- The USA support the rights of Albanians in Kosovo On 25 August, US President George Bush sent a letter to President Berisha expressing his full support for the rights of Albanians in Kosovo, Albania’s position on this issue, as well as reform in our country. “I share with you,” the letter says, “concerns about the rights of ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. I hope you know that we have repeatedly made clear our support for genuine, meaningful autonomy for Kosovo. We have called on the Serbian authorities to begin a sincere dialogue with the Albanian authorities so that the USA can support Kosovo and the European Community. “The USA strongly supports the statement of the Helsinki summit meeting of 10 July, which calls on Belgrade to stop repression and engage in dialogue with representatives of Kosovo. We have condemned a CSCE mission in Kosovo. The standards of this conference must be applied in action in all cases covered by these resolutions. In Kosovo, this means that all violations of human rights are unacceptable. Kosovo has the right to a special status, with fundamental rights and freedoms supported and preserved within a framework of justice and democratic development. “President Bush asked Mr. Rugova and the other Albanian leaders of Kosovo to continue avoiding violence and provocations and to try to promote [unclear] the USA are in the middle of negotiations, and [unclear] to involve the international community. “For the USA, Mr. Berisha and Albania have supported efforts to achieve peace, reconciliation and stability in the Balkans,” the letter continues. President Bush expressed his country’s support for Kosovo’s lasting independence. Tirana, 27.03.1992

Question: What was the purpose of your visit to Kuwait? Answer: I want to stress that I set off for Kuwait with particular pleasure. First, to sign [unclear]. Kuwait represents a small state, [yet] a very great one. And I think Kuwait earned this great name precisely thanks to the wisdom of the Kuwaitis and Kuwait’s leaders. The main purpose of my visit to Kuwait was to build a bridge of friendship. In our foreign policy, after 50 years of isolation, we are seeking to restore Albania’s economic and cultural, historical, fraternal and spiritual ties with the other countries of the world, including the Arab countries. In this context, we are making constant efforts to strengthen relations with Egypt, to establish relations as soon as possible and strengthen them with Saudi Arabia and the other countries of the Persian Gulf. Question: Mr President, do you consider the results of this visit positive? Answer: I consider the results of this visit very positive. In the talks I had with His Highness the Emir of Kuwait, Al Sabah, with the Prime Minister of Kuwait and the Deputy Prime Minister of Kuwait, and in the talks held between the ministers—Minister Abdyl Xhaja with the Minister of Labour, Oil and Industry, and Mr Genc Ruli with the Minister of Finance and the Kuwait Fund for Development—we found full understanding in all these discussions. Thus, the talks showed me that, despite its problems, since Kuwait has emerged from a war, Kuwait will find ways to help Albania and to take an active part in Albania’s economic development. The Kuwait Fund for Development, which administers 100 billion dollars and invests in the development of other countries, also showed great interest in the projects we presented. We presented projects in infrastructure and energy, and they agreed that we send the technical projects so that they can commit themselves. They expressed their full readiness to take part in carrying out these projects. Kuwait Investment [Kuwaiti investment authority], the Ministry of Finance, also showed particular interest; tourism in particular was of great interest, and they showed great interest in investing in the development of tourism in Albania as soon as they receive our projects, in which they will participate. Another subject of discussion was the employment of Albanians. Kuwait promised us that it would employ Albanians, and I am convinced this will happen before long. Naturally, it is very important that we send to Kuwait, under the relevant conditions, reliable people who represent Albania, because it is unacceptable for the conduct and attitude of one person to harm the country and close the door to many others. The truth is that not only in Kuwait but also in other Gulf countries there are jobs in construction, the oil sector and several other fields. Particular importance during the visit was also given to meetings with companies and private businessmen. They have shown and continue to show great interest in Albania. For example, Sheikh El Karafi will soon begin building a hotel. Sheikh El Kharfi has met [with us] and had many projects for Albania. He wanted to invest in Albania and will come to Albania. We also asked Kuwait for assistance as part of the efforts presented to provide guarantees that this assistance would be given to Albania by the Kuwaiti government. Question: Mr President, could there be objections from European governments to our ties with Islamic countries? Answer: I think the reason for this question is not entirely clear; nevertheless, since you have asked it, I say that there is no evidence whatsoever that Europe objects to Albania’s open-door policy. First, I should recall that civilised Europe does not conduct policy on theocratic grounds. Many European countries have separated church and state. Second, I want to recall that it was the forces of Italy, France, Great Britain and the United States that gave their lives in the service of the Persian Gulf to liberate Kuwait. So we do not think there would be objections; on the contrary, Europe is very interested in Albania being integrated as soon as possible into the family of the international community. I can recall that Europe was very interested at the meeting of the Group of 24 in having Albania supported by the Gulf countries and other Arab countries; they have contributed through the World Bank and will contribute in the future. Question: Mr President, you also spoke about economic ties and work in Nicosia, Cyprus. Can you tell us something specific about that working meeting? Answer: We had an intensive working meeting with President Vasilu, who received me on my way to Kuwait. We also spoke for a while on our return. We discussed intensifying economic cooperation between Cyprus and Albania. Albania has much to learn from Cyprus. The government is already [active] in agriculture and tourism. Cyprus is an island with a highly developed [economy], but it is also a model that Albania can turn into a distinctive example for [unclear]. [Regarding] tourism, Cyprus is a country with greater technological advancement. We agreed that our delegations would go to Cyprus and Cypriot delegations would come to Albania to explore the possibility of investment in Albania by Cypriot companies. We also agreed that one of the foreign companies would establish a joint flight, so that Cyprus would also employ Albanian workers.

