Vol. 476 No. 5
39 Mr. O'Leary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, being taken by the EU and by the Government as a member of the EU Troika to ensure the fair conduct of the promised general election in Albania; and if he will outline to Dáil Éireann the nature and extent of any current proposed assistance to Albania at national and EU level. [7458/97]
Ireland and its partners in the European Union are gravely concerned at the ongoing crisis in Albania, which is deteriorating, despite the recent formation of a Government of National Reconciliation. The current priority of the Government and the European Union is to actively support efforts by the international community, and in particular the OSCE, to assist the new government in Albania to restore public order and achieve a return to political stability.
Following visits to Albania by Dutch Foreign Minister Van Mierlo in his capacity as President of the Council of Minister, and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman in Office, Franz Vranitsky, agreement was reached by President Berisha and Albanian opposition parties on a nine-point plan to restore stability to Albania. This led to the formation of a Government of National Reconciliation. A major element of this accord was an agreement to hold fresh, internationally-monitored parliamentary elections by June. There would clearly be a role for the OSCE in this regard, and Ireland, along with its European partners, would wish to be involved in any international monitoring effort, in order to ensure the free and fair conduct of the elections.
With regard to assistance, the European Union is presently providing assistance to Albania under the Community PHARE programme. This assistance has amounted to about 450 million ECU since 1992, when the PHARE programme was extended to Albania, and is currently concentrated on developing infrastructure and human resources, sectoral restructuring and macro-economic stabilisation. Humanitarian and food aid and balance of payment support have also been provided.
Further extension of EU aid to Albania will be considered in the light of progress made in returning to political normality and pursuing democratic and constitutional reform. It may be necessary in the short term to provide further humanitarian assistance, and this matter is currently being examined by the member states of the European Union. Ireland will also give consideration to the provision of whatever assistance is necessary.
