-President Berisha received Field Marshal Vincent- On Monday afternoon, the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, received at the Presidential Palace the Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, Field Marshal Ricard Vincent, and the group accompanying him. The NATO chairman also conveyed to President Berisha the greetings of the organization’s Secretary General, Manfred Verner. At the meeting, Field Marshal Vincent stressed that his visit to Albania—the first visit outside NATO in his current capacity—was intended to further relations between NATO and Albania. For his part, the President of the Republic told Mr. Vincent that he considered his visit to Albania to be of particular importance. First, it is a visit to Albania by the Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee and, as such, marks a very important event in the cooperative relations between our country and NATO, an organization on which democratic forces in Europe and around the world have placed great hopes for preserving peace and security and enabling democratic societies to develop under normal conditions. I am also pleased to welcome you, Mr. Vincent, as Chief of the General Staff of Greece, which Albania has had as an ally in war and peace. Your visit to Albania is also the first visit by a NATO member country, reflecting the great importance this alliance attaches to the tragic developments in the Balkan region. Albania highly values the decisive role the Alliance has played in preserving and safeguarding Western democracy. We think that NATO alone is the powerful organization that can prevent the spread of the conflict. President Clinton’s statements, Berisha continued, expressing the position on this matter, and NATO’s readiness to take a more important and active role in the region, as repeatedly declared by NATO Secretary General, are encouraging for resolving the Balkan crisis. Afterwards, Field Marshal Vincent held a press conference and visited the base. (ATSH)

On Wednesday, 10 March 1993, at the invitation of French Foreign Minister Roland Dymay, the chairman of Albania’s Democratic Party, Mr. Eduard Selami, left for France. Press and Information Office of the DP

On Wednesday, 10 March ’93, the chairman of the Democratic Party, Mr. Eduard Selami, received at the Democratic Party headquarters the Greek parliamentary delegation headed by the Deputy Speaker of the Greek Parliament, Mr. Athanasios Ksarhas. In his remarks, Mr. Eduard Selami highlighted the good relations between the two countries, which are based on the traditional friendship between the two peoples. He expressed appreciation for the assistance Greece has given and is giving Albania during this period of transition. Mr. Selami stressed that relations could be raised to a higher level, since there are concrete and realistic opportunities to overcome non-essential misunderstandings that may also arise from a lack of information. The Albanian side, Mr. Selami continued, objectively understands the importance that the treatment of minorities in Albania has for relations between the two countries. The Democratic Party and its government place implementation of the DP’s program for minority rights at the center of their attention. However, he drew attention to the fact that democratization in Albania, including in the area of human rights, is an ongoing process. There are still shortcomings, which will certainly be addressed, and one should not think they will remain uncorrected. Mr. Selami also informed the visitors that work on drafting Albania’s new constitution is nearing completion, as is the human-rights package, which is based entirely on international human-rights standards and includes minority rights. Mr. Selami stressed that there should be no misunderstandings, because the minority population and Albanians who live together in villages in the south live in harmony, marry one another, exchange visits, etc. There are also minority MPs in the DP, as well as ministers and ambassadors. Referring to the situation in the Balkans, the chairman of the DP, Mr. Selami, stressed that relations between the two countries should be raised to a higher level, because this would also help improve the overall situation in this tense area. Finally, he thanked the Greek side for the assistance it has given and continues to give Albania. For his part, Mr. Ksarhas described relations between the two countries as positive and expressed his appreciation for the work of the DP during its short time in government. Albania, he continued, emerged from a long period of isolation in an extremely difficult economic state, and we understand that, first and foremost, the DP government must deal with very serious problems. It would be different if we focused on those problems. We, especially, clearly see the change taking important steps and moving toward development, and Greece will continue to support it on this path. The other Greek parliamentarians described relations between the two countries as positive, expressed their satisfaction, and said that they hoped the good relations between the countries would continue, along with the changes that have taken place in Albania. One of the full remarks [text unclear] and their confidence that Albania will continue along the path of establishing democracy. They described as serious the work carried out by the DP and the government and the Democratic Party in Albania. And this is a clear direction for the Greek side; Greece’s foreign policy will continue to support developments between the two countries. The other Greek parliamentarians described the relations as positive and expressed their appreciation ... (Continued on page 2)

Well-informed sources report that, following a complaint filed by the Albanian government and the Albanian State Bank, French authorities arrested French businessman Nikola Arsidi, accused of taking 1,500,000 dollars from the Albanian State Bank to negotiate Albania’s debt.

