Yesterday, Tuesday, in the premises of the Residence of the American Ambassador in Tirana, the President of the Republic Sali Berisha held an evening reception in honor of the delegation of the International Monetary Fund, headed by Mr. Madsen. Albania has found the strong support of the IMF From the Presidency of the Republic Distinguished Mr. Madsen, Ladies and gentlemen, As I raise this toast, I have the special pleasure of expressing, on behalf of the Albanians and in my personal name, the gratitude and deep thanks of my country, my government and myself, for what the International Monetary Fund and the international community have done so far for Albania in these extremely difficult moments. I assure you that all Albanians, when they remember Albania of last year and compare it with today’s Albania, have every reason to feel proud of the path we have taken. The Albania we inherited in 1991 was perhaps the most ruined country on the planet. We inherited a country whose economy had been 100 percent centralized, stripped of every form of market economy, with external debt, worn-out infrastructure and technology, high unemployment, severe shortages and no possibility of financing. The IMF’s assistance has been extraordinarily important for us. Thanks to its assistance and to the programs devised together, we have been able to lay the foundations for stabilizing our economy and take the first steps toward market reform. I am convinced that the reforms we have begun will bear fruit. We will continue resolutely with our policy of economic and democratic transformation. Thank you for the support you have given to Albania and the Albanian people. (Continued on page 7)

Yesterday in Berlin, at the Council of the European Union in Strasbourg, the Albanian parliamentary delegation held meetings with the leaders of this body, with members of the Albanian and European parliaments, with whom discussions were held on deepening cooperation and on the assistance that this organization and its member states can give Albania in this period of reforms and democracy. PRESIDENT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE, M. MARTINEZ In the conversation held with the head of the Albanian delegation, Mr. Alfred Serreqi, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, M. Martinez, expressed his wish to visit Albania in the near future. For his part, Mr. Alfred Serreqi appreciated the assistance that the Council of Europe has given our country during this period, as well as the importance of membership in this organization. M. Martinez said that he follows developments in Albania with sympathy and was interested in the progress of economic and political reforms in our country.

BY MR. MADSEN'S SIDE Today, Mr. President and other guests! I have truly been fortunate to have led this delegation to Albania. During our stay here we had the opportunity to meet a large number of personalities and to talk with them about the most pressing problems facing your country. We worked with both mind and heart to assess the situation as close to reality as possible and to understand the needs of the Albanian people. An important aspect of these talks has been the commitment of the Albanian authorities to face the challenges of the time with determination. In this sense we will support the efforts being made to improve the economic situation and to consolidate democratic processes in Albania. (Continued on page 7)

WHAT IS STUDENTI REALLY ACCUSING? By analyzing the official documents and the developments of recent days, it becomes clear that part of the tensions in the “Studenti” city are the result of bureaucratic actions and the lack of dialogue with the students. The students have raised concerns about living conditions, payments, supplies, and the way their requests are being handled by the administration. On the other hand, the relevant institutions have given their explanations, but many of them have not convinced the students. Under these conditions, more transparency, communication, and respect for students’ rights are required. (Continued on page 4)

(That night when Mr. Haxhillari’s mortar was discussed) We are moving Albania, but we are breaking our wings, here we close them, there we bring them out, it is the suggestion of the assembly of killed words, it is also a heavy word that hands over the eyes of the roads. Arben Imami, irritated by the long insistence on not fulfilling the request not to politicize the Haxhillari issue, launched strong accusations against political opponents. In parliament there was a sharp exchange, especially when the name of Hekuran Isai was mentioned, who was accused of links with the old structures. Later the session continued amid interruptions, applause, and ironic shouts. That night remained as one of the most tense episodes of parliamentary debate. Written by A.?[?]

THE STATE, YOU'LL SEE TOMORROW Attack on the army, Attack on the state, Attack on property, Attack on order, Subjectivism in the name of pluralism, What is happening in the army is part of an illness that has spread during the transition period. Instead of consolidating institutions, the basic structures of the state have often been unjustly struck. National defense requires responsibility, professionalism, and discipline. Without them, any country risks remaining undefended and exposed to political adventurism. (Continued on page 3)

FROM PARLIAMENT The former head of the IMF delegation held a meeting in the People’s Assembly, where the situation of the Albanian economy, the draft laws related to the reforms, and the possibilities of international financial support were discussed. The meeting was attended by deputies and representatives of the committees on economy and finance. The aim of the talks was better coordination of the reforms with the country’s social needs.