President of the Republic Sali Berisha received the Minister of Defence of Italy, Beniamino Andreata Free and fair elections - the only path for the continuation of democracy and integration into Europe President Berisha directly told Minister Andreata of the interest, concern and request that the Albanian people and the Albanian political class, in cooperation with the OSCE and other international institutions, reach a consensual political agreement for the parliamentary elections of 29 June. He assessed that international elements and foreign observers are necessary and indispensable for resolving this situation. What is most essential and primary in this situation is political coordination for the government of national reconciliation and the priorities that this government must have, with the aim of preparing the freest and fairest elections possible in order to achieve the great goal of restoring peace and integrating the country. He said that he seeks Italy’s support, as a country of the European Union and NATO, to ensure fair and free elections with European democratic standards. The President praised the role of Italy and of Prime Minister Romano Prodi, Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini, Defence Minister Andreata and Ambassador Paolo Foresti, as well as the Chancellor of Austria, for their efforts to help solve the political crisis. According to President Berisha, the involvement of criminally compromised people in the government of national reconciliation must be categorically excluded. The Italian Minister of Defence, Andreata, conveyed to President Berisha the high regard of the Italian government and of Prime Minister Prodi for his role and that of the coalition government, as well as appreciation for the serious and wide-ranging efforts being made in these dramatic days. The Italian Minister of Defence reiterated the Italian government’s commitment to contribute actively so that Albania overcomes the difficult situation that has been created. Minister Andreata focused in particular on the joint operation to bring humanitarian aid to Albania and on the objective of establishing, as quickly as possible, the conditions for the holding of free and fair elections. The Italian minister described as very important the joint discussions being held with political forces in Tirana to solve the situation, as well as President Berisha’s role in creating the conditions for the swiftest and most democratic solution.

Declaration of the Albanian Democratic Party Rendali Majo, Secretary for Public Relations of the Socialist Party, in his press statement regarding the Socialist Party, expressing his party’s view, accused Mr. Kazim Hoxha and the opposition force of neo-colonialism, with the notion of the Islamic outlook, claiming that Islamic ideas would orient Albania toward its eastern and southern neighbors, whereas its national orientation is toward the West. Xenophobic concepts that damage Albania’s cooperation with neighboring countries Rendali Majo, Secretary for Public Relations of the Socialist Party, in his press statement regarding the Socialist Party, in his press statement [?] accused Mr. Kazim Hoxha and the opposition force of neo-colonialism, with the notion of the Islamic outlook, claiming that Islamic ideas would orient Albania toward its eastern and southern neighbors, whereas its national orientation is toward the West. What we are facing here is merely one of the confrontational, provincial and irresponsible manifestations that senior officials of the Socialist Party are carrying out on instructions from above in the insult of denying interstate relations with our close southern and eastern neighbors. The Public Relations section of the Socialist Party declared Mr. Kazim Hoxha and the political force he represents neo-colonialist because he states that Albania should have very good relations with its eastern and southern neighbors. This is manifested as part of an infantile chauvinist pathology of a political force that has been overturned by its historical failures. At a time when the aggressive rhetoric of all ultra-right governments in Southeastern Europe has been replaced by the languages of cooperation, trust and understanding, insulting and arrogant phrases toward our close neighbors are escalating in the highest circles of the Albanian opposition. The Albanian Democratic Party considers it essential that the leading figures of the Socialist Party put an end to the perverse logic that treats neighboring states as a source of threat. Albania can have excellent relations with its neighbors only when it respects them and when it values shared regional interests. In the PDSH’s analysis, verbal attacks on our neighbors are contradictory to the national interest and to the country’s European integration process. Any such language brings Albania into isolation and serves the climate of mistrust in the region.

The new Italian coalition government, formed after three days of talks, won a vote of confidence today with 321 votes in favor and 145 against. This vote marks the official start of the new government in Italy, which aims to confront the Albanian crisis and its consequences in the region. Prime Minister Romano Prodi stated that Italy would continue to support humanitarian missions and diplomatic efforts for the stabilization of Albania. He added that European cooperation is the key to resolving the crisis and restoring order in the country. The new Italian government consists of a broad coalition of political forces that support European integration and the strengthening of relations with neighboring countries. The debates in the Lower House focused on the need for a firm stance on developments in Albania and on ensuring aid for the civilian population. [page 4]

For a decision at the level of the crisis in the country Beniamino Andreata, Italy’s Minister of Defence, held talks in Tirana with the Albanian authorities on the political situation and measures to restore order. His visit focused on coordinating humanitarian aid, preparing elections, and international cooperation to resolve the Albanian crisis. Andreata stressed that the international community is ready to help Albania, but the solution must be based on a political agreement and functioning institutions. He held meetings with representatives of the government and with the President of the Republic, underlining the need for free and fair elections and for a climate of national reconciliation. [page 3]

In various cities across the country, local authorities published orders to enforce the measures of the state of emergency, including restrictions on movement at certain hours and a ban on carrying weapons without a permit. According to official sources, such measures aim to restore public safety and create the conditions for normalizing civilian life. Citizens are asked to cooperate with law enforcement and to avoid provocative actions. The authorities stressed that enforcing the law is a condition for restoring order and for the normal conduct of political processes. [page 4]

Interview with President Berisha given to analyst Gerhard Bizan of the leading Austrian newspaper “Die Presse” The military mission will be successful The “Alba” operation attempts to secure the border The people welcome it, the authorities request [?] a Frrok Çupi and reveals the scenario The USA is ready to help Albania The frozen coup [page 3]

Today, on 13.04.1997, at 11:00 in the meeting hall of the Palace of Congresses, the National Council of the PDSH will hold a meeting to analyze the situation in the country and the measures that need to be taken. Members of the National Council and the deputies are invited.