WE, THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY, THE COMMONWEALTH, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, ARE A GUARANTEE FOR ALL YOUR DEMOCRATIC FOUNDATIONS Mr. EGON KLEPSH greets the People's Assembly It is a great honour and a special privilege for me to greet the Albanian parliament. I am happy to be in Tirana today and to have the opportunity to express my respect and solidarity toward the Albanian people. Albania has entered a new stage in its history. After decades of isolation and dictatorship, your country is building democracy and its institutions. This is difficult work, but it is necessary. You have made important steps forward, and Europe is following these developments closely. We, the European Community, the European Parliament, are a guarantee for all your democratic foundations. We want Albania to move forward resolutely on the road to the rule of law, political pluralism and respect for human rights. These are the foundations on which a free and just society is built. Europe understands well that the transition brings economic and social difficulties. For this reason, it is necessary that Albania not remain alone. You need support, and we are ready to help with all our means so that this process succeeds. If you continue with courage and wisdom the democratic reforms, the future of your country will be more secure. We will do everything to ease your country's difficult road toward a better future. Egon Klepsh

Welcoming address by Mr. Pjetër Arbnori to Mr. Egon Klepsh Honourable Mr[?] Klepsh, Honourable participants, I would like to thank you for your warm words and for the warm atmosphere you created in the People's Assembly. Your visit to our country, the first by a President of the European Parliament, will leave indelible traces. It was welcomed with joy not only by the members of parliament and the political parties, but also by our people. Our people have endured long years of isolation and deprivation. For us, contact with European institutions has a special importance, because we see our future tied to democratic Europe. We are convinced that only through the strengthening of democratic institutions, respect for human rights, and the building of a market economy will Albania take the place it deserves in the European family. Our country is going through a difficult period of transformation. This requires help, understanding and cooperation. We value the support that the European Parliament and European public opinion have given Albania in these decisive moments. Your visit is a concrete sign of this solidarity. We are determined to move forward on the road of democratic reforms. This road is not easy, but it is the only road that guarantees the freedom, dignity and progress of our people. We are convinced that our friends in Europe will continue to help us in this effort. I welcome you and thank you once again for your interest and support. Pjetër Arbnori

"TOGETHER LET US DESIGN A BETTER FUTURE" From Mr. Egon Klepsh's meeting with the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister of the People's Assembly Klepsh with the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, as well as with other high representatives of the Albanian state. In the discussions held, the necessity of deepening democratic reforms and of closer cooperation with Europe was emphasized. (Continued on page 4)

THE PRESIDENT OF THE PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY, PJETËR ARBNORI, INTRODUCES STEFAN BROWN, MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, EGON KLEPSH "I came to assure you that Albania belongs to Europe" THE PRESIDENT OF THE PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY, PJETËR ARBNORI, INTRODUCES STEFAN BROWN, MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, EGON KLEPSH After a short introductory speech by Mr. Pjetër Arbnori, focusing on the need for closer ties with Europe and cooperation with its institutions, on behalf of the assembly he introduced Mr. Egon Klepsh, President of the European Parliament. In his remarks it was emphasized that his visit is of special importance for Albania and for its road toward European integration. (Continued on page 4)

OUR HOME? IMPACT FOR KORÇË ALBANIANS After a probe, very harsh clashes, and something like a heavy display of a mentality that has still not been severed from the past. The article deals with phenomena in political life and with attitudes that hinder the country's progress. (Continued on page 4)

3rd year of publication No. 418 Wednesday 21 July 1993 Price 5 lekë

: President of the European Parliament: We will do everything to ease your country's difficult road toward a better future.