The United States lifted trade restrictions on Albania, granting its products the lowest customs tariffs for sales in the United States. President Bush announced this decision, saying that he had received assurances from the Albanian authorities that they would amend their emigration policy, a condition for lifting the restrictions. The President referred to a section of an American law that makes trade concessions conditional on emigration.

Telegram from the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, addressed to His Excellency Mr. Butros Ghali, Secretary-General of the United Nations, New York Dear Mr. Secretary-General, I am writing to you in particular to express my deep concern about the fighting in recent days in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the aggression of Serbia and the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA), which is commanded by Serbia, is causing many casualties and incalculable damage. Albania is following the tragic situation in the former Yugoslavia with great attention and has continually expressed its support for the comprehensive efforts of the UN and the region to bring the fighting to an end as soon as possible and create the conditions for peace, so that the peoples of the former Yugoslavia, including the Albanians, may decide peacefully on their future. Mr. Secretary, on 24 May the people of Kosovo will hold their free, multiparty elections. Despite the violence and the interpretation that Serbian chauvinist circles put on these elections, they are an expression of the people’s will and right to be governed by people they themselves elect, and are undoubtedly a major contribution to the peaceful resolution of the problem of the former Yugoslavia. Bearing in mind the escalation of aggression in Bosnia-Herzegovina, as well as the fact that for two years substantial military forces and equipment have been stationed in the territory of Kosovo, joined by Serbian-Montenegrin paramilitary formations, Albania has continually drawn public opinion’s and international organizations’ attention to the danger threatening peace and security in the Balkans. This danger to peace, already grave, becomes even more imminent on the occasion of the first free elections in Kosovo, which could be exploited to shift the aggression southward. I therefore consider it necessary, Mr. Secretary-General, that you exert your influence and recommend to the Security Council that UN observers and forces be present in the territory of Kosovo to prevent any possible military attack against Kosovo and the Albanians living there, as well as to ensure that the elections can proceed. This would also serve the cause of security and peace, to which you personally are committed. On this occasion, Mr. Secretary-General, allow me to express the full and strong support of the Republic of Albania for all the measures and actions of the UN and its Security Council aimed at resolving the Yugoslav crisis as soon as possible, peacefully and in a manner appropriate for all the peoples of the former Yugoslavia. Please accept, Mr. Secretary, the assurance of my highest consideration.

— INTERVIEW WITH Dr IBRAHIM RUGOVA GIVEN TO “THE VOICE OF AMERICA” — — Dr. Rugova, Serbia has declared the elections planned for Sunday in Kosovo illegal. What is your assessment of Serbia’s position? — The current Serbian regime has no right to challenge these elections, because from the end of the Second World War onward Kosovo has always held its own elections for the Kosovo parliament and local elections, and has always held these elections as a federal unit. We wish once again to confirm the will of the people, expressed in last September’s referendum. We are striving to institutionalize democracy and democratic institutions in Kosovo. These elections will therefore be valid and will be monitored by international institutions and various associations. We believe and hope they will be accepted as legitimate, because this people needs a legitimate government. — Is there any difference between the official position and that of the Serbian opposition parties toward these elections? — The official position, as I already said in response to your question, is that of the current Serbian regime. The opposition has not yet stated its position on these elections. But, unfortunately, when it comes to Kosovo, their views do not differ much. We know the argument that says, “We can discuss anything, but Kosovo is ours.” We seek an open dialogue without preconditions. That is all we can say for now. — Dr. Rugova, some observers say there is a possibility of elections to bring the country back on its feet and fully integrate it into Europe. Do the people concerned recognize the American [text unclear] reality and the fundamental reform that will be carried out in all fields—in legislation, administration, the economy, the social sectors, etc.? — We are on the threshold of a genuine democratic revolution, — emphasized Mr. Eduard Selami. After overthrowing the old, failed communist system, we will build a genuine system of democracy and democratic institutions in Kosovo. These elections will therefore be valid and will be monitored by international institutions and various associations. We believe and hope they will be accepted as legitimate, because this people needs a legitimate government. — Is there any difference between the official position and that of the Serbian opposition parties toward these elections? — The official position, as I already said in response to your question, is that of the current Serbian regime. The opposition has not yet stated its position on these elections. But, unfortunately, when it comes to Kosovo, their views do not differ much. — Question: As a result of an external [text unclear] in the past, Albania is currently facing a series of difficulties in developing, rebuilding the country, and fully integrating it into Europe. Do the people concerned recognize the American [text unclear] reality and the fundamental reform that will be carried out in all fields—in legislation, administration, the economy, the social sectors, etc.? (Continued on page 4)

