ALBANIA: TIRANA: PRESIDENT SALI BERISHA REAFFIRMS HIS POSITION

(23 Mar 1997) English/Nat Albanian President Sali Berisha reaffirmed, Sunday, that he will not stand aside - despite calls for his resignation from rebel leaders in the south. Rebels hold him responsible for unrest in the country - prompted by the collapse of pyramid schemes which spelt financial ruin for thousands of Albanian families. But Berisha says the violence is solely the fault of rebels - and their actions amount to terrorism. At Sali Berisha's home - guards keep watch. Berisha is a wanted man - wanted by rebel leaders in Albania's south who say they represent the thousands of families who are broke and destitute thanks to Sali Berisha. Rebels claim the President is to blame for the collapse of the country's pyramid schemes - which prompted unrest across Albania. They have repeatedly called on Berisha to resign from the presidency. But Sali Berisha remains defiant. SOUNDBITE: (English) "I'm not at all considering their demands. These armed groups who presents as I told you. Former army officials, represents former secret police officials, left extremists and traffickers. They do not at all represent the people of these districts. What have they said - not about their ultimatums because they are nothing in my impressions, but they are terrorising the people there. They are organising the breaking up of banks and destroying the institutions of life there. They are terrorising the silent majority in those districts." SUPER CAPTION: Sali Berisha, Albanian President On Sunday, Berisha, who rebels say even profited from the collapse of the savings schemes, allowed reporters into his home. His press secretary gave a guided tour of the modest house - and showed off family portraits, including one of Berisha with Mother Teresa. The style in which the President apparently lives, is modest, the house comfortably but not lavishly furnished. But this demonstration of moderate living is not likely to calm the rage of thousands of people who lost their entire life savings in the pyramid savings schemes. Berisha's children were not at the house - they fled Albania more than a week ago. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...