The draft law on foundations was the subject of work during yesterday’s parliamentary proceedings. The adoption of this draft law made it possible, within the framework of Albania’s opening to the world and the expansion of mutual relations with other countries, to establish the necessary legal framework to enable individuals, associations or organizations wishing to help our country to carry out their activities. In the afternoon session, proceedings continued with the adoption of the draft law on civil guards, which gives private enterprises the legal means to protect their premises with their own civil guards. Discussion also began on the adoption of the draft law on administrative violations.

OPINIONS The changes in the Meksi Cabinet are very important and timely SALI BERISHA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: Mr. President, by means of a special decree issued on 5.4.1993, you announced several changes to the Meksi Cabinet. How should these changes be understood? MR. SALI BERISHA: I think that Mr. Meksi’s proposals for several changes to his cabinet are timely and very important, since these changes coincide with a very important period of economic reform in Albania. This is a period in which Albania must commit itself to medium-term programs for economic cooperation and recovery. Naturally, these changes were also necessary to correct weaknesses and shortcomings observed in the implementation of the reform during this period. Today, one of the most important problems remains the coordination of the activities of the ministries directly involved in the reform. For this purpose, Mr. Kopliku was relieved of his duties as Minister of Public Order and assigned responsibility for reform-related issues. I am confident that he will be able to fulfill this task. His knowledge and training equip Mr. Kopliku to devote himself to this important field for Albania. For his part, I think Mr. Meksi, bearing in mind the undeniable achievements of the law-enforcement forces during this period, rightly considered it unnecessary for a prime minister to head them. All the more so given that the increased professionalism of the law-enforcement forces has marked a major qualitative step forward, a task that remains important going forward. I am confident that Mr. Agron Musaraj will carry out this task in cooperation with the other forces. Another point worth emphasizing among the changes proposed by Mr. Meksi is the appointment of two new non-party ministers, who are also distinguished specialists and intellectuals in their fields. This marks a further broadening of the coalition and the executive’s base, considering that, together with the existing ministers, more than 40 percent of the government is made up of non-party officials or representatives of coalition parties. I again stress that I consider broadening the executive’s base very important. Thirdly, I think the changes in the government’s composition also demonstrate its capacity for renewal; they can be successful and remain democratic. Naturally, renewal becomes even more important when it is prompted by the demands of the times. Are these changes sufficient to correct the shortcomings observed in the government’s work so far? MR. SALI BERISHA: I think these changes will have an impact. But that does not mean we will make the government immune to mistakes. Make the government immune to mistakes. On the other hand, he thought that the implementation of ... [text cut off at the top edge] taking into account he had rightly considered it unnecessary for the Prime Minister to be at their head.

OPINIONS EDUARD SELAMI, CHAIRMAN OF THE DP: Mr. Eduart, the public at large learned yesterday about the latest changes in the Democratic Government. What is your opinion on this issue? What was the purpose of these changes? E. SELAMI: The changes made by the President of the Republic, at the request of the Prime Minister, were changes that we, as the DP, had called for at the meeting of the National Council and the parliamentary group. At their core is the idea of improving the work of the government, as well as that of all the structures of democratic governance, while acknowledging all the achievements of economic and political reform in Albania. As the DP, we have always called for faster progress and greater efficiency from all those elected under the name of the Democratic Government. We consider the changes made, first and foremost, to be changes dictated by the demands of the current stage of political and economic reform in Albania. They were called for both to preserve the achievements made so far and to improve the government’s work. From the standpoint of political culture, the changes were more significant than the immediate occasion, because they introduce in Albania the accepted concept of changing and improving the government apparatus—as one of the keys to the success of democracy and one of the ways democracy differs from dictatorship. At the same time, this demystifies power, giving it its real role as a means of meeting people’s needs. While thanking all those officials who came to office under the name of the DP and exercise its power, and wishing them success,

OPINIONS EDUARD SELAMI, CHAIRMAN OF THE DP: To the newly appointed ministers, I would like to recall the great responsibility and the high hopes that the DP and all of Albania have placed in the Democratic Government. This responsibility becomes even greater when we remember the times we live in and the major historical problems this government must face—not only with ability and honesty, but also with dedication and a new mindset. Can further changes in the government be expected? E. SELAMI This is an ever-open question in a healthy democracy. It is clear that the changes made were necessary at the current stage. But the course of the reform may also make further changes necessary. As the DP, we will always be open to necessary changes in all our structures. These changes are always dictated by the need to improve our governance. But I also think it is too soon to talk about new changes following those just made. Should the latest changes be understood as pressure from the opposition over the past few months? E. SELAMI: The opposition called for early elections and the overthrow of the government, not a change in the composition of the Meksi Cabinet. Thus, the latest changes were entirely an internal demand of the DP, also reached as a conclusion at the DP National Council. I repeat that we, as democrats, will always remain open.