Mr. Eduard Selami met with American Senator Dik Klark On Tuesday afternoon, the DP Chairman, Mr. Eduart Selami, received American Senator Dik Klark in his office. The DP secretary, Mr. Tomor Dosti, also attended. At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Selami briefed the American guest on political developments and the severe economic situation in our country, the Democratic Party’s victory in the 22 March elections, and the main objectives of the DP’s program and of the new government that emerged from those elections: rebuilding the country and fully integrating it into Europe. He also informed the American senator about the fundamental reforms to be carried out in every field—in legislation, administration, the economy, the social sectors, etc. “We are on the threshold of a genuine democratic revolution,” emphasized Mr. Eduart Selami. “After overthrowing the old and failed communist system, we will build a genuine system of democracy and democratic institutions. But the success of our objectives and reforms in the economy and politics also depends greatly on financial and material assistance from the European Community, the United States, etc.” During the discussion, both sides confirmed their desire to strengthen ties between Albania and the United States in all fields. DP INFORMATION OFFICE

— Interview with Katrinë Lalumiere, Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, given to journalists Mehdi Tanushi and Arben Kallamata — QUESTION: One of the new Albanian government’s basic foreign-policy priorities is integration into Europe. What is the role and importance of relations with the Council of Europe? ANSWER: For countries wishing to integrate into Europe, the first step in the past has also been joining the Council of Europe. This was particularly clear in the case of Spain after Franco’s fall and Portugal after Salazar. In other words, countries first join the Council of Europe and then the European Community. Why do I say that a country’s entry into the Council of Europe is the first step in the integration process? Because, for a country to have the right to be part of Europe, it must be one of the democratic countries; by “democratic” I mean pluralist, that is, based on a number of parties and free elections. It must also respect people’s individual rights, the rule of law, and the supremacy of the rule of law over political parties. The Council of Europe itself is built precisely on these principles. Therefore, joining the Council of Europe is a preliminary obligation for integration into Europe and for entry into the Council of Europe. QUESTION: As a result of an extreme [text unclear] in the past, Albania is currently facing a series of difficulties in development, rebuilding the country, and fully integrating it into Europe. Do the people concerned recognize the American [text unclear] reality and the fundamental reform that will be carried out in all fields—in legislation, administration, the economy, the social sectors, etc.? We are democratic, not Democrats, because Albania has been and will remain a democratic country; that is how it must be, as part of the integration process. For a country to have a proper place in Europe, it must be part of Europe; it must be one of the democratic countries, where “democratic” means pluralist and based on free elections, political parties, and respect for people’s individual rights, the rule of law, and the supremacy of the rule of law over political parties. The Council of Europe itself is built precisely on these principles. ANSWER: As regards Albania, as well as other post-communist countries such as Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Bulgaria, the Council of Europe can provide assistance and advice on all kinds of democratic reforms, for example economic reform, reforms to criminal legislation, the judiciary and prisons—in short, all the reforms that make up a democratic reform. But the Council of Europe can help the Albanians in another way: by providing your country with contacts and relations with other countries, especially European ones. Albania was conceived as a veritable fortress, and therefore it needs contacts with the world, especially Europe. This is an example of how, if we recognize this, we can help through various channels and changes so that Albania may join the Council of Europe and take all the steps necessary for it. This means that its word was transmitted simultaneously to states, and that they took it up; and if we consider, for example, their press and candidates. I must emphasize that it is not the role of the Council of Europe to provide funds. It cannot do so because it has neither the funds nor the means for such a thing. The assistance we can provide is of another kind. It is political assistance, in the form of advice on building democracy. I would add that this is part of what I mentioned above, and these are some of the countries that [text unclear] which we have encountered and from which we have gained hope that your country may integrate quickly; they are suffering a dramatic situation, reflected especially in the schools, the school buildings, their equipment, books, notebooks, etc. Through the non-operational organization called “S.O.S. Albania Fund” (the fund to help Albania), we have so far collected and sent some aid. Unfortunately, we have learned that part of this aid has not been distributed properly, perhaps slowly; it seems that in Albania there has been a kind of reluctance to carry this out. I mentioned these things because this kind of assistance, although not very substantial, exists, and although the Council of Europe does not…

