Yesterday morning Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi received the Greek Foreign Minister, Karolos Papulias. Mr. Papulias conveyed to Mr. Meksi the warm greetings of the Greek Prime Minister, Mr. Papandreu, and expressed his pleasure at this meeting. “Greeks and Albanians are two ancient peoples, friends with a shared history,” said Mr. Papulias. Today, the PASOK government is interested in, and has the goodwill for, excellent Greek-Albanian relations. Together we can advance bilateral projects as well as those with the European Community. There are broad areas for cooperation. “Mr. Papulias put forward the idea of setting up a joint commission on the problem of economic refugees—[text continues beyond the visible edge] During the conversation, the Greek Foreign Minister expressed interest in the problems of the minority, their education in the Greek language, etc. Prime Minister Meksi expressed to Mr. Papulias the Albanian government’s interest in pursuing a concrete, open policy with neighboring Greece, while respecting the sovereign rights of both countries, and its readiness to carry out cooperation projects in banking, investment, infrastructure, etc. “The important thing is for governments to seek dialogue on the problems that exist between the two countries,” Mr. Meksi said. The mee-[text continues beyond the visible edge] [Right-hand column:] ting of experts on the refugee problem is urgent. To facilitate contacts between the two peoples, it is necessary to open two new border crossings at “Tre urat” and “Sajadhe.” “Both governments,” Mr. Meksi continued, “must commit themselves to preventing anti-Albanian and anti-Greek propaganda, and to finding ways to resolve the problems of the Cham people and church property.” Mr. Meksi expressed the Albanian government’s readiness to address the issue of education for the Greek-speaking minority within the framework of the education law. Announcement from the Press and Information Office of the Prime Minister

The conference of the Democratic Party branch of Malësia e Madhe held its proceedings Mr. Selami, Mr. Arbnori, Democratic Party deputies, etc., attended. The Democratic Party branch for the district of Malësia e Madhe held its proceedings on Sunday, 14 November 1993, in the cinema hall in Koplik. Those attending the meeting included the chairman of the Democratic Party, Mr. Eduard Selami; the party’s representative for the new elections in this district, Mr. Pjetër Arbnori, Speaker of the People’s Assembly; and MPs Ndue Gjika, Simon Puka, Uran Butka, etc. The conference was opened by the secretary of the Democratic Party branch of Malësia e Madhe, Mr. Gjon Luli, who invited the branch chairman, Mr. Nikolin Narka, to present the main report on the party’s activities during the year since the branch was formed. The Democratic Party section should be seen as an object of trust for the people “Our entire effort,” emphasized the Democratic Party branch chairman, Mr. Narka, “has been directed toward organizing the sections and placing them on a proper regulatory footing, so that information, party life and communication with the people can function. The Democratic Party’s focus on intellectuals does not mean diminishing the role of other social strata.” In his lengthy dialogue with the people of Malësia, Mr. Eduard Selami emphasized that the role of other social strata. “The way we have intervened to solve their problems has led people to see the section as something they can trust. To this end, we have held meetings not only with members but also with Democratic Party supporters, which has ensured that we are fully informed and understand the situation. Conditions are difficult, especially because of the slow distribution of land (30–40 percent) and the lack of state-sector jobs for people. Our district,” Mr. Narka emphasized, “should also benefit in this respect from jobs at the customs service and at the international station in Bajzë. The recruitment of 163 new members, 42 of whom have higher education, shows that trust in the Democratic Party section and in the Democratic Party itself is growing. the role of other social strata. The Democratic Party is a—[text cut off at the lower edge] …all according to their specializations. This not only respects creative intellectual thought, but also makes them feel more involved in the processes of building a Democratic Albania, taking on responsibilities and communicating directly with their party about all the problems concerning Albania. Events in Eastern Europe showed that we must act quickly and competently, working and correcting ourselves as we go. In this sense, we must also coordinate our work, because we will all pay together for the mistakes of either side. You are far behind in distributing the land. Land law has drawn objections from landowners, but it is a law that favors the absolute majority of Albanians, and we will not waver from this position. There are many reasons for this position: 50 years have intervened, the population has quadrupled, and there are numerous social problems. This means that any reversal would come at a high cost. Landowners are a minority, and the Democratic Party has taken every measure not to disappoint them, but it is al-[text cut off at the lower edge] …who are among the Democratic Party’s steadfast supporters,” Mr. Selami concluded. After speeches by delegates and guests, Mr. Pjetër Arbnori, the Democratic Party representative for this branch, took the floor. He emphasized that those elected to local government should coordinate their work with the Democratic Party and help it restructure itself. Finally, the conference proceeded to new elections. Mr. Nikolin Narka was elected the new Democratic Party chairman. MUJE BUÇPAPAJ a [?] answer [?]them. All our work, emphasized the chairman of the PD branch, Mr. Narko, on a proper normative footing, so that information, party life, and communication with people can function. When we speak of communication with people, we have made efforts to be closer to people’s hardships. In our district, the PD holds power, but exercising it is being hampered by major obstacles, since our district is entirely agricultural. Investment is lacking, roads and infrastructure are lacking. Overall, communism left us, in addition to the oppression and the tragedies of this brutality, with depleted land. In this way, the PD sections have worked to be close to people’s hardships, close to the problems of The PD’s orientation toward groups. In his lengthy dialogue with the highlanders, Mr. Eduard Selami stressed that the PD’s orientation toward groups. The PD is a popular party with a broad constructive base. We are working to combine qualified intellectual thought with the unyielding spirit of popular democracy. This human will is irreplaceable for our party. These people have carried out and continue to carry out a major mission in consolidating democracy and coping with the difficult reform. During this campaign, the PD organized its sections with intellectuals

