The European Parliament,

A. having regard to the serious political and economic crisis that Albania is undergoing in the transition from the former dictatorial regime to a difficult and still relatively weak democracy,

B. noting the general strike in Albania which lasted from Thursday 16 May to Tuesday 4 June,

C. noting also the hunger strike by hundreds of workers and particularly that by the strikers inside the Valias mine,

D. welcoming the agreement between the majority and opposition groups that has brought an end to the general strike that paralysed the country for three weeks involving violent clashes,

E. having regard to the appointment in Albania of Mr Yeli Bufi at the head of a national government responsible for organizing new elections,

F. having regard to the large number of young people who are continuing to leave their country for Italy in particular,

G. having regard to its previous resolutions on the situation in Albania and relations between the EC and Albania; whereas this country is of considerable importance to Europe, and having regard to its repeated declarations to the effect that everything must be done to guarantee democracy and human rights in Albania,

1. Supports the efforts to pacify the country through the establishment of a government consisting of the representatives of different parties and independent trade unions;

2. Warmly supports the efforts to achieve higher living standards and the basic requirements of trade union rights and democracy;

3. Congratulates the Union of Independent Trade Unions on its responsible attitude in ensuring the continued supply of food and provision of health services despite the paralysis of the whole country during the general strike;

4. Calls on the Commission and the Council to introduce without delay an emergency aid programme, also implemented through the UN, to provide long-term assistance and cooperation for Albania to help it overcome the current serious crisis and implement effective reforms;

5. Requests that the G-24 extend the PHARE programme to Albania, as has been done for Romania and Bulgaria;

6. Reminds the Commission nevertheless that the provision of economic aid to Albania must be dependent on the existence in Tirana of a government sincerely committed to democratization and prepared to listen to the people's demands;

7. Recalls its support for the proposal to admit Albania as a full member of the CSCE;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, European Political Cooperation, the governments of the Member States, the Council of Europe and the Parliament and Government of Albania.