- NANO AND ALIA, LIKE ANYONE ELSE, HAVE THE RIGHT TO ACCUSE THEMSELVES. - PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, MR. SALI BERISHA, HELD YESTERDAY MORNING. Shpëtim Luku (Rilindja Demokratike!): How should we understand Nano’s and Alia’s tendency, when they are accused of corruption and abuse of office, to ask to be tried for political issues? Answer: Regarding the statements that they are political prisoners or that they would prefer political trials, I think everyone is free to accuse themselves or to take whatever position they wish toward themselves. To my knowledge, the prosecutor’s office has so far brought no political charges against them. The former prime minister is accused of corruption concerning humanitarian aid, and the former president is likewise accused of misappropriation of public funds. Reis Cico (TV): Please, could you clarify something about the issue being discussed—that a Bosniak refugee camp funded by Saudi Arabia is to be built in Albania? Answer: As you know, Albania has expressed its readiness to take in refugees, following the success of the détente of the reform. Sami Neza (Rilindja): At the border between Macedonia and Kosovo, a passport-based crossing regime has been introduced, making communication between the Albanians of those areas more difficult. Does Albania have political means to ease this problem? Answer: This is an additional difficulty that Albanians are experiencing today. Albania will discuss this problem at the forthcoming meetings it will hold with the Macedonian government, so that practices making things easier for Albanians can be used, bearing in mind the extremely harsh conditions of oppression they are experiencing in their own lands. Namik Ajazi (Tele Norba): Considering your position as president after March 22, what can you tell us today about what has generally been done in Albania to implement the DP programme? Answer: ... ... a decline of 3%, cement 7%, while construction has increased by 200%. Thus, Albania will end 1993 with an enviable increase in overall production. This growth has a powerful impact on controlling inflation. This year more than 120,000 vehicles are circulating in Albania. I can say that the pace of development has been much faster than what was forecast. The DP and Government programme is a programme of national salvation and national revival, without in any way ignoring the weaknesses and shortcomings that have been observed during its implementation. Another success is Albania’s opening up to the world. We were the most isolated country. Today, Albania’s integration into Europe is increasing day by day. A medium-term agreement with the IMF was signed. Albania became an associate member of the North Atlantic Treaty, signed agreements with the EC, with EFTA, and with other European institutions...; at the Islamic conference, in other words, it is more than a member—it is integrated into the international community. And, most importantly, it is a factor of stability in a troubled region. tributions to public funds. Reis Çiço discussed—that a camp for Bosnian refugees, financed by Saudi Arabia, will expressed its willingness to accept a number of refugees from Bosnia. Initially, the Bosnian government said that Scandinavian countries had expressed their willingness to build the camp; later, other countries did, and most recently Saudi Arabia. We welcome everyone contributing to the construction of this camp and, naturally, also to the support of the refugees. Although Albania has taken into account that it will have to make sacrifices, it will provide them with the same living conditions as Albanians have. Saudi Arabia has allocated funds for the construction of this camp, which will comply with all the rules set by the United Nations, which supervises these camps in every country. Reis Çiço: What is your assessment of the issue of foreign investment so far? Answer: It is true that this is part of the DP and government program that has not progressed as forecast. There are three major factors that have slowed investment. First, the conflict in the region cannot be ignored. Serious investors do not find it particularly suitable to invest in a region where the shadow of war poses a constant threat to their investment. Second, perhaps even more important, is the highly centralized nature of the system we inherited. We are trying to decentralize investment as much as possible and empower districts, local administrations and institutions wherever they are to accept investment. Third, Albania has lacked suitable legislation on foreign investment. Very soon we will have a highly liberal legal framework for foreign investors. Slow procedures are being overcome. A small amount of investment has been made, and efforts are being made to direct and use it appropriately. There is a greater pace than last year in [the development] of unused enterprises; international financial institutions such as the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction, the European Investment Bank, the Islamic Bank and the IMF are now active and ready. poses a constant threat to their investment. Namík generally been accomplished in Albania in implementing the DP’s program? Answer: Let us go back to March 22, or to the period before it. Albania was engulfed by a wave of looting, arson, severed telephone lines, damaged schools, mass robberies, and so on. During this period, a very wise man said that those leaving were destroying the house, and those coming in would have to rebuild it. And indeed, the DP presented a very ambitious program which, given the conditions in which it was being undertaken, seemed in many respects beyond reach and even unachievable. First, the inheritance was bad and the destruction profound. Second, there was no experience. A group of established politicians left the political scene, taking with them the destruction and the brutal 50-year oppression, while a new group of people came to power from various fields—engineers, doctors and other prominent intellectuals. Financial resources were scarce. But let us look at the situation now, after 17 months. What are the results? I can say that few political forces have achieved what we in the DP, together with the other coalition parties, have accomplished in 17 months in areas shared with this party’s program. Law and order and calm were restored. Let me refer only to financial reform. What was the state of the Albanian lek at that time? It was rapidly losing value. Inflation was rising at a rate of 20–40% a month. Today, however, we have a convertible currency that cannot be disparaged. The lek is holding up very well and inflation is being controlled. That is a very great achievement. If we consider the rates at which inflation was rising and its dominance at the time, what has been achieved today is remarkable. Foreign currency plays a role, but production is primary. Production in Albania has increased. Here are some figures: wheat rose 50% compared with 1992; livestock production (according to a study of the farms around Tirana) rose 40%; exports rose 30%; ferrochrome exports rose 57%; copper ore 7%; blister copper 2.3 times; electricity production 90%; glass products 2.8 times; pulp 2.2 times; knitwear 1.6 times; fabric garments 0.5 times; wood products 5 times; greenhouses and beekeeping 0.8 times. Oil has [suffered] extremely severe effects from the oppression they are experiencing in their lands. Namík time, what has been achieved today is remarkable. Namík Ajazi: What place does Italy occupy in Albania’s relations of partnership with other countries? Answer: It has a leading place, as is also shown by the fact that most investors in Albania are Italian. A foreign journalist: What do you think about Milošević’s visit to Greece? Answer: His visit had political objectives. Erion Braçe (Zëri i Popullit): What do you think about the events of recent days concerning the use of force by the police? Answer: I think the police exceeded their authority, and this must not happen again. The law and justice must mete out punishment to the criminal. But, in response to this, justice must also deal with those inciting anarchic actions, such as the road blockade in Laç. Blendi Bregu (Aleanca): Do you see a contradiction between carrying out the privatization process, which according to Deputy Prime Minister Kopliku will be completed this year, and issuing vouchers to former owners that can be used at auction? Answer: I do not think the privatization process can be completed even by the end of 1994, although we are ambitious. After the first package, we intend to move on to the stage of privatizing large enterprises according to the principle: the best, the biggest, for the greatest number. Albanian citizens will become owners of the assets to be privatized, and to this end we are also studying the experience of the Czech Republic, East Germany, and others. Benet Koleka (Rojter): Can you confirm anything about Xhmi Karteti’s visit to Albania? Answer: The visit of the distinguished American, Xhmi Kartër, will take place on August 31. The President also answered other questions. Prepared by: SUPETIM LUKU

