WRITTEN QUESTION No. 926/96 by Alexandros ALAVANOS to the Council. Continuing detention of Fatos Nano and prosecution of opposition leaders in Albania
Date: 1996-04-24
Institutions: ALAVANOS, European Parliament
Subjects: Albania, democracy, human rights, imprisonment, national election, political opposition













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91996E0926

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 926/96 by Alexandros ALAVANOS to the Council. Continuing detention of Fatos Nano and prosecution of opposition leaders in Albania  


Official Journal C 305 , 15/10/1996 P. 0028 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-0926/96 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Council (24 April 1996)Subject: Continuing detention of Fatos Nano and prosecution of opposition leaders in AlbaniaDespite the international clamour for his release, the leader of the Albanian Socialist Party is still being held in prison and new cases of the political extermination of dissidents are emerging. About a month ago charges were brought against Namik Dokle, the deputy chairman of the Socialist Party and chairman of its parliamentary group. Yesterday it was revealed that demands had been made for the lifting of the parliamentary immunity of Gramoz Routsi, the Secretary-General of the Socialist Party, who is in danger of being arrested; they have been charged with abuse of their office. It is likely that the above will be imprisoned immediately after 3 April when the parliamentary term expires prior to the holding of elections.Since it is clear that these proceedings against leaders of the largest opposition group are intended to undermine it and intimidate the electorate,1) will the Council say what measures it intends to take to obtain the immediate release of Fatos Nano and the dismissal of these fresh charges against opposition leaders?2) Does the Council intend to send observers to ascertain whether the forthcoming elections are held in an unimpeachable and democratic manner?Reply (7 August 1996)The Council is of the opinion that all political parties in Albania should approach the elections mindful of their common interest in consolidating democracy and achieving national reconciliation. This attitude has also been expressed in EU declarations, and also in the joint US-EU declaration done in TIRANA on 17 May 1996.The Council stands ready to assist in the efforts to ensure that the will of the Albanian people will be effectively expressed by the vote. In that regard, several Member States have announced their intention to send short- or long-term observers to ascertain that the elections will be carried out in a democratic manner.In its contacts with the Albanian aauthorities, the Council does not hesitate to reiterate the importance it attaches to the respect and implementation of democracy and human rights. This was recently demonstrated at the political dialogue meetings with Albania at the level of Political Directors and at the ministerial level in January 1996. The Council encouraged Albania to continue along the path of reforms and consolidation of democracy making a specific reference to the need for full respect of human rights and fundamental democratic freedoms.Finally, the Honourable Member will be aware that the President in office of the Council informed the European Parliament at its plenary session of 5 June 1996 on the electoral situation in Albania.