Albania, as a special case, has since the beginning of the changes been treated as a favored country by Germany in relations with Albania, and this was confirmed yesterday during the reception by Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi. It is reported that, ahead of an upcoming visit by the government delegation led by Chancellor A. Vensel in Switzerland, as well as by Janes (?) Biehr and the President of the Bundestag, Bjorn Engholm, the German government expressed its readiness to further strengthen relations and assistance to Albania. Biehr, on behalf of the 1,700 branches of the German society “Konrad Adenauer”, represented his country’s will to continue with the same intensity the attention devoted to Albania. He assured that the positive developments taking place in our country will be followed closely and that the aid will be concrete and practical. He also emphasized that the German people and the institutions of his country see Albania as an important partner in the region and that the policy of support for democratic and economic reforms will continue.

Conversation with the Chairman of the Council of Ministers Mr. ALEKSANDËR MEKSI On Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. I met Mr. Hans Friedrich, chairman of the Economic Committee of the German Parliament, while a day earlier he had met the President of the Republic and the Speaker of Parliament. That same day we held talks at the Ministry of Economy and Finance. At these two meetings, important issues of economic relations, investment prospects, and the concrete assistance that Germany could provide in the transition phase were discussed. We asked not only for credit and technical assistance, but also for support for the private sector, for the supply of raw materials, and for the activation of projects that had remained suspended. At the center of the talks was the signing of a framework agreement, as well as the preparation of other specific agreements. The German side expressed readiness to send experts and to support the energy sector, agriculture, and infrastructure. The Prime Minister pointed out that relations with Germany have entered a new phase, more concrete and more organized, and that the Albanian government expects tangible results in the near future.

The chairman of the Democratic Party held a meeting with the party structures and with citizens of Sarandë. During the conversation, problems of supply, employment and public order were addressed, as well as the need to strengthen organization at the grassroots level. At the meeting it was emphasized that the success of reforms depends on the active participation of citizens and on a responsible administration. A call was made to preserve calm and legality. Participants raised concerns regarding transport, energy and local trade, while PD leaders promised that they would relay these issues to the central bodies.

communist? The insistence of the electoral coalition of left-wing forces and the leadership of the Socialist Party to sign, at all costs, with the leaders of the opposition a “neutral” platform in relation to the situation in the country and in the region is being accompanied by intense propaganda. Mr. Meksi, before leaving for Strasbourg, was asked about this initiative and declared that the platform cannot be a maneuver to avoid political responsibilities. According to him, citizens voted for change and for a clear break with the past. Sali Berisha pointed out that uniting the left under new labels does not deceive citizens and that the Socialist Party must abandon any ambiguity toward the communist past. The article raises the question of whether we are dealing with a real political transformation or only a repackaging of the same ideological spirit.

Following the repeated and all too familiar complaints, the deputy, in parliament, dealt with the difficulties in implementing legislation and with delays in privatization. He stressed that citizens are waiting for tangible results and that the government must be faster in addressing problems. He called for clearer measures regarding the supply of basic goods, payments, and the management of state-owned enterprises. In his view, the pace of reforms must be accelerated if we are to avoid social disappointment. Government representatives replied that the processes are complicated and that work is being carried out in several directions at once, but they acknowledged that the administration still has shortcomings.

HUMOR “We the persecuted” We are told that the days ahead are getting harder too, but we the persecuted are used to them. But the new time? — they ask. Well, the new time does not come by order, nor by decree. It comes when those who persecuted us stop telling us how we should live. — And today? — Today they give us lessons in democracy, and it is the same people who yesterday taught us fear. — And tomorrow? — Tomorrow will be better, but on one condition: that we do not forget who the victims were and who the executioners were. In the end, everyone laughed, but the laughter was bitter.

Interview with the Minister of Defense, Mr. Safet Zhulali R.D.: What would be the first step that needed to be taken to modernize the army? Safet Zhulali: Under the new conditions, above all the concept of defense and the role of the army in a democratic society had to change. For many years it had been used as an ideological instrument and not as a professional structure. R.D.: What exactly are we talking about? Safet Zhulali: About depoliticization, about reducing unnecessary structures, about modern training, and about a new link with civil institutions. A small, capable and disciplined army must be built. R.D.: Will there be difficulties? Safet Zhulali: Yes, because we inherit major material shortages and an old mentality. But there are many officers and military personnel who understand the need for reform. R.D.: Does that mean there are reformers in the army? Safet Zhulali: Yes, many. And we must rely on them.