On 16 December, President of the Republic Sali Berisha received the representative delegation of the Christian Democratic and Popular Parties of Europe, headed by the president of this Union, Mr. Vilfrid Martens. During the meeting, President Berisha expressed his gratitude for the support that the parties of this Union have given to democratic processes and forces in Albania from the outset, and stressed his desire for this cooperation to continue in the future as well. He briefed them on the latest developments in democracy in Albania, focusing on particular issues relating to reform and the results achieved. The members of the delegation were interested in Albania’s international cooperation in the field of foreign investment, its relations with the European Community, the implementation of reforms in the judiciary and the army, and achievements in the field of minority rights. The meeting also discussed the policy Albania is pursuing regarding the problem of Kosovo, as well as its relations with its neighbors. (ATSH)

Al presents AD, a party without an electorate, as the third political force in Albania At the meeting Mr. Dokle held with the delegation of the European Christian Democrats, headed by Wilfrid Martens, he expressed his party’s positions and propaganda about the Albanian reality. We will dwell on them, because it is right to explain how he sees reality, or how he wants it to be seen from this perspective. Certainly, if you look at this reality through red glasses, you will see nothing but that color. But if you look through black glasses, you will see only darkness. Nevertheless, whatever the colors, truth must fundamentally remain dominant; the colors must not prevail over it. Without entering into a polemic with everything Mr. Dokle said at the meeting with the delegation of the European Christian Democrats, and for the sake of sincerity, we can focus only on the final paragraph. “In yesterday’s issue of ZP, in connection with this meeting, we read: ‘Asked which party would be the third political force in Albania if elections were held, Namik Dokle replied that the Democratic Alliance has by now emerged as the third political force, with a very clear vision for the transition period.’” Mr. Dokle is openly lying. It is very well known that the Democratic Alliance is a party without an electorate. It stole the votes that the electorate gave to the Democratic Party in the 22 March elections. The Democratic Alliance is a phantom party, or, better still, a grouping that currently does not even number the 300 founders who signed in support of its legalization. What has the Democratic Alliance done to be ranked as the third political force in Albania? It has always and everywhere lined up among the fiercest attacks on democracy, democratic power, and the Democratic Party, from a position on the far right. Dokle is deceiving the delegation with old Enverist thinking. During the dictatorship, Enver presented the Albanian people as the leading political force in the world, and invented nonexistent Marxist-Leninist groupings which not only aspired to proletarian revolution, but claimed to have made it their solution! Now Dokle presents the Democratic Alliance as the third political force, even though it is well known that it neither has nor can have, let us say, the role and strength of other parties such as the Republican Party and the Social Democratic Party. For Enver and the dictatorship, all his opponents—even superpowers—were nothing, mere dust, which the “socialist fortress” on the Adriatic did not care about. Namik Dokle, too, does not care about reality. He starts from the Enverist motto, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” and the friend must be given an honored place, whether or not he deserves it. Of course Dokle is not naïve, even if he looks that way. So, in whose interest does he continue this deception? The Albanian press, rightly or wrongly, has changed his surname, calling him Dokleviç. This was not done simply because of his origins. On the other hand, the Democratic Alliance’s pro-Serbian orientation is well known, something it demonstrated openly by sending its emissaries to Belgrade to meet Milosheviç—that is, to discuss issues on which they see eye to eye, since otherwise there would be no reason for dialogue. So is Dokle, by making classifications according to his own appetites, doing this also to serve Milosheviç? The Socialist Party publicly signed an anti-Albanian declaration in Athens, Milosheviç’s ally. It seems that his classification, too, follows from these commitments— Democratic in the elections of March 22. The Democratic Alliance is a phantom party, or rather, founders who signed to legalize it. What has the Democratic Alliance done to rank and everywhere been at the forefront of the most vicious attacks against democracy, democratic government, and the Democratic Party, from the position of the extreme left, together with the Socialist Party. This party refuses to vote for the law on Human Rights and Freedoms. Alongside it, the Alliance takes its place in almost every position, ruthlessly exposing itself as nothing more than its subsidiary, or as a sophisticated creation of the Albanian extreme left. Its credibility among the people is demonstrated simply by the fact that its members of parliament in the People’s Assembly have not dared, and will not dare, to appear before the electorate even once. Mr. Dokle openly classifies the political forces by sending its emissaries to Belgrade to Millosheviçi, that is, to discuss issues on which they find common ground; otherwise, there would be no point in dialogue. So, could it be that Dokle, making classifications according to his own whims, is doing this to serve Millosheviçi as well? The SP has publicly signed an anti-Albanian declaration in Athens as an ally of Millosheviçi. It seems that his classification, too, is in keeping with the commitments undertaken in that declaration. In this light, it matters little or not at all to Dokle, it seems, whether he lies and withholds the truth from people. In the end, truth has always been foreign and unacceptable—even striking—to the Albanian extreme left, as you know, and still is today. Truth is the asphyxia that stands there, and he seeks to shut it away forever. Reality seems harsh to Dokle, and that is understandable; it seems hazy to him, and that is understandable. The “light-giving” rays of social communism have shone eternally in democratic Albania.