There are two events, one after the other: the one involving the Albanians of Kosovo in Nicosia in April, with Serbia’s all-encompassing and clear support. The authors of the persecution of Albanians in their own state — a [unclear] and other warlike [acts]. Likewise, as we saw in television footage, their police use weapons and other means that cause human casualties. This is not limited to this case; Kosovo and the Albanians in Macedonia and elsewhere, especially in Montenegro, are suffering this kind of situation, being treated as second-class citizens. This is not simply a matter of a single state, but of this kind of policy toward Albanians. This policy has continued for a long time and openly reveals Serbia’s true intentions toward the Albanians. In this continuation, following these events, the Serbian state seeks to extend its rule. It aims to destroy every effort by Albanians to secure rights and freedoms, using violence and terror. This is a dangerous act for peace and stability in the region. In this situation, it must be clearly understood that this policy is directed not only against Kosovo, but also against Albania. We cannot remain indifferent in the face of this injustice. Albania and the Albanians must unite to defend their rights and dignity. This is an issue that requires the attention of international public opinion. Such actions must be condemned and the rights of the Albanian people respected. (To be continued on page 3)

In the recent tragic events, the hand of the Serbo-communists or Euro-socialists has also been [unclear]. Socialist Party MP Ilir Meta emerges in their development as a collaborator with criminals who [unclear] makes an offer concerning order. He demands and threatens to take a key from the force of Colossus III Tusha. THE OBSERVER … In 20 years, which have not been freed, whereas as a small group with words they are [unclear] but still [unclear] of the people. And all [unclear] to… They see that at the first opportunity a group [unclear]… with the greatest [unclear], you could say… they make the kind of enemies until they rose and would shake Albania… In these [unclear]… It has been mentioned in this space that… where [unclear] goes, because the one-party system did not invest in solving this vital problem, now there also appear “brave men” who want to make the situation even worse. The attackers of democracy in Albania are entirely [unclear]… Albanians who [unclear] and [unclear] so that it may be [unclear] urgently. Thus, the possibility will be created to understand and inform the people who these people are in this… when 70 [unclear] democracy. But its statehood in these events is certainly distant. The consequences will be borne by the people who [unclear] and [unclear]. (To be continued on page 3)

