Rome - Sant'Egidio: The pact of Albanian political parties on the eve of the elections Strong support for future governance

In Rome, at the headquarters of the Catholic Community of Sant'Egidio, intensive preliminary talks have begun between Albanian political forces as part of their preparations for the early elections of 29 June 1997 and the focus on the country after the crisis. The chairman of the PSSH, Fatos Nano, the chairman of the PSSH 1, has officially signed the declaration of solidarity with the Albanian government community and the need for free and democratic elections. Fatos Nano said that the joint signing of the political act in Rome undoubtedly represents great political and historical interest for the future of the country. The chairman of the PDS, Tritan Shehu, the outgoing prime minister and the vice-chairman of Balli Kombëtar, Abaz Ermenji, are the last signatories of the document in question, in addition to the chairman of the PSD, Skënder Gjinushi, and a representative of Legaliteti. The document expresses the commitment of the political forces to the smooth conduct of the parliamentary elections of 29 June and the proper functioning of the Albanian state afterwards. The joint government and coalition on Saturday called on the chairmen of the PSSH, Fatos Nano, the chairman of the PDSH, Tritan Shehu, the chairman of the PSD, Skënder Gjinushi, the vice-chairman of Balli Kombëtar, Abaz Ermenji, as well as representatives of Legaliteti, to sign the joint declaration which envisages the creation of a government of national reconciliation. On Friday in Rome, the Italian Minister of Defence, Beniamino Andreata, had called on the Albanian parties to put an end to hostilities and cooperate for the 29 June elections. The same appeal was made here by the American ambassador to our country, Marisa Lino, the ambassador of Macedonia to Albania, V. Hristovski, and the chargé d'affaires of the European Union delegation in Tirana, Wolfgang Petritsch. On Tuesday, the steering council of the internationals requested an agreement between the political parties and the Albanian government and the Albanian parliament.

A pact for Albania's future In the run-up to the elections, the Albanian political parties, representatives of the country's institutions, and the Parliament of 29 June 1997, that of the European Parliament, through the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and this international organization, have signed this agreement and accepted it. 2. The will of all parties to exclude the use of violence, revolutions and irresponsible conduct in question. It is established that the government of Albania and its institutions must create a calm situation and ensure the free participation of all political groups and strata. 3. Given the difficult situation in the country, and also taking into account the difficult economic situation, it is necessary for the future government to have broad national and international support. 4. They undertake to guarantee order and security in the country, the extension of administration throughout the entire territory of the country, giving the necessary authority to all institutions and involving the judicial police and public order forces. 5. To respect and recognize the results of the elections of 29 June 1997, conducted in a free, pluralistic and democratic manner, as well as to create the conditions for the normal functioning of the country's institutions after the elections. 6. To seek the support of the international community for the economic and institutional reconstruction of Albania. To this end, all political and social forces will be mobilized. Fatos NANO TRITAN SHEHU d.v. SKËNDER GJINUSHI d.v. Lefter Konomi

Enthusiastic well-being of the progressive opposition in Prague, Korçë, Kolonjë The victory of the left is being signed Page 3 (ROITER)

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FATOS NANO, TITAN SHEHU d.v. SKËNDER GJINUSHI d.v. Korinth on 23 June 1997