From the very beginning Shkodra and communism had been irreconcilable The first deputy of the Presidency of the Democratic Party, Professor Azem Hajdari, the chairman of the PD National Council, MP Tritan Shehu, the secretary general of the PD, Mr. Eduard Selami, and MP Ali Spahia took part. Wednesday, 17 November marked the 50th anniversary of Shkodra's liberation. In the northern city, the site of the official celebrations had been set in the former building of the PPSH Committee and the former PPSH in that city. The city chairman of the PPSH was assigned to be heard over as many loudspeakers as possible in a speech. But the people of Shkodra, in addition, had also organized an alternative commemoration, with the participation of opposition political forces. It was a highly attended event, where anti-communist positions were openly expressed and the early civic resistance against communism was brought back into focus. Ali Spahia, speaking before those present, said that on 28 November 1944, according to the people of Shkodra, the city was not liberated but occupied by the communists. He recalled the executions, imprisonments and political purges that followed the communists' entry into the city. Azem Hajdari stressed that Shkodra had been, from the very beginning, a symbol of resistance to communism. According to him, the first voices against the dictatorship arose there and the traditions of freedom, religion and Albanian civility were preserved there for the longest time. Tritan Shehu underlined that without condemning the crimes of communism and without respecting its victims, a stable democratic future could not be built. Many citizens, young people, former political prisoners and representatives of different social groups also took part in the event. At the end, homage was paid and a call was made for history to be written with its truths, not with the official versions of the past. (To be continued on page 6)

The People's Assembly is hereby informed, in accordance with article 28, second paragraph, of the Law on the Fundamental Constitutional Provisions of the Republic of Albania, and in implementation of Decision of the Council of Ministers No. 470, dated 24.11.1993, submitted by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania. DECREE On the dismissal and appointment of some ministers The President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, based on article 84 point l, articles 79/1 and 49/1, point a of the Fundamental Constitutional Provisions of the Republic of Albania DECIDED: Article 1 The Minister of Defence, Mr. Safet Zhulali, is relieved of this duty. Article 2 Mr. Alfred Serreqi is appointed Minister of Finance. Article 3 Mr. Fatos Bitincka is appointed Minister of Transport. Article 4 Mr. Safet Zhulali is appointed Minister of Industry, Trade and Economic Development. Article 5 Mr. Astrit Brokaj is appointed Minister of Defence. Article 6 The Council of Ministers is charged with implementing this decree. Article 7 This decree enters into force immediately. Tirana, 24 November 1993 No. 1, decree 686 PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC SALI BERISHA

They presented project proposals and 150 foreign companies. THE CONFERENCE “ON FOREIGN INVESTMENTS FOR ALBANIA” HAS CONCLUDED They presented project proposals and 150 foreign companies Despite the interest of 3 foreign governments, as well as 150 foreign companies from different countries around the world, the conference ended with optimism about the investment climate in Albania. The broad horizon for foreign investments in Albania The tourism sector aroused great interest from the foreign side, as it is presented as the sector with the fastest and most profitable results. Foreigners prefer to buy or to obtain by concession places with high tourist potential. There was likewise interest in agriculture and agri-processing, as well as in energy, construction and telecommunications. The Albanian side presented the legal and fiscal opportunities offered to foreign investors. It was emphasized that Albania has new legislation on foreign investment, customs and tax facilities, and an open policy toward foreign capital. (To be continued on page 7)

Prime Minister Meksi presented the medium-term economic development program 1993 - 1996 Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi presented yesterday in the People's Assembly the government's medium-term economic development program for 1993-1996. In his speech he stressed that the program aims at macroeconomic stabilization, increased production, encouragement of private investment, further privatization, support for agriculture and development of infrastructure. According to the Prime Minister, the document sets out the main objectives for reducing inflation, increasing exports, improving the trade balance and ensuring social protection for vulnerable groups. He also underlined the importance of cooperation with international financial institutions and the strengthening of structural reforms. (To be continued on page 6)

Activities by associations of former persecuted people As part of the celebrations for 28 November, associations of former political prisoners are organizing commemorative activities and meetings with broad participation. The program includes tributes, conferences, discussions and visits to symbolic places of resistance and persecution. Representatives of these associations declared that this day should serve as a moment of reflection on the past and as an incentive for consolidating democracy. (To be continued on page 6)

The libel law and the one on vice and the Albanian one, according to the opinion of Mr. [?] Brahm (To be continued on page 8)

States Gianfranco Fini at the meeting of members of the National Alliance in Rome (To be continued on page 6)

1. The Ministry of Health, regarding the article in the newspaper "Rilindja Demokratike" of 20.11.1993, informs that the article entitled "The mystery of the death of 8 students..." was published without obtaining the institution's official version and that some of the information is inaccurate. 2. The press office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs