NATIONAL NEWS Today's news from the USA about the former Albanian president puts an end to speculation, by making his departure from the country official. In yesterday's farewell in the USA, he thanked President Bush, Mr. Berisha, the American government, his lawyers, and especially 20-year-old Elisa B. for her bravery and courage. Sokol Pollali, after a long break, is now officially in the USA. In the presence of his European and Albanian relatives, and a group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers, the former president said farewell yesterday at lunch in the "Ramada" hotel in Philadelphia, before heading to Tirana. Present were his lawyers and representatives from the offices of senators Bob Dole, the Republican from Kansas, as well as senator Joseph Biden, Democrat of Delaware. In his farewell speech, Pollali recalled the great support he had received from President Bush, Mr. Berisha, the American government and his lawyers. Most of all, he thanked the young 20-year-old American woman, Elisa B., for the courage and bravery she showed in defending him during the difficult months. In tears, Elisa embraced him and said she would always hold him in respect. The news of Pollali's departure from Albania was also confirmed by sources close to the American embassy in Tirana. According to them, he will stay temporarily in the USA for health and security reasons.

Comrade Doko says that... President Berisha, with his own sense of humor, sharply mocked yesterday the commentary of the "voice" taking part in the opposition squabbles that are emerging in Kosovo. He said he felt sorry for this editor's cultural level, which would be moved by three literary lines from the glorious life of dictator Hoxha. As someone who had himself led that period with the high authority of the Albanian state, President Berisha said he was convinced that the long history of the Albanians could no longer be turned back to such regressive politics. In his remarks, he described the extreme left as frightened by the country's democratic steps. On March 22, the day when the walls of the communist regime were torn down across the country and the era of free elections began, no one could imagine how difficult it would be to build new institutions. But the democratic government, despite many obstacles, has made visible progress in the economy, in opening up to the world, and in returning Albania to the road of normality. These advances, according to the President, are precisely what terrify the left-wing extremists. The President stressed that democracy is not built on class hatred, nostalgia for the past, or attacks on the free press. He underlined that Albania is moving toward European integration and that Stalinist-style political attacks only reveal the panic of those who lost their privileges with the fall of the dictatorship. He also dwelt on relations with Kosovo, recalling that democratic Albania will always support the rights of Albanians there, but without falling prey to provocations and manipulations by extremist voices. In the end, the President called on citizens to keep calm, work for the rule of law, and not fall victim to propaganda of hatred.

- From Mr. Pjetër Arbnori in the Albanian delegation to Congress - TIRANA. - Today Mr. Pjetër Arbnori and Mrs. Luljeta Pango left for the USA for the meeting of young European leaders. They will take part in a conference organized on the initiative of American congressman Tom Lantos and senator Dennis DeConcini. At the same time, an Albanian delegation will hold meetings with American congressmen and senators on the Kosovo issue, bilateral relations, and aid for democratic reforms in Albania. In his remarks before departure, Mr. Arbnori said the talks would focus on the dramatic situation in Kosovo, the need to raise international awareness, and the importance of American support for stability in the region. He said the Albanian delegation would present the country's progress in the fields of democracy and the economy, as well as concrete needs for aid and investment. According to Mr. Arbnori, Albania wants to be the measured voice of Albanians in the region, seeking peaceful solutions, respect for human rights, and protection for the Albanian population in Kosovo. He stressed that the democratic world cannot remain indifferent in the face of repression and tensions in former Yugoslavia. The delegation is also expected to meet with representatives of the Albanian-American community, as well as with non-governmental organizations that follow developments in the Balkans. The trip was seen as an opportunity to strengthen ties with the USA and increase international support for Albania.

On 27 August 1993, at lunchtime, our correspondent in Athens and the well-known journalist of the Italian media in Italy, Mr. Anton Ceka, was threatened in the middle of Tirana by the suspected author of [Ze-?], the convicted Hasan Asllani. Accompanied by 4 men armed with pistols, he made pressure and open death threats against him and his family. Mr. Ceka was preparing an article about the rape of several minors in the Dibra area and the links between the perpetrators and criminal networks and segments of the former Sigurimi. According to the journalist's testimony, the threats stopped him near a café, demanded that he withdraw the article from publication, and warned him that he would "end badly" if he continued the investigation. The incident was reported to the police, but so far there has been no adequate response. This serious attack on press freedom has caused concern among journalists and human rights organizations. The perpetrators are being urged to be arrested immediately and protection guaranteed for journalists who investigate organized crime and its political ties.

A cooperation protocol is signed between Tirana and Ljubljana The Municipality of Tirana and the Municipality of Ljubljana signed a cooperation protocol yesterday to strengthen relations between the two capitals. The agreement provides for exchanges of experience in urban planning, transport, public services, culture, and local administration. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of local government, urban planning specialists, and delegations from both cities. The importance of regional cooperation and the need to learn from the positive experiences of European cities in urban management were emphasized. According to municipal leaders, this protocol is an important step toward modernizing Tirana and improving services for citizens. The Slovenian side expressed its readiness to share its expertise in city planning and municipal infrastructure. At the same time, the Municipality of Tirana also announced a series of cultural and civic activities that will take place in the coming weeks, as part of the city's opening to international cooperation.

An agreement is signed on close cooperation in the field of rail transport between Albania, represented by Mr. Mimisit, and Austria. An agreement is signed between the governments of Albania and Austria. Favourable agreements are signed for transport and telecommunications. The Albanian and Austrian timetable in the air transport sector. The Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, Mr. Fatos Bitinçka, paid an official visit to Austria, where he held meetings with his counterparts and with representatives of state transport companies. During the visit, opportunities for cooperation in rail and air transport, and in telecommunications, were discussed. According to the official announcement, an agreement was signed aimed at facilitating rail links and creating more favorable conditions for the movement of goods and passengers. The Albanian side emphasized the importance of foreign investment and technical support for modernizing the national transport network. The meetings also addressed the possibility of expanding cooperation in air transport and telecommunications services, as part of Albania's efforts to move closer to European standards.

The Mayor of Tirana received a Slovak delegation arriving from Croatia. During the meeting, they discussed relations between local government bodies, cultural cooperation, and opportunities for joint investments. The delegation expressed interest in Tirana's experience in the process of urban transformation and in opportunities for exchanges in various fields of local administration. The reception took place in a friendly atmosphere and was seen as another step toward expanding contacts with countries in Central Europe.

Blera of Saturday in Shna, the beam's Blera and ??? Carried out: given by God Pashko to ??? [?] On 18 August 1993, at 17:00, the chairwoman of the United College of Strasbourg [?], Rom? to ???, the 7-page minutes of the PS press conference with its signatory. For a legal resolution of the alr? police informant action, criminal proceedings are under way against 2 persons and 3 other persons. Read more on page 4 of RD.