Tirana daily "Koha Jone" brings in its issue of 17 June 1997, an article concerning the role of the multi-national forces in political situation in Albania.
There exist concerns regarding the possible postponement of elections as given in the declaration of the National Democratic Institute of USA because of lack of conditions for their normal conduct.
First of all, the lack of conditions relates to the complete absence of order. The above situation appears absurd considering the fact that there are over 6000 multinational soldiers located in Albania. It is an absurd fact that this force has until now neither made a contribution to restoring order, nor have they assisted the Albanian police which in certain parts of the country is non existant.
Initially it was said that the mandate of the multi-national force was the protection of harbours, airports and main roads in order to secure the distribution of emergency aid; the ratio between numbers of soldiers and tons of aid needs no comment whatsoever. Right up to the present, the multi-national troops have been acting the role of the tourists, involving themselves in many activities except the military one. They have failed to react even when bullets have fled over their heads, and bombs have exploded around them. The passiveness and commitment not to carry out their mandate has made an impression on the Albanian people. Most of the Albanians, whose life is endangered, have the right to question: "Why should millions of dollars be spent over these tourists with military uniforms?"
Nevertheless, most of the Albanians thought that the multi-national troops would become more visible during the election day during which they would protect the ballot places, the life of the politicians, and secure for fair communication between the Central Electoral Committee and constituencies. But they were mistaken, for as General Forlani of the "Alba" mission declared the voting ballots will be protected by the Albanian police. Meanwhile in Rome consideration was given to the need of increasing the number of the Italian troops. Does this respond to Prime Minister Fino's request to extend the mandate of the multinational for another three more months?
Source: Tirana daily "Koha Jone", June 17, 1997
Monitor Index | War Zone | MediaFilter
