Interview with the Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Mr. PJETER ARBNORI After a year of true parliamentary democracy -“...not to receive applause, praise, laurels...”- -“...I was cheerful... even when I had been sentenced to death...”- -“Greenery and music are the passions that dominate my being...”- RD: Mr. Pjetër: How would you remember today that day one year ago, when, in that place where your early executioner-predecessors had directed a grotesque puppet Assembly, you sat down to chair a Democratic Assembly? The moment was solemn. But I am more moved by events concerning others than by those concerning me. Such was the moment when I was moved to tears as I announced the election of Sali Berisha as president. RD: Over the past year, how has democratic conduct evolved in general? We have not yet become accustomed to democracy, so it is not surprising when the opposition demands ... ...until these laws are adopted? -Most of them have been adopted by both the government and the opposition. This is positive. Democracy is consensus, but it is also majority rule when consensus cannot be found. Otherwise, we would end up with those “unanimous” communist votes, which people laughed about secretly after applauding openly. Parliament is a battlefield of democracy, where everyone has expressed and will openly express their opinion, while following the rules of procedure and proper conduct... ... [text unclear]. It seems these journalists misunderstand our repeated requests to work harder. The intensity is called for by necessity, not by an obligation to do the impossible. so it is not surprising when the opposition demands

-President Berisha received U.S. Congressman Angel- President of the Republic Sali Berisha received U.S. Congressman Eliot Angel. At the meeting, President Berisha expressed his gratitude to Congress, the Senate and the U.S. Government for the great assistance they have given and continue to give Albania in establishing and building democracy and a market economy. He also said that President Clinton’s firm stance in helping and supporting the victory and development of democracies in the countries of Eastern Europe and in Albania is of great importance to us in overcoming the many difficulties encountered during this period. The meeting included extensive discussion of Albania–U.S. relations and their comprehensive support. The situation in the region was also addressed, including the conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the situation in Kosovo and the situation of Albanians in Macedonia. Both sides shared the same views on the causes of the crisis and ways to resolve it. Congressman Angel said that the United States greatly appreciates Albania’s position during this difficult period for the region, as well as its support for these efforts. President Sali Berisha said that of particular importance. NATO’s engagement in enforcing the no-fly zone and other sanctions against Serbia, as well as the avoidance of double standards toward Milosheviç, are factors that will contribute to resolving the conflict in the region. ATSH

At the invitation of the Chairman of the Macedonian Assembly, Stojan Andov, a delegation from the People’s Assembly of the Republic of Albania, headed by the Chairman of the Presidium of that Assembly, Mr. Pjeter Arbnori, arrived for an official visit to the republic. At the Qafe-Thane border crossing, the Albanian delegation was received by the Deputy Speaker of the Macedonian Parliament, Tito Petkovski. Albania’s representative in Macedonia, Leonidha Mertiri, was also there. At the government villa “Macedonia,” the delegation was welcomed by the Chairman of the Macedonian Assembly, Stefan Andov, and other senior figures. The Albanian delegation held its first meeting with representatives of the Albanian political parties—the Party for Democratic Prosperity and the People’s Democratic Party, both represented in the Macedonian Parliament—as well as with representatives of the Liberal Party. The meeting took place in a very warm and friendly atmosphere. ATSH

The message received by President Sali Berisha from the President of the RPR and Mayor of Paris, Zhak Shirak, says: Thanking you most sincerely for the good wishes you sent me on the occasion of the national success of the movement I lead, please believe that I am touched by the warm feelings this victory has inspired in you. They bear witness to the esteem that you and I share for strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between France and Albania. Most cordially, ZHAK SHIRAK

- E Selami: People want to see American investment close at hand - - Engel: “I will do everything I can to help Albania” On Friday, the chairman of the DP and chairman of the parliamentary committee on foreign policy, Mr. Eduart Selami, received the American delegation headed by Congressman Eliot Engell at an official meeting. - E. Selami: People want to see American investment close at hand - - Engel: “I will do everything I can to help Albania” On Friday, the chairman of the DP and chairman of the parliamentary committee on foreign policy, Eliot Engell at an official meeting. “I believe,” Mr. Selami stressed, “that the U.S. political line toward Albania has favored democracy and progressive Albanian political forces. Your statement in support of the new political trend in Albania was especially important because our people respect the realistic American perspective and your model of democracy. Albania, which just two years ago was on the brink of a severe internal conflict, is today one of the region’s most politically stable countries. More than 65 percent voted for DP parliamentary candidates. There have been two years of openness in foreign policy and relations with the world. The pace of reform is good compared with other former communist countries. But the feeling of friendship toward the United States among Albanians,” Mr. Selami continued, “must be nurtured and made concrete. “People want to see American investment close at hand, which I think could begin with infrastructure.” Turning to the situation in the region, Mr. Selami expressed the view that the United States could do a great deal to prevent war in the region. “We have welcomed President Clinton’s involvement in resolving the crisis in the former Yugoslavia. For our part,” Mr. Selami stressed, “Albania is a serious partner in American peace policy in the Balkan region. The situation is delicate, and its getting out of control would bring dangerous consequences.” “I felt upon arriving for my visit,” Mr. Engel stressed, “the historic friendship between our two peoples. I am impressed by what you and the democratic government have achieved since your victory. You have proved successful after a long period of isolation. When I return to Washington, I will make known Albania’s achievements and developments during this short period. I will use my personal acquaintance with President Clinton to help you. I will do everything I can to help Albania. Naturally, the presentation of your opportunities and your urgent needs to American investors will not escape our attention. I commend your firm commitment to pursuing a policy of peace in the Balkans.” The members of the American delegation then asked about privatization, stressing its importance for potential investment. Mr. Selami emphasized that they were trying to answer as precisely as possible the question of who owns what here. “We will return houses, shops and small factories to their legitimate owners. After that, investors will know whom to contact. Our economic difficulties also reflect a backward step; until two years ago, we did not know where we stood or what our primary needs were. That is why we need investment. We now have an investment law. We know that investors want to make a profit,” Mr. Selami continued, “and in the near future this law must be supplemented so that we can give them opportunities to earn. Another reason investors are slow to arrive is the real risk of a war in the Balkans.” Asked about the Socialists’ demand for new elections, Mr. Selami replied that the communists wanted them now, whereas they were convinced they would take place in three years. “The Socialists ‘find’ mistakes and shortcomings everywhere, and through their propaganda they aim to create chaos and insecurity. We think the PS should change realistically, and not just its name. Its ranks still include senior officials of the former regime.” Mr. Engel stressed that it is easy to criticize, but difficult to accomplish what needs to be done. “Once again, I congratulate you on the steps you have taken in this short time.” Also present at the meeting were the DP deputy chairman and chairman of its parliamentary group, Ali Spahia, and the U.S. ambassador to Albania, Mr. Rajerson. Press and Information Office of the Democratic Party