Ratification of the military memorandum of understanding between Albania and the USA approved The two states, accepting the principles of the United Nations Charter, good-neighborly relations, non-use of force against borders, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the principles of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the Vienna documents in the field of disarmament, will work to protect and ensure peace in Europe and international stability. These are the main principles USA, which the People’s Assembly approved on Thursday in the draft law “On the ratification of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Albania and the Department of Defense of the United States of America.” The memorandum was signed some time ago at our Ministry of Defense. In this way, Albania takes another step toward its integration into the democratic world. “RD” correspondent

“Hungary and Albania cooperate in international peace commitments,” said Minister of Defense Safet Zhulali at yesterday’s meeting with the Hungarian military delegation, headed by General Peter Dobo, which has arrived, “Hungary and Albania cooperate in international peace commitments,” said Minister of Defense Safet Zhulali at yesterday’s meeting with the Hungarian military delegation, headed by General Peter Dobo, which has arrived to expand cooperation in the military field, in accordance with the agreement signed by the two ministers at the beginning of the year. General Dobo handed Minister Zhulali a personal letter from Hungarian Minister of Defense Fyr, reaffirming on his behalf the continuation of cooperation and assistance in the military field. The specialization of a group of Albanian military doctors and lawyers in Hungary is, among other things, part of the detailed cooperation program of

— THREE MORE NEW WITNESSES: ADIL ÇARÇANI, KINO BUXHELI, VIRON PRODANI — From the current archive of the former bloc officials After a three-day break, the lawyer for the former bloc officials resumed [the proceedings]. This court session concluded with prosecutor Genc Gjokutaj’s request to include three more people on the witness list: Adil Çarçani, former deputy prime minister and prime minister of the communist government; Kino Buxheli, former editor in the Press Directorate; and Viron Prodani. Only one of the defendants, namely Vangjel Çërrava, asked that another name be added to the witness list: that of former Security employee Poliksen Kovaçi. The presiding judge, Artan Zeneli, approved one of the requests, and it was decided that in the coming days Çarçani would also appear. Adil Çarçani had been [unclear] at his higher school, where he was a figure associated with privileges. The reason for calling the witnesses was considered in light of the lawyers’ arguments concerning the 1976 Politburo decision, what the witness had recounted, and his presence at that event. According to the judges, the decision of the Politburo and the amnesty [unclear] the review of the second decision, first of all by Mr. Zeneli, regarding the non-publication and non-disclosure of the peace statements and witnesses. There must be a willingness to comply with the law’s requirements of accountability; the presentation of the personal judgment, regardless of personal opinion, must ultimately [unclear]. Among those questioned yesterday were Kico Kasapi, Pkhelin Gjeci, and Abdyl Backa. Thus, the decision of 1 January 23.3.1976 of the Politburo remains mysterious; according to the defendants, it forms the evidentiary basis for the special treatment of candidates of the Central Committee, members of the Central Committee, and members of the Politburo. What exactly was this decision? It remains a mystery within the Politburo’s [unclear] of Albanianism and barbarity, for example, in relation to such a work by the dictator’s former museum, whose author they were. But without referring precisely to the witnesses, from what was said, that it took place under wartime conditions, it appears that this decision was implemented alongside the creation of a new environment for their protection, their non-disclosure, and the extraordinary special treatment of their events. Throughout the proceedings, this was relevant to two Politburo veterans and a work of the Politburo’s Albanianism and barbarity, for example. Well-known writers in ...[?]

