Interview with D.S. Mr. Selami Xhepa of the Foreign Commission of the People’s Assembly and chairman of the PD and of the PAS Assembly after the visit to the prefecture in Italy Deepening Albanian-Italian relations, a perspective on European integration, a factor of peace and stability in the region Interview with D.S. Mr. Selami Xhepa of the Foreign Commission of the People’s Assembly and chairman of the PD and of the PAS Assembly after the visit to the prefecture in Italy We spoke with Mr. Selami Xhepa about issues of current concern that the PD parliamentary group has been dealing with in recent days. About Albania’s relations with neighboring countries and the policy pursued by the new government of D. Meksiu, especially with Italy. Mr. Xhepa first spoke about the meetings in Italy. He can explain to us: what was the content of these meetings and what was discussed with the Italian authorities regarding Albania-Italy relations? For the visit I was making to Italy, my intention was to hold meetings and talks with the most important leaders of Italian foreign policy, with important politicians from all political sides in Italy, and with representatives of Italian business. The goal was twofold. First, to have discussions with them on matters of common interest concerning bilateral relations and the broader relationship between our two countries. Second, to get a close understanding of Italian political opinion regarding Albania first of all, but also the whole region. In general, the Italians have a very positive assessment of Albania, of the changes that have taken place in our country, and of the moderate and realistic policy being pursued by the Albanian government, especially in the foreign policy sphere. They consider very interesting the fact and the clear expression of the orientation of Albanian policy toward European integration. In this context, Italy considers Albanian foreign policy to be very balanced and cautious. A particular interest of the Italian government is the process of economic reforms in Albania and the political stability of the country, because these are directly linked to Italian interests in Albania. Mr. Selami Xhepa also said that he had met senior officials of the Italian Foreign Ministry, leaders of center and left political forces, and representatives of academic circles and business. According to him, these meetings emphasized that Albania’s stability is seen as an important factor of peace and balance in the region. He added that Italy is interested in strengthening economic cooperation, encouraging investments, and supporting Albania’s process of European integration. (Continued on page 14)

The 3-year ESAF Program, amounting to 60 million SDR, reflects the progress being made by the Albanian economy regarding the further reduction of external debt. During a six-month extension of the program, the government will have time to complete the privatization process of medium and large enterprises as well as 2/3 of agricultural land. The President of the World Bank, Mr. Luis Preston, speaking before the Board of Directors, gave a positive assessment of the results of the reforms carried out by the Albanian government and the support they have received from international financial institutions. With the current financing granted by the IMF, the loans extended by this organization since July 1992 amount to 95.6 million SDR, approximately 135.7 million dollars. The second agreement sets as its objective the further reduction of inflation and unemployment in the country. During the additional period, it will also be assessed how much benefit the economy and GDP will derive from the implementation of reforms in the banking sector, the removal of subsidies from the budget, and the reduction in the growth of the money supply. The third and final agreement, which will be signed after 6 months, will make it possible for Albania to obtain 20 million SDR over a period of 1 and a half years. ESAF loans, with an interest rate of 0.5 percent per year, may be repaid over 10 and a half years. AFP

From 19 to 21 July, Alberto Anzolin, voice of TV ONA? will lead a delegation of the Council of Europe, which during this period will examine the issues facing Albania. At the end of the review and the delegation’s final discussions in the parliamentary subcommittee of the Council of Europe, the presidium will forward it for a decision to the General Assembly, in order to give the final opinion on Albania’s right to become a member of this body. At the same time, as part of a joint Euro-Asian organization, after a special invitation and within the framework of an observation process, it is thought to be headed by the President of the European Parliament, Egon Klepsch. The delegation will be expanded to include specialists in economics, finance, the environment and agriculture, and will assess the criteria for Albania’s approximation to European institutions. (A.T.SH.)

Asked about the reason for the departure to Italy of the Director General of Customs, Mr. Agim Fagu, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Order, A. Muka, explained that no measure restricting his movement abroad had been taken against him. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Order stated that the investigation into this matter is continuing in accordance with legal procedures. Meanwhile, according to him, the competent authorities are reviewing the relevant documentation and will provide further clarifications later. (ATSH)

The left’s loudspeaker has changed from issue to issue. Because they lack arguments, they use methods that can hardly be called journalism. Their consultants say that hundreds of young people are leaving the country; that the Italians will “invade” us with aid; that the country is heading toward crisis. All this is presented in alarmist language and with political bitterness. Instead of arguments, their pages are filled with insults, distortions of facts, and labels against the government and the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, the reality is that the country is moving forward with difficult but necessary reforms. Those who today mourn the “endangered pluralism” were yesterday openly defending the monist system. Likewise, those who pretend to be concerned about the fate of the economy are the same ones who blocked changes for years and brought the country to ruin. This kind of writing does not serve the reader. It serves only blind political propaganda. The public deserves accurate information and honest debate, not hysterical calls and repeated slander. Continued on page 14

Publisher commissioner TIRANE MIRÇI CAMESESU[S?]