The moment is solemn. But I am more moved by events concerning others than by those concerning me. Such was the moment when I was moved to tears as I announced the election of Sali Berisha as president. The moment is of Sali Berisha as president. I am not insensitive, but I am very composed when it comes to personal events. I feel a particular responsibility for presiding over the Assembly. I try to be fair, and I never forget that the Democratic Party gave me that post, and that the PSD, PR and PBDNJ deputies, as well as many Socialists, voted for me. If I am not mistaken, only 16 deputies voted against me—and do not imagine that they were all Socialists. But I am the same toward them as I am toward everyone else. RD: Now our People’s Assembly is nearing the end of its first year, to put it figuratively, as it sets off toward the second year of its democratic life. And, like an athlete who looks back during a race, what would you say? RD: Excuse me for interrupting, but since this is the occasion: what distinguishes our Assembly from those in these countries? —Fortunately, in one year there have been no brawls, no one has been thrown out, and there has been very little street language. If that were to happen, we have some heavyweights who would get us into trouble—especially me, since I wear glasses. I don’t know what I would do if they were broken... I am determined to preside over the Assembly calmly, to smile when a deputy shouts loudly, and to invite them to shout when tempers flare, because that way they let off steam and then calm down so they can continue working. RD: And what would you say about the Speaker’s work? —We are aware of how demanding a deputy’s work is. Given that they have no office, secretary, legal adviser, library, and so on, we expect a great deal from them. RD: This year you have worked alongside two deputy speakers, one Socialist and the other from the DP, namely Messrs. Vukaj and Malasi. So, how have you felt with them at your side? And how have they felt with you at theirs? —Mr. Malasi and Mr. Vukaj have helped me; I can say that they have never hindered me. With them beside me, I have felt supported. They can say for themselves how they feel with me beside them. Still, since I am not in the habit of elbowing people aside, I don’t think they have any serious complaints. RD: And what would you say to us journalists? —I feel very sorry for some journalists who irresponsibly claim that our Assembly does not work, when there is no parliament in the world that works so much with so few demands when consensus cannot be reached. Otherwise, we would end up with those “unanimous” votes of Communism, which people secretly laughed at after openly applauding. Parliament is an arena for democratic struggle, where everyone has expressed and will express their opinion openly, while observing parliamentary rules and ethics... RD: Since we are on this subject, bearing in mind the “exchanges” that take place among deputies in other parliaments—for example, those that recently took place in the Italian Senate—what would you say about this kind of “sport” in the Albanian Assembly? so they can continue working. You have been accused in the newspapers several times. How have you taken those accusations? (To be continued on page 4)

The dictator’s deserved end...

Your Excellency, It is a particular pleasure for me, on behalf of the Albanian people and in my own name, to extend to you my warmest greetings on the admission of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the United Nations. This is a historic event for the peoples of your independent state. Admission to the UN and its simultaneous recognition by the international community help guarantee security and stability in the Balkan region and beyond. I am convinced that, through our joint efforts and mutual understanding, we will overcome every obstacle to the further and broader development of comprehensive relations between our countries, because this is in our mutual interest, and in the interests of peace, security, understanding and cooperation among the Balkan countries. I express my deep conviction that the Albanian population living in Macedonia, which is one of the important constituent parts of that state, has also welcomed this important decision of the UN General Assembly, because it creates every opportunity for it to enjoy the legitimate rights to which it is entitled. Please accept, Your Excellency, my most cordial greetings and the assurances of my highest consideration. SALI BERISHA President of the Republic of Albania

In the next issue, you will read: ENVER HOXHA A CHESS PIECE IN THE HANDS OF THE MISSIONARIES OF BELGRADE (Based on a letter by Koço Tashko, preserved in the former Central Archive of the PPSH)