The conclusion of the elections will be only the first step in rebuilding democratic institutions and a sound economy in Albania U.S. Secretary of State Madelen Ollbrajt writes to Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino To Prime Minister Bashkim Fino - Good luck in your important work. We are with you as you work to bring democracy to Albania. With best personal wishes— Madeleine Albright Dear Mr. Prime Minister, I would like to share with you my pleasure at the conclusion of the first round of voting in your country’s parliamentary elections. We are concerned by reports of incidents during the first round, and the overall assessment of the elections must await the conclusion of the second round on July 6. Nevertheless, we appreciate the great efforts your Government has made under these difficult circumstances to ensure the successful conduct of the elections. As we discussed during our meeting in Washington, Albania. To ensure continued progress, it will be necessary for all parties in Albania to honor their commitment to the spirit of national reconciliation. The United States, for its part, will remain fully engaged in Albania and will continue to work through the OSCE to ensure that the reconstruction of your country continues to move forward. Sincerely, MADELEN K.OLLBRajt

Call from the Government of National Reconciliation Prime Minister Bashkim Fino today called an extraordinary meeting of the Government to discuss the complicated situation created after the illegal and armed demonstrations held yesterday in Skënderbej Square and in front of the Central Election Commission, led by the self-proclaimed president for the royal throne of Albania, Leka Zogu. Prime Minister Fino explained the current situation to the Council of Ministers, the Interior Ministry’s commitment to maintaining order and calm, and its efforts to ensure that the law is respected. He also informed them of the difficult situation with the political parties, the appeal to monarchist forces to respect the laws, as well as the consultations with the diplomatic advisers of Western countries in Tirana and the leaders of the Multinational Forces. The Government of National Reconciliation considers the situation created yesterday to have extremely serious consequences for Albanian democracy. It calls yesterday’s actions illegal, actions that led to the shedding of innocent blood and constituted an element in the destabilization of the situation. As the government of this country, we call on everyone to respect the institutions of the Republic, the Central ... Council ... democratic ... Whoever touches that ... the entire people. ... the government of ... National Reconciliation, for... the minister of ... (Continued on page 2)

Statement by PSSH Chairman Fatos Nano at the meeting of the round table of 10 parties with Prime Minister Bashkim Fino PSSH once again expresses its consistent and principled position of cooperating with all allies and remaining open to all partners who share the same political philosophy of breaking with the past and reviving European Albania. Page 3

President of the Republic of Kosovo Ibrahim Rugova congratulates PSSH Chairman Fatos Nano on his victory in the June 29 elections

STATEMENT BY THE OSCE CHAIRMAN-IN-OFFICE The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Danish Foreign Minister Nils Helveg Petersen, issued a statement in Copenhagen on July 3 concerning the current crisis in Albania, affirming that the elections in Albania are a major step in the process of democratization and rehabilitation. The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, the statement further says, wishes to express his deep concern over recent events in Albania. He calls on President Berisha and all parties involved to put an end to efforts to obstruct the conduct of the electoral process. On this occasion, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office wishes to emphasize that future international assistance to Albania will depend on the willingness of the Albanian authorities to cooperate in advancing democratic reforms

Meanwhile, congratulatory telegrams to PSSH Chairman Fatos Nano have also been sent by many other representatives of Albanian political forces Read on page 2 President of the Republic of Kosovo Ibrahim Rugova congratulates PSSH Chairman Fatos Nano on his victory in the June 29 elections

... and of the ... PSSH voter ... Tirana, Marcello ... the further progress of the processes and reconst... Albanian in all fie... hal. The Socialist leaders ... countries. PSSH voters