- PREPARED FOR «RD» BY SWISS JOURNALIST MANFRED FERRARI - Albania is beginning to awaken after a brutal 50-year sleep of communism. It has timidly begun to struggle for a democracy, a sapling that is delicate and easily wounded. Thousands of private cars travel through a country that until now had known only state vehicles. Shops selling stationery and assorted goods are springing up everywhere, eager to satisfy within a few months a stormy demand for consumer goods. People pulse through the streets of the capital, Tirana, people who, at the beginning of this development, could not even imagine that anything like this might one day happen. Most Albanians understand this rapid development as a hope for democracy, but anyone who takes the time to analyse the situation in the country quickly concludes that behind this superficial dynamism lies a mentality that could create more danger than opportunity. Consumption must not replace democracy. Consumption is a product of a democratically governed market economy. A market economy, too, can only be created where work and a market exist. Apparently, many Albanians, as well as some government officials, have not understood this so far. Let us be honest: the cars unloaded almost every day by traders at the port of Durrës are vehicles that, in the countries where they were sold, the authorities do not allow on the roads for safety reasons. The numerous accidents reported provide macabre evidence of what we have said. Television sets, radio-cassette players and refrigerators are bought with money that only to a small extent comes from the proceeds of work in the country. The catastrophic state of the labour market can be put right only through a comprehensive employment programme, one that includes broad sections of the population. First and foremost, Albania does not need new machinery, but a new work ethic. The lethargy instilled by communism must be replaced by the will to create, as far as possible, with the means the country currently possesses. A healthy nationalism must also be revived, so that every Albanian can once again be proud of their nation. In this regard, foreigners who come to Albania must not be regarded as welcome milk cows that can be milked to death. The wealth they bring to this country has been earned through many years of hard work. The government and the people must begin to distinguish between generous friends who are willing to help and commercial «crows». Prices for hotels, offices and means of transport that are wholly unrealistic cannot possibly last, especially during a crisis of this kind; many other countries, you know, will turn their backs on the Albanian people. The market economy is harsh and merciless whenever prices do not match the service provided. So-called joint ventures, too, can exist only when the foreign financiers, as well as their Albanian partners, benefit. At a conference of ambassadors held recently in Tirana, a representative of one of Europe’s most important countries observed that «none of the projects undertaken so far with partners is working, and the differences in mentality, as well as the administrative burden, are enormous». Consumption alone is not democracy! Democracy can only be the fruit of the joint efforts of the Albanian people. If it collapses, if no special measures are taken, Albania will become a powerful international force that, despite playing only a secondary role, will soon be abandoned by its newly acquired friends. Crows, too, fly away, paying no heed to their victims when there is no meat left on them.

AUSTRIA On the occasion of 28 November, the 80th anniversary of the proclamation of Independence, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Austria, Mr Albert Alikaj, gave a reception at the embassy. Senior representatives of the Austrian Presidency, Federal Chancellery and Parliament attended the event, as did representatives of Austria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ministries of Finance, Agriculture, and Education and Science; heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Vienna; senior officials of international organisations and of the UN offices in Vienna, UNIDO, IMATOM, and the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, based in the Austrian capital; bankers, businesspeople, representatives of various Austrian companies, journalists, etc. Senior representatives of well-known Austrian companies also attended, including companies involved in oil extraction and processing and in the manufacture of decorative crystal goods, etc. The reception took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. HUNGARY On the occasion of 28 November, the 80th anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to Hungary, Lisën Zash-kurthi, gave a reception at the embassy. Senior Hungarian officials in the fields of finance, culture and education, as well as journalists, businesspeople, etc., attended. Also present were Katona Tarnas, State Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister; Annus Antal, State Secretary in the Ministry of Defence; Istvan Baba, Deputy State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; etc. The diplomatic corps accredited in Budapest also attended the reception. The reception took place in a warm, friendly and cheerful atmosphere. BULGARIA On the occasion of 28 November, the proclamation of National Independence, the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Bulgaria, Koqo Ko- te, gave a reception at the «Varshava» hotel for Albanians living in Bulgaria. Albanians from Kosovo and Macedonia also attended the reception. After greeting those present, Mr Koqo Kote acquainted them with the development of democratic processes in Albania and with the difficulties and successes achieved, expressing his optimism that Albania would celebrate such beautiful days in the future as well. The gathered Albanians listened with pleasure to a telegram of greetings from the President of Albania, Mr Sali Berisha, which read: «On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence, I send my warmest greetings to you and to our Albanian compatriots on this momentous day. The Albanian people, who have embarked on the path of democracy, will know how to overcome the present difficulties, because they possess inexhaustible strength and great riches. The Albanian nation will also be a modest helper to Bulgaria, which made a great contribution in the past.»

