OSCE concerned about political instability in Albania

BRATISLAVA, 25 September 1998 - Statement on Albania by Mrs. Helle Degn, MP, (Denmark), President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly:

I have followed with great concern the recent events in Albania. It is of utmost importance to Albania and to the entire region that all political forces in the country refrain from the use of violence or other illegal means in the promotion of their policies. Any attempt to overthrow the legal government or undermine the elected parliament must be rejected. At the same time the Government and the parties in power must respect the right of the opposition. All such political forces who violate these rules of democratic behavior must be isolated nationally and internationally.

I congratulate the Chairmen-in-Office of the OSCE and the Council of Europe, Mr. Bronislaw Geremek, Foreign Minister of Poland and Mr. Giorgos Papandreou, Foreign Minister of Greece for their decisive and timely action. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly welcomes the Declaration of the OSCE, Council of Europe, European Union and the WEU and gives full support to the implementation of their recommendations.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly reiterates its commitment, made together with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament, to help and support Albania in the development of democratic parliamentary practices and, in particular, in the preparation of the urgently needed new constitution. I appeal to all parties, both in government and opposition, to cooperate constructively in these matters in the best interest of Albania.

Radhusstraede 1, 1466 Copenhagen K, Denmark Phone: +45 33 32 94 00 Fax: +45 33 32 55 05 E-mail: oscepa@centrum.dk