Meeting of NATO and Partner Countries, Heads of State and Government Madrid, 9 July 1997

Statement by the head of the Albanian Delegation, H.E. Mr. Bashkim Fino Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania I would like to join the previous distinguished speakers in expressing the most sincere thanks to the Summit organisers for their kind invitation, the excellent facilities provided and the hospitality extended to us so that the First Summit of Euro - Atlantic Partnership Council be crown with success. The Albanian Delegation considers the organization of this Summit and attendance from the top personalities of Alliance Member States and its partner countries as something of utter importance. As a partner of this Community, my country comes at this meeting to express its satisfaction over the significant decision of Structuring Euro-Atlantic Alliance. We consider the Madrid Summit as the start of a real integration process which is wiping out even the remains of Berlin Wall ruins. The setting up of the Euro - Atlantic Partnership Council and the opening up of Alliance to its partners contributes to the efficient materialisation of cooperation forms between NATO and its partners towards a real objective, i.e. the Alliance membership. Albania has welcomed the signing of the Founding Act between NATO and Russia as it welcomes today the signing of the Charter on Distinct Partnership between NATO and Ukraine. We are also pleased that Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic, were invited to mark the opening of the Alliance's enlarging process, providing European Security with a new image and dimension. Mr. Chairman, The Albanian delegation comes to this Summit, after achieving the political solution through the successful conduct of 29 June elections. The grave economical, political and institutional crisis plunged the country into a total chaos. It is the Albanian army which, among other institutions, was most seriously hit, reaching the point of total disintegration. Aware of the causes of this crisis, the new Albanian political class and the next Government, which we expect to be in office by next week, will aim at the complete reorganisation of armed forces by completing and strictly observing the proper legal framework and assuring democratic and civilian control over them. The fundamental task of the post - election Government is to put in place all democratic institutions, their real and complete depoliticisation, the establishment of the rule of law and the observance of human rights. In this framework, I take this opportunity to officially invite the North Atlantic Alliance, both ally and partner countries, to assess as a matter of priority, our major requirements, for a full and modern restructuring through the material and technical assistance, expertise and training. We think that there should be an Alliance structure to guide such an assistance and channel also any bilateral effort or initiatives of specific countries in providing assistance. Likewise, the Albanian delegation thinks that the opening of a NATO office in Tirana would be an appropriate step in the proper direction. We on our part are determined to open an Albanian mission to NATO as soon as possible. For the purpose of providing an accurate picture of the situation of our armed forces and their re-organisational needs, on my country's security policy on regional scale and beyond and on the definition of political and operational co-operation, I kindly ask the Alliance and all its Member States to consider with priority the holding consultations with Albania under 16 + 1 Format. Mr. Chairman, We are convinced that our co-operation under the framework of NACC and PFP and its new dimension in the context of Euro - Atlantic Council in building up, strengthening and in enhancing partnership relations, based upon the two basic all - inclusive and self identification principles will provide a new breath to the national, regional and pan-European security policies. We are ready and determined to play an active role and further co-operation on preventive policies, crisis management, establishment of political stability and regional co-operation designed to ensure peace in every part of the Continent, including my country. In this sense, we insist that all measures should be taken, all instruments be employed and all efforts be made for the peaceful solution of Kosava question. The latter is an issue concerning not only, Albanians, but the international community at large. The Albanian Government of National Reconciliation expresses its gratitude to the international organisations and bodies, particularly to OSCE, for the quick response in setting up and deploying the Multinational Protection. Our heartfelt thanks go to all troop contributing states lead by Italy and other nations which made operation "ALBA" possible and moreover a success. They have contributed a great deal in restoring normality to the country and we hope they will still continue their active engagement for the full recovering of Albania. We think that the direct assistance of participating states in this Force is a pattern for future co-operation. Finally, May I repeat that integration into the Alliance remains an absolute priority of our foreign policy since this is our indisputable aspiration and it is included in all programs of Albanian parties of the entire political spectrum. Thank You!