President Berisha received Zhak de Bans, Chairman of the European Community Monitoring Missions TIRANA — President of the Republic Sali Berisha received Zhak de Bans, Chairman of the European Community Monitoring Missions, accompanied by Leo Dihader, head of the Regional Center based in Albania. The Ambassador and [Bandelori] thanked Albania for the assistance it had provided to the EC monitoring commission in independently gathering the information needed to support preventive measures against rising tensions along the country’s northern borders. He expressed satisfaction that, despite their persistence, Belgrade had not accepted EC Monitoring Missions on the other side of the border, nor the presence of their representatives during movements of the Joint Border Commission in the event of serious incidents in Albania. President Berisha thanked the EC Monitoring Mission in Albania for its neutral work and for its reports reflecting the truth about incidents on the border with the former Yugoslavia. “We are open to your missions,” he said, “because we are in favor of preventing conflict and finding peaceful solutions in the region.” The meeting also discussed the tense situation and developments in the Balkans.

- At first, the PS extremists made a fuss: “Why isn’t the investigation into the Nano case being completed?” Now that the investigation is over, they are shouting the opposite. - Meanwhile, Nano continues his procedural acrobatics, determined to convince the world of the “dictatorship” of the democratic government. - Have the judicial authorities dropped the charges against Nano? The letters and telegrams, delegations and emissaries dispatched across Europe with unprecedented intensity show that the left-wing extremists are making their last desperate efforts to create as dark an image as possible of reality in Albania. This is to provide their leader—the former prime minister accused of forgery and abuse of office—with the “most aristocratic solution.” The essence of their noisy propaganda (apart from their other lies) lies in the alleged illegality of keeping Fatos Nano in detention and in the politicization of the case. As an argument for the latter, the extremists have changed the charge twice, from corruption to abuse of office. This is just one of the acrobatics Nano has taught his followers to use in Europe, because the truth is that the judicial authorities have charged Nano only with abuse of office and forgery. The press has rightly directed accusations of corruption at him, since such conclusions can be reached after looking at the facts that accuse Nano. Through his actions as prime minister, Nano helped “make disappear” 9 million dollars. Why? The evidence held by the justice system proves that Nano broke the law, abused his office and committed forgery, and that as a result of these actions 9 million dollars “disappeared.” But why did Nano do this? Incompetence? He himself claims that then, and now as well, he is the only one capable of competently governing this country. So why did he allow the mismanagement of 9 million? It is from this “why” that the press starts when it speaks of corruption. In any case, the left-wing extremist press has not focused much on whether or not Nano is guilty (and how could it, since Nano himself admitted on TV that he had violated the Constitution?), but rather on certain “violations of the law by the judicial authorities.” The “height” of these alleged “violations,” which are being propagated, is the supposed excessive length of the investigation. Under the law, an investigation into a case may last up to two months; before even two weeks had passed, the socialist press began shouting about the “prolonged investigation.” Every day, letters were sent by socialist groups (it is not known with what money) to the world, emphasizing this “violation,” and they were all published in “ZP.” But then, “unexpectedly,” the investigation ended—and even “prematurely,” before the deadline. The noisy propagandists were left empty-handed and were caught “somewhat” unprepared by this fact, which upset the very basis of their propaganda, planned long in advance. Nevertheless, they defended themselves and immediately switched sides with a typical Nano-style acrobatic move: from shouting “Why is the investigation taking so long?” they irresponsibly began shouting “Why has the investigation ended?” This brings to mind the fable of the donkey that is asked: “What did you give the donkey, something warm or something cold?” The PS leaders do the same thing when they ask: “What shall we do with Fatos—shall we prolong the investigation or finish it?” It is clear why this is done: simply to have another false pretext at hand for protesting. The accused Fatos Nano himself acts with the same clear purpose. He refuses to accept the indictment drawn up by the prosecutor, even to read it. He refuses to sign for receipt of the indictment (which, if he wishes, he may sign or not), and this incident is immediately published on the front page of “ZP.” The police argument… “So, the fact that, in accordance with all legal procedures, the accused is being informed of the indictment constitutes ‘police arrogance.’” Meanwhile, Nano continues his acrobatics, which have long since taken on the form of rather abnormal actions (although Nano is exercising his brain). Thus, as “ZP” writes, the indictment issued to the accused in his cell supposedly later left the cell and “circulated” among the prisoners. It is true that, after such actions, Nano could claim that he had not read the indictment and protest procedural violations, but he should be certain that the justice system will do its duty, no matter how illegal the actions of the accused may be. Anticipating his protest over “procedural violations” (under the law, the accused must be made aware of the indictment at least 10 days before the trial), Nano makes an inexplicable blunder for someone of his intelligence when he publishes in “ZP” the fact that the indictment was handed to him and that he refused to accept it. This means he cannot protest that he was not informed of the indictment. In any case, Nano and his subordinates can continue their acrobatics until the justice system delivers its verdict. EDI PALOKA

