- There is a definite predisposition for the issue of aid to Albania - No more diplomacy of isolation! It was a busy morning at the Presidium of the Republic. Sali Berisha, with intermittent interruptions, followed the live broadcast of parliament on a monitor, where the new government was receiving a vote of confidence, and spoke with foreign journalists. Our envoy also took a special seat. The conversation with President Sali Berisha, the first since his appointment to this high office, naturally took such a character because Albania is facing a completely new international situation. There is much to expect from the world, from its new friends, but much must also be done by ourselves. Kosovo was, of course, at the center of attention. Question: Mr. President! In his statement on the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina and in Kosovo, Sali Berisha has made clear Albania's position on the tragic developments in the former Yugoslavia. How will Albanian diplomacy act in the days and weeks ahead? Answer: I believe that the time has passed when our diplomacy was expressed in general formulas. Today, diplomacy of concrete steps is required. Albania will strongly raise the issue of Kosovo in all international forums. We will seek for the issue of the rights of Albanians in Kosovo to be treated as a fundamental matter of peace and stability in the Balkans. There can be no lasting peace in the region without a fair solution to this issue. Question: Is there a predisposition in international circles to help Albania? Answer: Yes, I believe there is a definite predisposition. Albania has been received with great understanding and willingness to help. But this help does not come automatically. It requires clear project proposals, functioning institutions and serious diplomacy. We must move beyond words and into action. Question: What do you mean by your phrase: No more diplomacy of isolation? Answer: Albania can no longer close itself off. We must be present wherever our interests are discussed. The diplomacy of isolation was a diplomacy that left the country without a voice and without friends. Now we need a diplomacy of integration, of contacts, of partnership and of responsibility. Continues on page 2

On 11 May 1992, the Director-General of the World Bank, Mr. Lewis T. Preston, sent a message to the President of the Republic, Dr. Sali Berisha, expressing his congratulations on the victory of the Democratic Party in the elections of 22 March. The World Bank lends to governments for development projects. Its priorities include everything from agriculture, industry, education and public health. It will start with the administration from the bank, assess Albania's aid needs, and select the necessary areas for structural reforms, including agriculture. Mr. Preston says in his letter that a mission from the World Bank is coming on 26 May and will meet with the new government. He also expressed the willingness of the institution he heads to help Albania and said that around 25 million dollars could be allocated for a first loan. Correspondent of R.F.

Interview with Prof. Pollo[n?], responsible of the State Bank Sir! On 26.III.1992 with document no. 500-4, sent to the bank directorates... [?] Interview with Prof. Pollo[n?], responsible of the State Bank Sir! On 26.III.1992 with letter no. 500-4, sent to the bank directorates and its branches, a decision was taken for a temporary suspension of salaries. This has created concern in public opinion. Can you give us an explanation? The decision concerns a temporary interruption of the effects of some earlier acts, until a full reassessment of the financial situation is carried out. This is not a question of giving up wage increases, but of a technical and administrative delay. He further stressed that the banking system is facing inherited difficulties, a lack of liquidity and the need for stricter control of monetary emissions. According to him, every action must be based on the real possibilities of the economy. Continues on page 6

At its headquarters, the chairman of the EC Presidential Council, Mr. Van den Broek, and the Albanian prime minister, Mr. Aleksandër Meksi, signed today the trade and cooperation agreement between Albania and the European Community. In the press conference that followed the signing of the agreement, Mr. Meksi said that this agreement is a strong basis for new economic and political relations. The agreement provides for the expansion of trade exchanges, technical assistance and institutional support for democratic and economic reforms. For his part, Mr. Van den Broek praised Albania's new European orientation and expressed the Community's readiness to help the country in this difficult period of transition. Continues on page 2

Communication with Albania may end up on the periphery, this concerns Europe and interests it. In this context, the dismantling of old structures and the building of democratic institutions constitute a common task. European countries must show foresight and political will to help Albania integrate. The trials Europe is going through today call for solidarity and responsibility. Only in this way will European unity have full meaning. Continues on page 4

Each for himself, the state for everyone CONTINUATION OF A VERY SHORT ARTICLE It is not necessary to repeat that without a state there is no order, no security, no protection of the general interest. But the state should not be understood as a blind apparatus of orders; it must be the guarantee of law and justice for all citizens. Each person must work for himself, for his family and for his well-being, but the state must belong to everyone and be for everyone. In the conditions of the Albanian transition, when property, the market, private initiatives and individual responsibility are taking on new meaning, there is a risk that personal interests will be placed above the public interest. That would be harmful. The state has the duty to set equal rules, protect fair competition and punish abuse. The article aims to encourage a civic debate on the role of the state in a free society. JAMIN SULÇILANIC