Yesterday morning, the Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Mr. Tomorr Malasi, received the delegation of German parliamentarians led by Mr. Valter Altherr. During the cordial conversation held on this occasion, Mr. Malasi spoke about the extensive relations between Parliament, the Government and the various Albanian and German institutions, and expressed gratitude for the assistance Germany has given and continues to give Albania during this difficult period of transition. He stressed that, for us, Germany has been and remains a friendly people and country. In their remarks, Dr. Valter Altherr, who is Deputy Chairman of the Health Committee in the German Bundestag, and Dr. Klaus Kühner expressed their sympathy for the democratic processes in Albania and their willingness to work to ensure in the Bundestag and the Government that aid to Albania continues until it can stand firmly on its own feet. The German deputies also spoke about the support the German state is providing for the protection of the national and human rights of Albanians in Kosovo and the former Yugoslavia. Press and Information Office of the People’s Assembly

With regard to the article published in the newspaper «Koha Jonë» entitled «The two prime ministers Meçki and Bukoshi are putting on a show or playing hide-and-seek», the «Ministry of Information of the Republic of Kosovo» issues the following statement: The article in question, besides not being true, is filled with insinuations that do no credit to any newspaper. Without going into detail, we inform you that the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Dr. Bujar Bukoshi, is on a working visit to Albania, while the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ibrahim Rugova, is in Prishtina, a fact about which the article’s author could have obtained information through other media.

At the Court of Cassation: The judicial proceedings against Nexhmije Hoxha and Kino Buxheli are definitively concluded - Nexhmije Hoxha is sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment. - Kino Buxheli’s sentence is reduced from 4 to 3 years. Yesterday, the Court of Cassation concluded the trial of the case against the defendants Nexhmije Hoxha and Kino Buxheli. As is known, Nexhmije Hoxha and Kino Buxheli were tried by the Court of Appeal, which sentenced them to 11 and 4 years’ imprisonment, respectively. Nexhmije Hoxha appealed this decision to the Court of Cassation, seeking acquittal, while Kino Buxheli appealed to have the charge clarified and the sentence reduced. The Court of Cassation, presided over by the court’s deputy chairman, Mr. Avni Shehu, with members Messrs. Nafiz Bezhani and Agim Gjoleka, and with Mr. Gani Dizdari as prosecutor, decided to uphold the Court of Appeal’s ruling for Nexhmije Hoxha, sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment, while Kino Buxheli’s sentence was reduced from four to three years. With this decision, the judicial proceedings against these two defendants are definitively concluded.

