Citizens of Albania HAPPY NEW YEAR! - An initiative by the Prime Minister, Mr. Meksi, given to the «RD» journalist Artin Kasanqi - To the people of Albania, on the occasion of the change of year, I extend my warmest wishes for a good and happy year for everyone, for the family and for Albania. In view of the many concerns expressed by public opinion, the government has deemed it necessary to address the people through «RD» in order to clarify the major problems that have been created for our economy. In fact, the situation left to us by the communist system is perhaps more serious than can be imagined. In addition to the near-total destruction of the economy and general misery, we inherited complete chaos in the administration, a lack of reserves, and a severely damaged infrastructure. Faced with this situation, the government has taken immediate measures to supply the market, keep the main services functioning, and restore a minimum economic order. These measures have been painful, but necessary. Only by accepting the truth and working with discipline can we get out of this situation. One of the citizens’ main concerns is the rise in prices and the difficulty of securing basic necessities. The government is following this problem closely and is trying to find real ways to deal with it. There are no easy solutions. But there is a path: not to deceive ourselves, to work, to save, to build a market economy, and to create institutions that function. Political stability is equally important. If political forces and civil society manage to cooperate on major issues, Albania will more quickly gain the trust of international partners and will benefit from greater assistance. In this framework, the government is determined to move forward with democratic reforms. We have not come to promise miracles. We have come to work and to ask for the understanding of citizens in a period of sacrifice. I firmly believe that the Albanian people will overcome this difficult test, just as they have faced other trials in their history. Let us enter the new year with faith, courage and determination. Albania needs each one of us. Only in this way will we build a better future for our children and for our country. Artin Kasanqi

Press conference of President Berisha Yesterday, in a hall of the Presidency, President Berisha held a press conference regarding the main political and economic developments in the country. Speaking about the economic situation, he stressed that the year now coming to an end has been extremely difficult, but also a year of a historic turning point toward democracy and a market economy. The President pointed out that Albanian citizens are determined not to allow a return to the past. He stressed that Albanians do not want to go backwards, but want to move forward, despite the difficulties and major sacrifices. According to him, the forces seeking to destabilize the country will not succeed, because Albanian society has already made its historical choice. Referring to foreign relations, the President said that Albania is increasingly winning the trust of friendly countries and international institutions every day. He underlined the importance of foreign aid, but added that the long-term solution depends above all on the work and responsibility of the Albanians themselves. In the question period, the President also addressed issues of public order, institutional reforms and the privatization process. He called for cooperation, patience and civic commitment to overcome the difficult months ahead. (ASHI)

The Socialists claim that more than 40 journalists from «Rilindja», their newspaper company, were dismissed for “political motives.” They accuse the government and «Rilindja Demokratike» of this, while in fact it concerns a decision taken by the editorial staff of their own newspaper and its governing bodies. In their reactions, Socialist representatives present the issue as a violation of press freedom, but the arguments and facts presented do not support this claim. On the contrary, it appears to be an attempt to use an internal conflict as a propaganda tool against democratic reforms. According to observers, the verbal attacks on the new democratic institutions are part of a broader strategy to create confusion and dissatisfaction in public opinion. This, according to them, constitutes a direct attack on the spirit of pluralism and the process of democratic consolidation. On the other hand, voices calling for real accountability for the situation inherited in the media and in the administration consider it necessary to draw a clear distinction between professional problems and political instrumentalization. (Continued on page 4)

The difficult situation in the region requires more active intervention from the European Community Cardinal Vincenzo Andriani will present President Berisha’s message to the Holy Father (PD)

more active from the European Community President Berisha Cardinal Vincenzo Andriani (ASHI) TIRANA