The Socialists are taking great risks in the way they have defined their allies in politics, the media and civil society page 2 The Stability Pact - Albania's future By Ilir META Prime Minister of Albania

By Ilir META Prime Minister of Albania On 30 July, one year will have passed since the Sarajevo summit, and Albania is declaring with one voice the necessity of further strengthening and increasing the effectiveness of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, as well as greater and more direct involvement of the EU and the USA for security, peace and development in this important region. My speech delivered at this meeting was that, one year ago, it marked the first step toward a new qualitative relationship, through which Albania was fittingly placed within a new axis of development and cooperation, democracy and prosperity with all the countries of the region. The will for a new partnership and a lasting peace has made this new approach possible. Albania has undoubtedly played its historical role in this process. For the first time, our country is affirming a clear regional profile through active participation in all initiatives and integration processes. Today these are not only a priority of our foreign policy, but also an internal requirement of the country's development. Within this framework, the Stability Pact is not an ordinary political platform. It is a necessary instrument for directing resources and international support toward economic recovery, institutional building and strengthening the rule of law. Only if it functions as a real mechanism of cooperation will our region be able to escape the vicious circle of conflict, isolation and backwardness. Albania understands clearly that stability is not an end in itself. It must serve as a basis for sustainable development, for creating jobs, for fighting poverty and for bringing our standards closer to European ones. In this regard, our priorities are closely linked to modernizing infrastructure, improving the business climate and strengthening public administration. Together with our European and American partners, we must work to turn the Stability Pact into a success story. This will require vision, determination and coordinated action. Albania remains committed to being an active contributor to this process, showing that the future of our region is tied to integration, cooperation and peace. (continued on page 2)

page 7 Audit Gjebrea and Blendi Fevziu - candidates for the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports The defense ministers also brought kokaxopus yesterday at the ceremony marking the departure of the Greek company photo P. Ilo ALBANIAN AIRLINES Address: Rr. "Mine Peza", P. 2, Tirana For reservations contact: Tel.: 334 94 / 91 62 Tel. & Fax.: 38 57, 7 558 80