Speech by Mr. Pjetër Arbnori at the commemorative meeting in Shkodër Two years ago, the dark forces of the communist regime treacherously killed four young men from Shkodër. Two years ago, the dark forces of the communist regime treacherously killed four young men from Shkodër, who, after communism had been overthrown throughout the country, dared to demand insistently that the PPSH be removed from local power in Shkodër. During the peaceful protest in front of the PPSH committee, police and state security forces opened fire in bursts against unarmed citizens, killing Arben Broci, Besnik Ceka, Bujar Bishanaku and Nazmi Kryeziu and wounding dozens of others. This serious event shook the entire country and once again proved that Albanian communism was ready to defend itself with blood. Shkodër has always been a stronghold of anti-communist resistance. It suffered greatly under communist terror, but was never spiritually subdued. Its resilience, civic culture and democratic traditions made Shkodër a symbol of freedom and civic courage. April 2 is an open wound, but also a call for justice, remembrance and historical responsibility. Today we honor the memory of the martyrs of democracy and express our gratitude to their families. Their sacrifice must not be forgotten. It must remain a great lesson for the younger generations that freedom is not given, but won through resistance and, when necessary, even through blood. The people of Shkodër and of all Albania must remain vigilant against any attempt to turn back the clock. Our democracy is still fragile, but it will grow stronger if we build the rule of law, respect pluralism and condemn the crimes of the past. April 2 is not only a day of mourning; it is also a day of national reflection on each person’s responsibility in defending freedom. (continued)

Interview with Mr. Genc Ruli, Minister of Finance and Economy Mr. Ruli, what does the IMF’s latest announcement about Albania contain? The announcement assesses the progress of our economic program and supports policies for financial stabilization, lower inflation and budget discipline. This is a sign of confidence in the Albanian government and in the country’s economy. Is it expected to have a direct impact on citizens’ lives? Certainly, because macroeconomic stabilization creates the basis for growth, for more investment and for better supply in the market. But results do not come immediately; time and commitment are needed to implement the reforms. What are the main objectives for the coming months? Strengthening budget revenues, controlling expenditures, banking reform and privatization of enterprises. We also want to help the social groups most affected during the transition. Are there conditions from the IMF? Yes, as in any such agreement, there are clear criteria for fiscal and monetary policy and for progress in structural reforms. The IMF assessment shows that Albania is moving in the right direction, but that the road of reforms remains difficult.

Suggestion to the People’s Assembly, the President and the Government LET THE FILES OF THE COMMUNIST SOCIETY BE BLOCKED! -It is a cursed part of the communist system. In these times, it has become clear to many that the so-called communist society and its controlling mechanisms cannot be treated as harmless remnants. It represents a cursed part of the communist system, a network of influences, privileges and kompromat that continues to hinder the democratic normalization of the country. The files of this dark world, if they are not closed and managed under strict legal rules, can be used for blackmail, manipulation and destabilization. For this reason, the People’s Assembly, the President and the Government are being called upon to take clear measures to block the files, safeguard them and handle them only in accordance with the law and with the public interest. Albanian society needs transparency, but not the criminal use of secrets from the past. Democracy cannot be built on fear and hidden deals.

APRIL 2, A LONG MONTH OF PRAYER? [?] On 31 March 1991, the order forces brutally crushed a protest by citizens in Shkodër. The historical truth of that democratic spring requires that every victim and every wound be remembered not only as a violent episode, but as a sign of the end of a regime that did not accept freedom. In the memory of the city and of the families, this event remains evidence of the use of weapons against the people. On 2 April, the blood of four young men sealed the tragedy of Shkodër and turned it into a symbol of resistance. After that date, nothing could ever be the same again. Shkodër sent the whole country a message that pluralism could not be stopped by terror. This article recalls the course of events, the silences, the responsibilities and the need for justice.

Republic, and even 2 “Thomon Dosti” in Parliament. It was quite strange that in the political debates of recent days in parliamentary sessions, expressions and accusations were used that do not help calm public life. Instead of arguments, insults, insinuations and a spirit of division were heard. Parliament must be the place of political civilization and respect for one’s opponent. When labels and empty rhetoric dominate the chamber, not only is the image of the deputy damaged, but also citizens’ trust in institutions. This behavior does not help reforms or democratic culture. It reveals serious shortcomings in the ethics of representation.

ECONOMIC PROGRAM IN ALBANIA The executive board of the International Monetary Fund officially approved the first drawing on the economic reform facility in Albania under the “stand-by” program, in the form of the first loan within the framework of medium-term credits. This loan has been approved together with the IMF’s recommendations for financial discipline and for accelerating reforms. The Fund may allow further drawings in the future, but this will depend on the progress of the program. The Fund may grant other loans under the ESAF heading (the structural adjustment facility), and this is an important stage for the Albanian economic reform program. The Minister of Finance, representatives of the Albanian government and IMF experts have worked together to draft the program. Further implementation of economic stabilization and reforms in many sectors is expected in the future.

TIRANA-ALBANIA We are proud to serve Albania Tel. 042 - 230 - 26 ICP AIRLINES