Press conference by the Director of NATO’s Political Committee, Mr. Jhon Kreindler Albania is completely independent in making decisions. No one is imposed upon, and no one can be imposed upon, to do anything against its will. The Director of NATO’s Political Committee, Mr. Jhon Kreindler, declared this yesterday at a press conference held at the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of his visit to our country. On 14–16 October 1992 he visited the proceedings of the North Atlantic Assembly, which are held every six months and which this time met in Tirana, he said, describing this visit as impressive and praising the fact that Albania is the first post-communist country to accept this body and to give it such a welcome. He said that he had arrived in Albania following an invitation extended by President Berisha during his visit to Brussels to attend the proceedings of the North Atlantic Assembly. “NATO is not imposed on anyone. NATO has established relations with a number of countries in Eastern and Central Europe, especially with the countries of the Visegrad Group. We exchange views on political developments in these countries, and this is not only with governments, but also with the most prominent political figures,” he said. Regarding Albania’s interest in NATO and its desire to use this body as an instrument for obtaining information, he assessed that this is entirely legitimate. “A number of other countries in Eastern and Central Europe have started this way. NATO is aware that Albania is facing economic and political difficulties, but we value the efforts for democratic reforms, for the market economy, and for solving ethnic problems peacefully. Therefore NATO is ready to support Albania in these efforts.” Answering journalists’ questions, Mr. Kreindler said that NATO’s Political Committee usually meets twice a year with different countries of Eastern and Central Europe. Our country, he said, has now become an important element of stability in the Balkans. Regarding the Kosovo issue and the conflict in the former Yugoslavia, he stressed that NATO supports international efforts for peace and that the organization is following developments in the region closely.

The trial of the violent activity of Hoxha’s regime continues On today’s day of witness testimony, the court session continued with the hearing of further facts about the violence committed against political opponents and innocent citizens during the communist regime. Witnesses recounted episodes from interrogations, prisons, and internments, emphasizing that the purpose of the trial is not revenge, but the establishment of justice. Those present in the courtroom stated that the public needs the truth in order to understand the scale of the crimes of the past. There was talk of unjust sentences, torture, and violations of human rights. In many cases, the testimony matched archival documents and the memories of victims’ family members. Representatives of the prosecution declared that the process is a necessary step toward the rule of law. The defense, for its part, requested that the assessment be made on the basis of evidence and not emotions. The court decided to continue the hearings in the coming days.

During a direct visit since the beginning of last year to our homeland, our institution, members of the Commission for Emigration and Human Rights, found it necessary to visit Albania and speak with the new leaders of the state. After this visit and the information received, a statement was drafted in which democratic changes are valued and efforts for Albania’s integration into Europe are supported. We express concern over the economic and social difficulties the country is going through, but we are convinced that with the help of friends and with the work of the Albanian people themselves, the obstacles will be overcome. We encourage political forces and democratic institutions to cooperate for a better future. Chairman Odman Sudetior Mba-Riciationetar Gjovalin Shtoni NEW HAVANA - VIENNA

THE GOVERNMENT WILL FULFILL ESHËJ’S REQUESTS Government representatives announced that the requests of former persecuted persons will be examined and that part of them will be included in the package of social and legal measures. It was said that attention to housing, employment, and financial treatment will increase. DISMANTLING OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS DEMASCATION In another reaction, it was stated that certain diplomatic positions constitute a demasking of old policies and that Albania will defend its interests with dignity on the international stage. Turkish aid for Albania As part of the humanitarian initiative, shipments of material and food aid from Turkey to Albania were announced. The aid aims to ease the situation of needy families and social institutions. NEW HAVANA - VIENNA

The party is worn out, dissatisfied, unheard, a person stopped by endless tears of sorrow, a terrible pain covered and shook his mind. He who had believed that his party was the place where a person could find justice now no longer knew how to react. Wherever he looked, he saw castles of lies and fear. He was convinced that the truth had to triumph. The stoic writer and one of the people who knew the nature of the apparatus best said that discipline does not mean blind submission. Without rules, without moral and organizational norms, every movement falls apart. Anarchy is the denial of responsibility and ends in self-destruction. In this sense, the debate about the party cannot be either an outburst of emotions or a hunt for convenient culprits. Seriousness, responsibility, respect for structures and for the membership must be restored. Only in this way can trust be regained.