Albanian HC: Unwanted incident during electoral campaign
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Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2000 19:18:40 +0200 (EET)
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Subject: Albanian HC: Unwanted incident during electoral campaign
From: MINELRES moderator <[email protected]>
Original sender: International Helsinki Federation <[email protected]>
Albanian HC: Unwanted incident during electoral campaign
KOMITETI SHQIPTAR I HELSINKIT
ALBANIAN HELSINKI COMMITTEE
RR. Sami Frashėri, Pall. 20/1, Hyrja B, Ap. 21, Tirana - ALBANIA
Tel-Fax: ++ 355 42 336 71/40891 e-mail: [email protected]
AN UNWANTED INCIDENT WHICH SHOULD NOT INFRINGE THE
FRIENDLY COEXISTENCE WITH THE MINORITY POPULATION
During the electoral campaign an unwanted incident suddenly happened
which was in opposition to the general spirit characterizing the
second round of elections.
The electoral competition of Himara municipality served as a cause for
this which took disproportional dimensions compared to a number of
localities with an inconsiderable population. Efforts overpassing the
objectives of the elections were made and this case was taken
advantage of in order to return to some goals and prejudices of the
ancient times.
Perhaps in some declarations of some parties some high emotional tones
should have been avoided. But the atmosphere was flared up severely by
the reactions of certain Greek circles. Some declarations with
threatening tones were addressed to the Albanian government.
Elementary regulations of the relations, which have been characterized
by a close cooperation between the two states, were openly violated.
Many Greek parliamentarians, journalists as well as diplomats without
having the status of observers arrived in Himara and observed the
electoral process. They did not hesitate to make propaganda in favor
of one party thus violating the Electoral Code. However, this has not
compromised the voting process which according to many observers have
been developed under normal circumstances.
The AHC has followed with special interest the minority issue in
Albania, the general situation of which is evaluated positively and
this opinion is expressed by the respective international
organizations. The AHC's monitors have been sent time after time to
the whole southern part in order to follow closely the developments of
the events as well as to identify eventual problems.
Our monitors not long ago than this spring have been in the region of
Himara and the findings were not new. The majority of the population
of this region is Albanian, there are, however, ethnic Greek elements.
The whole region is inhabited by an autochthon Albanian population.
The only issue that has been raised in these cases has been that of
teaching Greek as a foreign language in order to take advantage of the
facilities, which the knowledge of this language offers, for trade and
economical relations with Greek partners.
Taking into account the above, the AHC expresses its regret for such
an incident. This Committee believes that this will remain as an
isolated episode, which will be overcome by a spirit of understanding
and respective tolerance. This incident should never influence
negatively the position of the minority in Albania and will never
infringe the firmly established traditions of a friendly coexistence
with the minority population, which is a very important achievement of
the Albanian society.
16.10.2000
__________________________________________
International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights
Wickenburggasse 14/7
A-1080 Vienna
Tel. +43-1-408 88 22
Fax: +43-1-408 88 22 ext. 50
______________________________________
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