PSSH received with particular interest the statement dated 2.08.1996 by the US State Department press spokesperson, Mr. Nicholas Burns, concerning the meeting between Albania’s Foreign Minister Tritan Shehu and the Under Secretary of State of the United States of America, Mr. Timothy Wirth. PSSH, in its program and in all its positions, has valued and continues to value Albania–America relations in the political, economic, military and other fields as being of ... particular importance to our country. PSSH highly appreciates the US contribution to establishing democracy and building the democratic institutions of the rule-of-law state in Albania. On this occasion, PSSH reiterates its wish that, including through visits and meetings between delegations of our countries’ governments, Albania–US relations develop further in the service of progress in democratic processes in Albania and the preservation of security and peace in the region. PSSH appreciates the contribution made by the US Department of State, the Government and the President of the United States to restoring the Albanian electorate’s faith in democratic processes, a faith that was severely shaken after the violent manipulation of the May 26 elections. PSSH welcomes Mr. Wirth’s position, expressed at the meeting, that “The United States believes that stability in the Balkans can be achieved if the governments of the region adhere to democratic procedures, respect human rights and establish an independent judicial system.” PSSH appreciates the unwavering American position on resolving the crisis in our country, expressed once again by the Under Secretary of State, Mr. Wirth, at the meeting with Mr. Shehu at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “For Albania to continue on the path of democracy, free and fair local elections must be considered as a first step, indexed by… (Continued on page 4)

Manipulative operations with voter lists By Saturday, voter lists had been posted at only 70 percent of polling stations. The dead and emigrants from By Saturday, voter lists had been posted at only 70 percent of polling stations The dead and emigrants from

Intensive electoral activity by the Socialist Party. PS Secretary General Prof. Dr. Rexhep Mejdani in the districts of Tepelenë and Gjirokastër. Rexhep Mejdani: Our message is to help investors guarantee Albanian production. We have the capacity to produce far more than we do today. Rexhep Mejdani: Our message is to help investors guarantee Albanian production. We have the capacity to produce far more than we do today. Enthusiastic PS meetings, attended by its secretaries, have been held in Kuçovë, Poliçan, Skrapar, Gramsh, Sarandë, Delvinë, etc. Pages 2–3

Reception at PSSH headquarters Yesterday, the Secretary for Foreign Relations, Maqo Lakrori, and member of the Presidium, Kastriot Islami, received at PSSH headquarters the and Her Majesty’s Ambassador in Tirana, Andrew Tesoriere. The interlocutors exchanged views on current political developments and the prospects for democratic processes in Albania. The meeting took place in a warm, friendly atmosphere. PSSH spokesperson

Polling stations The dead and emigrants from across the continent—registered as potential voters Page 5

Documents from the manipulation of May 26