International pressure is mounting. Compromise is the only solution

Berisha continues to hold Albania hostage. Because of him and the failed policies he has pursued, it continues to be treated as Europe’s most problematic country, even alongside Zaire. Everything has been blocked; aid, loans and investments have all been made conditional on the holding of free and democratic elections. Yet once again, this is not what Berisha wants to do. Because by now he knows that the people do not want him; he knows that the majority of Albanians rose up in a popular revolt to remove him from the political scene, after his anti-people government killed them, burned their property, robbed them and deceived them. That is why he has chosen the path of confrontation and conflict with the people, without considering that, in the end, failure and disgrace will fall upon him. But will Albanians continue to tolerate being governed by Sali Berisha? Will they allow the gangsters’ chief to repeat May 26 of last year and steal their votes again, after the great theft of their money? Surely not. Therefore, everything must be focused on and directed toward removing him from power. This may be difficult, but it is not as difficult as it seems. Especially now. That is why, today more than ever, honest people and democrats must unite to tell the adventurer-dictator once and for all: enough—so that there will be no more people like him in Albania, no more crime and theft masquerading as prosperity, and no more division between northerners and southerners. Berisha is nearing his end. Let us also help him, with our strength, which overflows with love for our homeland and dreams of seeing it beautiful and worthy in the European family, to reach as soon as possible the end he himself has mapped out for himself. There is no room for illusions or dilemmas. Berisha cannot be changed; therefore, breaking with him will save us all and save Albania.

Yesterday in Vienna, Austrian Parliament President Heinz Fisher, former Chancellor Franc Vranicki, Austrian Chancellor Viktor Klima and UN Secretary-General Koffi Annan discuss the Albanian crisis (REUTER)

ROMANO PRODI, PRIME MINISTER OF ITALY: An avoid a Bosnia-style tragedy in Albania If there is no internal agreement concerning the elections, the content of our mission must be reviewed

JOHN KORNBLIUM: US UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE: Agreement as soon as possible! An agreement must be reached on the election law and rules

Overcome arrogance and mistrust BENIAMINO ANDREATTA, ITALIAN MINISTER OF DEFENCE: The next 24 hours are very important for Albania Arrogance and mistrust must be overcome

AKIS XOHAXOPULOS, GREEK MINISTER OF DEFENCE: Agreement by all parties Otherwise, Greece’s military presence in the multinational forces will be reconsidered Page 3

Socialist leader Fatos Nano on overcoming the crisis: I would also urge the political parties to stop concerning themselves with dividing up their pairs in this electoral process, which has not yet taken place, and instead ensure the restoration of calm and people’s faith in democracy Page 3

In the offices of state crime Page 6

On Thursday, 22 May 1997, at 10:00, a meeting of the General Steering Committee of the Socialist Party will be held. The political situation in the country and the duties of the PS structures at this moment will be discussed. THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PSSH

On Sunday, 25 May 1997, at 10:00, a meeting of the KPD of FRESSH will be held at the Miners’ Union Hotel in Durrës (former workers’ camp). Members of the KPD of FRESSH are notified to attend the meeting. THE PRESIDIUM OF FRESSH