OSCE Final Report on the Parliamentary Elections in Albania, 29 June–6 July 1997 The overwhelming majority of observation reports state that the voting procedure was conducted well or very well. Voters were able to, The overwhelming majority of observation reports state that the voting procedure was conducted well or very well. Voters were generally able to vote without fear or intimidation. Page 2 Katerinë Lagumier

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Shkodër: Ali Spahia out of the new Parliament

Votes for the SP candidate Lekë Çukaj were an absolute majority, so much so that attempts to unfairly deduct votes from him were unsuccessful Page 5 . Votes for the SP candidate Lekë Çukaj were an absolute majority, so much so that attempts to unfairly deduct votes from him were unsuccessful. Page 5

ALBRIGHT WRITES TO DINI: Albright: “The US will maintain their strong commitment to Albania and will work through the OSCE to ensure that efforts to support democratic institutions and a sustainable economy continue on the right track.” The US praised Italy for its excellent work in support of the peacekeeping forces deployed to hold the elections in Albania, assistance that was crucial to the relatively peaceful conduct of the elections. “We would like to express our appreciation for the exceptionally important role Italy played in helping Albania hold successful parliamentary elections,” reads a letter sent to Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini by US Secretary of State Madlen Ollbrajt. The letter became public after Italy announced that the 7,000 troops of the multinational mission in Albania would be withdrawn by 12 August. “The success of the international efforts owes much to the leadership demonstrated by Italy in helping organize the multinational protection force, as well as in providing strong support to the OSCE,” Ollbrajt states in her letter. She notes several disturbing incidents during the first round of voting on 29 June, as well as reported violence during the second round, but adds that the elections passed relatively peacefully in a country that had been awash with weapons for months. “The US will maintain their commitment to (Continued on page 4)

THE ALBANIAN DELEGATION AT THE MADRID SUMMIT The Italian prime minister will come to Albania immediately after the formation of the new government. THE ALBANIAN DELEGATION AT THE MADRID SUMMIT Fino meets Prodi The Italian prime minister will come to Albania immediately after the formation of the new government. Prodi declares: The time is coming for the withdrawal of the troops and the beginning of genuine economic cooperation. Albania has now entered a new phase of its development, in which the military should give way to the start of reconstruction, cooperation and assistance in general to rebuild the country. Today marked the official opening of the NATO summit meeting, while for the other member countries of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council it was a day of diplomatic contacts and protocol ceremonies. Today, Prime Minister Bashkim Fino held a cordial meeting with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi and Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini. The meeting was also attended by the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Pavli Zëri. The talks addressed the progress of the NATO summit in Madrid, developments in Albania following the elections, and the strengthening of relations between Tirana and Rome. During the talks, Prime Minister Fino expressed his gratitude to his interlocutors for Italy’s serious commitment to holding the elections of 29 June. Fino told Mr Prodi that the success of the Albanian Government was also a success for the international community, and above all for Italy, which sent the multinational protection forces. The Albanian prime minister, noting that the elections had been generally peaceful and successful, outlined Albania’s post-election political situation. He insisted that the formation of the new government would also mark the real start of Albania’s reconstruction and, in this context, reiterated the trend of the Rome conference as a (Continued on page 4)