- Zhak Artus and Genc Ruli appeared at a press conference at the Palace of Congresses The day before yesterday, Mr. Zhak Artus held a press conference at the Palace of Congresses together with Mr. Genc Ruli. He answered journalists’ questions: Zhak Artus graduated from the University of California with a doctorate in economics. He began working at the IMF in 1969 in the Research Department. In 1985 he transferred to the Africa Department and then, in 1991, to Europe Department No. 1, where he continues to serve as deputy director. Shpëtim Luku (RD): What is the IMF’s assessment of the progress of reform in Albania so far? Zhak Artus: We began the program a year ago, and now we are in its second phase. This is a program of your government, but the IMF is also involved in it, assessing various donors. All the key indicators in Albania are progressing. They are improving, particularly privatization and the agricultural sector. There has been significant growth in agricultural production. Albania has been successful in controlling the rise in inflation. Indeed, in this respect it has exceeded expectations. I want to repeat that Albania ranks first in terms of growth in gross domestic product. This is also explained by the starting point, which was difficult—more difficult than in other countries that have entered this process. It is fair to say that the forecast for growth was 1,000 [sic?] per [unclear], while the forecast is 7–8 percent, whereas for other countries it fluctuates between 4–5 percent. Agron Bala (Albanian TV): What will happen in the second phase of the reform? Zhak Artus: Three months ago we began the second program, which will last three years. Its aim is economic and structural stabilization. The Albanian government is certainly moving forward with privatization, restructuring the banking sector and building economic infrastructure, and the IMF will support its efforts. The advantage of our support in the second phase will be that financing will be provided at a low interest rate of only 0.5 percent. Briseida Mema (AFP): How much assistance has been committed, in figures? Zhak Artus: 60 million dollars. Andrea Stefane (Gazeta Shqiptare): How was the production figure calculated, since the Institute of Statistics has no data on total production for 1993? Zhak Artus: It is natural that the Institute of Statistics does not have data, and perhaps another year will be needed before official estimates for 1993 are available. Our preliminary estimate covers the entire economy, for gross national product. It is also a general estimate, and the measurement is carried out as in Italy. Shpëtim Luku (RD): Has the IMF really supported the social protection scheme applied here? Zhak Artus: When we decide whether or not to support a country, that decision is made on the basis of several criteria, the most important of which is that the country’s program be reasonable. Of course, we also take into account what we call increased protection, because when an economy is restructured, many people need protection as they lose their jobs. Given your government’s limited resources, they must be used well. My answer to your question is this: it is doing what it can. Genc Ruli: In reforms such as the one Albania is undergoing, the social aspect and the coverage of the reform are also important. The progress of these processes does not always go hand in hand with social problems. Specialists and non-specialists alike have often suggested applying the same social scheme as in developed countries, forgetting that the opposite also needs to be put in place at the same time. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that the share of the state budget allocated to social protection is higher than in countries that apply advanced social schemes. RD correspondent

