Representative of the great American people in Albania (Continued on page 2) At last, for Albania and the Albanians too, the great-awaited day has come. It is true that the main interlocutor of the American Secretary of State, Mr. James Baker, during his brief visit to Tirana, is the Albanian government. But this cannot overshadow the role of the opposition and, first of all, of the Democratic Party in the democratization of our country since the fall of monism in December of last year. It has been this political force, supported by Albanian public opinion, that has set the tone and achieved success after success in the direction of freedoms and human rights, the market economy, and the break with the dictatorial practices of the old communists. As for the latter, the arrival of the American Secretary of State in Albania is more of a challenge than an honor for them. Everyone knows that the USA called the Albanian government the most conservative government in the East and called on its head, Mr. Fatos Nano, to resign. This, however, does not in any way diminish or minimize the special importance of Mr. Baker’s visit to Albania. With this visit, the process of Albania’s integration into European and broader structures has begun. Likewise, this visit is concretely bringing American policy to the lands of eastern Europe. After Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and other countries of the former socialist camp, for the first time the isolated Albania of yesterday is also being directly reached on the old continent. This means that the USA will directly follow the situation of democratic reforms in Albania. In a sense, Mr. Baker’s arrival in Tirana reinforces, or more precisely further strengthens, the hopes of Albanian democrats for their victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections. With Mr. Baker’s visit, once and for all, the inferiority complex and neglect of the majority of Albanians in relations with other states comes to an end. This visit lifts the Albanian people to their feet. It is the first time in its long history that such a great guest comes to it, the greatest in its history. Under conditions where the great powers have officially recognized the current government and granted it the moral credit of a legitimate government, the Albanian people should have felt directly within themselves the support for their noble and sublime passion for freedom. This has happened. The extraordinary enthusiasm of the Albanian people for the Secretary of State, Mr. Baker, has a deeply meaningful significance. His reception has been what befits a friend of Albania and the Albanians. It has spontaneously turned into a vivid manifestation of the Albanian people’s faith in their great and closest friend. This has been an inner need of the spirit of our people. For this reason, the road from Rinas to Tirana and Skanderbeg Square were a true sea of people and vehicles. All of Tirana had poured out to welcome Baker. The feelings and ovations of this giant gathering of the Albanian people in Skanderbeg Square clearly show that the Albanian people have made their political choice with full awareness: to integrate quickly into the great European family.

BREAD, SALT AND THE HEART ALBANIAN At last, for Albania and the Albanians, the cup is full, or as the people say, “the Secretary of State of America, James Baker, has come to their doorstep.” The entire civilized world is eagerly awaiting his visit to Tirana. This memorable day will remain historic for Albania. Never before has anything like this happened on the eve of a visit. Everywhere one can feel that something great is happening, a long-awaited event. Town and village, middle-aged and elderly, boy and girl, man and woman, have left everything behind and are experiencing, through radio and television, the great feat of Mr. Baker’s arrival in Albania. Everywhere, in streets, squares, and public places, this event alone is being discussed. Everyone with their own thought, word, wish, feeling, and emotion. The people, as is their custom, are waiting with an open heart to welcome the friend who has come from across the Ocean. For all Albanians, this is a special moment. It is the first visit of such a figure to our country and therefore every sign of hospitality takes on a special meaning. The simple words “bread, salt and heart” express our ancient tradition best. Today they sound more meaningful than ever. In this unusual atmosphere, it is clearly felt that Albania is opening a new page. A closed epoch is being left behind and a new period is knocking at the door. The hope for freedom, democracy, and integration with the civilized world is gaining tangible support. That is why the reception for the American Secretary of State has become the welcome of a friend and a symbol.

James Baker, the man who directs American foreign policy today, lands in Albania today. For Albanians, Baker’s name is linked to the idea of support from the free world for democratic processes in our country. He comes at a moment when Albanian society is seeking a new path of development and when people’s expectations are greater than ever. His visit is being followed with extraordinary interest. The photograph published here shows him in a calm moment, but it is understood that the event linked to his presence has a special historical weight. For many people, this visit is a sign that Albania is no longer outside the world’s attention. (Continued on page 2)

The Columbus who discovered America was an enemy - Interview with Dritëro Agolli given to our newspaper’s editor, B. Fevziu - Question: How did you initially receive Mr. Baker’s arrival in Albania? Answer: Yes, indeed, this is a great occasion, perhaps unprecedented for our Albania. This visit cannot be seen only as a protocol event. It has great political, spiritual, and moral importance for Albanians. It is a sign that the civilized world is following our fate with interest. Question: Do you connect this visit with the country’s future? Answer: Without a doubt. Albania can no longer remain closed. We need openness, dialogue, normal relations with America and with Europe. In this sense, Mr. Baker’s arrival has great symbolic and concrete value. Question: Why did you use such a strong formulation in the title? Answer: It is a metaphor. I mean that for a long time we were taught a distorted image of America, a distant and hostile world. Now we are understanding how wrong that image was. America is not the enemy; our isolation, our spiritual poverty, and our lack of knowledge were the enemy. (Continued on page 2)

- Hooper reports - First, Mr. Hooper, one of the senior members of the group of state experts and US administration experts who came to Albania 7 weeks ago, stood before Albanian journalists at Rinas airport and confirmed that he was leaving Albania with extraordinary impressions. “I can assure you,” he said, “that America will help you and will speed up its aid.” Mr. Hooper then said that becoming acquainted with the Albanian reality and economic difficulties had convinced his group of the need for aid as soon as possible. He said that American specialists had seen firsthand the situation in many sectors and that their findings would serve future American policy toward Albania. Mr. Hooper pointed out that American support would not be merely moral, but would also take concrete forms in the economic and humanitarian fields. He added that the Albanian people deserve this help for the sacrifices and patience shown during such a difficult period.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY SALI BERISHA MEETS THE GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER HANS DIETRICH GENSHER In the penultimate hour of his stay in Bonn, the head of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, held a meeting yesterday with the German Foreign Minister Hans Dietrich Gensher. During the conversation, issues concerning the political situation in Albania, Albanian-German relations, and the prospects of reform processes were discussed. The interlocutors praised the importance of political pluralism, respect for human rights, and the holding of free elections. Minister Gensher expressed the German government’s interest in Albania’s stability and democratization.

(Continued on page 2) - Thoughts of peasants, workers, students, and intellectuals - When asked about the arrival of the American Secretary of State, many people express the conviction that this visit will influence the improvement of the country’s political and economic situation. Some of them say they hope for increased aid and for Albania’s closer ties with the Western world. Others see Mr. Baker’s arrival as a moral guarantee for the democratic forces and as a sign that the changes that have begun will not remain half-finished. There are also those who connect this event with the rebirth of faith in the future and the overcoming of the fear inherited from the time of isolation. For everyone, however, the shared wish remains that the visit bring peace, calm, and new paths of cooperation.