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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James B. Foley, Deputy Spokesman
April 23, 1999

Meeting of Secretary Albright With Albanian President Rexhep Meidani

Secretary Albright and Albanian President Rexhep Meidani met in Washington on April 22, prior to the commencement of the NATO 50th anniversary summit. Their discussions focused on developments in Kosovo, the enormous humanitarian challenges facing Albania, and future steps needed for long-term stability in the Balkans.

The Secretary highlighted the importance of NATO's relationship with Albania, noting Albanian support for NATO's actions and policy concerning Kosovo. She applauded Albania's willingness, under its Partnership for Peace agreement with the Alliance, to host NATO forces. She also described the priority the United States places on NATO's role in spearheading support for international efforts to respond to the humanitarian challenges now facing Albania with the arrival of over 350,000 refugees from Kosovo.

She particularly commended the government of Albania for its dedicated management and coordination, in cooperation with a number of international agencies, of the myriad international relief efforts. She especially cited the willingness of the Albanian government to facilitate the arrival of vast quantities of humanitarian assistance by doing all it could to expedite its entry into the country. She encouraged close collaboration with the UNHCR, which the international community looks to for overall refugee protection and assistance. She expressed the continued willingness of the United States government to work to meet Albania's immediate needs, and called for greater attention to ways the international community can contribute to Albania's long-term economic development goals. She also saluted the people of Albania for the generosity of spirit they have displayed in opening their homes and hearts to the Kosovar refugees.

Secretary Albright shared President Meidani's desire for a successful outcome to the conflict in Kosovo. She reaffirmed the commitment and determination of the United States to meeting all the conditions established by NATO and securing the peaceful return of refugees.

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