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RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 1, No. 64, 97-07-01Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: Newsline Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty <http://www.rferl.org>RFE/RL NEWSLINEVol. 1, No. 64, 1 July 1997CONTENTS[A] TRANSCAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA
[B] SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE
[C] END NOTE
[A] TRANSCAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA[01] CHERNOMYRDIN IMPLICATED IN YEREVANGATE ARMS DELIVERIES"Izvestiya" reported on 1 July that Russian arms shipments to Armenia between 1994-1996 were sanctioned by Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin. Earlier press reports claimed that Armenia received weaponry worth $1 billion free of charge. But according to "Izvestiya," cash received in payment from Yerevan was channeled into Russian election campaigning and that, for this reason, virtually all factions in the Russian State Duma have advocated curtailing the ongoing investigation into the scandal. Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Valerii Serov met with Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrossyan in Yerevan on 30 June to discuss cooperation in nuclear power technology, rail transport, and banking, Interfax reported. Serov invited Ter-Petrossyan on behalf of Russian President Boris Yeltsin to visit Moscow in late August. Ter- Petrossyan also met with Gazprom head Rem Vyakhirev to discuss an unspecified proposed joint venture.[02] RUSSIAN DIPLOMAT DIES IN YEREVAN ACCIDENTAnatolii Rybalchenko, a senior counselor at the Russian embassy in Yerevan, was killed on 30 June in a fall from the fourth floor of his apartment building, Western agencies reported. Rybalchenko was attempting to climb into the window of his apartment after locking himself out.[03] ARMENIAN PRESIDENT ON FUTURE OF PAN-NATIONAL MOVEMENTAddressing a regional meeting of the ruling Armenian Pan-National Movement in the town of Gyumri on 29 June, Ter-Petrossyan endorsed the candidacy of controversial Yerevan mayor Vano Siradeghyan as chairman of the movement's board, RFE/RL's Yerevan bureau reported. Observers have predicted that the movement may split at its upcoming ninth congress, which begins on 11 July. The conservatives are likely to back Siradeghyan and the reformists may break away to create a new party headed by Eduard Yegoryan (see End Note, "RFE/RL Newsline," 23 June 1997). Ter-Petrossyan expressed his respect for Yegoryan but said he has made "too many mistakes for an experienced political actor," according to ARMENPRESS. Ter-Petrossyan has consistently advocated the evolution of the movement into a "new, civilized, powerful center-right party of the European type."[04] BAKU POLICE DENY DISPERSING COMMUNIST PARTY CONGRESSA raion police chief in Baku has denied claims that police used force to disperse a 28 June meeting of Azerbaijan's banned Communist Party (see "RFE/RL Newsline, 30 June 1997), Reuters reported. He said that party leader Ramiz Akhmedov was merely "invited for a conversation with police officials," who told him the meeting was illegal as permission to hold it had been granted only for 29 June. Interfax the next day quoted Akhmedov as saying that he was detained and mistreated by police for three hours and that all documentation about the congress was confiscated. He also said that the congress delegates reconvened at a secret venue on 29 June.[05] NUMBER OF REFUGEES IN TURKMENISTAN DOUBLESThe number of refugees who have crossed from Afghanistan into Turkmenistan is now estimated at 8,000, according to Reuters on 30 June. It was recently reported that some 4,000 refugees fleeing the fighting in northern Afghanistan had crossed the border into Turkmenistan (see "RFE/RL Newsline, " 25 June 1997). The Turkmen government and the Red Cross have received assurances from Afghanistan's Taliban movement that the refugees can return safely to their homes.[06] RUSSIA OBJECTS TO KAZAK SURVEY BY U.S. PLANEKazak President Nursultan Nazarbayev on 30 June responded to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Gennadii Tarasov's statement that Russian security is threatened by a survey being carried out in Kazakstan by a U.S. Orion P-30 aircraft, RFE/RL correspondents in Kazakstan and the Russian press reported. The U.S. plane is surveying regions in Kazakstan to identify areas of possible agricultural development or mineral exploitation. When the plane began flying over the Semipalatinsk region, near the Kazak-Russian border, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed its alarm. Nazarbayev said surveys in that area were needed to assess damage caused by nuclear testing at the Semipalatinsk site during the Soviet era and to see "what sort of economic activity can be pursued" there. He added that the surveys would not be necessary if Moscow had been more willing to share its information on nuclear tests at the site.