[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 87 (Friday, June 20, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H4090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  0915
                      SUPPORT DEMOCRACY IN ALBANIA

  (Mr. TRAFICANT asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, since 1992 Albania has evolved into a 
democracy. Inspired by their dynamic leader, Speaker of Parliament 
Arbnori, who spent 25 years in prison struggling for democracy, they 
were able to set communism aside. Mr. Speaker, those great triumphs are 
now in danger. The Communist Party in Albania vowed to disregard the 
outcome of the June 29 elections unless the Communist Party wins.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a great tragedy, and this is a danger for the 
entire free world. Albania can become the next Bosnia. Congress must 
ensure free and open elections in Albania. Congress must support 
Speaker Arbnori, and in addition, the Congress of the United States 
should support admitting a free, open, and democratic Albania into 
NATO. The Albanians have set communism aside. Congress must join to 
help the freedom fighters in Albania.

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