Interview with the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, given to RTSH after returning from a visit to Belgium . RTSH: You have just returned from an official visit to Belgium, where you held important meetings with various personalities. We would like you to give us a summary of the results of this visit? Sali Berisha: Belgium is the country holding the next presidency of the European Community. This made the visit to this country, and the meetings and discussions with the King of Belgium and with the Prime Minister, Mr. Dehaene, the Foreign Minister, Mr. Claes, as well as with other representatives of the Belgian government, especially important. First of all I want to say that from my talks with all the Belgian personalities I received their determination and clear pro-Albanian orientation, in the sense of strong support for democratic and economic reforms, both through aid and loans and through the technical assistance of the Belgian government. In this framework Belgium has granted a 40 million Belgian franc grant, while it is ready to double the amount of previous loans for the modernization of agriculture and the food industry. Belgium also supports Albania in the creation of free economic zones. I also found a very constructive attitude regarding the problems of security and peace in the region. RTSH: First of all, more specifically, what did Belgium promise to help Albania with? Sali Berisha: Belgium’s promises are promises aimed in several directions. First, in the system of economic reform. There are 40 million Belgian francs in grants, and around 50 million Belgian francs in loans for agriculture, the food industry and other fields. Belgium will continue its technical assistance program. It has also been agreed to encourage Belgian investors to take part in the privatization of various sectors of the Albanian economy. RTSH: The talks also touched on the situation in the region. What was the Belgian side’s position? Sali Berisha: Belgium fully shares our concerns about the crisis in the former Yugoslavia and the dangers it poses to the region. I stressed that peace and stability in the region require greater support for Albania. If Albania is left alone in the face of the destabilizing waves of war, the consequences could be serious. I believe that, in order to play the role of peace and stability in the region, it is essential that Albania be supported more. RTSH: And regarding Kosovo? Sali Berisha: The issue of Kosovo was an important part of the talks. I expressed my conviction that a peaceful solution and respect for the rights and freedoms of Albanians in Kosovo are the only acceptable paths. The international community must exert its influence to stop repression and encourage dialogue. RTSH: Were there any assessments of the progress of reforms in Albania? Sali Berisha: Yes, there were positive assessments of the results achieved in macroeconomic stabilization, in the fight against inflation, and in the privatization of the economy. Naturally, it was emphasized that the road is still long and requires continued support. RTSH: A message for the Albanian public? Sali Berisha: My message is that Albania is winning more and more the trust of European countries every day. This should encourage us to work more, commit ourselves more, and show more unity in carrying out the reforms and defending our national interests.

Yours, FATOS NANO In the comfortable house where I am staying, far from the noise of Tirana, I am following you closely. Do not worry about me. Even though I am far away, my heart beats for you. Stay united and do not lose hope. The best days are yet to come. Yours, with affection, Fatos Nano.

Comrade TASOS NANO Comrade GRAMOZ RUÇI Comrade FASHRIOT ISLAMI[?] Comrade TATOS NANO Comrade GRAMOZ RUÇI Comrade FASHRIOT ISLAMI Esteemed Mr. Selami Hungary We ask you to keep calm and not frighten us with escalations. Thanks to you we won the elections. We won because others burst out laughing. You gathered the votes for us. We respect you and ask you not to spoil things for us. With love and emotion. Democratic refugee shelter office[?]

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