Two months have passed since 22 March, and one month since the day Mr. Meksi’s government won Parliament’s vote of confidence. One month since Mr. Meksi’s government won Parliament’s confidence vote is far too short a period in which to assess a government’s abilities and work. All the more so if we bear in mind the severe and all-encompassing crisis into which our country was plunged by “allavënar” socialism, for a time [text unclear] with absurd and mad fanaticism by the PP or PS. Nevertheless, even in this time, we have words and other things to say and do, and reasons to be optimistic. The first signs of a positive turning point, so eagerly desired by everyone, are already becoming apparent. We see and feel them growing clearer every day, slowly melting the ice of crisis, distrust, and pessimism. Of course, there are also people who, out of party fanaticism, refuse to see them; they continue to look through dark glasses even at what shines, spewing bile and poison at the DP and the democratic government because they were not allowed to enjoy forever the power, privileges, and wealth that they and their ilk acquired through dishonest, illegal, and cruel means, irresponsibly stealing the people’s blood and sweat. AS IF WE ARE FINALLY BREATHING MORE FREELY The first sign of the turning point was seen and felt as early as 23 March, when people poured into the streets and squares as if they had cast off a crushing burden. Everyone was joyful, no longer afraid as before of the dark forces, [text unclear] massively anti-communist, even after the movement [text unclear] in what became the daily movement. We used to see [text unclear] in the streets, as if a great hand had locked them away. A gentle, warm breeze [text unclear]. Honest politicians, but confirmed by the people, had appeared before us, [text unclear] and failed. No longer [text unclear]. Something unfamiliar; something new, as it was for me, I will remember it, as everyone remembers when people are generally joyful, not left irresponsibly to watch thefts taking place and lives lived in violence, but only with air, and not with happiness. The world is no different. More than once, and again today, it is showing support for enterprises. But the government, which is good and responsible and makes this known, is determined to bring about major changes. Thus, the countries and the world are helping us. But we must also help ourselves greatly by returning to work and working as we know how, as we are now working [text unclear], instead of letting these things be undervalued. By working more, we will earn more, just as everyone who takes part in building [text unclear] earns. From now on, forever, [text unclear] will be valued more, especially in an economy where [text unclear] energy and the [text unclear] is repeatedly blocked by people, while the worker [text unclear] only a part… WE HAVE FINALLY EMERGED FROM THE 80% OCTOPUS A very clear and hopeful sign of the turning point… (Continued on page 2)

On 20 May, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Alfred Serreqi, made an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia, where he held talks with the Foreign Minister of that republic, Mr. Malevski. Mr. Serreqi expressed his pleasure at the visit and affirmed the determination of Albania’s first democratic government to establish new relations with all states. The Albanian government, he said, recognizes the borders of the Republic of Macedonia. It is also prepared to recognize the Republic of Macedonia as an independent and sovereign state, but this requires respect for the legitimate rights of ethnic Albanians in Macedonia. The Albanian side believes that their status under the Macedonian Constitution does not correspond to historical and current reality. Mr. Serreqi also assured his Macedonian counterpart that the Macedonian minority in Albania enjoys all the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and international agreements. The two sides also agreed that these contacts would continue at every level. During this visit, Mr. Serreqi was also received for a separate meeting by the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, and President Gligorov, who were accompanied.