USA: US ADMIT SITUATION IN ALBANIA IS DANGEROUS & OUT OF CONTROL

Описание: (14 Mar 1997) English/Nat

The United States is watching the anarchy that has taken over the Baltic State of Albania closely - evacuating some 500 people overnight from the capital Tirana.

Speaking at a briefing, U-S State Department Spokesman Nicholas Burns had Friday some harsh words for the rebels creating chaos in the streets.

Nicholas Burns said the United States called on all Albanians to lay down their weapons and to work for a political resolution to the current problems in Albania.

The U-S State Department held a special briefing on Friday solely dealing with recent events in Albania -- admitting that the situation on the ground was dangerous and out of control and warranted further evacuations.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The United States military has over the course of the past 24 hours taken out approximately 500 individuals, the majority of whom are Americans but 18 different nationalities including British, Belizian and Korean. The priority is being given, obviously, to American citizens, who are ready and willing to leave Albania, to NATO- allied countries and to families with small children."
SUPER CAPTION: Nicholas Burns, U-S State Department Spokesman

Burns tried to assuage the obvious concern that perhaps there is no true government authority for the international community -- or the rebels -- to work with.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Ambassador Leno also reports that contrary to the many, many rumours we've seen she does not believe that President Berisha has resigned. He appears still to be in Tirana the capital still at the head of the government although Ambassador Leno has not had personal contact with him this morning."
SUPER CAPTION: Nicholas Burns, U-S State Department Spokesman

But Burns did not try to smooth over the disaster that Albania has become.

With diplomats working furiously to quell the chaos -- Burns had harsh words for those elements in Albania planning violence.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The United States government repeats its call today on all Albanian citizens to support their government and to work for a political resolution to the current problems in Albania. We call on all sides, including the mobs in the streets, to exercise restraint, to observe the general amnesty and to observe the principles of nonviolence, to lay down their weapons, those who are in the streets, and to work through the political process. Nothing good will come from tearing down Albania."
SUPER CAPTION: Nicholas Burns, U-S State Department Spokesman

At least 23 people have been reported killed and scores wound over the past day.

Gunfire continues around the capital, Tirana, and the U-S evacuation efforts have been suspended due to security risks.

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