[07] UPDATE ON KYRGYZ DEMONSTRATIONRFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports that the 30 June demonstration by homeless people in front of the government building in Bishkek came in the wake of the harassment by the militia of people living in a "shanty town" on the western outskirts of the capital. On 25 June, four members of the militia warned one of the activists to stop attending protest meetings. They grabbed her by the arm and attempted to take her away, but her cries were heard by neighbors, whose appearance prompted the militia to leave. Two days later, 20 members of the militia arrived in the shanty town and took away another activist, Nadir Nusubaliev, about whom nothing has since been heard. One of the demands made by the more than 1,000 demonstrators on 30 June. was information on Nusubaliev's whereabouts.[B] SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE[08] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT ADMITS DEFEATIn a declaration broadcast on state television, Sali Berisha thanked voters on 30 June for casting their ballots and the international community for its assistance in the elections. He acknowledged the defeat of the Democratic Party and called on his supporters to respect the election results. Berisha urged his backers to help "consolidate democracy in keeping with the principles enshrined in the law [and] with dignity and courage [while serving as the] opposition." He did not specify if or when he would resign as president. Berisha still has four years of his present term to serve but said earlier that he would resign if his party were defeated.[09] ALBANIAN ELECTION UPDATEAccording to unofficial returns, the coalition of the Socialist Party and the Social Democratic Party won 63 directly elected seats, while the Democrats took only seven, "Indipendent" reported on 1 July. In Lezha, independent candidate and "Koha Jone" owner Nikolle Lesi won his contest. In the southern city of Korca, Pavli Kristaq Mykerezi of the Albanian United Right coalition defeated presidential spokesman Genci Pollo. Elections will have to be repeated in at least two districts, Malesia e Madhe in the north and Skrapar in the south. Runoffs will be necessary in at least 18 districts and results are still not in from another 18. Preliminary official results are expected in the evening of 1 July. Socialist leader Fatos Nano said in Tirana on 29 June that Premier Bashkim Fino will hold "a high-ranking position" in the next government.[10] OUTCOME OF ALBANIAN VOTE ON MONARCHY IN DOUBTUncertainty remained on 1 July over the vote on the monarchy in the 29 June referendum. While the monarchists claim victory, sources close to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe told an RFE/RL correspondent in Tirana they have no indication that their claim is valid. "Albania," for its part, published a list of the cities in which the monarchy allegedly took between 54% and 82% of the votes. These include Tirana, Durres, Kavaja, Kruja, and Elbasan in central Albania; Gjirokaster and Korca in the south; and Shkoder in the north. But in the southern rebel stronghold of Vlora, only 30% of the voters reportedly opted for a king. Meanwhile in Tirana, monarchists celebrated, but the Socialists canceled a victory rally due to an increasingly tense security situation. Many Albanians celebrated by firing gun shots into the air throughout the afternoon and evening (see also "End Note" below).[11] BOSNIAN SERB PRESIDENT ACCUSES KARADZIC OF STAGING COUP...Biljana Plavsic said in Bijeljina on 30 June that Radovan Karadzic is still running the Republika Srpska from behind the scenes and that he attempted to stage a "coup" against her the previous day (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 30 June 1997). Plavsic added she is preparing a text that will show who actually controls the Republika Srpska, an RFE/RL correspondent reported from Belgrade. Bosnian Serb police continued to detain her early on 30 June, but international peacekeepers took her later that day to a helicopter that transported her back to her headquarters in Banja Luka. Observers in the former Yugoslavia and abroad noted that the nationalist former professor is trying to establish the rule of law against the mafia-like structures linked to Karadzic, Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, and Momcilo Krajisnik, the Serbian member of the Bosnian joint presidency.