The President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, received yesterday in a meeting the delegation of the Party for Democratic Prosperity (PDP) of Macedonia, headed by its chairman Mr. Nevzat Halili. The difficult situation Macedonia is going through was discussed at the meeting. The two sides talked about economic and political developments and the continuing growth of Greater-Serbian annexation against Macedonia, as one of the most serious dangers threatening this country. Views were exchanged regarding the situation created by the declaration of the Security Council embargo and Greece's blockade against Macedonia. Both sides expressed the opinion that without an agreement among Macedonian political forces, it is difficult to find a solution to the economic and political blockade. They also said that without international recognition of Macedonia under its constitutional name and without recognition of the human rights of the Albanian people living in Macedonia, this country will have great difficulty getting out of this situation. President Berisha, condemning the chauvinist and anti-Albanian policies of the Skopje government, which is denying that people elementary human and political rights, as well as the danger facing Kosovo today and the Albanian population living there from Belgrade's neo-communist policy, declared that the Albanian factor in the region could be a decisive factor for peace and stability in the Balkans. This was welcomed with satisfaction by the PDP delegation, led by Mr. Halili, who said that the time has come for the Albanian issue in Macedonia to be internationalized. In this context, Mr. Halili emphasized the importance of the role of the Albanian factor as the only element with a Western mindset, which supports democracy and freedom, as well as the peaceful resolution of the crisis in the former Yugoslavia. At the end of the meeting, both sides reiterated the need for ongoing mutual coordination of positions and actions in the interests of the Albanians of Macedonia and Kosovo in order to avoid the catastrophe that has engulfed the former Yugoslavia and to help peace and stability in the Balkans.

Officially invited by the parliamentary group of the European Conservative Party, the chairman of the Democratic Party of Albania, Mr. Eduard Selami, has left today for Brussels and Strasbourg. During his stay in Belgium, Mr. Selami will hold meetings with representatives of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, while in Strasbourg he will hold talks with the senior authorities of the Council of Europe concerning the latest democratic developments in Albania and especially the recent progress in the democratization process. Official sources say that Mr. Selami will explain to these institutions the policy of the opposition forces and their opposition to the Albanian government regarding economic and democratic reforms. A1SH

The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, received on Sunday at his headquarters the secretary of the Coordinating Council of the Albanian-American Associations based in New York, Congressman Jozef DioGuardi, together with his wife Shirley Cloyes. President Rugova informed Congressman DioGuardi and his wife about the current situation in Kosovo. Dr. Ibrahim Rugova expressed optimism about developments and the positive progress of the Kosovo issue in the international community. He highly praised the activity of the Albanian-American Associations and the special attention that Congressman DioGuardi is showing toward Kosovo and the Albanians. President Rugova gave the guests, as a memento of their visit to Prishtina, his photo book “Refleksione.” At Prishtina's airport and in the city of Prishtina, during their departure, a group of Serbian police officers forcibly stopped the vehicle in which Congressman DioGuardi was traveling with his wife and their interpreter, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo in the USA, Agim Karagjozi. For about an hour, Serbian police kept them blocked, mistreating and threatening the congressman and his companions. Regarding this repressive act, Mr. DioGuardi told journalists: “The responsibility for this belongs to the government in Belgrade and to all Serbs. The Serbian police treated me like an Albanian. This does not surprise me because they have not been able to hide their racism even in relation to Jews. For these reasons, the American government must put much greater pressure on Serbia than it has done so far.” A1SH

