- The world helps us, we govern - desire and reality - -The world helps us, we govern- desire and reality - What has been done as cooperation in the field of education with the Turkish and Italian governments is of special importance for the future of Albania. Yesterday, in the premises of the Ministry of Education, the ceremony was held for the signing of an agreement by which the Turkish government grants the Albanian Government support for training personnel in the field of education. According to this agreement, 12 students with good results will be sent to continue their secondary studies in Turkey, another 47 for higher pedagogical school, while 20 students who have finished pedagogical school will specialize in English and return to teach in secondary schools. For this purpose, the Turkish government is initially allocating 1 million dollars and is taking on an additional fund of 4 million dollars for students' living expenses. This agreement gives the Albanian government the opportunity to send 17 more specialists in various subjects to Turkey for qualification. Likewise, the agreement with the Italian government is also being signed for the sending of 110 teachers for training in Italy and 50 other teachers of the Italian language. These agreements were signed by the Minister of Education, Mr. Selim Minga, and the respective ambassadors. In a special audience, the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, received the Ambassador of Japan, Mr. [?], who handed him a message from the Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa, expressing his government's desire to further help Albania, especially in the field of agriculture. For his part, President Berisha expressed his thanks and appreciation for the assistance provided by Japan and stressed the need for further cooperation. In the premises of the Ministry of Finance, an agreement with the USA on wheat was also signed. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Finance, Mr. Genc Ruli, and the USAID representative in Tirana. According to this agreement, the USA will credit the Albanian government for the purchase of 6,500 tons of wheat flour with a repayment period of five years. In a special press conference held on this occasion, Mr. Ruli գնահատed it as important assistance for overcoming the current difficulties. These repeated acts of aid and support are proof of the world's desire to help us and of the conviction that Albania is moving along the path of reforms and democracy.

The Balkan Institute of New York, in its economic analysis (2) published these days, assesses that the reforms of the Albanian government are moving forward. This study emphasizes that the government, despite the major difficulties inherited from the former regime, has made significant steps in freeing prices, privatizing small enterprises, and creating the conditions for a market economy. The analysis notes that inflation remains a serious problem, but that the foundations for financial stabilization have been laid. According to the study, the reform program has been supported by the IMF and the World Bank, while cooperation with Western countries has begun to yield its first results. Improvements have also been seen in the supply of goods and in the revival of commercial activity. In its comment, the Institute states that the outlook for the Albanian economy will depend on the continuation of reforms, the consolidation of institutions, and the maintenance of political stability. It underlines that the country needs external aid, but equally internal determination to carry forward the economic transformation. In conclusion, the analysis characterizes the government's policy as realistic and oriented toward Albania's integration into the European economy.

While in PD Vlorë there are rumors of an independent candidate, some political forces are fanning this climate as an alternative to the future opposition. But in fact this is an old provocation in new clothing. In Vlorë, where 26 February 1992 remained as a bitter testimony to efforts to sabotage the democratic process, similar tendencies are now resurfacing. Vlorë has been hit not only by the economic crisis, but also by attempts to use poverty politically. Even so, the city has known how to give clear signals in favor of change. These signals will be confirmed once again if citizens do not fall prey to destabilizing calls. PD remains the force that has taken on the responsibility of governing and cannot evade this responsibility through slander and pressure. Democracy is not built with pressure, but with free vote and respect for the law. (To be continued on page 3)

From OBSERVATIONS AND FIGURES FROM THE TEPELENË DISTRICT, 2 - END AGAIN At first glance, the elections of 22 March in the Tepelenë district were presented as calm, but beneath the surface there was a strong political confrontation. The citizens of this district, tired of empty promises and the lack of prospects, saw in the PD the force that could bring the long-awaited change. The first figures gathered from the polling stations showed a clear lead for the Democratic candidates. Voters in the town and in the villages, despite pressures and attempts at manipulation, clearly expressed their will. On the other hand, the opponents tried to relativize the result and stir up confusion. But the overall mood was such that any attempt to darken the victory of 22 March was futile. This confidence is based not only on enthusiasm, but also on concrete indicators, on the better organization of the PD structures, and on broadened public support. (To be continued on page 4)

In Tirana, a serious analysis is being carried out on the course of Albania's relations with Western partners. According to official sources, our country is finding understanding and support from various governments and institutions, which see in Albania a real chance for democratization. Economic and social problems remain acute, but external support is expected to help gradually stabilize the situation. Aid in the areas of food, energy, education, and finance is being seen as key links in this process. The Albanian government has stressed that internal reform must proceed in parallel with aid from abroad. Only in this way can the conditions be created to overcome the transition and revive the economy. In diplomatic circles, it is considered that Albania is winning the trust of international partners thanks to its clear democratic orientation. (To be continued on page 4)

- Elections, as we all know, do not be deceived by dangerous words and promises. - Let us show with our vote, as on 22 March, that we support the changes in Albania and not the communist revenge of the PKSH. - Let us show with the determination of our vote, as on 22 March, that we support and want democracy and not the violence and madness of communism. - Let us show with our vote that we are against dictatorship and the oppression of people, do not be fooled and do not be deceived by lies. - Vote for the candidates of the Democratic Party!