In what is happening today, as rarely before in the history of our state and of democracy, Albanians are showing that they are determined not to let their country fall into the abyss of anarchy. They are showing that they are ready to do everything possible to protect their freedoms and their lives, their property and their families. In towns and villages, political forces and non-partisan citizens are joining together in an effort to restore order, safeguard the institutions and prevent further division. This is the clearest sign that Albania can overcome this crisis if its citizens act responsibly and courageously. International aid is important, but it cannot replace our will to save the country. The world helps us when we ourselves help ourselves, when we give proof that we want peace, law and the state. Only in this way can Albania emerge from this grave situation and resume its path toward Europe.

Statement by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Because of the grave political and security situation in Albania, the German government has announced that economic cooperation will continue only after order and institutional stability have been restored. The statement emphasizes the need to strengthen democratic institutions and to return to normality as a condition for the continuation of aid.

The political solution, which we will build with the EU, we will build together with the EU The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, held a meeting yesterday with Prime Minister Bashkim Fino and the ministers of the national reconciliation government. At the center of the talks were interinstitutional cooperation, the restoration of order and the coordination of actions with the European Union. The President stressed that the political solution to the crisis must be achieved in full partnership with the EU and that the aid of international partners must be accompanied by clear responsibility on the part of Albanian institutions.

VATICAN, 25 March (AFP) - Pope John Paul II assured Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino of the Holy See's aid to restore order in Albania. During the meeting at the Vatican, the grave situation in the country and the need for international solidarity were discussed. The Pope expressed concern for the suffering of the population and praised the efforts for national reconciliation.

Speech by the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Albania, Mr. Tritan Shehu The left and the old opposition cannot transform yesterday's communism, Page 3

SHIK Chairman Bashkim Gazidede in Parliament on the foreign study The information presented to Parliament serves the platform of the national alert and the government's awareness of the danger threatening the country.

Statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs The statements of Mr. Beris appear to be based on inaccurate information or on disinformation

We thank Italy and the fifteen Determined to defend in Europe and to see the European choice through, we shall continue to remain faithful to our aim of making Albania a state governed by the rule of law and a country with Western standards. We shall continue to be grateful to the countries of the European Union and to other international institutions for their assistance. The Albanian press has the right to be fully informed about Italy's position and that of other European countries toward Albania. In these difficult days, as Albanian citizens and as a political force representing the governing majority, we feel the need to thank Italy, Germany, France, Austria, the Netherlands and other friendly countries for the help they have given Albania and are giving it to overcome this grave and dangerous situation. Of particular importance to us is the fact that, thanks to the participation and intervention of the international community, which has rightly been called a 'rescue force', the restoration of order and calm is becoming possible. We support the commitment of the fifteen countries of the European Union to restore order and normal life in Albania.