Omonia (Sociopolitical Organization - Democratic Union of the Greek Minority) was formed in January 1991 (HRW Mar. 1996, 110; World Directory of Minorities 1997, 203). While it participated in the elections of 1991 it was subsequently barred from political participation as a result of a new law that prohibited the "'formation of parties on a religious, ethnic and regional basis' (Law No.7502)" (ibid.). The creation of the Union of Human Rights as a separate political organization was facilitated by Omonia and this new party was permitted by the Albanian Ministry of Justice (HRW Mar. 1996, 1101).

Several names for this political party have been used. The name Unity Party for Human Rights is used by World Directory of Minorities (1997, 203) and Country Reports for 1997 (947). Human Rights Watch refers to the Union of Human Rights (Mar. 1996, 111). Other sources, including the Political Handbook of the World 1997, use the name Human Rights Union Party (11; Athens News Agency 1 July 1996) or the Human Rights Union Party (PBDNJ) ( ATA 3 Feb. 1998).

Just prior to the same elections the chairman of the party, Vasil Melo, outlined that "The PBDNJ today is not the same as that of 1992, when Omonia was a very important party. In the course of the last few years, the PBDNJ has created a new image as an Albanian political party accepted across the country. Our candidates will be from many minorities, Greek, Vlach, Roma, Macedonian, Egyptian [as published], and others" (Kohan Jone 30 May 1997). Later he also described the party as "a center party that may also extend to the right" (Albania 23 July 1997).

In July 1997, it was reported that the Human Rights Union Party was participating in a governing alliance with the Socialist Party (Albania 17 July 1997; 23 July 1997). The party's Leonard Solis received a cabinet position as minister of health and environment (Xinhua 26 July 1997). The other parties participating in the coalition were the Democratic Alliance Party, the Social Democratic Party, and the Agrarian Party (ATA 18 Apr. 1998). The ATA said that this was the first time the party had participated in the government (15 Oct. 1997). Vasil Melo, leader of the PBDNJ, later affirmed that "we are strongly backing the current coalition government" (ibid. 19 Feb. 1998). On 15 May 1998 the party's Kosta Qerama was named as part of the ten-member "central commission for the partial local elections" (ATA 15 May 1998). On 23 September 1998 the Kaleej Times reported that the party was still part of the governing coalition.

There is one report of a bomb having been thrown on 23 September 1998 at the home of Vasil Melo (ibid.). No reason for the attack was given and a spokesman for the Interior Ministry said that "police believe the explosion was an 'act of street villains'" (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

23 July 1997. "PBDNJ Chairman Discusses Omonia, PS, New Government." (FBIS-EEU-97-205 24 July 1997/WNC)