Lately, there have been voices claiming that intellectuals are abandoning the DP and cannot accept the undemocratic methods it uses. Of course, these voices are another [unclear], particularly from the so-called parliamentary opposition, the red opposition, whose aim is to mislead the people and the mass of Albanian intellectuals who have embarked on the right path of the country’s political and economic development. For the red opposition, removing from leadership positions those who have fed on the blood of this people for 50 years is a violation of people’s rights; selecting socialist elements within the DP is a war against intellectuals. In a time of absolute monarchy over [unclear] and societies, it was impossible for communism not to resist its departure from the stage; it is impossible for it not to try to preserve the representation of its structures in the new system. Some of the “founders” of the DP who complain that violence is being inflicted on them and that their merits are being undermined should bear in mind that the platform of the days of dictatorship would have had no value without a society filled [unclear]. Democratic intellectuals had it in their hearts, regardless of whether, in their eyes, they [unclear] the DP from its creation and would continue in the community of its entire leadership. We should underline that the intellectual stratum in Albania is broad and well-formed and can in no way be identified with three categories of people who often appear in the mass media. The time has now come to properly value this entire intellectual wealth and give it the place it deserves in the process of further developing the fragile democracy. We think that there is clear guidance for the movement in this regard: it is understood that the DP program is the most accurate and valuable program the country needs today. It reflects the people’s long-standing aspirations for a free and democratic society and general prosperity. Supporting the DP and its program is another [unclear] for the intellectual, and this relates to the process of democracy in Albania and the country’s all-round progress. LECTURERS OF THE FACULTY OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING 1. KSHT Adrian Shehu, 2. Doc. Spiro Duka, 3. KSHT Inxhet Daci, 4. Doc. Esat Emiri, 5. KSHT Jani Teta, 6. KSHT Luigj Gjoika, 7. Petraq Shomo, 8. Genci Sharko, 9. Naun Xhoshi, 10. Leonard Gjinji, 11. Romo Teneqexhi, 12. Vehbi Sallaku, 13. Admir Saliari, 14. Doc Jakup Agalliu, 15. KSHT Arjan Dushrësi, 16. Rozeta Mitrush, 17. KSHT Ymer Luga, 18. Doc Nikolla Bardhi, 19. Gent Tapanolli. LECTURERS OF THE FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING 20. Doc. Rahmi Korbi, 21. KSHT Mahmut Shushku, 22. Doc Adnan Bodinaku, 23. KSHT Sadik Vokshi, 24. KSHT Emil Lamani, 25. KSHT Adriana Kumbara, 26. Doc Kasem Bokshi, 27. Gazmend Qatipi, 28. Enver Zela, 29. Ermira Qosja, 30. Florian Kongoli, 31. Fatmir Luga, 32. KSHT Aleksandër Bushati.

- Speech by Mr Alfred Serreqi at the London Conference - At the second morning session, speaking about the Yugoslav crisis, Foreign Minister A. Serreqi led the Albanian delegation and focused his attention on the Kosovo issue. Among other things, he said that the states had already put forward their own formulas for Yugoslavia. Under these circumstances, my position is clear: Every formula for Kosovo, … in a manner and in the former Yugoslavia … What is to be done with the population of …, given the number of inhabitants … to live in the former Yugoslavia and … Kosovo … “I leave it to you, colleagues,” Serreqi continued, “to draw the appropriate conclusions yourselves. At present in Kosovo, Bosnia,” he said further, “agreements have been signed by representatives of the Albanians, broadly. Through enticing acts concerning the issue created by the Serbian side, which … Kosovo is a … The peaceful efforts of the Albanians of Kosovo, supported by the majority of the international community, are being called into question. “It is the duty of the London Conference to restore confidence while finding a common solution.” The Albanian delegation has come to London to contribute to finding a solution that must be just and acceptable to all. And within this framework, without any doubt, it must also be accepted by the Albanians of Kosovo themselves, since Albania has not … More than anything else, we want the Albanians of Kosovo to be free and to live in peace. For this reason, we support every effort for a peaceful solution that respects their rights. (To be continued on page 4)

Year II of publication No. 180 Friday, 28 August 1992 Price: 3 lekë Published every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

On 26 August 1992, the Chairman of the Democratic League of Journalists of Albania, Mr SOKOL MUHO, died at a young age of a sudden illness. We express our sincere condolences and share in the great grief of his family and friends. THE EDITORIAL STAFF