Yesterday, the upcoming visit of Mr. Tritan Shehu to Germany was announced and publicized with considerable enthusiasm. This visit, which follows immediately after that of Interior Minister Shamata, is the second by a government chief to Germany. In fact, this intensity of visits has its own significance. It is understood that if one believes the official propaganda, one might conclude that Germany supports the Democratic Party government’s latest positions. Regardless, however, of how such a thing is presented, it is difficult to believe. The latest message from the President of the European Parliament, Leni Fisher, leaves no doubt that the Democratic Party government is not on good terms even with those it had until yesterday presented as its faithful friends. It goes without saying that Europe’s politicians are not so foolish as to defend a bad government in a key country in the Balkans. In this context, Shehu’s visit to the great friendly country will not be a successful one for the head of Albanian diplomacy. Behind Mr. Kinkel’s courteous smiles there must be something else. Shehu’s visit to Germany will be a difficult one, with many problems. Yesterday, sources within the Republican Party described this as a difficult visit, during which Shehu will be openly asked for a different policy in Albania, one that will cool tempers. Although the PR is not a party whose remit includes Albania’s diplomatic relations with the great powers, its aforementioned opinion has a truly serious basis. The Kinkel-Shehu meeting comes after Mrs. Ollbrajt’s European tour. It is thought that during this tour Mrs. Ollbrajt also discussed the problematic country of the Albanians. Albania is thought to have featured in all of Mrs. Ollbrajt’s high-level meetings with her European counterparts. Mr. Kinkel, one of the Continent’s most influential politicians, must have something other in mind with his latest invitation to Tirana than what the DP media are presenting. With its enormous economic and political crisis, Albania has turned into a powder keg, whose explosion would not be confined to this country’s future, but would affect the entire region. After the internal and inter-ethnic conflicts in the region, the “Albania” precedent could become a new wound in the troubled Balkans. In Germany, Shehu will be called to account for what is currently happening in Albania. Naturally, it is up to him and the party he leads to demonstrate in the great country a different will from that shown by the bad governance of the DP. Official propaganda is nevertheless making much of this visit. It remains propaganda, and Shehu therefore should not prejudge the visit during his trip with tones of stale enthusiasm.

According to diplomatic sources in Brussels, the Union

Meksi should resign; the President should stop dictating to the other branches of power P. 7 From yesterday’s rallies. Photo: A. Babani

According to diplomatic sources in Brussels, the European Union will offer technical assistance, expertise, and limited financial assistance. Since 1991, Albania has received aid amounting to 500 million dollars. “We would like to increase technical assistance, but not to rush the country,” a British source emphasized. On Monday in Brussels, European foreign ministers will examine the European Commission’s report on the economic and financial situation, as well as recommendations on how this body can help through the Phare program. But Albania’s blue government should not wait for Monday to arrive. On Monday, Christ will not be resurrected for Albania. Continued on p. 7

Recently, the many invitations the DP has extended to Albanian socialists to “sit down at the negotiating table” have attracted attention. In fact, it is normal for two political forces, large or small, to discuss their problems, consult, resolve disagreements, or even reach a common position on various issues. P. 3

NATIONAL LIBRARY TIRANA

The government stole the votes and the money P. 3 The 80 billion for “Xhaferi” are coming from overseas P. 5 Ali Pashë Tepelena speaks Italian P. 6