- Press conference of the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha - ALBANIA, FROM THE LAST PLACE FOR INVESTMENTS IN 1990, WILL BE IN A HIGHER POSITION IN 1994. The President of the Republic's final meeting for this year with the domestic and foreign press took place yesterday at the Palace of Brigades. In this meeting with journalists from various media outlets, President Sali Berisha briefly presented to them the balance of all reforms in Albania during 1993 and the objectives for 1994. The Albanian head of state stressed that 1993 was the year of major economic reforms, which will transform Albania into a country with a modern economy. 1993 was the year of full price liberalization, land privatization, and the privatization of medium-sized and small enterprises. Thanks to these reforms, it became possible to achieve a considerable stabilization of the national currency, a reduction in inflation, and an increase in production. President Berisha underlined that in the political sphere Albania has taken important steps in democratic institutionalization, in consolidating the rule of law, and in expanding human freedoms and rights. He said that in 1993 serious efforts were made to establish a depoliticized and efficient administration. In his analysis, the President also dwelt on the difficulties inherited from the past, on social problems, unemployment, and the lack of infrastructure, but stressed that these obstacles are being faced with courage and with the help of international partners. Speaking about foreign policy, he emphasized the significant improvement in Albania's image, the rapprochement with European institutions, and the new relations with the USA and other Western countries. The President of the Republic pointed out that the Albanian government has created a more favorable climate for foreign investments and that the objective for 1994 is further growth of production, well-being, and democratic order. (Continues on page 5)

And the government should govern better! At today's meeting, the Council of Ministers approved 600 million new lek for compensation of former politically persecuted persons. Another decision provides funds for the rehabilitation of those sentenced and for improving living conditions for families in need. At the same meeting, measures were examined to increase the effectiveness of public administration, financial discipline, and the better implementation of economic reform. The need for greater responsibility on the part of ministries and subordinate structures was emphasized. The Council of Ministers also decided to accelerate procedures for privatization, the encouragement of investments, and the improvement of public services. (Continues on page 4)

The figures speak for themselves. Economic growth in 1993 reached over 11 percent. Inflation fell from over 237 percent to 31 percent. The exchange rate stabilized. Agricultural production increased significantly and the free market expanded. The Albanian economy changed structure. The privatization of land and small enterprises contributed to the revitalization of economic life. In town and countryside, new opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment were created. The chart above reflects the downward trend in inflation and the improvement in the main economic indicators. These results are a clear indication of the success of the reforms undertaken during 1993. GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT Budget Deficit 1980 1991 June 92 1993 PROJ 94 [?] (Continues on page 4) GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT / Budget Deficit

The Democratic Light conveyed in writing, it declared to the Albanian people, all its members and supporters: Happy New Year 1994! To all compatriots: BEST WISHES ON THE OCCASION OF THIS NEW YEAR 1994! «Rilindja Demokratike»

In this column we are publishing some excerpts from a speech by the President of the Republic delivered during this year. (Continues on page 4)

The Council of Ministers approved the list of 10 commercial facilities that will be immediately privatized. The decision is expected to have an impact on the expansion of the retail network and on improving supply. Within the framework of market reform, it was emphasized that the shops will pass into private management through fast and transparent procedures. (Continues on page 6)

HAPPY NEW YEAR 1994!