[12] ...BUT HER RIVALS DENY ACCUSATIONKrajisnik said that Plavsic is pursuing a personal vendetta and "harming state interests," an RFE/RL correspondent reported from Pale on 30 June. A spokesman for Karadzic stated that Plavsic is "breaking the unity" of the Bosnian Serb leadership, BETA wrote. The Bosnian Serb army meanwhile appealed to international peacekeepers to reduce their presence on the road connecting the rival power centers of Pale and Banja Luka and around the Bosnian Serb military command center at Han Pijesak. An army spokesman said that the current crisis is political in nature and can be "solved [only] by government institutions." The Bosnian Serb army is widely believed to be sympathetic to Plavsic, while her rivals reportedly can count on the Interior Ministry and the police. In Sarajevo, Muslim political leaders charged that the police actions against Plavsic show that Milosevic is interfering in Bosnia's internal affairs, "Oslobodjenje" reported.[13] HAGUE COURT LAUNCHES NEW STRATEGY AGAINST EX-YUGOSLAV WAR CRIMINALSChief prosecutor Louise Arbour said in The Hague on 30 June that the recent arrest and deportation of Slavko Dokmanovic from eastern Slavonia was legal, even though the court had not previously announced his indictment (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 30 June 1997). She also indicated that the court may order the arrest of more war criminals without informing them of their indictment. Belgrade dailies reported that the developments surrounding Dokmanovic have left many Serbian leaders shaken. Meanwhile in Washington, U.S. military officials expelled Bosnian Gen. Selmo Cikotic from an elite training course after Croatia claimed he had committed atrocities against Croats in 1993, the "International Herald Tribune" reported.[14] POLITICAL NEWS FROM FORMER YUGOSLAVIAIn Zagreb, Vlado Gotovac, the leader of the Croatian Social and Liberal Party (HSLS) and defeated presidential candidate, said on 30 June that he intends to remain head of the HSLS. He added that the party's governing body will discuss the long-standing feud between him and his rival Drazen Budisa, an RFE/RL correspondent reported from the Croatian capital. In Belgrade, opposition deputies ended their boycott of the parliament. They promptly introduced 1,300 amendments to the draft law on local government in a bid to block the legislation, which the opposition says will strengthen the hand of the governing Socialists. And in Podgorica, President Momir Bulatovic now has four announced rivals for the presidency from within his own Democratic Socialist Party, including its three vice presidents.[15] ROMANIAN PREMIER WANTS MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN FIREDVictor Ciorbea is demanding the sacking of a press officer from the Foreign Affairs Ministry who recently criticized him (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 30 June 1997), RFE/RL's Romanian Service reported. He said it is inappropriate for a person who attacks the chief of a state administration to be employed by that administration. Ciorbea initially demanded an explanation of spokeswoman Gilda Lazar's comments, but Foreign Affairs Minister Adrian Severin has commented only that an investigation is being launched. A statement issued on 30 June by the ministry said Lazar will not be allowed to talk with journalists until the investigation is completed. Lazar told RFE/RL's Bucharest bureau that she has not been suspended. The Romanian daily "Ziva" recently quoted her as suggesting that Ciorbea had been begging for NATO membership and financial assistance during his recent visit to Washington.[16] GAZPROM THREATENS TO CUT SUPPLIES TO MOLDOVAGazprom on 30 June warned Chisinau that it will cut gas supplies to Moldova unless debts totaling some $500 million are repaid within a few days, Interfax reported. The same day, dpa quoted an IMF official as saying that the Moldovan government should hand over responsibility for the payments to the energy firms Moldenergo and Moldovagas. Those two companies buy gas from Russia and sell it to customers in Moldova. The IMF has accused Moldova of using credits from the fund to pay off Russian debts. The IMF loans were earmarked for projects that help establish a competitive, free market economy.