The Democratic Party of Albania, which from the presentation of its first program clearly took a stand in defense of the national cause, thereby correcting a 50-year-old mistake in Albanian politics, which had sacrificed above all pan-Albanian interests, often even bargaining them away. The Albanian DP, after coming to power, also demonstrated a clear course in national policy, particularly with regard to the democratic affirmation of Albanians in Albania and the Balkans, the presentation of their national tragedy, their division among five neighboring states, and the defense of their human and national rights and freedoms wherever they live and make their lives in their ancestral lands. The DP has demonstrated such a measured and peaceful policy in defending the national rights of the Albanians of Kosovo, who make up 90% of the population, and of Albanians living in Greece, known as the “Cham issue,” particularly as a matter of their return to the properties from which they were forcibly displaced. The DP has raised these issues courageously and prudently, relying on the fundamental documents on human freedoms and rights, and above all on the humanitarian principles formulated by the democratic world. This defense of the Albanian cause by the DP and its government has been met with agitation by Serbian-Greek chauvinist circles, from whom there has been no shortage of pressure and blackmail of every kind, familiar to our public. The DP, while claiming the right to defend the pan-Albanian cause, has made every effort to ensure respect for and protection of the rights and freedoms of the minorities in Albania. The Albanian Parliament, “by approving the ‘Charter for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms,’” has legislated the protection of national minorities, including the Greek minority. Nevertheless, the New Democracy Party, at the 16th meeting of the 60 parties of the European Democratic Union held in Budapest from 1 to 3 September 1993, used its veto against the DPA’s admission as a full member of the European Democratic Union, on the pretext that “we do not recognize the rights of the Greek minority.” Yet our legislation, and specifically the aforementioned Charter, has established a position more favorable than that of European and international legislation regarding the protection of minorities. The Charter specifically states: “Everyone is equal before the law and under the law. No one may be discriminated against on the grounds of sex, ethnic race, language, religion, economic status ... or any other circumstance.” In particular, point 9 of this Charter, concerning national minorities, expresses our state’s willingness, commitment, and obligation to grant minorities all the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual arising from international instruments that Albania has signed and is determined to respect. This position of our democratic state in defense of the freedoms and rights of minorities is also specifically expressed in Article 26 of this Charter, which states: “Persons belonging to national minorities have the right to exercise, without any kind of discrimination and on a basis of full equality before the law, the fundamental human rights and freedoms...” This legal provision in fact protects the lives of minorities, including the Greek minority, but the reality in Albania does not prevent New Democracy from pressuring the DPA to make concessions that would violate our national interests. The DP has neither compromised nor will it ever compromise with the Greek alliance for the sake of its party interests—an alliance that is inspiring a new Balkan betrayal. The DP is determined to carry out its historic mission through democratic means and along democratic paths, working toward a solution to the national question and its defense, regardless of the hardships it may face. An example of this was its position at the latest EDU meeting in Budapest, where it refused to bargain over our national cause, convinced that Europe too understands the Albanian position. This is also reflected in Mr. Geoffrey Patti’s statement, in which he emphasizes: “...the DPA meets all the criteria for acceptance into the EDU.” M. BUÇPAPAJ

Visit to Albania by the President of Montenegro, Mr. Momir Bulatoviç Yesterday, at around 8:00, the President of Montenegro, Mr. Momir Bulatoviç, crossed the Albanian border at Han i Hotit. Invited by President Berisha, Bullatoviçi made a short visit to Albania. Yesterday, at around 8:00, the President of Montenegro, Mr. Momir Bullatoviç, crossed the Albanian border at Han i Hotit. Invited by President Berisha, Bullatoviç made a short visit to Albania. During this visit he was also accompanied by Foreign Minister Mr. Miodrag Lekic. Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Bashkim Kopliku had come to Han i Hotit to welcome the President of Montenegro. On the way to Tirana, Bullatoviç and Kopliku stopped in Ishull Lezhë, where they exchanged views on bilateral relations and the role of both countries in the region. “Our peoples will not be at peace if the situation in the Balkans is not at peace,” said Mr. Kopliku. For his part, the Montenegrin president emphasized: “We can and must be good neighbors.” At 12:00, the President of Montenegro, Bullatoviç, was received by the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Sali Berisha. The meeting lasted about an hour and a half, and the foreign ministers of both countries were also present. At the end of the talks, President Berisha and President Bullatoviç made statements to the press. In the afternoon, President Bullatoviç met with Prime Minister Meçki and the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Arnbori. Prepared by, E. PALOKA

