Mr. Berisha declares in Brussels In a statement to foreign correspondents in Brussels, the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Sali Berisha, after meeting with the President of the European Community Commission, Mr. Jacques Delors, declared: "With Mr. Delors we discussed matters of special importance and our relations with the European Community, but also the progress of economic reforms in Albania. Through the conversation with him I gained a clear perspective on the major transformations taking place in Europe, on Albania’s future prospects as an associated country of the European Community. Mr. Delors informed me of the procedures necessary to reach such an agreement, for our European perspective. I believe that a joint working group will soon be created, which will follow the procedural issues of the association agreement, of Albania’s adaptation to European rules, laws and general norms. The European Community and its member countries are preparing substantial assistance for Albania so that the Albanian economy can enter the path of the market, as well as to improve the standard of living of the population. We discussed the priorities that should be followed in the allocation of these funds. I also informed Mr. Delors of the progress of reforms in Albania, of monetary stabilization, privatization, the general economic situation and the willingness of the Albanian government to continue the reforms. I had the opportunity to express to Mr. Delors my gratitude for the assistance the European Community has given Albania and my belief that this assistance will continue and be further expanded." (To be continued on page 4)

Following the Shkodër trial on television It is shocking, and perhaps (in one respect) a good thing, that on Albanian television the trial of the communists who ordered and carried out one of the most monstrous crimes of this Albanian century is being broadcast with sound and picture. But from this angle, it likewise confirms at least one bitter truth: the criminals of communism not only show no remorse, but continue to speak with the arrogance of their former power. To see and hear how the representatives of a regime that killed, interned and persecuted thousands of Albanians now try to give lessons in morality is a provocation for any normal person. In the courtroom not only the criminal past is on display, but also the unchanged mentality of those who seek to justify orders, violence and terror in the name of a party and a failed ideology. They speak about "legality", about "duty", about "the state", while the entire public opinion knows very well what those structures represented: extrajudicial killings, torture, internment, moral and national dehumanization. There is something disgusting in this reversal of roles, when the victims for years have remained silent out of fear, while yesterday’s executioners still find the courage to complain, to lament and even to demand accounts. This trial must serve not only to punish the guilty, but also to enlighten the conscience of society, so that no one will ever again dare to relativize the crimes of the dictatorship. Albania cannot move forward without looking the truth in the eye and without clearly separating justice from old propaganda. (To be continued on page 4)

FROM THE SERB PARTY MEETING[?] Our diplomatic representative at the CSCE, Mr. Feim Dervishi, declared yesterday that the Albanian circles and the entire public opinion have followed with great attention the latest developments in the former Yugoslavia. He said that Albania has long expressed its conviction that the solution of problems by peaceful means through political dialogue and talks is the only path. In our delegation our view is that the international community should continue its efforts to stop the conflict, to respect the rights of populations and to achieve a lasting solution. He added that the latest developments require caution and determination and that any further escalation of violence will have serious consequences for the region. The statement was made in the context of contacts being held in international forums regarding the situation in the former Yugoslavia. (To be continued on page 4)

The representative of the Republic of Albania at the Conference on the former Yugoslavia, Mr. Ylli Bufi, said that the Albanian delegation considers the establishment of an international presence in Kosovo an important step for preventing tensions and protecting the Albanian population. He stressed that the situation in Kosovo remains extremely serious and that a more visible commitment from international actors is needed. According to him, the deployment of monitoring missions and an international presence can contribute to stabilizing the situation and creating conditions for respect for human rights. The Albanian delegation unanimously supported this measure and called for its implementation without delay. (To be continued on page 4)

It is learned that our distinguished writer, Ismail Kadare, was awarded one of the most important literary and public prizes of the year, being recognized as “Personality of the Year.” This recognition was given for his work, for the defense of democratic values and for the resonance of his творчество on the international scene. According to reports, the ceremony took place in Paris and aroused interest in European cultural circles. (To be continued on page 4)