Albanian Foreign Minister Serreqi meets Greek Foreign Minister Papulias — The Albanian Foreign Minister, Serreqi, meets the Greek Foreign Minister, Papulias — — Optimism about a new stage in Greek-Albanian relations characterized the meeting between Albanian Foreign Minister Alfred Serreqi and Greek Foreign Minister Karolos Papulias, who began his first visit to Albania since being appointed to the post, as part of a Balkan tour. “I want to express my pleasure at being among you at a serious time in the Balkans and, I hope, at the prospect of a new development in relations between Greece and Albania. I am optimistic in this regard, since we are two neighboring peoples, have common interests, have lived together for centuries and have often fought together,” Greek Foreign Minister Karolos Papulias said at the beginning of the talks, which lasted more than two hours. In his statement to the press, the spokesperson for the Albanian Foreign Ministry, Ramazan Hysa, emphasized that the talks, which were characterized by a spirit of understanding, had expressed the conviction that Greek-Albanian relations would see a new development. Greek Foreign Minister Papulias expressed his government’s conviction that, from now on, there would be a new chapter in relations between the two countries. The talks discussed the situation in the region and ways to resolve the conflict in former Yugoslavia, which, according to Serreqi, could cause a Balkan crisis. Particular attention was given in the talks to bilateral relations and the problem of Albanian emigrants working in Greece. It was agreed to establish a joint commission to discuss their legalization and the creation of a status for them, to be approved by the Greek parliament. The issue of the Greek minority was also discussed, in relation to respect for its rights in accordance with international standards. The Albanian side valued the Greek side’s proposal to reorganize the joint Albanian-Greek commission and expand its work, so that in the future it could resolve problems between the two countries. The Cham issue was also discussed, and the Greek side gave partial approval. (ATSH) partial approval by the Greek side. (ATSH) (Continued on page 4) …of Albania, Ramazan Hysa, emphasized that in the talks, expanding discussed, and the Greek side gave partial approval. The builders of mutual understanding of our cultures and of strengthening our further relations in the cultural, artistic and scientific fields. During this statement, the Russian Minister of Culture also made a…

On Monday, 15 November 1993, in one of the facilities of the International Cultural Centre, Mr. Sidorov, Russian Minister of Culture, held a press conference in the presence of newspaper and Radio-Television journalists. The Minister of Culture, Arts, Youth and Sports of Albania, Mr. Dhimitër Anagnosti, and the Russian Ambassador to Albania, Mr. Viktor Nebujallov, also attended the press conference. In his statement, Mr. Sidorov confirmed his meetings with the Prime Minister, Mr. Aleksandër Meksi, the Foreign Minister, Mr. Alfred Serreqi, and the Minister of Culture, Mr. Dhimitër Anagnosti. He also confirmed that the two culture ministers had signed a document on cultural relations between Russia and Albania. This agreement, Mr. Sidorov said, would serve mutual understanding of our cultures and further strengthen our statement, the Russian Minister of Culture also made a [Continued on page 4]

Meeting of Mr. E. Selami and A. Meksi with Shkodran intellectuals On Saturday at 17:00, a meeting between Shkodran intellectuals, the Democratic Party chairman, Mr. Eduard Selami, and Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi was held in the hall of the Migjeni Theatre in Shkodër. The meeting was also attended by Democratic Party Deputy Chairman Mr. Ali Spahia, the secretary of the Democratic Party branch in Shkodër, Mr. Bujar Hoti, the district council chairman, Mr. Ali Kazazi, and the mayor, Mr. Filip Guraziu.