In vain does the Socialist Party “line up” speeches defending the so-called “national issue,” while it is dragging out and delaying democratic reforms in our country for narrow party interests. We hear such a “song” from the Socialist Party often, whenever they want to position themselves (just as they have done for 45 years in a row) in our society as the “standard-bearers” of the so-called “national issue,” spreading slander and accusing the democratic forces with unfounded claims. When their theses and principles are shaken, they “launch themselves” at Kosovo. This long-known tactic is used under the current conditions when the country is going through a difficult phase of transition and is facing major challenges both politically and economically. The Democratic Party of Albania had thought that the time had come to put political conflicts and divergences behind us for the sake of major issues concerning the country and especially Kosovo, which is in an extremely delicate situation. Yet instead of support from the social-communist opposition, we are seeing a completely opposite effort. The Democratic Party of Albania did the same on the occasion of the proposal made by Mr. Pjetër Arbnori for the joint struggle of all political forces against the repressive Serbian policy in Kosovo. However, the Socialist Party did not respond to this proposal of national public value. Perhaps because in these dark times this party needs to “secure a place” in the socialist bodies of Europe, sparing neither means nor forms to get there. It is enough to remind Albanian public opinion how humiliating the campaign by Albanian socialists against President Rugova is, a campaign that began with various slanders and continues with vile ceremonies, such as the one they reserved for Mr. Akif [?/Akti?] Olgën, (chairman of the so-called Kosovo Government in exile), who was presented in exactly the same way and with the same face as we have known and seen him for many years. The Democratic Party of Albania is aware of the dangers threatening the Kosovo issue and therefore strongly denounces this tactic being used by the Socialist Party. One cannot play with the sharp problems of a people under the Serbian yoke and present oneself as its “defender” and “savior.” On the contrary, such a policy must be exposed to the end. The Democratic Party of Albania believes that the solution to the Kosovo problem must be achieved by political means, ensuring for the Albanians of Kosovo a status that allows them to enjoy full freedom and rights within the framework of the processes of European democratic developments. Despite some petty voices in our country, it must be stressed that comprehensive support for the Albanian factor in Kosovo must not be anyone's monopoly, and even less an instrument for realizing selfish party aims. The fairest and most honest path is that of supporting the efforts of the Albanian people of Kosovo themselves for freedom and independence. Two views expressed by Dr. Ibrahim Rugova at different times should never be forgotten. Precisely when the Kosovo government in exile and its role and contribution were being called into question, Dr. Rugova clearly stated that “it is necessary for Kosovo institutions to be compact and for no one's authority to be undermined.” On this occasion as well, regarding the so-called Kosovo parliament in exile, Dr. Rugova openly expressed his opinion that “this government does not represent Kosovo.” A1SH THE POSITION

In the Assembly, draft laws were discussed on the restitution and compensation of property as well as on compensation in the value of agricultural land Deputy Islami Xhekri said at the beginning of his speech that the problem now is to move from the socialist economy to the market economy. Without this transformation, we do not have economic freedom. The Democratic Party of Albania took this step first in Eastern Europe so that the legitimate owners would regain their property. The 1991 land law separated land from the state fund in an unfair manner. In this reform, the rights of 300,000 former owners and hundreds of thousands of citizens were denied. This constitutes a great injustice. This injustice was experienced not only by former owners but also by tenants. This situation appears quite absurd. The aim of the Albanian government has been for private property to be recognized and for compensation in property to be made for former owners. We hope that this law will mark a turning point in the policy of correcting the injustices of the past. This is one of the most democratic initiatives the Albanian government will undertake. I ask opposition deputies to vote for it. Later, Deputy Sabri Godo assessed that there is a mismatch between the government draft and the amendment submitted by the specialists. He pointed out that there are inconsistencies in the wording of the articles. Mr. Godo said it is to be welcomed that the government is trying to solve a very delicate and sensitive problem. He mentioned some inaccuracies found in this bill. “We must vote for this bill in order to correct a historical injustice,” Mr. Godo said at the end. Deputy Spartak Ngjela said that the government draft is much clearer than the amendments prepared by the specialists. He stated that commissions should not be set up to investigate where the properties came from. They acquired them with documents before 1944. He said that the current state properties are confiscated properties. An unfair process has begun that is moving toward division. “The specialists' use of the formula may have a certain political undertone.” Parliament Speaker Pjetër Arbnori, intervening in the discussion, pointed out that there should be restrictions on private land, so that the rights of all citizens are respected, but not through criteria. Deputy Nuri Veizi said that this bill is of first-rate importance and must be voted on. “I am giving my vote to this bill. We have worked for 35 years to establish justice. Every day of delay in returning property to former owners will discriminate against them. There are differences between the government's draft and that of the specialists, but I am in favor of property being returned to the owners. I ask the Albanian government not to sell land that has been occupied unfairly.” The chairman of the Democratic Party of Albania, Mr. Eduard Selami, speaking about the opposition's request for property restitution, said that the opposition has the right to make remarks, but after the 300th anniversary in Albania the institutions of private property are being built, and the state is acting as guarantor in this process. A1SH

Miss Albania ’92 After a long and successful career as secretary of the exchange circles of the organization of “writers” and “artists,” the public's eye turned to the young journalist Elvana Hoxha, who was to win the special title of “Miss Albania 92.” At first, Vera Çaborga, it seems, had been occupied with taking care of her family and her two small children, twins. But her little dog, named Mario, also taught her how to swim. Nevertheless, Vera is now preparing and wants to challenge herself in a beauty contest. “My measurements are 86-60-88,” she says; “I never had any intention of becoming a photo model. But now I am determined to try.” More details about her answers are provided to our journalist by Vera in her first exclusive interview given to “RD”. Taken from “Top Secret”

