WRITTEN QUESTION P-1037/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Council (11 March 1997)

Subject: Crisis in Albania

The international community has been following the events in Albania in astonishment. Albania is a country of particular interest to the EU, in one respect because it borders directly on two Member States - Italy and Greece.

A chaotic situation reigns in which uncontrolled irregular forces are operating, though all the international media report that they are led by President Berisha. These forces are operating mainly in southern Albania where the Greek minority is concentrated and the Greek consulate is situated. I am extremely concerned that violence will be perpetrated on the Greek minority (in the form of a pogrom) and against the Greek consulate because Mr Berisha needs scapegoats.

Will the Council say:

1. why it did not immediately convene the Council of EU Foreign Ministers to discuss the crisis in Albania,

2. what immediate measures it will take to restore the conditions for democracy and political calm in the country, and

3. how it will respond to protect the Greek minority in the event of an unprovoked attack?

Joint answer to Written Questions P-1037/97, E-1043/97 and E-1062/97 14 July 1997)

Albania has been at the top of the Council's agenda since the very outbreak of the present crisis in February 1997; the Council has actively engaged itself to help Albania return to political stability, and to restore internal security and is providing humanitarian assistance as well as working with the international financial institutions on support for wider economic reforms.

In March 1997 the Council took the initiative to set up an Advisory Mission to Albania within the coordinating framework of the OSCE to advise on humanitarian, economic, political and security related issues. An Advance Team was sent immediately to prepare that Mission. On the basis of its recommendations, the international Advisory Mission was established alongside the Italian led Multinational Protection Force (MFPF). The Council fully supports the efforts of the states involved in the MNPF (Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Denmark, Turkey and Romania), which helps create a secure environment for the safe provision of the international assistance. The Council has also welcomed the increased monitoring presence of the European Community Monitor Mission (ECMM).

The Union attaches special importance to a close cooperation and coordination between the international organisations involved. It fully supports the efforts of Mr Vranitzky, the overall coordinator and Personal Representative of the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE and his Resident Deputy, Mr Grubmayr, in that regard.

The Council has welcomed the decision by the Albanian authorities to hold elections on 29 June and looked to all political parties to participate fully in them and to honour their results. It has emphasized that the primary responsibility for the future of the country lies with the Albanian people. It has called on the international community to support the electoral process notably by making available the necessary number of observers.

The 2nd of June Council adopted a Common Position under Article J.2. defining the EU's overall action in Albania. The Union will help Albania, within the coordinating framework of the OSCE, to promote the democratic process, a return to political stability and internal security and the holding of free and fair elections. It will continue to provide humanitarian aid as needed and to support economic reforms in accordance with its regional approach and subject to the commitment of the Albanian authorities to genuine reform.

The Council has noted that the Commission, on behalf of the EC, is responding to the immediate needs of the Albanian people through European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO); is considering focusing PHARE assistance on areas related to the consolidation of democracy, the relaunching of economic activity and the strengthening of public administration; is coordinating with International Financial Institutions the provision of financial assistance; is ready to contribute to the initiative of WEU and the Council of Europe aimed at reestablishment of a viable police force as well as is ready to support the election assistance and monitoring activities of the OSCE.

The Council has taken note of the information given by Italy and the Commission respectively on the international ministerial conference on Albania in Rome planned for after the elections and on the proposed donors' conference together with the IMF once the new Albanian Government has embarked on an economic programme supported by the IMF.

The Council has repeatedly explained to the Albanian Government the position of the European Union regarding developments in Albania and the consequences they may have as regards Albania's relations with the European Union and maintains contacts with the Albania authorities through the Union's HOMs.

The Council is convinced that the outlined efforts will also contribute to the safety and well-being of the Greek minority in Albania.