Meeting of the DP Chairman, Mr. EDUARD SELAMI, with residents of Gramsh The Gramsh branch of the DP, on the occasion of the second anniversary of its establishment, organized a meeting with DP members and supporters, members of various political parties and associations, as well as citizens and residents of the district. The DP leadership was represented by DP Chairman Mr. Eduard Selami and leadership member Mr. Leka Toto. On behalf of the branch council, its chairman, Mr. Hysen Kulaj, spoke, highlighting efforts to strengthen the branch and analyzing the causes of shortcomings observed in its work. The DP chairman, Mr. Eduard Selami, also spoke at the meeting. “Your calmness and tolerance in this hall,” Mr. Selami said, “are evidence of calmness and tolerance in the country. If you read the newspapers in general, you get the impression that the country is on the brink of civil war, whereas it is nowhere near that. Despite its difficulties and problems, Albania has firmly embarked on the path of democracy and transition, the only path to success. No one can deny that things have moved in the right direction, toward the irreversible progress of democracy and its consolidation. Accusations of revanchism or of a ‘blue bulletin’ are simply fabrications. This, Mr. Selami continued, was achieved first and foremost through the merit of all Albanians, and through the merit of the anti-communist forces and the participation of the parties in the coalition that governs today. The DP is implementing [text unclear] and has embarked on this path. We promised to establish the rule of law, and we are trying to do so every day; we promised to stabilize public order and calm and to bring about significant improvement; we promised ties with the world, and Albania has opened up to everyone; we declared that we support integration into Europe and hope to become members of the Council of Europe in October; we promised a transparent policy in the national interest, and this is being pursued. In the countryside, we promised the land to the farmer and kept that promise, despite being accused of restoring the beys, etc. It is essential for Albania to continue rapidly along the path of reform, and that is the aim of the draft property law... The draft property law, which is presented as extremely right-wing, is nothing of the kind. It is a centrist law that expresses the interests of the majority and at the same time corrects an injustice. It affects only the interests of the red elite. There is speculation about the draft property law. First of all, it is only a draft law, which only the parliament can approve. But I can tell you, as DP chairman,” Mr. Selami explained, “that in the countryside we are not all the same, as I have shown you. Villas, shops, land... whose property are they? Villas, shops, land... We are the subject of the draft law, not a narrow party plan; we cannot draft laws that favor a minority of voters, because we enjoy the support of the majority that gave it to us. And no new elections are held if someone loses a villa, a shop, or property that does not belong to them... Albania is governed even without those who had and abused power.” Mr. Selami also addressed the demand for early political elections, a demand made by the PS leaders. It comes from a section of the political force that does not believe in it itself. The question arises: who is asking for it? Those who have been given this opportunity are asking, and it is not the people’s fault, much less ours, that they do not like the results. More than a serious demand with a political motive, it resembles a youthful habit of the PS, when it governed 99.99% of itself. The PS needs to learn how to be in opposition, to learn that Albania can be governed without them too; moreover, they should not forget that the most difficult days were endured under their leadership. The demand has no political basis. Political analyses and sociological surveys indicate stable support. If things were predictable, such a demand could be made, but everything is predictable. Except for this: The situation in the region and the crisis in the former Yugoslavia have tragically intensified, on a scale unforeseen even by European politicians. The situation in the former Yugoslavia seriously concerns us, Mr. Selami stressed. We support Rugova’s plan for the necessary deployment of UN peacekeeping troops in Kosovo. But this is all the more reason for political stability in Albania. Mr. Selami then analyzed the coalition with the PSD and PR, which he considered essential. It must be made concrete and prove effective. Speaking specifically about Gramsh, he told those present that in a conversation with Prime Minister Meksi he had received assurances regarding the promises made. Mr. Toto discussed the importance of propaganda and privatization issues. Finally, Messrs. Selami and Toto answered questions from the citizens and participants. LORENC LIGORI (Photograph of Eduard Selami with the DP symbol) ... while at the same time correcting an injustice that was committed. is speculation about the promised draft law. First of all, this is only a draft law, which can be approved only by the Assembly of Deputies. explained, that everything provided for in the draft law is in the DP program, a program supported by over 60% of the Albanian electorate. Therefore, we are not in favor of a referendum—not because we are avoiding it, but because the policy in question has already been voted on. This is a draft law that aims to transfer all property into the market economy; part of this matter is covered by the Land Law and by the amendment that is expected. Historically, it corrects an injustice committed by the communist regime against former owners; economically, it is of particular importance; socially, it has broad significance for the whole population. It is claimed that this is a draft law protecting the interests of a minority to the detriment of the majority. The opposite is true. The draft law has been shifted so far to the left as a center-right government can allow. This is because its drafting took into account the pressing social and demographic problems of Albanian reality. It affects only the interests of an elite which, whenever political power is concentrated in its hands—as during the Nano and Stability governments—obtained it almost for free.

