Vranitzky calls on Albania to reach immediate agreement on election law

VIENNA, 20 May 1997 - The Personal Representative of the Chairman-in-Office, former Austrian Chancellor, Dr. Franz Vranitzky, issued the following statement today:

Faced with chaos, following the collapse of their financial and governmental institutions, the Albanian people called on the international community for help. The constructive engagement of the OSCE and other international organizations and institutions, as well as the personal interventions of high ranking officials from many countries, helped facilitate a dialogue among the various political forces in Albania and initiated efforts to find a comprehensive solution to the crisis.

In early March, I travelled to Albania as the Personal Representative of the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, of which Albania is a participating State. On March 9 the Albanian leadership signed an All-Party Political Agreement which established a Government of National Reconciliation. Further progress was made on May 9 when they signed a Political Contract which committed all parties to hold elections in June.

During the past few months, the international community has demonstrated through its combined efforts the resolve to assist Albania in its time of need. We responded quickly to the appeal made to us and are making every effort to assist in reestablishing order, delivering humanitarian assistance, and preparing for elections. These tasks have been fulfilled through the close co-operation of the OSCE, European Union, Council of Europe and the Multi-national Protection Force acting under the mandate of the United Nations Security Council.

The international community is united in its conviction that free and fair elections, involving all parties and sectors of society, are the only solution to the continuing political, economic and security crisis facing Albania. This point was reaffirmed by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan at our meeting in Vienna this afternoon.

The international community has shown its willingness and effectiveness in building security through co-operation. It is now up to the Albanians themselves to take a similarly constructive approach and reach an immediate compromise on the election law. Time is running out. The Government of National Reconciliation, the Prime Minister and the President must reach agreement today. Albania's prospects for the future and its place within the international community hinge on its ability to implement its commitments.