«Microsystem» is a new and reputable Hungarian company specializing in the assembly and distribution of electronic equipment. It enjoys extensive investment support from abroad, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, other banks, European and American companies and foundations, etc. Its total capital now amounts to several million US dollars. Its commercial outlets are located throughout Hungary, in the Soviet Union, Romania, etc. With the aim of mutual benefit, this company opened [its facilities] to Albanian private or state partners, near the Representation

to Albania. I am pleased with this visit and want they have had difficult days and bright days in their histories, but one thing is certain: Albanians and Montenegrins share virtues that lead them to respect and honor one another. As their northern neighbors, we have closely followed Montenegro’s relations and policies, and have observed that President Bulatoviç and the Government of Montenegro have taken a more realistic position on the problem of the crisis in the Balkans. When we say this, we do not mean to create any kind of problem; rather, I believe that relations between neighbors are determined, first, by the principles of good neighborliness and, second, by their commitment and determination to respect universal principles and values. These are precisely the two factors that have determined and will determine Albania’s attitude toward its neighbors. With President Bulatoviç, while always respecting the decisions of international institutions, we discussed exploring ways to increase cooperation and exchanges between our two countries. First, I believe that the establishment of this dialogue is and will be an important event in this regard, and I hope that this dialogue, which will be held and continued, will lead to the normalization and practical realization of cooperation in various fields, something that is in the interests of both countries and both peoples. We discussed the embargo, and Albania’s position is known: we have made it public that we will respect the embargo. We feel hurt because the Republic of Montenegro is not a supporter of this position in the region and has adopted a more realistic stance. Our views on the crisis in Bosnia and the situation in Kosovo differ, but this does not prevent us from cooperating in those areas where our views coincide.

inviting us to visit Albania in a special way, given the substance and beliefs that shaped the visit. We are aware of the major problems and challenges of the times in which we live. But we are pleased that Mr. Berisha is sincerely committed to resolving the problems of our region through democratic means and political dialogue. I am glad that Albania and Montenegro are now much closer—not geographically, but because Albania’s major democratic achievements have made it possible for our citizens to communicate directly, without any obstacles, and for national viewpoints to serve as bridges strengthening our cooperation. These are problems and issues for which we have not managed to find a joint solution. They are a reason for further dialogue. But what matters is that Albania and Montenegro have made an important contribution to stability in the Balkan region.

The savings offices were established on August 10, 1949, under the authority of the Albanian State Bank. In 1953, the Savings Offices were also assigned responsibility for carrying out state insurance activities for property, creating the Institute of Savings and Insurance Offices. In 1991, under Law No. 7505, dated 31.7.1991, the Savings Bank was established on the basis of the separation of the Institute of Savings and Insurance Offices. The first deposit was made on 10.10.1991, for 110 USD. The first payment by check was made on 14.10.1991. The first foreign-currency payment abroad was made on 20.11.1991, for 2000 DM. The first letter of credit was opened on 10.12.1991, for 60.000 USD.

A few days ago, the «Korça» folk ensemble of the «V. Mio» cultural center held a tour in Istanbul (Gyrpinari). The ensemble included a dance group and a folk singer from the city and the villages. The artistic director was the composer, Josif Minga. Thanks to his talent and passion, the folk ensemble was able to perform with artistic dignity and showcase the true values of Korça folklore, as well as the values of the groups that took part in this festival: two groups from Macedonia, Cyprus, the Bulgarian group, the Istanbul group, and the ensemble of the ... declared the best. «Korça» was declared the best. Although there were no prizes, the diplomas and commendations given to the Albanian group by the city municipality attest to its success. It is worth emphasizing that the ensemble of the Palace of Culture would not have completed this tour without the very generous help of the two Korçë arts enthusiasts, Spiro Bardhi (Ragami) and Robert Dhima, who sponsored 3 million old lek and helped the ensemble in all its activities. ZAMIRA GJYHA