- Albania—the Assembly’s youngest member— - Copenhagen, 7–11 October 1993 - The 39th Session of the North Atlantic Assembly was held in Copenhagen on 7–11 October. An Albanian delegation took part, headed by Mr. Petrit Minga, along with Ms. Mira Kauri, a PDSH parliamentarian, and Mr. Ruzhdi Pluha, a PSDSh parliamentarian. - Copenhagen, 7–11 October 1993 - The 39th Session of the North Atlantic Assembly was held in Copenhagen on 7–11 October. An Albanian delegation took part, headed by Mr. Petrit Minga, along with Ms. Mira Kauri, a PDSH parliamentarian, and Mr. Ruzhdi Pluha, a PSDSh parliamentarian. The session addressed very important issues relating to NATO’s further restructuring in light of the new circumstances created in the Eastern European bloc, and particularly the extremely dramatic situation in Russia. A separate session addressed the issue of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the region of the former Yugoslavia and Kosovo. Many speakers who took the floor focused on the latter issue, including the President of the Assembly, Mr. Loie Bodinard, and the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mr. Pani Nyrup Rasmussen. On behalf of the Albanian delegation, Mr. Petrika Minga spoke, analyzing the situation in the region and the Albanian Parliament’s position on regional issues, and presenting the Berisha plan for establishing peace in the Balkans, particularly in Kosovo. The speech aroused the interest of all those present in the hall and of the leaders of the North Atlantic Assembly. At the end, the President of the North Atlantic Assembly, Mr. Bouvard, called Albania the Assembly’s youngest member and expressed his wish to visit Albania in the near future. NORA PROZIMI Secretary of the Delegation

From the People’s Assembly At last, the Albanian press faces its own “traffic light”! - The draft law “On the Press” is approved article by article and in its entirety - For unlawful violations of responsibilities, fines from 10,000 to 300,000 lekë - The obligation to assume responsibility, temporary seizure and confiscation are also sanctioned - Yes, the Albanian press, or the “fourth power,” as the press is generally called, is at last, like all the other powers, facing its own “traffic light.” That is, the law, which it must respect as a self-imposed obligation, a moral, ethical-judicial and legal norm, and to which it is subject at the same time as enjoying the rights and freedoms of the Albanian people today. Albania, the press and all those who possess the qualities of “philologists” … It is known that values are vital to a civilized society, and one of them is the law. The “Law on the Press” in Albania arises from an indispensable need, with the aim of affirming, guaranteeing and safeguarding the individual freedom of its society. Its implementation against it… (text partly illegible) During this session, in addition to the assessments previously submitted by the relevant committees, there were other comments, in which— (continued on page 4)

The “Saudi Kembell” company will invest in Albania. Its president, Sheikh Khalib Alireza, met with senior Albanian state officials—the Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi, Deputy Prime Minister Bashkim Kopliku, Minister of Finance and Economy Genc Ruli, and Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy Abdyll Xhaja—and discussed possible areas and concrete interests for his company’s investment. . Its president, Sheikh Khalib Alireza, met with senior Albanian state officials—the Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi, Deputy Prime Minister Bashkim Kopliku, Minister of Finance and Economy Genc Ruli, and Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy Abdyll Xhaja—and discussed possible areas and concrete interests for his company’s investment. The fields of greatest interest to the company are the copper industry, oil, tourism and telecommunications. Through the Islamic Bank, the company will establish Albanian telecommunications with 10 million dollars to set up a mobile telephone system. This sector will mark the company’s first investment step in Albania. The Albanian side informed Sheikh Alireza that conditions for foreign investors in Albania are favorable and the legislation is comprehensive; in particular, investments should be made as quickly as possible.

On Thursday, 14 October 1993, at 10:00, at the Palace of Congresses, the Chairman of the PDSH, Mr. Eduard Selami, will hold a press conference on the party’s election campaign. PDSH Spokesperson