Mr. MIGJEL ANGEL MARTINEZ visits the People’s Assembly The President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Mr. Migjel Angel Martinez, was received yesterday in a meeting by the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha. In the discussion, Mr. Martinez said that everything is being done so that Albania may obtain special guest status in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The meeting also discussed developments in Kosovo. In the afternoon, Mr. Martinez had a meeting with the Chairman of the People’s Assembly, Mr. Pjetër Arbnori, and later with the Chairman of the Foreign Policy Commission, Mr. Blerim Çela. During the conversation with them, Mr. Martinez stressed that the Council of Europe will help Albania with experts in drafting the new constitution and democratic legislation. Mr. Martinez also had a meeting with the Chairman of the Democratic Party, Mr. Eduard Selami. In the meeting with Mr. Selami, Mr. Martinez emphasized the importance of cooperation among Albanian political forces and the need to consolidate democratic institutions. Likewise, in a meeting with the chairman of the parliamentary group of the Democratic Party, Mr. Genc Ruli, he praised the democratic processes in the country and the Council of Europe’s support for reforms. (To be continued on page 4)

You are moving in the right direction PRESIDENT BERISHA’S MEETING WITH MR. MARTINEZ The President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Mr. Migel Angel Martinez, held a meeting on Friday afternoon with the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha. During the meeting, issues related to democratic developments in Albania, constitutional reform, and the situation in Kosovo were discussed. President Berisha praised the Council of Europe’s interest in democratic processes in the country and the assistance this institution provides to Albania. He emphasized that the adoption of a new constitution would represent an important step toward the consolidation of the democratic state. For his part, Mr. Martinez said that he is very optimistic about Albania’s future and that the country is moving in the right direction. He underlined that the positive developments of recent months are encouraging and that Albania’s integration into European institutions is an achievable objective. The meeting also discussed the situation in Kosovo and the need to respect the rights of Albanians there. (To be continued on page 4)

(SPECIAL) BY GJENCA TIRANA IN THE SPOTLIGHT: HONEST BUSINESS AND THE CREATION OF A MARKET ECONOMY - From the interpellation of the Minister of Economy and Trade, Dr. GENC RULI In his analysis of economic reforms, the minister stressed that the transition to a market economy requires not only new laws, but also a profound change in mentalities. According to him, this is a more difficult and longer-term process. He underlined the importance of encouraging honest business, free competition, and the creation of a favorable environment for private enterprise. The minister spoke about the role of the state in creating the legal and institutional framework, but without interfering in economic activity. The interpellation also addressed the problems of privatization, market supply, the fight against smuggling, and the need for monetary stabilization. It was stated that the Albanian economy is facing major difficulties, but that reforms are necessary and irreversible. (To be continued on page 4)

Your country is increasingly beginning to earn respect in Europe THE PD ENVOY AND THE PD OFFICIAL DEFINE THE MAIN PRIORITIES - THE PD THREAT VIOLATES According to a special report, Albania is increasingly gaining respect in Europe. The text emphasizes that the country’s democratic progress and European orientation have contributed to improving Albania’s image abroad. The article speaks about the main challenges facing the country, including institutional and economic reforms and the strengthening of the rule of law. It also mentions the risk of political tensions that could harm this process. (To be continued on page 4)

28 November IS DECLARED THE NATIONAL HOLIDAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA right, On Saturday, the Assembly discussed the two amendments proposed for the Draft Constitution. 28 November, the day of Independence and the Liberation of the Fatherland, was declared the National Holiday of the Republic of Albania.