Doc. 8211 revised

24 September 1998

Joint Council of Europe-EU-OSCE-WEU Declaration on Albania

Communication

Committee of Ministers

STRASBOURG, 24.09.98 – The recent dramatic events in Tirana involved widespread violence, a breakdown in public order and a serious attack on state institutions, including the take-over of state television. The Democratic Party leadership by its tactics and rhetoric of the last months contributed to this violence. It did not unequivocally and credibly denounce the use of arms and the occupation of state institutions. Fundamental changes should be effected. The International Community will isolate those groups and individuals who continue to polarise the country and undermine democratic institutions.

The Government should show more respect for the democratic role and rights of the opposition and not encourage precipitous action that could contribute to further polarisation. The Government‘s performance has been slow in implementation and particularly unsatisfactory in such crucial areas as the fight against crime, contraband and corruption as well as institutional reforms, including the police, civil service and judicial system. We expect that the Albanian authorities will urgently investigate the murder of Mr Azem Hajdari. The perpetrators must be brought to justice.

Slow and unsatisfactory performance of the Government does not justify all-out confrontation and use of violence by any of the opposition parties. Genuine political dialogue has to be restored. The CoE, the EU, the OSCE and the WEU fully encourage all efforts to restore dialogue and co-operation for the future. The opposition must show respect for the results of the 1997 elections and participate in constitutional and political institutions. The Government, in turn, should welcome and engage a constructive and legitimate opposition. The International Community will support an initiative that leads to a wide political agreement on a package of measures and commitments to move forward and consolidate democracy, stability and economic development. This should include all-party participation in the final phase of drafting the Constitution and in the Referendum.

The CoE/OSCE Mission was the first step in concerted international efforts to support and monitor the political process, the consolidation of democratic institutions and rule of law, and the rebuilding of the economy. "The Friends of Albania" group which will be established soon, will serve as a major focal point of International Community interest. The Albanian people can count on international support to achieve a stable, democratic and prosperous society positioned to join the Euro-Atlantic mainstream. This support will be reviewed during the forthcoming Ministerial Conference on Albania, in the light of the progress made.

The Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe: Giorgos Papandreou

The Presidency of the European Union : Wolfgang Schüssel

The Chairman-in-office of the OSCE : Bronislaw Geremek

The Presidency of the WEU : Lamberto Dini