Statement by the Spokesman of the U.S. Department of State, Mr. James P. Rubin We call on all Albanians to remain calm following the attempted murder of Azem Hajdari, a Democratic Party member of Parliament, yesterday morning in Tirana. The shots were fired by a Socialist Party deputy inside the Parliament building in Tirana. Mr. Hajdari is believed to be out of danger, while his attacker has been arrested. We hope that Mr. Hajdari will recover quickly. The U.S. Government strongly condemns this assassination attempt and calls on the Albanian Government to investigate thoroughly and punish the culprit to the fullest extent of the law. We welcome the statement by Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano condemning the assassination attempt and calling for calm. We believe that political differences can be resolved by political means; violence can only exacerbate problems. The June elections put Albania back on the path of democratic development and paved the way for stabilization and economic growth. It is important that all Albanians seize this opportunity to work together to promote national reconciliation and economic recovery. Washington, 18.09.1997

Bullets in the People’s Assembly. Deputy Azem Hajdari wounded A despicable act by an ordinary criminal Pages 2–3 Socialist Party of Albania We strongly condemn the despicable and criminal act that took place yesterday in Parliament. We dissociate ourselves from this vandalistic and shameful act against a deputy of the People’s Assembly and a politician in democratic Albania, inspired by feelings of hatred, revenge and the archaic customs of Albanian society. Rexhep Meidani President of the Republic I learned with profound indignation of the news that Deputy Azem Hajdari had been wounded by gunfire in Parliament. This despicable act, an extreme expression of intolerance and primitive revenge, undermines the comprehensive efforts being made in our Albania to reduce tensions and restore the calm and peace desired by all Albanians, from South to North. Fatos Nano Chairman of the Council of Ministers The ordinary criminal, who will of course not be protected by his mandate as a deputy, will be punished severely in accordance with the law. The relevant authorities are acting responsibly and swiftly to investigate and punish this grave crime. The act perpetrated yesterday against Mr. Azem Hajdari has been condemned by everyone. But, alongside its immediate condemnation, democratic public opinion in the country certainly did not expect a similar act to turn into an event that certain forces would use as a pretext to further complicate political life in the country. This event called for measured reflection from the democratic press and every political force. Most of them responded appropriately, whether in Parliament or outside it. Unfortunately, however, the Democratic Party, inspired by its leader, Sali Berisha, failed to take the steps needed to remain calm and measured in the situation, and to frame this crime as a banal, ordinary crime. Berisha adds fuel to the fire On the contrary, as if the language of hatred that the leader of the DP has always used against his political opponents were not enough, yesterday he raised his anti-democratic rhetoric to the level of absurd demands, demonstrating that he continues to be the main factor destabilizing the situation in the country. Only in this light can one assess Mr. Sali Berisha’s hysterical calls at yesterday’s press conference, where, in vengeful language, he demanded in an ultimatum-like manner the resignation of all the current leaders of the Albanian state. Moreover, he is not hesitating to lead people himself in demonstrations, even as far as Skanderbeg Square. (Continued on page 2) Mazreku and Hajdari one day before the criminal act Deputy Hajdari in the operating room at the Military Hospital

Press release of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Albanian Government has contacted the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Minister Lamberto Dini, asking them to arrange the immediate transport to Italy and hospital admission of Democratic Party deputy Azem Hajdari, who was wounded today by four gunshots while he was on the premises of the Albanian Parliament. Similar requests have also been made by leaders of the Democratic Party. In his capacity as Minister, Dini arranged yesterday for the transport of the wounded man on an aircraft made available by the Air Force. Hajdari has been admitted to the polyclinic in Bari and was received by the prefect of the area.

The Parliamentary Group of the Socialist Party is hereby notified that an extraordinary meeting will be held today at 11:00 at the headquarters of the Socialist Party of Albania. The Bureau of the Parliamentary Group