of the anti-communist forces and, especially, as the first opposition party and the party most fiercely attacked by every means, including the killing of its activists, initially declared that it would pursue a policy of tolerance and mutual understanding. Today, people speak of revanchism or blue bulletins, which are simply fabrications. In everyday life there may be some excesses by particular individuals, but the harshness of some of their actions does not represent the DP’s political line and platform. If, after an election or a vote, or following a party split, we begin to view one another with hostility because of party affiliation, then there is no pluralism and no democracy, regardless of who does it. We support people who favor reform and have the ability to carry it out.

Regarding the reform and its progress, Mr. Selami expressed the DP’s view that its conception and implementation are successful. If you look at what the DP promised, which is in writing, the DP chairman stressed, those things are ...

At the end of this winter, the leader of the Socialists went on a tour of the district where he thinks he has a large electorate and, like a true town crier, repeated everywhere the refrain that the Meksi Government must resign. Such a statement is worrying because it has destabilizing effects. It is made at a time when the country has embarked on the path of reforms. Mr. Nano’s statement and demand for the Government’s resignation come at a time when the hardships of reform being endured by the people leave no room for a politician’s whims. But Nano tells the people to hold press conferences, where his individual carelessness becomes the collective property of his party. In fact, Nano is right. Judging by the way he thinks, the Meksi Government should have resigned on the second day of its activity. His eyes have been clouded, and he has been mistaken from the very first day of its activity. His eyes are clouded. To him, the Government has done nothing. For these months since March, when the DP began implementing the reform, the country has been without a government. That is what he says, even though the DP has signed the entire reform package. That is what Nano says. He denies such facts as the assessments made by international organizations such as the Council of Europe or the World Bank; Nano blames the Government, which presents these organizations with schemes worthy of a banana republic. In this way, Mr. Nano becomes their enemy and undermines their effectiveness. If you point out to Mr. Nano that this is an achievement of the reform, he purses his lips and will not even acknowledge it in terms of macroeconomics, rather than microeconomics. Nano is not impressed by an increase in agricultural output, either; nor is he impressed by an increase in industrial production or its productivity. According to Nano, such statements are merely propaganda. In a word, he calls it propaganda. Everyone is focused on the Government, asking who is not working. Everyone is focused on the Government. For Nano, nobody is working. The Government is very bad and the people ... A question must be asked: does the Government merit the people’s economic assessments? One question must be asked: is Nano working? Could it be democracy? Nano’s ...?

