in carrying it through. The missionaries or mercenaries making up the army that would divide Albania represent neither themselves, let alone the entire population of the cities or regions they are terrorizing with their gangster-like and bloody rule. For the inhabitants of these areas too, and for all Albanians in Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and the Diaspora, Albania is Albania within the lands bequeathed to us by our ancestors, and whoever violates its integrity will face their united response as one body. Their. Albania’s territorial integrity will be preserved and defended at any sacrifice and cost, because it is the heartfelt demand and desire of all patriotic Albanians, without regional, religious or party distinctions. This deep national awareness paved the way for the Government of National Reconciliation and is the main reason for its broad support throughout the country, the guarantee of the success of its mission and of meeting the test or great challenge of the present moment. The demands made by the leaders of some committees or rebel bands in the South, deliberately put forward through several foreign megaphones, will vanish like voices in the wilderness. This adventure will end in disgrace, and all the mercenaries of the state and the nation will receive the punishment they deserve. Confidence and security in this regard are also provided by the maximum commitment and firm, unanimous stance of Parliament, the President and the Government of National Reconciliation, as well as the considerable international support for rapidly stabilizing life in the country and restoring peace and security in the people’s lives and work.

President Berisha meets with the German ambassador Yesterday, President of the Republic Sali Berisha met with the German ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Hans Peter Disdorn, and discussed developments in Albania with him. Ambassador Disdorn told President Berisha that, although Germany itself would not participate with troops or police units, it would in no way oppose such an action by other member states of the European Union. He confirmed to President Berisha that Germany supports a political solution within the framework of the National Reconciliation Platform and through Albania’s legitimate institutions alone. In this regard, it considers the immediate start of preparations for elections under full international supervision to be very important.

President Berisha received the French Ambassador President Sali Berisha received the French Ambassador for a meeting the day before yesterday and discussed the situation in the country with him. The French Ambassador once again confirmed to President Berisha France’s position, expressed by President Chirac’s adviser and by the French Foreign Minister: France fully supports the National Reconciliation Platform, Reconciliation, a political solution within the framework of Albania’s legitimate institutions, and Albania’s integrity.

The Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Mr. Pjetër Arbnori, received, at her request, the U.S. Ambassador, Ms. Mariza Lino Taking the floor, Mr. Arbnori said that in the current situation, protecting the country’s sovereignty and integrity while respecting the legitimate institutions and the Main Constitutional Provisions is of vital importance for Albania. We have a Government of National Reconciliation that works on the basis of a platform drawn up at the meeting of the political parties with the President of the Republic. Parliament has supported it and will continue to support it, respecting all the points of the political agreement, in order to implement the National Reconciliation Platform, restore public order and constitutional order, and lead the country toward new solutions. We recognize only freely elected local government bodies and do not recognize the military committees which, like the soviets of 1917, seek to impose themselves on legitimate institutions through force and violence. Ambassador Lino expressed her full support for everything Mr. Arbnori had said and noted that, in the current situation, it is absolutely essential to respect the institutions, expressing her support for Parliament. She said that in all our statements we have called against violence and the forcible imposition of authority on legitimate institutions, insisting on political solutions. Along these lines, we have supported the Government of National Reconciliation and its platform. Today more than ever, all parties must contribute to implementing this platform. The participation of all political forces in Parliament’s work would also serve this purpose. Parliament is an important institution that must be protected in this difficult time, Ambassador Lino stressed. Chairman Arbnori, thanking her for her support, stressed that Parliament is determined to contribute to overcoming the situation. A political solution can be achieved only by respecting the legitimate institutions: Parliament, the Government of National Reconciliation and the President. Outside these institutions, there can only be chaos and a deepening of destabilization.

