[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 10]
[House]
[Pages 14371-14374]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 URGING ALBANIA TO ENSURE ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON JULY 3, 2005, ARE IN 
  ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the concurrent resolution

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(H. Con. Res. 155) urging the Government of the Republic of Albania to 
ensure that the parliamentary elections to be held on July 3, 2005, are 
conducted in accordance with international standards for free and fair 
elections.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 155

       Whereas the United States maintains strong and friendly 
     relations with the Republic of Albania and appreciates the 
     ongoing support of the people of Albania;
       Whereas the President of Albania has called for elections 
     to Albania's parliament, known as the People's Assembly, to 
     be held on July 3, 2005;
       Whereas Albania is one of 55 participating States in the 
     Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), 
     all of which have adopted the 1990 Copenhagen Document 
     containing specific commitments relating to the conduct of 
     elections;
       Whereas these commitments, which encourage transparency, 
     balance, and impartiality in an election process, have become 
     the standard by which observers determine whether elections 
     have been conducted freely and fairly;
       Whereas, though improvements over time have been noted, the 
     five multiparty parliamentary elections held in Albania 
     between 1991 and 2001, as well as elections for local offices 
     held between and after those years, fell short of the 
     standards in the Copenhagen Document to varying degrees, 
     according to OSCE and other observers;
       Whereas with OSCE and other international assistance, the 
     Government of Albania has improved the country's electoral 
     and legal framework and enhanced the capacity to conduct free 
     and fair elections;
       Whereas subsequent to the calling of elections, Albania's 
     political parties have accepted a code of conduct regarding 
     their campaign activities, undertaking to act in accordance 
     with the law, to refrain from inciting violence or hatred in 
     the election campaign, and to be transparent in disclosing 
     campaign funding; and
       Whereas meeting the standards in the Copenhagen Document 
     for free and fair elections is absolutely essential to 
     Albania's desired integration into European and Euro-Atlantic 
     institutions, including full membership in the North Atlantic 
     Treaty Organization (NATO), as well as to Albania's progress 
     in addressing official corruption and combatting organized 
     crime: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) welcomes the opportunity for the Republic of Albania to 
     demonstrate its willingness and preparedness to take the next 
     steps in European and Euro-Atlantic integration by holding 
     parliamentary elections on July 3, 2005, that meet the 
     Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) 
     standards for free and fair elections as defined in the 1990 
     Copenhagen Document;
       (2) firmly believes that the citizens of Albania, like all 
     people, should be able to choose their own representatives in 
     parliament and government in free and fair elections, and to 
     hold these representatives accountable through elections at 
     reasonable intervals;
       (3) supports commitments by Albanian political parties to 
     adhere to a basic code of conduct for campaigning and urges 
     such parties and all election officials in Albania to adhere 
     to laws relating to the elections, and to conduct their 
     activities in an impartial and transparent manner, by 
     allowing international and domestic observers to have 
     unobstructed access to all aspects of the election process, 
     including public campaign events, candidates, news media, 
     voting, and post-election tabulation of results and 
     processing of election challenges and complaints;
       (4) supports assistance by the United States to help the 
     people of Albania establish a fully free and open democratic 
     system, a prosperous free market economy, and its rightful 
     place in European and Euro-Atlantic institutions, including 
     the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); and