- IMPRESSIONS OF 28 NOVEMBER ’92 - Albanians from all over the world were apparently gathered by half of their ancestral homeland—the part lying within the borders of the Republic of Albania. Albanians from all over the world were apparently gathered by half of their ancestral homeland—the part lying within the borders of the Republic of Albania, now free and democratic. It was precisely 28 November ’92 which, in the message it conveyed, was so solemn and brought together so many people. Vlora ’92 is, undoubtedly, the historic product of the end of one era and the beginning of another historical era. The beginning is not everything, but this November seems to have brought us more than half the reality of the great Albanian dreams... a definition that perhaps forms the most apt motto of Vlora ’92. - For the first time. - The pan-Albanian celebration was supposed to begin in winter, regardless of the truth. Meanwhile, Vlora was coping with the severe consequences of destruction in its very body. Nevertheless, it found the strength, alongside its hospitality, to welcome the Albanian travellers of November ’12 and wish them a day of great celebration. And one cannot help expressing gratitude to all those people who, as one member of the joint committee for preparing and organising the celebration says, «worked wholeheartedly for 20 days, providing all the help and support for the organisation; etc.» - For the first time. - The pan-Albanian celebration was supposed to begin in winter, regardless of the truth. Meanwhile, Vlora was coping with the severe consequences of destruction in its very body. Nevertheless, it found the strength, alongside its hospitality, to welcome the Albanian travellers of November ’12 and wish them a day of great celebration. And one cannot help expressing gratitude to all those people who, as one member of the joint committee for preparing and organising the celebration says, «worked wholeheartedly for 20 days, providing all the help and support for the organisation; etc.» Opposite the port, amid the immediate surroundings, the former residence of the First Albanian Government stands white. Ismail Qemali worked and governed there for around 14 months. «The Museum of National Independence, following cooperation with Marigo, has had an emblem made to be placed at the entrance of the two-storey building, which was damaged and neglected but has now been restored—not only in its structure but also in its contents. In the first room, the one devoted to the declaration of independence, the original documents of the act, preserved by various citizens of Vlora, are set against the documents falsified through Communist shamelessness. The age of democracy is decomposing the falsifications. Noble names such as Qazim Kokoshi, Muço, Sali Berisha, Lujel Nosi, Mit’hat Frashëri, etc., are now emerging into the light of historical truth, their signatures on the pivotal act of independence.» 10:10: The gentlemen Berisha, Arbnori and Meksi, government officials, members of parliament, and Albanians from Kosovo, other areas of the former Yugoslavia and the diaspora arrive on foot at the building to recall the history and its outstanding figures. (Continued on page 2)