Shkodra is a city that has contributed greatly to national intellectual thought and national creative thought in art, literature, painting, sport and science, placing this region alongside well-known cities not only in Albania and the Balkans but further afield, from Marin Barleti to Martin Camaj. The spirit of this city meant that it did not submit to the dogma of communism, and that it never settled into the bed of Stalinism that emanated from it, even when Stalinism was not restrained from using killings, internments, long prison sentences, and the destruction of libraries, cultural works and works of art, turning it into a martyr city of suffering, unmatched throughout Eastern Europe. Shkodra is a city that has lived eternally through its movement and its strength. This is why, throughout Albania and Eastern Europe, it took part in the first anti-communist uprising in 1945 and in the first movement against communism and dictatorship in 1990. This also explains the extraordinary support the Democratic Party found in Shkodra from its founding until today. This reason—the creation of the party—also [unclear/cut off] For Shkodra. So far, we have achieved only a small part of what we planned; we have heard [?] shown you [?] and this, we have not [?]—[unclear/cut off] nor will we disappoint you. We began the struggle for democracy together, and together we bear responsibilities before Albania. The Democratic Party will give Shkodra special attention and priority, because Shkodra is important in the context of all Albania and in the overall process of building democracy. We address intellectuals because it is through them that the Democratic Party—and all Albania—finds a vision for the future. For this reason, we will never end our dialogue with you about all the problems that concern Albania. We say openly that the Democratic Party’s motto is: corruption is neither red nor blue, it is black. The Democratic Party and the democratic government will make maximum efforts in the fight against corruption, the mafia and abuses. In this regard, we are certain that we have the support of all those who voted for us on 22 March, and of all honest people, regardless of party differences. We are ready to correct our mistakes; we are open to your suggestions and criticisms, because we believe this is useful not only for us, but for all Albania, and therefore for Shkodra as well. That is why we are here, together with Prime Minister Meksi, to do something serious and swift for Shkodra. (Continued on page 4)

PAPULIAS: «A new chapter is opening in Greek-Albanian relations» - The problem of Albanian refugees in Greece and the Çam problem, moving toward concrete solutions? - Full understanding of the problems of the Greek minority in Albania - The recent escalation of problems between Albania and Greece meant that the hall of the Palace of Congresses, where the two foreign ministers, Carolos Papulias and Alfred Serreqi, held their press conference, was packed with Albanian and foreign journalists. The two ministers held the press conference after the visit and meetings that the Greek Foreign Minister had in Albania with the country’s highest political figures. This visit also marked the end of Papulias’s Balkan tour. «The visit concludes with the joint impression that it marked a turning point in Albanian-Greek relations,» Mr. Serreqi said at the beginning of his remarks. He stressed the importance of these relations not only bilaterally, but especially in the Balkan and European context. Referring to the fact that Greece holds the Presidency of the EC, Mr. Serreqi stressed that this is not a circumstance that only increases its attributes and opportunities, but also its obligations. Mr. Serreqi highlighted the positive role played by Carolos Papulias, as a political figure, in relations between the two countries. The talks were characterized by a realistic tone and goodwill toward improving relations. After offering the customary thanks, the Greek Foreign Minister spoke about the sequence of meetings that had taken place. He described the talks as successful. Their objective concerned bilateral, as well as international, problems. The political will of both sides to give new impetus to relations between the two countries was underscored. «We have the impression that a new chapter is opening in Greek-Albanian relations,» Papulias said. «The issues of the Greek minority were discussed, and understanding and cooperation were found.» In addition to the joint ministerial commission, mixed commissions will also be formed to address the problem of Albanian refugees in Greece, according to Minister Papulias. «We must create a legal framework to regulate their lives in Greece.» The very important role of the two countries in the Balkans was underscored. «I am returning to Greece to prepare the mixed commissions and Minister Papantoniou’s trip to Albania,» Papulias concluded. In response to a question about Greece’s initiative for a Balkan conference, Papulias said that such a conference would greatly help resolve many problems in the Balkans. Regarding the creation of a legal framework for the refugees, the Greek Minister clarified that the mixed commission on this issue would meet within 10 days. «The Greek side’s intention is to reach a plan acceptable to both sides. The plan will then go before parliament.» Following Mr. Serreqi’s renewed remarks during the talks about the property of the Çam people and their possibility of returning to Greece, a Greek journalist asked Mr. Serreqi for his view on the matter. «The history of the Çam people and Çamëria is one of the most tragic parts of the history of the Albanian state,» Mr. Serreqi said. The Albanian Minister then said that it was up to the two governments to resolve this problem in accordance with international principles. «The problem remains to be discussed in the upcoming commissions as well,» Mr. Serreqi concluded. On this issue, Papulias for his part said that this was the first time such a matter had been officially raised by the Albanian side. «The legal service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will deal with the property of the Çam people and must prepare its report.» A Greek journalist asked about the Albanian political leadership’s position toward national factions in the region and the demand for the creation of larger states. Mr. Serreqi replied that so far (Continued on page 4)

On November 17–19, Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi will make an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of Bulgarian Prime Minister Ljuben Berov. In addition to the talks Mr. Meksi will hold with his counterpart Berov and members of his cabinet, the Prime Minister will also meet with the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Zhelju Zhelev, and other senior figures. The talks will focus on issues concerning the further development of bilateral cooperation, the implementation of joint projects in the field of transport, the promotion of trade between the two countries, as well as problems relating to the current situation in the region.