JAKUP KRASNIQI ADVISER TO THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS Soon the Albanian government will make public the report on the progress of economic reform for the first period of 1993. A series of indicators on the level of privatization in all branches of the economy will also be published. Conditions have been created and efforts are being made for privatization to be completed within this year. In any case, this is one of the most acute problems of the economic transition. In an interview for our newspaper, Mr. Jakup Krasniqi, adviser to the Prime Minister, gave some explanations regarding privatization, the progress of economic reform and expectations for 1993. There has been a great deal of criticism of the progress made so far in privatization. Why is this process being delayed? The privatization process is a difficult and complicated one. It requires not only a legal basis, but also an administrative infrastructure, asset registration, valuation of assets, as well as a favorable economic climate. In many cases, enterprises have inherited debts, a lack of documentation and unclear inventories, which makes privatization more difficult. Which sectors has privatization advanced in more quickly? Privatization has moved faster in trade, in services, in some small production units and in the light transport sector. In medium and large enterprises, however, the pace has been slower, mainly because of asset valuation and the lack of investors. Do you think the goal of completion within 1993 will be achieved? Yes, if the government’s determination is maintained and the coordination of the responsible institutions is improved. We have set as an objective that small and medium-sized enterprises be privatized within this year. This will have a positive effect on economic efficiency, increasing competition and creating new jobs. What are the main difficulties encountered? The difficulties are linked to the lack of capital, ownership problems, procedural delays and the lack of institutional experience. A section of the public remains hesitant to invest, while public institutions still have not adopted the necessary pace of a market economy. How do you assess the economic reform as a whole? Economic reform is moving forward, albeit with difficulties. Important steps have been taken in price liberalization, opening the market and creating the legal basis for private activity. Nevertheless, other measures are needed to stimulate production and create financial stability. What do you expect from the second half of the year? We expect an acceleration of reform and an improvement in economic indicators. If the privatization goals are achieved and administrative obstacles are eased, then we will have a better climate for investment and economic development.

Statement of the Presidency of the Republic of Berisha [?] -Statement of the Presidency of the Republic SALI BERISHA- The serious situation in Skopje and the Serbian military buildup on the border of Macedonia and Albania require, on the part of the international community, and in particular the relevant bodies of the U.N., vigilance and concrete measures to avert a new outbreak in the Balkans. The raising of the combat readiness of the military forces of Belgrade on the border with Albania and Macedonia, their being placed on alert, as well as the increased activity of the Serbian secret service, are clear indications that ultranationalist circles in Belgrade are preparing a familiar scenario for destabilizing the situation in the region, particularly in the Republic of Macedonia. The experience of recent years shows that under the fabricated platform of defending the "Serbian minority" in Macedonia or by inciting interethnic disputes in neighboring countries, the aggressors from Belgrade have consistently worked to carry out their well-known projects of re-creating the old Yugoslavia or creating a "Greater Serbia". It is precisely these anti-Albanian and anti-Macedonian circles that are pouring fuel on the fire of ethnic hatred in Macedonia. The renewed claim that it is being defended, supposedly from Albania or from radical Albanian groups in Macedonia, is a low fabrication and a well-known deception, whose descendants began their anti-Albanian propaganda at the very beginning of the unrest in Skopje. Instead of worrying about the wise and peaceful pursuit of Macedonia’s independent process, Serbian nationalist-chauvinist forces are giving impetus to old anti-Albanian ideas and spirit, also using the incidents in Skopje as a pretext for possible intervention. It is these circles that are inciting the possible conflict in the south of the Balkans. Albania supports the territorial integrity and independence of the Republic of Macedonia and believes that the solution to its internal problems must be achieved through democratic means and with respect for the rights of all its citizens, regardless of nationality. The Presidency of the Republic of Albania calls on international organizations, especially the Security Council and the Conference on the Former Yugoslavia, to take preventive measures against any military adventure by Belgrade on the borders with Macedonia and Albania.

-A great people’s jubilation in Ballsh- Tirana, 10 August 1993 ANSA- SOT The absolute winners in the great game of privatization will be precisely those who have trampled every legal or moral norm underfoot during these 45 years. I am referring to the high communist nomenklatura, which is usurping key positions in the economy, the banks, trade, services and the state administration. It is precisely these people who, under the mask of specialist, experienced person or manager, are being placed at the head of the new enterprises and are benefiting more than anyone else from the privatization process. This phenomenon is evident not only in Tirana, but also in the districts. Ballsh, a well-known industrial center, is becoming an example of the capture of the economy by former old leaders. Ordinary people ironically call this a “liberation,” because it seems as if, after the overthrow of the system, those who once commanded everything are returning. That is why the title of this satire may seem strange, but it reflects a bitter reality. In different enterprises one sees the same names, the same connections, the same misuse of information and influence. Young people, honest people and those who were not part of the old system often remain outside. Thus a new stratum of wealthy people is being created, closely tied to the past. If the state does not intervene with law, transparency and control, privatization risks losing its meaning and turning into an unfair distribution of social wealth. Albania needs fair competition and equal opportunities, not the recycling of old privileges.

(Continued on page 4) In decision no. 26 of the Council of Ministers... In decision no. 26 of the Council of Ministers of 6.7.1993, "On the permitted profit margins for carrying out private activity in the trade of fuels," we also find the obligation for the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Public Order, the State Financial Control Commission, the General Directorate of Customs and the tax directorate to carry out inspections of private wholesale and retail trade in fuels. The criminal prosecution directorate in the Ministry of Justice immediately began this verification according to a specially prepared program. The inspections began at the main fuel trading points and verified the documentation, profit margins and the consistency of prices with the relevant decisions. In many cases, open violations, lack of invoices, quantity manipulation and abusive profits were found. According to official sources, some private entities had acted in contradiction with the legal provisions in force. Within this framework, materials for criminal proceedings have been prepared and administrative measures have been proposed for the violating entities. The aim of the action is to establish order in the fuel market and curb unlawful enrichment at the expense of consumers. This is a first step in the fight against corruption and abuse in the most sensitive sectors of the economy. Public opinion expects the investigations to extend to other areas where similar violations are suspected.

Mënsur Abdyl Madiqi wrote, as he had promised, about Visar Morina and insisted on the republication of the article “Manipulator sentence for Visar Morina” in “Rilindja Demokratike”, dated 21.7.1993. We publish it in shortened form. (Continued on page 4) HOW THE ACT OF VOLUNTEERS WAS ARRESTED, NOT THE ILLEGALITIES, LIBERTY AND DEMOCRACY, TVT, ETC. At the end of 1991, when major changes were taking place in the country, many people became involved in political, civic and social activity. It was in this climate that the events related to Visar Morina also took place. The author tries to argue that double standards were applied against him and that the process was burdened with prejudice. The article polemicizes with several publications and public positions, seeking full clarification and individual responsibility for the accusations raised. The full text continues on page 4.