Vol. 476 No. 2
46 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, being taken by the EU and the Government, particularly as a member of the EU Troika, to defuse the dangerous situation which has erupted in Albania. [6601/97]
The Government, along with its partners in the European Union, is gravely concerned at the situation in Albania. The President of the Council of Ministers of the Union, Foreign Minister Van Mierlo of the Netherlands, travelled to Albania on 8 March to convey directly the concerns of the European Union at recent developments. The European Union, whilst recognising the need for the restoration of law and order in Albania, considers it imperative that the state of emergency should be lifted as soon as possible. Minister Van Mierlo emphasised that the implementation of the state of emergency should not affect the observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of expression and information.
The EU has also urged all political forces in Albania to come together in a responsible manner to resolve the present crisis, and to establish a government that enjoys the broad-based support of the Albanian people. The European Union believes that through a process of national reconciliation, a consensus-based government can reach agreement on measures that will lead to a political resolution of the current crisis.
The European Union will continue to lend its support and encouragement for the establishment of full democracy in Albania. In this regard, it fully supports the efforts of the OSCE, and its essential role in achieving a peaceful reconciliation in Albania. The European Union has welcomed the mission of the personal representative to Albania of the OSCE Chairman in Office, former Chancellor Vranitsky of Austria. Members of the EU Troika, including Ireland, formed part of the OSCE delegation which met with President Berisha on 9 March 1997, and urged him to take positive measures to involve all political forces in the search for a political solution.
The European Union also welcomes the efforts of the Council of Europe to contribute to the strengthening of democracy in Albania.
Following the visits of Foreign Minister Van Mierlo, and the OSCE delegation headed by Mr. Vranitsky, it is reported that President Berisha of Albania has reached agreement with the other political parties on a programme of measures which include the establishment of a government of national reconciliation and the holding of parliamentary elections by June. The European Union will continue to encourage the full implementation of these positive steps towards overcoming this crisis.
Ireland will continue to support actively the efforts of the Union to encourage early progress towards a political solution, as well as the provision of appropriate assistance measures to Albania, for example, through the Community PHARE programme. We will also consider positively any proposals for the provision of necessary humanitarian aid, as well as further measures to help Albania — once the political and economic conditions are right.
