with Heads of State or Government and Foreign Ministers of various countries during the Vienna Summit, (8-9 October 1993) Mr. Berisha held his first meetings with the President of Austria, Mr. Tomas Klestil, with Chancellor Mr. Franc Vranicki, and with the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, Mr. Daniel Tarschys. They discussed relations between Albania and Austria, the problems of the region and of Europe, and issues of Albania’s economic and democratic development. In the meetings with various figures at the summit, progress achieved by Albania in building democratic institutions and consolidating reforms was highlighted. President Klestil congratulated President Berisha on the results achieved and expressed Austria’s willingness to help Albania. Mr. Berisha met with the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Dr. Janez Drnovshek. The talks covered bilateral relations, opportunities for expanding economic cooperation, as well as the situation in the region. Both sides valued the importance of stability in the Balkans. President Berisha also held meetings with the President of Croatia, Dr. Franjo Tuxhman, with the Prime Minister of Turkey, Mrs. Tansu Çiller, with the Foreign Minister of Italy, Mr. Beniamino Andreatta, with the Foreign Minister of Hungary, and with senior representatives of Germany, France, and other member countries of the Council of Europe. These meetings discussed Albania’s integration into European institutions, relations with neighboring countries, the issue of Kosovo and the rights of Albanians in the region, economic cooperation, aid, and foreign investment. Mr. Berisha’s interlocutors expressed interest in developments in Albania and in the prospects for reform. The new political climate in the country, the strengthening of pluralism and the rule of law, were positively assessed. During the summit there were also other working meetings with foreign ministers and diplomatic representatives. In conclusion, it was emphasized that Albania is gaining increasing attention and support in European forums. (Continued on page 6)

FROM THE SPEECH OF MR. BERISHA AT THE SUMMIT OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE HELD IN VIENNA ON 8-9 OCTOBER 1993 Smith I Vones with a wonderful supplement to the journey that took you to the Council of Europe two and a half years ago. The Council of Europe has remained faithful to its objectives of developing closer cooperation among its members in order to preserve and realize the ideals and principles that are their common heritage, and to facilitate economic and social progress. It is particularly important to stress that the Council of Europe has helped speed up the pace of democratic reforms in my country. As Mr. Klaes pointed out, this second summit of the Council of Europe will expand democracy throughout Europe. Albania strongly supports this summit, because it believes in it and greatly wants the Council of Europe and its decisions to be as effective as possible. In particular, Albania asks the Council of Europe to make its full integration into our continent as easy as possible. This applies not only to Albania, but also to all former communist countries. This is just as important for the developed and free countries of our continent. Forty years of artificial division between our nations, driven by communist ideology, resulted in hundreds of billions of dollars in costs to our economies. Our international security was severely negatively affected by this division and we were forced to pay a very high price for it. However, what we must truly take as a lesson for our generation and for the generations that will follow is what happened during these 40 years. Albania, which was the most isolated country among the former communist states, learned tragically the price it paid because of its isolation and its place on the continent. The life and experience of thousands of my fellow countrymen in other European countries has shown that they are good European citizens. They followed, and continue to follow with enthusiasm, events related to our continent. This is understandable because there were centuries when Albania was part of foreign states and empires, but it never became alien to its own continent. In this way, it falls to us to be members of the council in which we believe so strongly and where we think we can contribute a great deal. Mr. President, On behalf of the Albanian people I sincerely thank you for the high regard you showed for Albania and its reforms. Since the fall of the communist tyranny in my country, we have embraced a very clear vision of what we want to become: a free and democratic country with a market economy. To that end we have built the legal and constitutional foundations of a democratic society. We have reworked a host of important laws and created new democratic institutions. We have promoted a private economy and the free market. The first pluralist elections in my country have resulted in the transfer of power in a peaceful manner. A pluralist political society and a free press have been established. For the first time in its history Albania is a country where the government is criticized every day by the independent press and where public opinion has the right to freely express its assessment of the government. The country's economy has undergone a genuine reform at a high pace. More than 70 percent of the land, more than 80 percent of the housing, and more than 70 percent of small and medium-sized units have been privatized. Measures have been taken to strengthen the banking system and financial discipline. This has made it possible to stabilize the currency and reduce inflation. In the social field, the government has pursued policies aimed at protecting the most needy strata of society. Although the difficulties are great, we are determined to move forward. Our reforms are neither easy nor cost-free, but they are necessary. Albanians are determined to further develop what they have achieved in freedom. We believe that security and stability in Europe cannot be complete without the inclusion of all its countries in democratic institutions and continental cooperation. Therefore Albania seeks to become increasingly involved in European and Atlantic structures. We stand for good neighborliness, regional cooperation, and respect for human rights. We consider peace, tolerance, and coexistence to be fundamental values. In this spirit we will continue our efforts to consolidate democracy and the rule of law. The Vienna Summit marks an important stage in the process of building a united Europe. Albania welcomes this summit and expresses the belief that its decisions will contribute to strengthening European unity and expanding the area of freedom, democracy, and human rights. We believe that Albania’s future is in Europe and that our country will make its own contribution to the European family. (Text according to the edition on the page)

The aim of the latest elections in Greece was to bring about a change in government, which did happen and was accompanied by the hope that Albanian-Greek relations would improve. PASOK’s victory was followed by various comments in the Greek press and in the Albanian press. The election result was seen as an opportunity for a more realistic policy toward Albania and for overcoming earlier tensions. At the same time, it was noted that the remaining problems require ongoing dialogue and goodwill from both sides. (Continued on page 6)

CONGRATULATORY TELEGRAM Mr. PAPANDREOU ATHENS-GREECE Esteemed Mr. PAPANDREOU, Allow me to express my most heartfelt congratulations on your reelection to the high post of Prime Minister of your country. Allow me also to convey to you the sincere wish of the Albanian people and the Albanian government for the development of better relations with your country, in the spirit of friendship, understanding, and cooperation. Wishing you success in your high office, I take this opportunity to express to you my highest consideration. Yours sincerely SALI BERISHA President of the Republic of Albania TIRANA, 11.10.1993 (Continued on page 6)