The President of the Republic, Dr. Sali Berisha, before the Italian Foreign Minister, Prof. Beniamino Andreatta. The Italian Foreign Ministry: O Albanians, do not seek to leave; on the contrary, return and invest in Albania In a broad overview of Albanian-Italian relations, but focusing mainly on the economic and political emigration of Albanians settled in Italy, the President of the Republic, Dr. Sali Berisha, met yesterday with the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Beniamino Andreatta. Emphasizing the importance and intensity of the new relations between the two countries, Dr. Berisha said that Albania has developed and will always develop its foreign policy with Italy as a priority policy. According to him, the severe economic situation, as well as the miserable condition inherited by Albania from the past, forced a considerable number of Albanians to take the road of emigration. He further underlined that the Albanian government is making great efforts to create favorable conditions for the return of emigrants and the investment of their capital in the homeland. On his part, the Italian minister Andreatta stated that Italy considers Albania a friendly country and an important partner in the Adriatic. He stressed that emigration cannot be solved by prohibitive measures, but by economic development, stability, and cooperation. “O Albanians, do not seek to leave; on the contrary, return and invest in Albania,” he is quoted as having said.

From the Meksi - Perez meeting Closed with electricity consumption, and not with conflicts. The reduction in the level of relations between the two countries was discussed at the meeting between Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi and the Spanish Foreign Minister, Perez. Mr. Meksi said that Albania is interested in expanding cooperation with Spain in the economic, trade, and cultural fields. For his part, the Spanish minister praised the democratic reforms in Albania and expressed his country’s readiness to help in its further rapprochement with Europe.

Speech by President Dr. Sali Berisha in Brigadave Esteemed Mr. Chairman, Your Excellency Ambassador! Esteemed guests! Esteemed compatriots! It is a special pleasure for me, on the occasion of our national holiday, 28 November, to greet today in the name of the Albanian people and in my own personal name all Albanians who live and work in this friendly country. 28 November holds a special place in our national history. On this day in 1443, Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu raised the flag of freedom in Krujë and opened the glorious era of Albanian resistance against the Ottoman occupiers. On this same date, in 1912, Ismail Qemali raised the flag in Vlorë and proclaimed Albania’s independence, crowning the centuries-long efforts of our nation for freedom and statehood. This day is a symbol of our national identity, of sacrifice, and of hope. Today, as Albania is moving along the path of democracy and reforms, we are aware of the many difficulties, but also of the opportunities opening before us. Albania needs the help and solidarity of her sons wherever they may be. You who live outside the homeland are a precious bridge linking us with the Western world and with its development experience. I urge you to preserve the language, culture, traditions, and your connection with the homeland. I invite you to invest in Albania, to bring your experience, energy, and faith in its future. Our relations with Italy are of special importance. Italy has been and remains a precious partner for Albania. In this spirit of cooperation and friendship, I am convinced that our future will be better. Happy 28 November!

Yesterday afternoon, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the foreign minister, Alfred Serreqi, and the minister for planning, development and the economy, Shimon Shetreet, signed the agreement on the promotion and protection of investments and the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation. The President of the country was present at the signing ceremony as well. In his remarks, Minister Serreqi described this as an important step in bilateral relations. The Israeli official stressed that these documents will create more favorable conditions for economic cooperation and for encouraging Israeli capital in Albania.

Some aspects of these relations were outlined at the meeting held yesterday morning at the presidency between President Sali Berisha, the Foreign Minister of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Haris Silajxhiq, and the delegation he headed. At the meeting, the traditional friendship between the two peoples was praised and the desire was expressed to expand cooperation in the economy, culture, science and education. The situation in the region and the need to strengthen peace and stability were also discussed.

At this meeting, the Albanian ambassador in Rome, Ylli Bufi, handed over to the Italian Minister of Immigration, Sandro Fontana, a document with proposals from the Albanian side regarding the solution of the problems of Albanian emigrants in Italy. Among other things, the Albanian side requested the regularization of migrant status, the facilitation of documentation procedures, and more humane treatment of social cases. (to be continued on page 4)

Third year of publication No. 522 Tuesday, 30 November 1993 Price 5 lek