President Berisha received the Pope's special envoys The only way to restore calm and stability in the country is free elections The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, yesterday received the Pope's special envoys, the apostolic ambassador Monsignor Ivan Dias. Apostolic Monsignor S[?] Kasiano. At the beginning of the conversation, President Berisha asked to convey his most heartfelt greetings to the Holy Father on the occasion of Easter. Later, the President of the Republic gave an account of the latest developments in our country. President Berisha stated that Albania is going through a difficult but temporary moment. Sali Berisha said that the main problem in this country is the creation of a calm and secure climate for the holding of free and fair parliamentary elections. The President of the Republic reiterated that free and fair parliamentary elections are the only way to give stability to the country and legitimacy to future state bodies. The President of the Republic also said that Albania is ready to welcome with pleasure economic aid and a multinational presence with the aim of restoring calm in the country. In this context, President Berisha made it known that Albania welcomes the multinational European forces that will come to carry out the humanitarian mission and restore public order and security. According to Mr. Berisha, the Government of National Reconciliation has as its main duty at this moment the oversight of the electoral process and the withdrawal of weapons, which were used massively during the recent unrest. In this context the President reiterated that, according to the political pact, the President and the prime minister will set the date of the elections in consultation with the political forces. The main political message throughout the country is the securing of free and fair elections, which will accept and respect any government, regardless of its composition. The President also addressed the issue of Kosovo. He said that there has been a worsening there and that the international community must persuade Belgrade to respect the rights of ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. For their part, the envoys of the Holy Father wished the President of the Republic a Happy Easter and expressed their appreciation for his efforts in favor of establishing stability and calm in the country. The Pope's envoys valued President Berisha's dedication and that of the Christian forces for the positions taken against the terror of the civil war and for their sincere efforts in favor of dialogue among the political forces aimed at achieving free and fair elections. The Pope's envoys stressed that the state and the main political forces of the country must respect free elections, because they give legitimacy to the new government. They stressed the need for the elections to be guaranteed by a multinational presence. They also encouraged all Albanian political forces to move decisively on the path of civil peace, to give up violent adventures and to cooperate with everyone in fulfilling the role that multinational forces will play in successfully carrying out the humanitarian mission, restoring public order and bringing back coexistence among Albanians through peace. President Berisha accompanied by Aleksandër Meksi during the meeting with the Vatican envoys

Today, in Tirana, the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Fasino Statement by the Chairman of the Democratic Party Prof. Dr. Tritan Shehu

The PD has respected and continues to respect freedom of thought and each person's free vote Page 3

The PS must bring under control the forces it has let off the leash Today democracy is the most unique political force among these peers, which can provide a normal solution. The 70 days of this month proved not only the national tragedy that did await impatiently from the side of democracy…[?] As for the so-called “Forum for Democracy,” the Socialist Party, the political force that has proclaimed itself the direct heir of the PPSH, is incapable of speaking in the name of democracy. True Albanians have lost all trust in the instigators of unrest. Albanians suffer the consequences and find it difficult to live in conditions of insecurity, hunger, poverty and misery to which the red gangs have reduced them. Political forces that are for democracy, that want constitutional order, the rule of law, political pluralism and a market economy, must be determined to stop the further slide of the situation into chaos. Precisely for this reason, the Democratic Party calls for the dialogue process to be unblocked as soon as possible and for the spirit of consensus among the political forces to be strengthened. The Socialist Party, which has taken on the responsibility of creating the Government of National Reconciliation, must bring its bandit armed forces under control. It must stop attacks on constitutional institutions, renounce political and military pressure for absolute power, and distance itself from extremists and violent adventurers. Sali Berisha and the Democratic Party will respond firmly to any anti-democratic attack and any attempt to overthrow the constitutional order. Democracy will win this battle.

Telephone conversation between President Berisha and Austrian President Thomas Klestil Ministers in Vienna Telephone conversation between President Berisha and Austrian President Thomas Klestil Full support for restoring stability in Albania I am pleased to present your national election as well as the reasoned call in the south, the views of the President of Austria Thomas Klestil. These are the issues Albania is going through to achieve the taking over of power…[?] and has made an effective contribution to the discussion. The President of Austria, Mr. Klestil, expressed to President Berisha that, on behalf of the Austrian people, he wishes the Albanian people well in these difficult days and expressed his regret regarding the great difficulties our country is facing. Mr. Klestil also asked President Berisha to support the process of free and acceptable elections, as well as to take care of the humanitarian needs of the Albanian people. The President of Austria expressed appreciation for the role President Berisha has played in avoiding the worsening of the situation and in preserving the functioning of the constitutional institutions. He also stressed the need for political dialogue and understanding among the main political forces in the country. President Berisha thanked his Austrian counterpart for the support given to Albania and expressed the readiness of the Albanian authorities to cooperate with international partners in the interest of restoring order and stability.

The US Embassy will not meet with any so-called “rebel” citizens’ committee Tirana, SHIK news office - The American Embassy of the United States in Albania denied on Thursday that it was planning to meet with any self-proclaimed group of citizens or rebel committee. The withdrawn Korean official, the email spokesperson, also issued an assessment of a legally representative one in Tirana.[?] The American notice said that close ties with the Albanian government would continue. It said that “we will not meet with any group that self-identifies as a ‘rebel committee’ or citizens’ government.” It goes on to say that the US considers the Albanian government to be the only recognized authority in the country. The embassy statement was broadcast by the news agency “Reuters”.

From yesterday's meeting of V. Kestili with Ministers in Vienna From yesterday's meeting of V. Kestili with Ministers in Vienna The Austrian commitment should not be considered a “war order,” but as an “export of stability” - the position of the Austrian government on the commitment of military troops in Albania took the unquestionable consideration in the government of Vienna, but did not oblige…[?] Page 3

A series of articles on the latest events in Albania from Shapi…[?] from the new issue of the Swiss magazine “Swiss Press Review and News Report” A series of articles on the latest events in Albania from the new issue of the Swiss magazine “Swiss Press Review and News Report”

Notice from the People's Assembly Office Luqiano Violantë writes to Albnor We express to you feelings of close solidarity that are difficult, the union in help of Albanian solidarity, for the message of honor for the Albanian people. On this day, we met in Italy and we have discussed in a special way social force and coexistence. We have confirmed that the Italian political forces are ready to give help by any means to achieve peace in Albania. and we plan the role of this national party which can help in consolidating solidarity and cooperation among the political forces and improving the role of international services.

Newspaper “SÜDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG”, 3 April '97 Newspaper “SÜDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG”, 3 April '97 Fino - More than a temporary figure in the PS Page 3