[17] COUNCIL OF EUROPE OPENS INFORMATION CENTER IN MOLDOVAThe Council of Europe on 30 June opened an information center in Chisinau, RFE/RL reported. Daniel Tarschyz, the secretary-general of the council, attended the opening ceremony. Moldovan President Petru Luchinschi said the center will promote the establishment of democracy in Moldova. He noted that since Moldova joined the Council of Europe two years ago, it has ratified 20 council documents. However, Chisinau has yet to ratify the European Convention on Human Rights.[C] END NOTE[18] CONFUSION PERSISTS IN ALBANIA AFTER THE ELECTIONSby Fasolt KovacevicInitial returns from the 29 June parliamentary elections point to a landslide victory for the Socialists. At the same time, Albanians may have voted in a referendum to restore the monarchy. The purpose of the elections was to end confusion about Albania's political future. All parties agreed that clarification was necessary following the country's descent into anarchy when get-rich-quick pyramid schemes collapsed at the beginning of the year. But the results seem paradoxical and only add to the confusion. On the one hand, Albanians voted to move to the Left and oust an administration that had been increasingly accused of corruption and authoritarian methods. On the other hand, according to monarchist Justice Minister Spartak Ngjela, between 50% and 60% of that same electorate may have voted to change the constitutional system and return to a monarchy. The paradox is all the greater when it is remembered that the present claimant to the throne, Leka Zogu, is the son of Zog I, who promoted himself from president to king in 1928. The dynasty can hardly be considered to represent a tradition that was either long or democratic. Moreover, Zog was ousted by his Italian patrons in 1939. Many Albanians identify Zog's rule with its small base of support in the central Mat region and with despotism and corruption. Leka himself is known as an arms- dealer on account of his previous business activities in the former Rhodesia and in South Africa. But Leka's image as a successful businessman is appealing to many Albanians, who see him as a "padrone" in the traditional, southern European fashion. A referendum result in favor of the monarchy may, in fact, be simply a protest vote against current President Sali Berisha. This would explain the apparent anomaly of the simultaneous victories of the Socialist Party and the monarchists. At the same time, the results claimed by the Socialists and monarchists suggest that the voters are looking for new options amid social and political insecurity but without really knowing what they want. It cannot be ruled out that the same voters will be cheering Berisha in the streets six months from now if the current victors disappoint them. Nor is it clear what practical impact the referendum itself will have. Berisha decreed holding such a vote, but it is non-binding on the parliament. The constitution does not provide for referenda, and hence there are no rules defining how to apply their results. What is more, the referendum did not ask precisely what kind of monarchy the voters want. Ngjela assumes that the constitutional provisions of 1928 would apply if the monarchy were to be restored. But the referendum did not stipulate what kind of constitution would be in force. It will be up to the new parliament to decide whether the referendum can be considered valid. Even if Prime Minister Bashkim Fino is correct in his estimate that 53% of the participating voters decided in favor of a monarchy, that number may be far less than half of the total electorate. The parliament could choose to disregard the results of the referendum on the grounds that only a majority of all eligible voters can decide on such an important constitutional question, as is the case under Danish law. The legislators could also argue that numerous technical irregularities during the elections and the lack of security during the campaign preclude recognizing the referendum as valid. But such a scenario is unlikely since the newly elected legislators would also be casting doubt on the legitimacy of their own mandates. They are more likely to object to the referendum on the grounds that conditions in the country were chaotic at the time it took place. But before such questions are addressed, the legislators will have to hold negotiations about possible coalitions. The Socialists offered to form a new broad-based "reconciliation government" prior to the vote. It remains to be seen whether they are ready to share their newly won power. The author is a freelance writer on Albanian affairs. Reprinted with permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
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