ABSTRACT: Expressing indignation for the use of weapons on the part of the Albanian police, and concern for the present political situation, the Albanian government is requested to acknowledge the right for its citizens to leave the country, to free political prisoners, and not to hamper the arrival and the distribution of aid coming from abroad, and to start the promised democratic and economic reforms as soon as possible, in the complete respect of the human rights, in consideration of a full membership in the EEC.

The European Parliament,

A. whereas thousands of people in Tirana have recently asked Western embassies for political asylum,

B. extremely perturbed by the attitude of the Albanian forces of order who opened fire on unarmed civilians on their way to the embassies, wounding many and, according to some sources, killing some,

C. having regard to the moves towards democracy and economic reforms promised by Ramiaz Alia, leader of the Albanian Communist Party, at the party plenum on 19 April but not yet impleted,

D. having regard to the visit by Mr Perez de Cuellar, United Nations Secretary-General, to Albania,

E. having regard to the Albanian government's application for membership of the CSE,

F. whereas the Tirana government recently expressed its intention of establishing political and diplomatic relations with the Community,

G. whereas the Albanian government has been guilty of severely repressing the ethnic minorities in the country and has allowed them no possibility of following or cultivating their linguistic, cultural or religious traditions,

1. expresses its indignation at the use of arms by the Albanian police against defenceless civilians and welcomes the dismissal from the government of the Minister of Defence, Stefani;

2. expresses deep concern at the political situation that has arisen in Albania and appeals to the UN Secretary-General and the Foreign Ministers meeting in EPC to make representations to the Albanian authorities to persuade them to abstain from using violence against Albanian civilians;

3. calls on the Albanian Government to recognize the right of its citizens to emigrate and at the same time to release the thousands of prisoners of conscience;

4. calls on the Albanian authirities not to impede the arrival and distribution of external aid for the Albanian refugees in the various embassies;

5. calls on the Foreign Ministers meeting in EPC to urge the Albanian Government to embark as soon as possible on the democratic and economic reforms promised and full compliance with human rights in preparation for full membership of the CSCE;

6. points out that no economic or political relation can be established with the Repuboic of Albania until there are tangible signs of democratic reform that will lead to a multi-party system and free elections there;

7. instruct its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the UN Secretary-General and the Albanian government.