Interview with Mr. Xhoxhi Çama, director of the Tirana Education Directorate. specialized state and private enterprises in several professions, including construction, photography, wood processing, household-appliance specialists, garment-making, textiles, etc. At other schools, students can continue with three-year vocational education after the second year of general education, where they will be trained as technicians in fields such as hotel management, economics, bricks, hotel work, tourism, etc. IN cooperation with the «H. Fultz» Foundation, the five-year technical school was also restructured. Students there will acquire knowledge in specializations such as general mechanics, transport mechanics, capotner, bllenz, etc. «RD»: How is it intended to resolve the contradiction between the large influx of students wishing to take their places in school and the shortage of premises? Answer: This year, the number of students wishing to enroll in the first grade of secondary schools is very large. In accordance with Ministry of Education Instruction No. 16, dated 1.09.1993, we have taken measures to reduce the number of students in each class to 30. To meet this class-size requirement, the Education Directorate, in cooperation with the Tirana Municipality, identified general secondary schools, also opening the «Demokracia» and «Eqrem Çabej» schools. Although there are many applications to enroll in schools such as «P. N. Luarasi», «Q. Stafa» and «S. Frashëri», the enrollment targets have not yet been met at the «Cajupi», «Demokracia» and «Eq. Çabej» secondary schools. The same phenomenon is occurring among first-grade primary pupils. Because thousands of families are arriving in Tirana from other districts, our forecast for compulsory schooling has been exceeded. «RD»: What criteria have been taken into account when appointing new teachers in the capital’s schools this school year? Answer: Increasing the teaching load of city teachers, reducing the number of students in schools, and considering professional qualifications, such as average grades, postgraduate qualifications, etc. Thus, training has been recommended. We have recommended training. We have hired new teachers according to a points-based assessment, with particular consideration given to those who have lived away from their families to work in Tirana schools at different times; the period of democracy has also greatly reduced employment opportunities. In this way, we have also recommended training for young people. from their families to work in Tirana schools for a long time and who have demonstrated professional qualifications, such as average grades, postgraduate qualifications, etc. «RD»: Will the new textbooks be used in eight-year and secondary schools? Answer: In the 1993–94 school year, textbooks with entirely new content will be introduced, free from the politicization and ideology of the past. The methodological approach is also new. These will include Albanian Language, Biology 6, Biology 12, Chemistry II, Physics 8, Mathematics 6, Mathematics 4, 1/4, etc. «RD»: The country’s qualitative democratic changes have brought many new developments in the world of students regarding behavior and clothing, especially during adolescence and above. Are these very important changes reflected in school regulations, or are the old ones still in force? Answer: Starting from the idea that this is also the first year of the school’s ... I think I can say that rapid democratization

Yesterday, on 15.9.1993, at 9:00 a.m., at the headquarters of the Council of Ministers, a delegation of the Independent Trade Unions of Education of Albania, headed by Mr. Imir Kamba, met with government representatives led by Mr. Aleksandër Meksi. At the meeting, SPASH presented demands concerning the evaluation of teachers’ work and its regulatory aspects, such as the place of education employees in the pay structure, their improved evaluation, and the elements of difficulty and workload standards for the various categories of education employees. The need to create conditions for drafting a collective agreement for education employees was also discussed. On the basis of studies conducted by both parties and discussion of specific issues, it was agreed that conditions would be created within 1993 to address these problems through discussions, and, secondly, that the category of education employees would be incorporated into the pay scale for budget-sector employees, one grade higher, starting from October 1. The Press and Information Office of the Prime Minister

This is the first visit by the President of Montenegro to Albania. I am pleased with this visit and wish to emphasize that our two peoples and our two countries have numerous historical ties. In the past, like all neighbors, they have had difficult and bright days in their history, but one thing is certain: the Albanians

Once again, I would like to thank President Berisha for inviting us to visit Albania, and especially for the substance of the talks we held. We are

In connection with the article published in the newspaper «Saranda», “Who Wants Bloodshed,” and Mr. Butka’s statement published in the newspaper «RD» dated 15.9.93, which are based on an article in an American newspaper dated 7 August 1993 by journalist Henri Kan, I declare: - “As chairman of the Sarandë district council and also as a citizen, when I was interviewed by Mr. Henri, I made no statement calling for ‘changes’ or ‘bloodshed.’ As a Greek minority member living within the borders of the Albanian state, I have stated, and categorically declare, that I oppose changing the borders; we should live as a minority within the borders of the Albanian state, seeking our rights in accordance with the requirements of the CSCE. The Greek minority in Albania has never been the cause or source of disputes and quarrels, but has been an example and has helped preserve peace and order, as well as playing, and continuing to play, a role in bringing the two neighboring peoples closer together. I have consistently done everything possible to put an end to incidents and reduce tensions—not inflame them—even when there have been clashes between individuals or different groups.” VASIL ÇAKO CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT COUNCIL