DP. And if Nano’s demands are ignored by the Government? He grits his teeth and reminds you that early elections are inevitable. The tongue goes where the tooth hurts. Early elections are Nano’s real objective. To achieve this objective, he has chosen as his means the creation of a conflict arising from an absurd demand, such as the Government’s resignation. The Government does not take orders from Mr. Nano. Nor is it his place to lecture others about the propriety of resigning. Nano would do well, given that thousands of suspicions hang over him concerning the handling of food aid granted by Italy as private property, to stop pointing fingers and resign himself, submitting to an investigation by the judicial authorities, as his Italian friend Bettino Craxi did. Nano’s arguments He knows that arguments are needed to demand something. Arguments are therefore needed to head off the question: why? So he invents some, economic ones, which not only fail to support his case but reveal Nano’s true face. Nano’s real motives are nostalgia for his former position, a desire to preserve his current privileges, and a desire to add the third, judicial branch of power to his control. What would best achieve these aims would be destabilizing the country, which would result from the Government’s resignation. Even a strong state like Italy suffers severe destabilization when governments resign, let alone ours. Nano knows this. He wants to inflict on the current Government the fate of his own Government, refusing in this way to accept the important fact that he and his Government were brought down as Communists, and that they were removed so that the democratic forces could come to power—forces that have fully justified the vote of confidence of March 22. Nevertheless, Nano’s fate is already written. Having failed as a head of government, he is certain to fail in the political elections. This fate pursues those who pursue personal politics. Nano seeks to establish the axiom: Politics is a means of making money, a way to become a person of influence and importance. SHIPTIM LUKU

No, Comrade Fatos, the communist regime did not expropriate everyone! In an interview given to the BBC, the chairman of the Socialist Party, Comrade Fatos Nano, continues his litany of lies and goes so far as to claim, shamelessly: “...in Albania, everyone was expropriated by the communist regime.” An Englishman might believe this fabrication, but an Albanian never would. But let us start with the facts: In the court rulings that began in 1945 and continued for years, the confiscation of the movable and immovable property of people convicted on political grounds was precisely specified. In 1951, the famous Law No. 801 was also published in the official gazette; it did not expropriate the entire population, but specific individuals. Their names were listed by district. Thus, in the cities, it is clear who was expropriated; besides them, there were also people who benefited at the expense of those expropriations. Comrade Fatos is among them, because your family has long lived in such a villa, which was built with someone else’s blood and sweat, not your father’s and certainly not yours. Thus, in addition to the good job he enjoyed, you also had the benefits of comfortable living. Is that what you call expropriation? Let us continue with your own household, or with even higher ranks of public service than those held by your father. All the villas were put at their disposal. Every apartment building built by the Italians over the years became the “property” of senior officials alone, who lived there without observing the established housing criteria. And to lump the entire population together today serves your personal interests (or those of your party, which regrets the return of these properties because it was an opening that brought even darker days?)—it is a huge mistake, not to say a sham. This is different from what it was: Communist Albania, shrouded in darkness... In any case, the expropriation of the entire population ... member of the PD presidium as well as the Greek ambassador in Tirana, Kristos Tsalikis. (Continued on page 2) PD Press and Information Office A MAN WHO TALKS NONSENSE...

A DISGRACEFUL ACT OF HOOLIGANISM BY A “ZP” JOURNALIST —In the presence of two Socialist Party MPs, Luan M. Rama publicly and gravely insulted TV journalist Mr. Leka Bungo— —According to the statement Mr. Bungo gave to “RD” This is what Mr. Bungo told us: “The incident all began with an article published early in the morning in ‘ZP’ titled ‘Repentant’. At around 9:30, he was sitting with two friends of his, the writer Hyken and Pali Kuken, having coffee at the café in the Palace of Congresses. At a table, some people ... (Continued on page 2)

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