Statement by the Press Secretary on the Albanian Parliamentary Elections

July 4, 1997

1. The Government of Japan welcomes the fact that the parliamentary elections held in the Republic of Albania on June 29 were on the whole carried out peacefully, despite some incidents reported, in cooperation with such organizations as Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Multinational Protection Force. Although a final evaluation of the elections remains to be made after the announcement of the official results from the Central Electoral Commission, a report from the OSCE which engaged in monitoring the elections, and the results of the second ballot to be held on July 6 for the undecided seats.
   
   
2. Aware that Albanian President Sali Berisha has conceded defeat on behalf of the ruling party, the Government of Japan regards the election as a necessary step toward restoring the function of Albania's political system, and hopes that all sides in Albania will accept the election results so that the country can be normalized under a new government as soon as possible.
   
   
3. The Government of Japan, aside from providing financial assistance to the OSCE for supplies necessary for monitoring the election, has been extending other considerable sums of money, taking account of the importance of Albania for the stability of the whole Balkan region. It intends to make appropriate contributions for the stabilization of the country, while keeping an eye on the improvement of the situation in the region.