Press conference of President Sali Berisha Today at 10:00 in the conference hall of the Palace of Congresses, the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Sali Berisha, in the framework of a meeting with various journalists on the occasion of his arrival from America, will hold a press conference. At this conference, many of the issues that arose before and during President Berisha’s trip to the USA are expected to be clarified. This anticipated meeting with journalists would shed much light on Albania’s success after the meetings and discussions at the White House and in the American Congress. According to our information, this conference is awaited with great interest also because Mr. Berisha met in the USA with Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger and other American personalities. At the center of the talks were certainly, besides bilateral relations, the Kosovo issue, developments in Macedonia, the situation in Albania, etc.

Below we present President Berisha’s message to the Albanian nation after his return from the USA. Esteemed Albanians, Dear brothers and sisters: The meeting with President Bush was a great honor for me, but for you, for the entire Albanian nation, it was first and foremost a great, if not extraordinary, recognition of your victories, sacrifices and struggle for democracy. 8 December of this year will remain a day of great historical significance in the life of the Albanian nation. In my conversation with President Bush, Albania was treated not simply as a country in need, but above all as a country that overthrew the communist dictatorship with the blood, toil and sacrifices of its people and that is building on a free and democratic future. President Bush considered a new partnership between our two countries to be essential, based on freedom, democracy and a market economy. He expressed the full support of the USA for the democratic and economic reforms taking place in Albania. In my meetings with high-ranking American personalities, the profound changes made by the Albanian people during these two years were acknowledged. Their courage to break with the dictatorial past and to orient themselves decisively toward Europe and the West was recognized. For the first time in many decades, Albania was presented with dignity as a country deserving trust and help. This is a great moral and political victory for all Albanians. Within this framework, we asked for support for the country’s economic reconstruction, for encouraging investments, for improving the lives of citizens and for strengthening democratic institutions. I also strongly raised the issue of Kosovo, the rights of Albanians in Macedonia and other national problems. The American position proved understanding and encouraging. We must work tirelessly so that this great international recognition is turned into concrete benefits for our country. We must preserve unity, strengthen the rule of law and accelerate the path toward Europe. Every step that brings Albania closer to Europe is a step toward freedom, well-being and our national dignity.

In the second edition of the international theatre festival, “MBRETË-RESHA” was ranked among the most highly regarded productions, taking third place. The success of this work was welcomed by critics and the audience, while the Albanian troupe was presented with dignity. (Continued on page 4)

Yesterday at 12:07 by car, the chairman of the Democratic Party, Mr. Tritan Shehu, set off for Skopje together with 7 deputies, at the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister of Macedonia, Mr. Xheladin Murati. This delegation will make a 2-day visit to Macedonia. The purpose of this visit is to request that relations with the Albanians of Macedonia be raised to the level of relations with other countries. This delegation includes the deputies Mr. Ylli Bufi, Eduard Selami, Fatmir Mediu, Ferdinand Poni, Tritan Shehu, Lufter Xhuveli, Bashkim Fino and Teodor Laço. During this visit, meetings are planned with parliament, the government, the leadership of the political parties and the Albanian cultural forums in Macedonia. (Continued on page 4)

NATIONAL YOUTH DAY The Student Council of Shkodër marks the declarative kurdhin initiative of the hunger strike. At the Southeast European University in Tetova, a protest was held against the disregard of Albanians’ rights. The government confirms that 8 December will be commemorated as the day of democratic youth in Albania. (Continued on page 4)