- ALBANIA’S RECONSTRUCTION IS A MATTER OF SHARED RESPONSIBILITY WITHIN THE COUNTRY AND OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY - THE INITIATIVE UNDERTAKEN BY ALBANIA’S LEADERSHIP IS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR THE PEOPLE. PRESS CONFERENCE BY MR. WILFRID MARTENS, PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN DEMOCRATIC UNION, AND MR. TRITAN SHEHU, SECRETARY GENERAL OF PDSH. Yesterday at 11:00, at the International Press Center in Tirana, Mr. Wilfrid Martens and Mr. Tritan Shehu held a press conference for journalists, accompanied by UDE delegation members Mr. Kostas and Mrs. Loune, as well as PDSH Deputy Secretary Mr. Ali Spahia and PD’s Head of the Press and Information Department, Mr. Lorenc Ligori. Mr. Tritan Shehu, Secretary General of PDSH, emphasized in his opening remarks: - We thank Mr. Martens and the other members of the delegation for this visit to Albania, made at the invitation of Mr. Selami. This visit is taking place as part of PD’s full integration into the European political structures belonging to its political spectrum. I would like to thank distinguished political figures such as Mr. Wilfrid Martens, President of this Union, Mr. Tomas Jonson, Secretary General, Mr. Egon Klepsh, President of the European Parliament, etc., for their friendly sentiments and their great desire to support democratic change in Albania, our reform, and our development toward democracy. During this visit, the delegation of the Democratic Union held warm and fruitful talks with PD, with our representatives led by Mr. Selami, as well as with the chairman of our parliamentary group, Mr. Spahija. At the meeting, we presented an overview of the progress of democratic developments in Albania, the main political and economic problems we face, and our views on how to resolve them. We also discussed the forms of PD’s organization, the expansion of its ranks, and the main issues confronting us. Our views on recent international developments, particularly those in the region and what is happening in the former Yugoslavia, received special attention. - I can say that, in general, there were similar views on this and the other matters discussed. Thus, it was gratifying to note that our cooperation can be, and will be, very fruitful in the future. - In his remarks, Mr. Martens praised our achievements on the path to democracy and reform and assured us of continued solidarity and support—support for PD, the Democratic Government, and President Berisha. A delegation of the European Union of Christian Democrats, led by former Belgian Prime Minister Wilfried Martens, President of UDE and EPP, visited the Republic of Albania from 16–17 December 1993. The European Union of Christian Democrats is a confederation of Christian Democratic and popular parties from various countries on the European continent and is a Christian Democratic organization. UDE defends the dignity and strengthening of a model society based on the values of Christian humanism and the fundamental principle of personalism. Christian Democrats fight for freedom, fundamental equality, justice, solidarity, human rights, and minority rights. In this sense, UDE defends and supports these fundamental principles as a guarantee that all human beings may enjoy freedom in a better and more prosperous position in their lives with others. Secondly, UDE is in favor of and acts as a driving force for the process of European integration. Furthermore, UDE encourages the further enlargement of the European Community. These are the reasons why UDE follows developments and changes in the countries of Eastern and Central Europe with extraordinary interest. We found accelerated progress toward cooperation in almost all these countries. We have made great democratic efforts for all members. Many parties have asked UDE for further cooperation toward membership. We responded with great interest regarding the European Community and the establishment and process of democracy and economic reform. (Continued on page 8)

The newspaper “Iliria,” dated 25 November 1993, in a report by its correspondent in Tirana, Mr. Genc Tirana, published a news item according to which “officials” of the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had welcomed Mr. Leka Zogu to Tirana in the absence of Prime Minister Meksi. The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, considering this news completely untrue, he clarifies that no official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received Mr. Leka Zogu, much less on behalf of the Albanian Prime Minister. Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Tirana, 17.12.1993

After the visits to Milosheviçi by the leaders of the Alliance (with Belgrade)—namely, the archaeologist Ceka and the vociferous actor Imami—this time another “personality” has emerged who considers the Albanian question in the former Yugoslavia to be resolved. This is the well-known beekeeper, and practitioner of other trades, Mr. Namik Hoti. It seems that the Serbian bloodsuckers are finding worthy partners: Ceka, Imami and Hoti, or R. Alia’s imitators, to talk about peace in the Balkans! In Albania, it would be superfluous to comment on or introduce the “politically correct” figure of old man H(K)oti, who has exhausted himself over the “people’s troubles,” right down to the old women on the boulevard with their children. Nevertheless, the “drowning” Serb must seek his salvation by clinging even to shadows. THE OBSERVER X THE CHAIRMAN OF PDSH, MR. SELAMI, IN THE USA Yesterday, the chairman of PDSH, Mr. Eduard Selami, left for a private visit of several days to the USA. PDSH Information Office