“The solution to the conflict in Albania is political and must be carried out by the Albanian government, by President Sali Berisha and by the political forces” of this country, Page 6

His visit program includes meetings with the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, Prime Minister Bashkim Fino, etc. Onur Omen will visit Albania on Monday, according to a notice from the Press and Information Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Mr. Omen will meet with senior state officials and the leaders of Albanian political parties. During the most recent visit, Albanian-Turkish relations have seen important developments in various fields, including the economy, military affairs, culture, education, etc. Republic, Sali Berisha, Prime Minister Bashkim Fino, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Albert Rakipi, Minister of Defense Shaqir Vukaj, Democratic Party chairman Tritan Shehu, Socialist Party chairman Fatos Nano, as well as a meeting with the political parties participating in the government.

For Albanians, March has become a symbol of freedom, of triumph over the dictatorial system, and of the great human evil that destroyed Albanian society through a long and brutal communist dictatorship that ruled for more than 50 years with cruel, inhumane oppression. Five years ago, on March 23, 1992, Albania found itself in a free and democratic place. The Albanian citizens had voted the day before for the architect of freedom and human rights, for the leader of the democratic revolution in Albania, the Democratic Party, as well as for the other Albanian democratic forces, which had just presented the Albanians with a major program to transform the old communist system into a democratic system. Berisha’s slogans, the leader of the Albanian democratic revolution—“Opposition, brothers and sisters” and “Fellow travelers and accomplices”—were the most constructive slogans in the Albanian world throughout all time. During the five years that have passed, Albania emerged from long isolation, made many great friends around the world, and built the rule of law and trust in the system. The problems of food, clothing, transport, and many other aspects of daily life were addressed. Government revenues increased, family comfort improved, macroeconomic indicators stabilized, unemployment and inflation fell, and foreign debt was paid off, etc. Important investments were made in oil, construction, roads, hotels, public services, and most major sectors of life. Steps were taken toward establishing modern legislation through law; fundamental human-rights instruments and the codes of criminal and civil procedure were adopted. Albania signed important agreements and conventions with Europe, the USA, and other international institutions. These achievements can never be denied by anyone, regardless of today’s [unclear], and we must remember them as co-responsible for democratic developments. March 23, 1997 truly finds Albania shaken by certain anti-national, anti-democratic, and inhumane forces, but steadfast in its belief in democracy, freedom, and human rights. The DP, the democratic forces, and all the Albanian people will know how to withstand this dark anti-democratic and anti-national crisis as well. Democracy will never be defeated. Albania will live forever, and we will celebrate other months of March in freedom and prosperity.

Interview with Mr. Ali Spahia, Deputy Chairman of the DP Interview with Mr. Ali Spahia Deputy chairman of the DP Our great responsibility today is Albania The arrival of Socialist MPs in parliament would serve the general spirit of national reconciliation Page 3

Telegram from the Chairman of the PPDSH, Arbër Xhaferi, sent to the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Sali Berisha “We are following events in Albania with deep concern and support without any doubt your wise efforts to find a political solution that would prevent the crisis from deepening. The consensus among political forces and the whole life [sic] on the sensitivity of the situation, on political maturity and wisdom, and also on the mobilizing strength of patriots encourages us at this moment when the homeland is at risk. Honorable President, the Albanians of Macedonia are at no moment indifferent to developments in Albania and to the importance of Albania’s stability, and they will not stand idly by if an attempt is made to violate Albania’s territorial integrity. While supporting all your efforts for a political solution to the open issues, for achieving national reconciliation, and for protecting the peace and territorial integrity of the country, we inform you that we are ready to place ourselves at the service of safeguarding Albania’s territorial integrity.” Skopje, 21.3.1997

Telegram from the Chairman of the PPDSH, Arbër Xhaferi, sent to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Bashkim Fino to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Bashkim Fino Ready to defend Albania’s integrity “Allow me, Mr. Prime Minister, to express my gratitude and that of the party for your courage, for your willingness to place yourselves at the service of the homeland at a time when our national interests are at risk. Once again expressing our support for you, your government, and the other legal and legitimate bodies of the Albanian state, we inform you that all of us are ready to place ourselves at the service of defending Albania’s integrity. Skopje, 21.3.1997