THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, Mr. SALI BERISHA GOES ON A VISIT TO GJIROKASTËR MEETING IN THE HALL OF THE DEVISION OF GJIROKASTËR The defense of the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the country is an indispensable duty for the development of democratic processes in Albania. The revenues from the fight against crime and smuggling will all be used for the country and the needs of the armed forces. Mr. Sali Berisha, President of the Republic of Albania, accompanied by Mr. Safet Zhulali, Minister of Defense, and several high-ranking military officers, arrived yesterday in Gjirokastër on a working visit. At the city stadium the President was greeted by an enthusiastic rally. At the meeting he held with the military, in the hall of the Gjirokastër division, Mr. Berisha delivered a speech, the text of which is being published in full: The warmest greetings from the President of the Republic, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to the military personnel of the Gjirokastër division, its noncommissioned officers and brave soldiers. If one finds a territory and a stone where a brave man may rest, the Albanian brave man is a great value among the nation’s values. The strength of the soldier lies in his bravery and in his love for the homeland. Those times when one wanders around while the brave man guards the borders of the nation are difficult times for the nation. There is no doubt that we are going through difficult times, but we will get through them. You know that our country is facing a political, economic and military aggression from Greek chauvinism. This aggression is old, but it has become even more visible in recent months. It is enough to remind you here of the statements of the Greek foreign minister, the statements of some of the Greek political leaders, the official Greek propaganda and their press. They have territorial claims over Southern Albania. They have sought to present Gjirokastër as the center of Vorio Epir. They have sought to justify every kind of pressure on our country, whether through the so-called rights of the Greek minority or through unfounded historical claims. But I want to tell you that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Albania are sacred and untouchable. Every Albanian should know this well, but also every neighbor. The defense of the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the country is an indispensable duty for the development of democratic processes in Albania. There can be no democracy without national security, there can be no state without well-defended borders. Our army must be the army of the people, of the nation, of democracy. It must be disciplined, trained and moral. We will do everything to strengthen the armed forces. The revenues from the fight against crime and smuggling will all be used for the country and the needs of the armed forces. We will not allow the sweat and sacrifices of our citizens to end up in the pockets of criminals and smugglers. They will be used for order, law, the army and the welfare of our citizens. Albania is moving forward on its path of democracy. This path has difficulties, but it is the only path. On this path we need a strong army, a strong state, strong institutions. You, the military personnel of Gjirokastër, have an important role in this effort. The homeland trusts you. The people trust you. And I have great faith that you will be equal to your duty. (ATSH)

OUR ARMY WITH A NEW ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE As of 26 March - A successful and very careful review of the organizational structure of the army is continuing in these months. In order to better meet the tasks of defending the country, the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense have drawn up a new organization scheme, which has been implemented in a number of units and detachments. This reorganization aims to create an army that is more effective, more mobile and less costly for the country. According to specialists in the field, the new structure will be based on higher-quality personnel training, on increasing combat readiness and on a more rational use of equipment and logistics. The focus will remain on the defense of the southern borders and order in the military units. The Ministry of Defense has underlined that the reform will be carried out in compliance with the law, the status of the serviceman and the best traditions of our army. (ATSH)

Interview with the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Mr. Zef Preçi for UKA The perspective of our relations with Israel Interview with the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Mr. Zef Preçi for UKA RB - How did you leave from a meeting with 11,000 inhabitants in one hour and twenty-five minutes, in a city like Tel Aviv? Answer: The visit of the delegation led by the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Mr. Zef Preçi, was part of an official and private program. Alongside meetings with senior officials, with representatives of institutions and Israeli business, we also saw up close the economic development of this country. For me, as minister of such an important sector, contact with a country with extraordinary experience in agriculture, irrigation and the food industry, is valuable. RB: What overall impression did you have of the people and of the politics of this country? Answer: The Israeli people, with their dedication, rationality and love of work, make a deep impression. Naturally, being a country built on extraordinary difficulties, organizational skills and the will to move forward have become prominent traits. We saw modern agriculture, organized farms, developed irrigation systems and rational use of resources. RB: Perhaps the fact that you also held meetings with well-known figures from the political world has drawn attention. Answer: Yes, we had meetings with representatives of the government and the opposition, with leaders of scientific and economic institutions. Our aim was to get to know the Israeli experience and to examine concrete possibilities for cooperation in agriculture, agro-processing, trade and the technologies related to production. RB: What can be gained for Albanian agriculture from this experience? Answer: A lot. Especially in irrigation, seeds, farm organization, marketing, storage and processing of production. Albania has good natural conditions, but we need discipline, technical knowledge and investment. If we harmonize these, our agriculture can become much more productive. (UKA)

(Shkodër, 26 March) While ten days have passed since the election of the new mayor of the city of Shkodër, the left-wing forces and some specific elements are trying to present the process as manipulated, with clear political aims. But the facts make it clear that the election was carried out according to the law and the free will of the citizens. According to local sources, certain groups have tried to stir up tension, organize protests and create a climate of insecurity, using also harsh propaganda language. Instead of accepting the result, they seek empty excuses and try to cast a shadow of doubt over the institutions. The citizens of Shkodër, tired of crises and blockades, demand calm, order and work. They do not want a return to the past, but to move forward. That is precisely what has made these reactions even more absurd. Instead of a political alternative, what is being displayed is the madness of hatred toward every decision they do not like. On the other hand, representatives of local authority have called for calm and respect for institutions, stressing that any claim must be pursued through legal channels and not with emotional cries. Jozef Radi

TIRANA-ISTANBUL-ATHENS We are proud to serve Albania Tel. 042 / 230 - 26

PARADOXES OF A HYPOCRITICAL TEST

YOUR LARGEST LIBRARY

From the meeting of the Council of Ministers From the meeting of the Council of Ministers SOME DRAFT LAWS AND DRAFT DECISIONS ARE BEING EXAMINED