(12 Mar 1997) Albanian/Nat
Albania's growing revolt crept closer to the capital on Wednesday despite the appointment of a new prime minister who's from insurgent-held territory.
President Sali Berisha appointed Bashkim Fino, an economist from the southern town of Gjirokastra, now in rebel hands.
Fino replaces Aleksander Meksi of the Democratic Party, who recently resigned from the position.
In Gjirokastra, Fino's family spoke about him and the challenges that lie ahead as Albania's new prime minister.
The new Albanian Prime Minister, Bashkim Fino of the main opposition Socialist Party, says he hopes his appointment will be a first step to finding a way out of the crisis gripping the country.
In the capital, Tirana, Fino met President Sali Berisha before travelling to the Socialist Party headquarters, where he met Rexhap Mejdani, the Secretary-General of that Party.
Fino, 35, is a former mayor of Gjirokastra, a major insurgent-held town.
Berisha is hoping the appointment will help end the insurgent rule in the south, but the rebels have repeated their demands for Berisha's resignation.
SOUNDBITE: (Albanian)
"South and north is united in one thing, we will try to make people to work and speak with each other to stay close to each other, and not to speak with the language of tanks and guns."
SUPER CAPTION: Bashkim Fino, new Albanian Prime Minister
SOUNDBITE: (Albanian)
"This government has to open a dialogue with the rebels, to ask them to hand over weapons on their own initiative. We cannot do this by giving orders."
SUPER CAPTION: Bashkim Fino, Albanian Prime Minister
This is the new prime minister's humble home in Gjirokastra.
His family spoke about Fino's new position - his mother said she was proud, while his wife expressed concern about the situation in the country.
SOUNDBITE: (Albanian)
"In my opinion, I think if it is possible to be the prime minister one must make the situation quieter and make people give up their arms and appeal to all the political parties to find a solution."
SUPER CAPTION: Diana Fino, new Prime Minister's Wife
SOUNDBITE: (Albanian)
"I think he has the support of Gjirokastra and all the people because he was the mayor of the town and during that time he was very successful."
SUPER CAPTION: Rezmo Fino, new Prime Minister's Mother
SOUNDBITE: (Albanian)
"I'm very worried for him, very worried, it's a difficult situation - I don't know what is going to happen with this new government. We are all now waiting to know what concessions are going to be made."
SUPER CAPTION: Diana Fino, new Prime Minister's Wife
Children selling cigarettes on the streets of Gjirokastra have armed themselves to stop them being robbed by others- such is the lawlessness that now rules Albania.
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