[ALBSA-Info] : NAAC Commends All Sides for Recent Elections in Albania

[F_L_I _R_I]

National Albanian American Council
1700 K Street, NW  Suite 1201, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 466-6900    Fax: (202) 466-5593
Email: info at naac.org
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Press Release

NAAC Commends All Sides for Recent Elections in Albania

Opposition Concerns Should Be Addressed

Washington, DC, July 5, 2001:  The National Albanian American Council made
the following statement concerning recent parliamentary elections in 
Albania.

The National Albanian American Council (NAAC) commends all parties
participating in the recent national elections in Albania for their efforts
to ensure that the elections were free and fair and without violence.  In
particular, NAAC would like to commend the leadership role undertaken by the
Central Election Commission (CEC) during and prior to the elections.  The
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has praised the efforts
of the CEC as "professional and transparent" and reports indicate that the
Commission made significant advances in the fair and equitable treatment of
all parties during the election process.  NAAC was also heartened by the
positive statement of the Greek government that "We believe the (Greek)
minority voted under the best possible conditions in recent years," 
according
to government spokesman Dimitris Reppas.

At this time, with over 45% of precincts included in the second round of
elections scheduled for July 8, it is too early to declare a clear winner.
There is strong disagreement between the government and opposition parties
concerning the fairness of the election.  It is important for the relevant
government officials responsible for overseeing the electoral process, with
the assistance of international observers, to provide clarity on this issue
before and after the July run-off.  During elections, it is normal for
participants to hold different opinions and viewpoints with regard to the
results.  Such is also the case in the United States.  The time has come,
however, for the political parties in Albania to recognize that the
government and opposition must work constructively to enhance the quality of
the entire political system.  We urge all sides, irrespective of the final
results, to demonstrate respect for the law and the electoral process, and 
to
recognize the duly constituted new government as the legitimate
representative of the people.

Stability in Albania is critical to stability in the entire region.  NAAC,
therefore, also strongly encourages the Diaspora to respect the outcome of
these elections, as well.  It is indispensable for Albanians worldwide to
work cooperatively, without regard for the internal politics of Albania, to
combat trafficking and corruption and to strengthen political and social
institutions and the economy in Albania.  It is both a strong Albania and a
strong Diaspora that, working together, will make Albania a model of
integration and new development and lead to a prosperous future.

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