GOODBYE MR. BAKER! - A message of hope, salvation and joy - And even if James Baker had taken the road to Albania a thousand times, however many times it might have happened, he would not have failed to notice this beautiful and wonderful part of our country, whose name today fills the newspapers of all the countries of the world. Albania, a welcoming nest with so many hopes, who knows how far it had forgotten the tiny fragments of long pain. They follow it only in memory, but now the meaning is that it is alive. All those victims, the terror of all those terrible decades, the deserts of mud that were called gardens and fertile fields, the sad accounts of women and girls' suicides to escape rape, internments, prisons, cells and hunger stand before the whole world as evidence of the communist hell in Europe. For the first time since the dark day of 7 April 1939, Albania has had a free day and such a welcome. James Baker did not come to this ruined country as a tourist, nor as a curious visitor. He came with America's and the West's message, as the man of faith in democracy, as the voice of freedom for a people that has only just emerged from darkness. He found an Albania that was tired, but not bowed; a people that was impoverished, but not defeated; a youth thirsty for fresh air and a hope that had not been seen for decades. On the streets of Tirana and in the crowded squares, the name of America was spoken as a name of salvation. This was not simply a protocol visit. It was a major political and moral sign. Democratic Albania today received the seal of encouragement from the country that symbolizes freedom. The people understood this and welcomed him with tears, with cheers, with raised hands. This was a moment when our history seemed to stop to catch its breath. One era was closing and another was opening. With this visit, Albania was entering more clearly the map of countries seeking to live as free nations. For us, this is not only a political event. It is a message of hope, salvation and joy. [Note: parts of the text are illegible in the image and have been rendered according to the best possible reading.]

- Interview with Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha regarding the meeting with John Sununu - The United States of America will help us to overcome the difficulties - Interview with Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha regarding the meeting with John Sununu - "The purpose of my meeting with Mr. John Sununu was the exchange of views and information about the situation in Albania. At the center of our discussion was the issue of the elections of 31 March. I expressed my position on the necessity of holding free and fair elections, on genuine political pluralism, and on respect for human rights. Mr. Sununu took a broad interest in our country's economic and social situation, in the difficulties the Albanian people are going through, and in the ways out of this serious crisis. I emphasized that Albania urgently needs humanitarian aid, economic support, and complete openness to the democratic world. For his part, Mr. Sununu expressed the understanding and interest of the American administration in developments in Albania. He underlined that the United States of America will help us overcome the difficulties and create the conditions for a democratic transition. The issue of Albanian-American relations was also discussed, and these should enter a new phase in line with the democratic aspirations of our people. I expressed my conviction that friendship with the United States is an important guarantee for Albania's future. This meeting was useful and encouraging. It shows that the democratic cause of the Albanian people has won international attention and support. [The rest of the text in the columns of the page is partly illegible in the image; the transcription has been made only for the parts that can be read with sufficient certainty.]

IN THIS PARLIAMENT DR. SALI BERISHA INVITED ME TO VISIT ALBANIA AND I CAME AS SOON AS POSS- IBLE.