Yesterday, the unveiling of the riddle of the government’s composition, alongside the realization of some predictions, also brought with it a number of disappointments. Thus, PBDNJ of Melo and Balli Kombëtar were left out of the government, although these parties are represented in parliament, while the Social Democratic Union of Teodor Laco was allotted a ministerial post. Although Melo, after the list of ministers was announced, said, “We had no demands to take part in the government,” he cannot help but be dissatisfied when extra-parliamentary parties have their people in the government. Considering the balance of forces in parliament, the composition of the government is of little importance. President Berisha described the government as “a coalition with a very broad base,” but the overwhelming dominance of the parliament by the PD has meant that the other parties have had to be content with ministerial secretary posts, while all the departments are headed by people from the PD. To be as close as possible to reality, it is more appropriate to use the term “joint government” instead of “coalition.” This is because the PD does not need support either to win a vote of confidence for the government or to pass draft laws proposed by its parliamentary group or by President Berisha himself. But above all, what matters is how this government will function and how capable it will be of solving the problems that lie ahead, not to mention those carried over from the previous term. President Berisha said that the government would try to implement a program containing common elements from the programs of the parties taking part in it. It is an undeniable fact that the participating parties, given the parts of the political spectrum to which they belong, have many things in common. Continued on p. 3

Yesterday, a meeting was held at the American Embassy between the deputy chairman of PR, Mr. Fatmir Mediu, and the chargé d’affaires of the Embass—

Belortaja 29, one of our best-known cartoonists, has recently received two more medals in international cartoon competitions. A Silver Medal in the international cartoon competition in Kyoto, Japan—1996, themed “The World in the 21st Century,” and an Honorary Prize in the 13th International Hyriet Cartoon Competition in Turkey. The Chairman of the Selection Committee of the competition in Japan, Mose, writes in the introduction to the catalogue of works that, among the 1,700 works submitted from around the world, even so-called small countries such as Albania have contributed excellent works, and its cartoonist has something to say about this world. The last two years have been very successful for Belortana in his participation in international competitions. Belortaja has won first prizes in almost all the competitions he has entered

Yesterday, a meeting was held at the American Embassy between the deputy chairman of PR, Mr. Fatmir Mediu, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the American Embassy, Mr. Dagllas Smith. Mr. Karl Siben-trit was also at the meeting. Chargé d’Affaires of the American Embassy, Mr. Dagllas Smith. Mr. Karl Siben-trit was also at the meeting. They discussed recent political developments in Albania and the tendency to find an optimistic solution, which requires dialogue and responsibility from the political forces in Albania. Mr. Mediu emphasized that, by a free decision of the National Council, co-governance had been decided upon, giving PR the opportunity to be a permanent part of economic developments by contributing on the basis of its political program and the points it shares with the government’s program. We remain hopeful, Mr. Mediu emphasized, that the new government will know how to establish an administration that is professionally capable and, above all, flexible in responding to circumstances, especially financial ones. They also discussed the possibility of drafting a constitution through normal channels, which would place the institutions and politics in general on a more credible footing. On this occasion, Mr. Mediu thanked the two diplomats for their contribution, relations, and continued interest in the development of democracy in Albania. We remain hopeful, Mr. Mediu stressed, that going forward we will need people who build lasting ties and interest between the two countries. PR considers America one of the foremost countries, beyond question, in every aspect of relations with Albania.

The cabinet of the Meksi 2 government, after taking the oath yesterday before the President of the Republic

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