IS FATOS NANO REALLY ALBANIAN? As the first days and weeks of the new power are coming to a close, after a series of statements and positions made by opposition representatives and especially by its chairman, Fatos Nano, public opinion has the right to ask for a clearer explanation of what this policy really represents. In the latest discussions, accusations, interpretations and objections have been heard concerning Albania's path, relations with the outside world, and the issue of Kosovo. Often, the disagreements have been presented as normal debates, but at their core they have also revealed a spirit of mistrust toward democratic processes and toward the country's Western orientation. If the new politics demands calm, moderation and responsibility, then political language must also be equal to the times.

LEKA TOTO The emotions of freedom will always remain in the spiritual memory and will be remembered as a great school of courage for fighting and building the future. At the same time they are also proof of a conscience that cannot be altered by fear or by pressure. Albanian citizens have proven that freedom has strong roots and that hope does not die out. This spirit must nourish every effort for the state, for the law and for public morality.

Social-communist conservatives claim the primitiveness of their race -The communists have a face-lift in the second state [?] In this long polemical article the author attacks the conservative and social-communist spirit which, according to him, continues to influence political life and public culture. The article uses harsh language against political opponents and presents them as an obstacle to the country's democratic path. The text contains a large number of accusations, characterizations and ideological counterpositions. MUSA BUC[P?]ALI

I WANT TO ASSURE YOU OF MY FULL COMMITMENT TO CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR ALBANIA Letter from the US President, CLINTON sent to President BERISHA I WANT TO ASSURE YOU OF MY FULL COMMITMENT TO CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR ALBANIA His Excellency President Sali Berisha Palace of Brigades Tiranë, Albania Dear Mr. President, Thank you for the warm and heartfelt congratulations that you sent me on the occasion of my election to the office of President and on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Democratic Party's victory in the March 22 elections. As you know, hope changed radically in your country. Whether at the united tables, if the President and the Secretary of Defense with giving the people of Kosovo are ready to help you to build a stable democracy in your country, to open up your economy and to restore a legal framework in line with Western standards. Meanwhile, in Kosovo, the American government has clearly warned that it will not tolerate ethnic repression there. My administration is determined to work with European Union partners both to alleviate suffering in the region. I look forward to working together with you and the new government administration to promote peace, stability and prosperity in this hopeful and challenging time for the Albanian people and for the region as a whole. I look forward to working together in the months ahead. Sincerely, William J. Clinton

With you or without you, Albania will give this law (Continued on page 2) In a long and responsible debate on this law, parliamentarians from all political forces spoke. One of the positions expressed was related to the issue of property, inheritance, restitution and compensation. In numerous discussions, it was requested that in the process of drafting the law the interests of the different social strata be taken into account and that social balance be preserved. The statements and interventions of the deputies pointed out that the property issue was closely linked to economic reform and to the establishment of the rule of law.