- On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of his arrival in Albania and the 60th anniversary of his death - On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of his first arrival in Albania and the 60th anniversary of his death, important events were held in Tirana and Shkodër dedicated to the life and outstanding... On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of his first important events were held in Tirana and Shkodër dedicated to the life and outstanding, wide-ranging scientific contribution made in Albania by Baron Nopça. ...mining and energy, Mr. Ab-dyl Xhaja, and was received by the Director General of the Hungarian Geological Survey, Professor Dr. Gabor Gaal. Also present at the ceremony were the Chairman of the Committee for Science and Technology, Mr. Maksim Konomi, the President of the Academy of... At the city’s People’s Hall, an event was held on Nopça’s life and important moments in his work, where writings by him were recalled with emotion; they were recited by actors from the Shkodër Theatre. The participants enjoyed a cheerful lunch in Shi- important events were organized in Tirana and Shkodër to honor the life and outstanding scientific contribution of the linguist and scholar Baron Nopça in Albania. At the scientific session organized in Tirana, numerous papers and topics were presented, highlighting Nopça’s extensive scientific activity in Albania. The session was also accompanied by a television film shot in the regions where he worked and lived. On this occasion, in recognition of the great merits of this prominent figure in Albanian science and culture, the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Sali Berisha, posthumously awarded him the “Naim Frashëri” Order, First Class. The order was presented by the Minister of Industry, Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr. Abdyll Xhaja, and accepted Doctor the President of the Academy of Sciences, Prof. Shaban Demiraj, and the Director of the Geological Institute of Austria, Mr. Janoschek. A ceremony was also held in the city of Shkodër, where Nopça worked and lived for a long time, to name one of the streets where he had lived after him. The plaque bearing his name was unveiled by the city’s mayor, Mr. Filip Guraziu. Also present at the ceremony were the secretary of the Hungarian Embassy in Tirana, Mr. Antal Heizer, and officials from the Austrian Embassy. A commemorative plaque was also installed at the district geological enterprise. At the city’s folk museum, an event was held about Nopça’s life and important moments in his work, during which passages written by him were delivered with emotion and recited by actors from the Shkodër theatre. Participants enjoyed a cheerful lunch in Shirokë, beside the lake, and visited historical sites such as the castle and the Luigj Gurakuqi Museum. These events are clear evidence of the high regard in which the people and the President of Albania hold Nopça’s life and great work, placing him on the pedestal of the nation’s history. The events were held under the auspices of the «Soros» Foundation. ASTRIT KARADAKU Press spokesperson at the Ministry of Industry, Mineral Resources and Energy

Vera Gjeloshi named Albania’s first top model On 23 August 1993, at the «Migjeni» Theatre in Shkodër, the Youth Federation and the Shkodër branch of the Youth Forum organized the «Moda 93» show. The show featured the best designers in the city of Shkodër. For around two hours, those present had the opportunity to see the creations in art, made by the hands of Shkodër’s masters: traditional and contemporary clothing with refined taste and a modern spirit, modelled by charming young women and men from Shkodër. The show was competently hosted by literature student Arlinda Causholli. The appearance of the well-known singer Aleksandër Gjoka and the group «Mister» brought a pleasant freshness to the show in the hall. At the end of the show, the jury named as the most beautiful outfit the one presented by seamstress Jozefina Nikaj. The first top model in Albania was named: Miss Vera Gjeloshi, 20, an employee at the shoe factory. The show was recorded by Albanian Television, and according to the newspapers, viewers can watch the entire programme on TVSH in the coming days. M. BUÇPAPAJ

- In response to the socialist Owls’ calls, made at night to collect signatures in favor of Nano, Tepelena’s intellectuals answered with 33 new members joining the DP in broad daylight. - The present and the future unite us with the DP; what divides us from the PS is the dark past that they direct and that they fashioned at the people’s expense. - As long as the PS is led by those who directed Enverist socialism, there will be no genuine European socialism in Albania. The PS’s howls in Tepelena that, supposedly, it had the entire youth, all the intellectuals and all the people behind it were checked by the stance of 33 intellectuals. When the socialist brown rats called on them to sign in support of their leader Nano, they immediately responded by joining the ranks of the DP. This stance taken by these intellectuals is no coincidence, but the logical result of their analysis of the reality in which they live today in relation to democratic processes. It is precisely this reality that, more than ever, is now directing Tepelena’s intellectuals toward the DP, in support of its electoral program, which we see being implemented without wavering and with determination. This stance is a welcome sight for the PS, just when it is trying to get Nano off the hook without even getting his feet wet. - Why did these unaffiliated intellectuals join the DP? They answer this question themselves: - what separates us from the PS is the dark and bitter past, and their corrupt present. - We do not join the PS because we are convinced that, as long as this conglomerate of monist criminals leads it, there will be no genuine European socialism in Albania. And indeed, that is exactly how it is. The current stance of Nano’s PS and company clearly confirms this. The lawful and principled stance of the rule-of-law state toward them also clearly demonstrates it. Let the socialists talk as much as they like about dictatorship and injustice; let them promise that, once they take power, they will bring paradise. No one in Tepelena believes them anymore. Tepelena has experienced their rule time and again, with brutality, suffering and indifference. So, as for the socialist gentlemen, only ... (continued on p. 8)