       (5) encourages the President to communicate to the 
     Government of Albania, to all political parties and 
     candidates, and to the people of Albania the high importance 
     attached by the Government of the United States to this 
     parliamentary election as a central factor in determining the 
     future relationship between the United States and Albania.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, 14 years ago, Albania was just emerging from decades of 
brutal isolation from Europe when they held their first genuinely 
contested elections in 1991. Not surprisingly, they fell short of the 
standards for free and fair elections as defined by the Organization 
for Security and Cooperation in Europe, or OSCE, as did subsequent 
elections for parliament and local government. The United States and 
other friends of Albania, however, remained engaged with the Albanian 
people throughout their turbulent transition.
  Today, Albania is at the point where the country can actually hold 
free and fair elections, something the citizens of that country deeply 
deserve. Parliamentary elections have been scheduled, as Members of 
this House know, for July 3, and the campaign period is well underway. 
Staff in the U.S. Helsinki Commission, which I co-chair, will be 
serving on the international observation mission. Albania has come far 
in reforming its election process and through these elections has the 
opportunity to jump a major hurdle not only towards completion of its 
transition to democracy, but in preparing for integration into European 
and Euro-Atlantic institutions.
  There is good reason to remain concerned, however, that the elections 
will fall short of international standards. The good things that have 
been adopted, such as the Code of Conduct adopted by key political 
parties, may not be carried out. The OSCE's election observer mission 
has reported receiving an increased number of allegations of legal 
misuse of state resources and personnel for campaign purposes. If found 
to be true, those engaged in this activity would be responsible for 
what would be regarded as a tremendous setback for the country.
  Hopefully, by passing this resolution, we can encourage Albanian 
authorities to respect the rule of law, to abide by their Code of 
Conduct, and respect the results of the upcoming election. When my 
colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), and I first 
introduced this resolution, it was with the expectation the U.S. 
Congress could constructively make a difference by calling on the 
authorities, political parties, and others to do the right thing so 
that the real winners in the elections will be the people of Albania 
who make the effort to vote.
  Finally, I am hopeful these elections will meet international 
standards, because that is one of the first steps Albania will need to 
take on the path to full Euro-Atlantic integration.
  The new Albanian government will also need to tackle problems 
relating to official corruption and organized crime. Fortunately, 
beyond a good election process, we must see the development of civil 
society in Albania, with the youth groups and others pressing elected 
officials to address the every day problems that plague the lives of 
Albanian citizens.
  I hope my colleagues will support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, 
and I rise in strong support of the resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to commend my good friend and colleague, the 
gentleman from New Jersey, (Mr. Smith), and our colleague on the 
Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Engel), for introducing this excellent resolution urging free and fair 
elections in Albania. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of the resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, it was 15 years ago this month that I had the privilege 
of being the first American Government official to set foot in Albania 
after a 44-year hiatus. At that time, Albania was taking its first 
halting steps to end a half a century of Communist dictatorship and 
self-imposed international isolation.
  Wherever I traveled throughout the country, from formal meetings with 
top government officials to casual chats with students at the 
University of Tirana, crowds of Albanians gathered, looking on 
curiously and apprehensively, but hopefully. They were anxious to join 
the world community, but they were fearful of the consequences of 
transforming the political and economic system that they knew, despite 
its profound failings.

