“Everything is better in Albania” - “everything is better in Albania” PRESS CONFERENCE: BERISHA-MAITER Yesterday, in the press room of the Palace of Congresses, within the framework of the visit of the French president François Mitterrand to our country, a joint press conference was held by the president of the USA, George Bush? [?], and the chairman of the PS? [?], during which the two spoke with the press. PRESIDENT MITERRAND: The visit of President Mitterrand to Albania remains HISTORIC. President Mitterrand has been in Paris for the first time in France. [?] FORMER PRESIDENT MAITER: In the presence of students? [?], addressing thousands of people, in the whole of civic matters, Mr. Berisha, in the presence of your government, I have followed this Albania with interest. Your country has been for us French people a symbol of resistance to totalitarianism, of the courage of governance? [?]. The people met in the cities of your country and in your capital Tirana, in the meetings held with the press, have shown a readiness to move forward with determination, as befits a European country. The Albanians will move forward with their ideas. Albanians need the help of their own country? [?], but they want to decide their own fate. Albania has not come here to present its economic and financial problems, but to present its will to build a modern state. Europe must understand that Albania is a country that earns respect. The Albanian people know that freedom is a victory worth more than anything else. Everything new is beautiful and important, but the most important thing is freedom. Journalists asked us about the economic and social situation. These difficulties are real, but you have won what is fundamental: the opportunity to choose, to speak, to write, to vote. That is the basis of every democratic society. In Albania I see a new energy, a desire to build, to move toward Europe. There is much to do, but this country has entered the road of freedom. I am convinced that with the help of its friends and the courage of the Albanian people, Albania will achieve success. Continues on page 4

“PARLIAMENT IS THE SQUARE OF MEN”.... A PROVING GROUND FOR EVERYONE “From each session of today, the bricks of democracy? [?] will be built in the future with your vote. This is a job for men. So XII? repeated the same expression that also marked the formation of the National Council...” This is a figure? from the 19th century? used? in a special way by the English historian Macaulay? [?], to express a major notion of political life. This expression is used to underline that parliament is the arena where character is measured, where responsibilities are tested, where words gain weight and where the fate of reforms is decided. In our new parliament, which emerged from the first pluralist elections, this idea takes on a special meaning. The deputies represent not only their parties, but also the citizens’ hopes for the rule of law, a market economy, and functioning institutions. Every session is a test. Every debate is an opportunity to show maturity, political culture, and a sense of responsibility. Many citizens follow with great interest what happens in the Assembly hall. They want to hear arguments, not insults; proposals, not blockages; laws, not noise. Therefore parliament is a proving ground for everyone: for the majority that governs, for the opposition that challenges, for the leadership that directs, and for the ordinary deputy who votes. In the end, the strength of democracy is not measured by the tone of voice, but by the quality of decisions. Parliament must be the place where the interests of the country are placed above narrow party interests. Only in this way does the square of men become a school of freedom and citizenship. Continues on page 4

Pandeli Majko? demonstration from the parliamentary depod? . Pandeli Majko? [?] demonstration[?] by the deputies of the parliamentary committee? [?]. In the studio, the girl? of the presentation? the process of the start of the session was being determined? and the voting procedure was being followed? at the entrance. Yesterday brought to the hall an atmosphere charged with expectation. The deputies entered one by one, greeted each other, exchanged brief remarks and took their respective seats. In the corridors there was talk about the agenda, about the draft laws that were expected and about the debates that could open during the session. On the side of the opposition? [?], before the discussion opened, frequent movements and consultations were noticed. In the benches of the majority there was a relative calm, but even there it was felt that the session would be of special interest. When the leadership took its seats, the noise subsided and attention turned to the rostrum. In the hall there was also no shortage of deputies who, with gestures and brief comments, tried to set the tone of the debate. But the parliamentary procedure was followed correctly and the session began according to the rules. It remains to be seen whether the discussions will bring the positions closer together or lead to new clashes between the parties. (Continues on page 4)

National Democracy DURING THE ALTERNATIVE PRESENTED AND THE WORK TO BE IMPLEMENTED, EXTREMES - SIFT E MATTE TE PS-? Z. DOKLE WITH FRIENDS ? Skull-breaking Dragging of victims Defense of crime and corruption Violation of laws Release from prison of bilkomens and their old privileges GO AND FIND ANOTHER PLACE TO IMPLEMENT IT, MR. DOKLE, BECAUSE IN DEMOCRATIC ALBANIA YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED WHO

OF HUMAN COURAGE TO LEAVE BEHIND THE BITTER PAST AND TO MOVE TOWARD FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY. ALBANIA WORKS FOR PEACE IN THE BALKANS. Jimmy Carter