On Monday afternoon, at the Congress Hall in Tirana, the legal seminar “Human Rights in the Administration of Justice” opened, under the care and patronage of the Ministry of Justice and in cooperation with the Human Rights Centre in Geneva. The seminar, which will last until 16 April, was attended by Mr. Antonio Cassese, special rapporteur of the United Nations Commission on the former Yugoslavia; Professor Vincenzio Caianiello, president of the Constitutional Court of Italy; Mr. Christian Tomushat[?], director of the Institute of International Law in Bonn; Professor Vitore Pocar, president of the Institute of International Law in Milan; Mr. Dragolja Paunoviç, senior lawyer at the International Criminal Court in The Hague; Professor Antonio Pizzoruso, member of the Superior Council of the Magistracy in Italy. Also taking part in the seminar were several legal experts, foreign citizens, as well as senior officials of the Albanian judiciary. The Minister of Justice, Mr. Bashkim Kopliku, called the seminar in his speech “a great and important event.” As is known, the Albanian government and the Ministry of Justice are making serious efforts to create modern legislation, to build a new judicial administration, and to improve the judicial infrastructure. “This is a very important initiative because, for the first time, the structures of the Albanian justice system are having the opportunity to come into contact with well-known specialists and professors of Western jurisprudence,” said Minister Kopliku. A1SH

The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, received on Sunday at his headquarters the secretary of the Coordinating Council of the Albanian-American Associations based in New York, Congressman Jozef DioGuardi, together with his wife Shirley Cloyes. Rugova's photo book “Refleksione” was a publication of 180 pages with color photographs from his life and activity. It presents moments from his daily political activity as well as his meetings with high political personalities from Western countries. His laughter is endless. Congressman DioGuardi, taking the book “Refleksione,” told President Rugova that he would look through it carefully. A1SH

ENGLISH RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE — newspaper of the Democratic Party of Albania. No. 340, Wednesday, 14 April 1993, Year III of publication, Price 5 lekë. President Berisha received a delegation of the PDP of Macedonia headed by Nevzat Halili. The talks focused on the difficult situation in Macedonia, the blockade, recognition of Macedonia under its constitutional name, and the rights of Albanians in Macedonia and Kosovo. Mr. Selami left for Brussels and Strasbourg at the invitation of the European Conservative Party parliamentary group. He was expected to meet representatives of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. President of the Republic of Kosovo Dr. Ibrahim Rugova received congressman Joseph DioGuardi and Shirley Cloyes. The text describes the situation in Kosovo and an incident in Prishtina involving Serbian police. An opinion piece titled “Old Deceptive Tactic” attacks the Socialist Party for exploiting the Kosovo issue while delaying democratic reforms, and argues that support for Kosovo should not be monopolized for party aims. From the People's Assembly: draft laws were discussed on restitution and compensation of property and compensation in the value of agricultural land. Speakers included Xhekri Islami, Sabri Godo, Spartak Ngjela, Pjetër Arbnori, Nuri Veizi and Eduard Selami. A legal seminar titled “Human Rights in the Administration of Justice” opened in Tirana under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice and in cooperation with the Human Rights Centre in Geneva. A feature on Miss Albania '92 Vera Çaborga says she seeks to challenge herself and prepares for a beauty contest. ITALIANO RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE — giornale del Partito Democratico d'Albania. N. 340, mercoledì 14 aprile 1993, III anno di pubblicazione, prezzo 5 lekë. Il presidente Berisha ha ricevuto una delegazione del PDP della Macedonia guidata da Nevzat Halili. I colloqui hanno riguardato la difficile situazione in Macedonia, il blocco, il riconoscimento della Macedonia con il suo nome costituzionale e i diritti degli albanesi in Macedonia e Kosovo. Il signor Selami è partito per Bruxelles e Strasburgo su invito del gruppo parlamentare del Partito Conservatore Europeo. Era previsto che incontrasse rappresentanti del Parlamento Europeo e del Consiglio d'Europa. Il presidente della Repubblica del Kosovo, dott. Ibrahim Rugova, ha ricevuto il congressista Joseph DioGuardi e Shirley Cloyes. Il testo descrive la situazione in Kosovo e un incidente a Pristina con la polizia serba. Un commento intitolato “Vecchia tattica ingannatrice” attacca il Partito Socialista per lo sfruttamento della questione del Kosovo mentre ritarda le riforme democratiche, e sostiene che il sostegno al Kosovo non debba essere monopolizzato per fini di partito. Dall'Assemblea Popolare: sono stati discussi i progetti di legge sulla restituzione e compensazione delle proprietà e sulla compensazione nel valore della terra agricola. Sono intervenuti Xhekri Islami, Sabri Godo, Spartak Ngjela, Pjetër Arbnori, Nuri Veizi ed Eduard Selami. A Tirana si è aperto un seminario giuridico intitolato “I diritti dell'uomo nell'amministrazione della giustizia”, sotto gli auspici del Ministero della Giustizia e in cooperazione con il Centro per i Diritti dell'Uomo di Ginevra. Un servizio su Miss Albania '92 Vera Çaborga afferma che vuole sfidare se stessa e si prepara a un concorso di bellezza.