-The era of eternal rulers is over.... -Changes in the Meksi government cabinet—a challenge to the social-Communist logic of resignation- Albanian democracy is functioning The practice of resignations and changes in the governing cabinets of the democracies of developed countries—until yesterday an absurdity to the former Communist rulers—is well known. The advantages this practice brings to progress in those countries are also well known; this civic norm operates from the smallest institutional unit all the way to the top of the state pyramid. And yet, during the first year of our democratic government, for tactical reasons dictated by the very specific circumstances of a reality in which the new Albanian democracy was functioning, the impression was created that the DP was going along with rulers who would vegetate for a long time in their armchairs. But those whom time entrusted with the role of missionaries of Albania’s democratic civilization could not disappoint hope or compromise their mission, because Albania’s times are moving forward and not turning back. We cannot claim that, at this starting point (with no prior record in government), we made the most optimal selections. This is entirely logical and acceptable. During this year of democratic functioning, time tested each individual in the field of a new practice, with a much higher degree of reliability and realism in assessment than in the past. Just as it tested every individual and every authority, time also tested the Meksi Government. Alongside its other merits, the result of its cabinet’s more-than-passing “average” is open to debate. But, as we have emphasized, given the circumstances, not all the members of the cabinet could have earned top marks under the heavy weight of their duties. As in every other aspect of a social system where free competition of merit operates, this competition would also operate in the sphere of power. And so, on the assumption that this logic will operate at every level of our society, Albania is taking its first steps toward a meritocratic society. This step in its emancipation is to be welcomed. The President’s current decree is another indication that democracy is functioning here, that it is moving toward maturity; it demonstrates the DP’s firm transparency, initiative, and courage. Recall that it was the DP that launched the deep reform (it did not delay it) at a politically unfavorable moment for itself (before July 26). Now, too, without heeding the opposition’s perverse, destructive pressure, it is taking such a step. These changes are also a challenge to the social-Communist logic of the resignation of the entire government cabinet. The call for changes is neither unexpected nor extraordinary. It has come from the DP’s grassroots as well as from the wider public, which is among the most realistic analysts of direct effects. We have no reason to regard these changes as some kind of blasphemy. They are entirely commonplace in Western democracies. … the cabinet’s more-than-passing “average.” in its emancipation is to be welcomed.

Roland Pengli, Lecturer A replacement in the Council of Ministers’ cabinet was necessary. We hope it is not a compromise with the PS’s calls for the government’s resignation. I have reservations about Mr. Kopliku and Vejsiu. Nevertheless, I say that we need a government capable of doing its work, and I believe this is what the Prime Minister had in mind. Artan Ballki, Student I fully agree with the changes in the Council of Ministers. I have one observation: perhaps such an action will also be needed in the future. I wish you success in your work. Orion Çifto, Lecturer I have often personally expressed in discussions with colleagues the view that there should be changes in the government. Although it is a good government and works well, such a move would improve its work even further. I mainly think the government’s work could be put in order in several areas, particularly the issue of land ownership, which needs to be reviewed, as well as legislation on foreign investment and education. I am convinced that the changes will benefit the government’s work. Perhaps they are somewhat overdue. Ramazan Driza, Deputy Mayor of Tirana To tell the truth, we expected changes in the government. In a democratic society, it is natural for such changes to be made. It is very difficult to find people who are completely suited to the job. What matters to us as a municipality is that replacing ministers before even a year has passed should serve as a lesson for local government bodies, which should judge appointments of personnel more fairly; and when they see that things are not going well, they should not hesitate to make the necessary corrections.

OPINIONS OPINIONS OPINIONS OPINIONS

ALEKSANDER MEKSI Government Changes Under Vision and Logic Albanian democracy is functioning

One year is enough time for a government to make replacements in its composition. Also, as throughout the democratic world, ministers are not eternal, nor are they there only to be “blamed”; they are also there to give impetus to reform in this new phase we are in today. AGRON MUSARAJ MINISTER OF PUBLIC ORDER The task assigned to me was extremely difficult for anyone. At the beginning of the democratic government’s term, crime was exposed and the individuals identified; now it is more refined and sophisticated. With hard work and dedication, I have said that we will succeed. I have confidence in the current personnel of the MRP, and especially in the specialists of this ministry. PETRIT KALAKULA MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE As is well known, agriculture is one of the most important branches of Albania’s economy, and it will remain so in the future. It is therefore a difficult sector with a heavy workload. I hope that, with the help of my colleagues and my utmost commitment, we will continue implementing the reform in the countryside, to accelerate the pace of recovery and the further development of agriculture in our country.

At the proposal of the Ministry of Culture, the Government recently approved the decision “On financing price differences for publications.” The approval of this decision, which benefits both state and private publishers, creates new opportunities to expand the range of titles that can be brought into circulation. It makes possible not only the publication of works by young authors, which publishers had previously failed to publish, but also traditional works when they have a high retail price. The decision also favors memoirs and monographs by authors who were previously banned, illustrated literature for children, and, in general, literature for which there is sufficient public interest but which, because of its volume, print run, etc., entails high costs and could thus fail to see the light of publication. The Ministry of Culture has prepared the relevant instructions on the specific method of financing these publications, which will be made known to all publishers. DIRECTOR OF CULTURE AT THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE, YOUTH AND SPORTS DASHNOR KOKONOZI