Council of Europe and OSCE send a high-level mission to Albania

VIENNA, 17 September 1998 - The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Polish Foreign Minister Geremek, announces that, concerned by developments in Albania and determined to show the commitment of the international community to the stability and progress of the country, upon his initiative the OSCE and the Council of Europe have decided to undertake a high-level joint mission to Tirana, on Saturday, 19 September 1998.

Polish Foreign Minister Geremek, Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE and Greek alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Papandreou, on behalf of the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, will participate in the mission.

The delegation will meet the President of the Republic, guarantor of the institutions, the Prime Minister and main political leaders.

The purpose of the visit is to deliver a message to the government and the opposition with a view to restoring stability, political co-operation and good governance.

It is also imperative to bring to justice those guilty of the murder of Mr Hajdari and his bodyguard.

The Albanian government and political parties must be aware that support from the international community for the development of the country is inevitably linked to their ability to play their full part in creating a favourable environment for the fruitful use of the resources which have been and will be made available.