On 27.11.92, at 10:00, a lovely, warm and simple ceremony was held in one of the halls of the International Cultural Centre in Tirana. On 27.11.92, at 10:00, a lovely, warm and simple ceremony was held in one of the halls of the International Cultural Centre in Tirana, on the occasion of the departure for Romania of pupils and students who would continue their studies there, with 70 scholarships granted by the Romanian government to the Aromanians of Albania. Pupils, students, parents, members of the cultural association «The Aromanians of Albania» and other guests took part in the meeting. We were honoured by the presence of the Minister of Education, Mr Ylli Vejsiu; the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Vashllaq Zoto; the Director of the Directorate for Cultural Relations with the Outside World, Mr Ramazan Hysa; and others. We were likewise honoured by the presence of Mr George Miku, Ambassador of Romania to Albania, and his wife, Mrs Teodoresku. The opening address was delivered by the chairman of the cultural association «The Aromanians of Albania», Mr I. Balla, who, among other things, thanked the Romanian Government and people on behalf of the pupils, students and parents who had been delighted, as well as on behalf of the association’s board, for this generous celebration. In his speech, Mr Y. Vejsiu said that, thanks to the democratic processes taking place in Albania, such opportunities had been created to fulfil the wishes and aspirations of the Aromanians of Albania as well. The granting of 70 scholarships to Aromanian and Albanian pupils and students is a great help, an investment in strengthening the intellectual potential of our beloved homeland, Albania. He wished them a safe journey and success in their studies. Mr George Miku, Ambassador to Albania, conveyed his greetings. «It is a particular pleasure for me that the granting of national scholarships coincides with the beautiful and patriotic celebrations of the Albanians on 28 November and 1 December, Romania’s national holiday. Finally, I wish the pupils, students and parents every success throughout their studies in Romania.» Parents, students and pupils then offered their greetings. The students’ departure for Romania was also made possible with the support of the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Vashllaq Zoto, and others. ANASTAS BUNETI Deputy Chairman of the cultural association «The Aromanians of Albania»

The chairman of the «2 April» association declares «The 2 April massacre, as well as the events staged before and after it, were part of a political plan,» the chairman of the anti-Communist association «2 April», Eduard Perja, told the AT-SH correspondent. In the investigations, he observed, not only the young people who were in the dock should be held responsible for the barrage of gunfire in Shkodër, but also a party official and a deputy police minister, and those who directed them from above, from where the orders to kill came. Ramiz Alia’s position and his role in this event should be brought into the courtroom, and the leaders behind the killings and numerous injuries, as well as their direct perpetrators, should be brought before the law. Everything must be done to shed light also on those responsible for distributing sniper rifles and photographs of some of the leaders of the PD branch in Shkodër. Humanitarian organisations help improve healthcare conditions To improve conditions in the healthcare sector in Durrës, «Mission Without Borders» delivered and fully equipped the operating theatre; the sailors of the English destroyer «Gloucester» worked on repairs and painting— (Continued on page 4)

- 60 companies exhibit their products - In a pleasant setting, reflecting serious preparations, and with the «blessing» of Albania’s highest state officials, President Berisha, Prime Minister Meksi and Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister Mr Rigelnik, the opening of a 15-day presentation of the Slovenian economy was held at the Economic Exhibition Centre in Tirana. In a pleasant setting, reflecting serious preparations, and with the «blessing» of Albania’s highest state officials—President Berisha, Prime Minister Meksi and Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister Mr Rigelnik—the opening of a 15-day presentation of the Slovenian economy was held at the Economic Exhibition Centre in Tirana. This «Slovenian Economy Day» event is the largest economic exhibition of its kind organised so far in our country, showcasing the economy of another country. For the first time, it is an important opportunity for the participating companies—more than 60 Slovenian firms—to present themselves to foreign markets. More than 60 Slovenian firms are exhibiting their products, demonstrating the high level currently reached by the Slovenian economy, particularly its industry. They therefore offer excellent opportunities for cooperation between the many Albanian economic entities at every level, in trade in goods and in investment. We are living through a period of transition, when it is a matter of national importance that foreign investment will play a key role in overcoming the difficult situation. In fact, many companies have come to Albania and have ended up merely talking and holding discussions. They have received all the necessary guarantees for investment from the Albanian side, the possible obstacles have been overcome, yet the investments have not materialised. The Slovenian fair, by contrast, is a concrete and advanced form of a cooperation offer. Exporting provides an opportunity to seek business partners and explore suitable forms of cooperation. As the first fair of its kind to be organised in our country during this difficult transition period, it demonstrates that the country has the will, but lacks the legal framework to support cooperation with foreign companies. On the contrary, the stabilised political situation following the triumph of Democracy and the creation and approval of economic legislation by parliament have created opportunities and made it much easier for foreign companies to invest profitably, as well as to develop different forms of economic cooperation. In trade, 15 days of exhibition, 15 days to assess it. Thus «Slovenian Economy Day» stands as an example demonstrating commitment and seriousness about cooperation. SHPËTIM LUKU