                              {time}  1630

  Since 1990, Albania has worked with the United States and has 
participated

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in NATO's Partnership for Peace program. The Albanian Government has 
made it clear that it is very anxious to join NATO and to strengthen 
its relations with our Nation. Albania has indicated its desire to 
become a full member of the European Union with all of the economic and 
political obligations that that implies.
  Albania's road to democracy and full international participation has 
not been easy. The country's parliamentary and local elections during 
the 1990s were marred by electoral irregularities and fraud. This 
hampered its desire for closer links with the Euro-Atlantic community.
  The Albanian election now scheduled for July 3 provides a new 
opportunity for the people of Albania to demonstrate their readiness 
for closer ties with the United States and the democratic nations of 
Europe.
  I have been encouraged by the commitment of Albania's leaders, Prime 
Minister Fatos Nano of the Socialist Party, and former President Sali 
Berisha of the Democratic Party, to see that this election will meet 
international standards for free, fair, open, and democratic elections.
  The July 3 election is one of the most important in Albania since the 
end of the Communist era. The United States and the international 
community will be watching this election very carefully to determine 
whether Albania truly meets international standards. For Albania to 
make the progress that it seeks in becoming a full member of the Euro-
Atlantic community within NATO and the European Union, these elections 
must be free and fair beyond a doubt.
  Our resolution expresses the support of the Congress and the American 
people for open and democratic elections in Albania. It also urges our 
President to express to the people and the political leadership of 
Albania the great importance our Nation attaches to the July 3 
elections. It is certainly accurate to say that the way the upcoming 
Albanian elections are conducted will be a central factor in 
determining the future relationship between the United States and 
Albania.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute to 
conclude.
  I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for this 
partnership resolution, as well as the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Engel) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), and others. We had 
27 cosponsors of this resolution.
  Last July in the Commission on Security Cooperation in Europe, we 
held a hearing in Albania. We heard from a number of important and 
prominent witness, including representatives of MJAFT! which is the 
youth organization that is doing some important pioneering and 
important work in Albania today. I want to thank them for their work as 
well.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 155, 
urging Albania to hold its July 3 parliamentary elections in accordance 
with international standards. I would also like to thank the lead 
sponsor, Chris Smith, for his work on this legislation. These elections 
are not only important as Albania works to develop its democratic 
system, but they will set the tone for the Balkan nation in the months 
and years ahead.
  The United States and Albania have strong ties that go well beyond 
government relations. For that reason, we believe it is very important 
to support the people of Albania and their right to choose their 
elected representatives freely and fairly.
  In the 15 years since Albania's brutal communist dictatorship came to 
an end, the country has struggled in its transition. While some 
elections have been problematic, there have been improvements over 
time, and now the country has a real chance to achieve the same 
international election standards that the United States, Canada and all 
of Europe adopted in 1990. Between now and election day, the real issue 
is whether the authorities, political parties and other stakeholders 
have the will to abide by the laws, regulations and a code of conduct. 
The active U.S. congressional interest expressed in this resolution can 
encourage all involved to do the right thing.
  A good election process will have enormous benefits for Albania. 
Domestically, it will enable the next government to take stronger 
measures to address the official corruption and combat the organized 
crime which together thwart stronger economic recovery. 
Internationally, it will enable Albania to take the next steps to 
joining NATO and the European Union. Supporting Albanian elections 
today will only strengthen our relations in the future.
  I will be in Albania for the July 3rd elections and will lead a 
National Albanian American Council delegation which will monitor that 
the polling and counting will be done in accordance with international 
standards. This resolution will help make the case for a good election.
  As the lead Democratic sponsor of this resolution, I urge my 
colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 155.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of this resolution urging the Government of the Republic of Albania to 
ensure that the parliamentary elections to be held on July 3, 2005, are 
conducted in accordance with international standards for free and fair 
elections. This is an important piece of legislation that will notify 
the people of Albania that the United States is dedicated to safe, 
free, and open democracy in Albania and the region. It will let the 
people of Albania know that we are at their side as they strive for a 
more free and open society.
  As the nation of Albania approaches its July 3rd parliamentary 
elections we must stand steadfast in our support of free, fair, and 
transparent elections. As a participating member of the Organization 
for Security and Cooperation in Europe and a signatory of the 1990 
Copenhagen Document containing specific commitments relating to the 
conduct of elections, Albania must maintain its commitment to these 
democratic ideals. Indeed, the Copenhagen Document, which encourages 
transparency, balance, and impartiality in the election process, is so 
sound that it has become the standard by which elections are judged.
  Although Albanian democracy has strengthened over the past several 
years, it has nonetheless failed to live up to the standards of the 
Copenhagen Document. Over the past 10 years, Albanian elections have 
not been as free, fair, and open as the Albanian people deserve. As 
nations around Europe and the world have made considerable strides 
towards democracy, meeting the standards in the Copenhagen Document for 
free and fair elections is absolutely essential to Albania's desired 
integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions, including membership in 
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO. Additionally, transparent 
democratic elections will inexorably lead to a more free and open 
society and government able to combat Albania's problems with organized 
crime.
  The Republic of Albania must demonstrate its willingness and 
preparedness to take the next steps towards strong and stable 
democracy. This can only be achieved when the people of Albania choose 
their own representatives in parliament in free and fair elections. The 
Albanian government, political parties, and politicians must conduct 
this election in adherence to the laws that regulate all free and fair 
elections; transparency, free press, and unfettered access to electoral 
procedures by international and domestic observers.
  I commend all the Albanian political parties for their commitment to 
adhere to campaign and election laws. If Albania is to become an active 
member of both the European and Euro-Atlantic community it must conduct 
elections that meet international standards. Failure to meet these 
requirements could have disastrous effects. Europe and the United 
States must play an active role in helping Albania move towards stable, 
transparent, and free democracy. This legislation will take a great 
step towards that goal.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Issa). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 
155.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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