-According to the opposition press, “yes”- Raimondo Çeli, First Counsellor at the Italian Embassy in Tirana: “Relations with Albania continue to be filled with feelings of deep friendship.” Eduard Selami: “Albania is grateful to Italy. Our relations will continue to develop positively.” -218.5 billion lire for the three-year development programme, currently in the implementation phase- -“Are Italian investors discriminated against?” “Italy ranks first, with 200 enterprises and 130 million dollars in investments- -Italian enterprise accounts for 60% of all joint ventures- For some time, various opposition journalists have been writing about a “cooling” in relations between Albania and Italy. It seems they find it difficult to forget E. Hoxha’s terminology regarding international relations. In the past, there was talk of a “cooling” with the Yugoslavs, the Russians and the Chinese. All it took was for a senior PPSH official not to smile “sweetly” as usual, and people would ask whether relations between the two countries had cooled. Let us not forget that there are parliamentarians who also use their seats for personal interests. Nevertheless, it is better to rely on facts and on statements by official representatives of both countries. The First Counsellor at the Italian Embassy in Tirana, Mr Raimondo Çeli Trambajolo, says: “Italy has designated Albania as an absolute-priority country for development cooperation, and it is the only country for which, even now, when Italy’s budget is tight, the commitment in its favour has not been reduced; on the contrary.” The facts that completely refute the claims of the Italian parliamentarian ... For some time now, relations between Albania and Italy. It seems difficult for them to forget E. Hoxha’s terminology concerning international relations. In the past, people spoke Chinese. It was enough for a senior PP official not to smile “sweetly,” as usual, during meetings with the Chinese, and Albanians immediately understood that there would be another “cooling.” Meanwhile, exaggerating facts, inventing scandals and, worst of all, fabricating them when they do not exist have become necessities for opposition newspapers. So what are the “problems” that have caused the “cooling” between Italy and Albania? Several months ago, the Albanian coast guard stopped two Italian fishing vessels that were illegally fishing in the territorial waters of the Republic of Albania. One of these trawlers had been caught before and fined. Thus, these two fishing vessels violated Albanian and international laws, and in a state governed by the rule of law, enforcing the laws takes precedence over everything. Nevertheless, precisely in view of the very good relations between the two countries, negotiations are under way to resolve this problem. Meanwhile, more than 20 small Albanian vessels are in Italy; they have violated Italian law. Yet citing such a banal fact as proof that relations between the two countries are not going well is more than an exaggeration. The fact used as the strongest argument for the “cooling” theory is a debate by an Italian parliamentarian concerning “the difficulties faced by Italian businesses seeking to invest in Albania.” Before demonstrating with facts how unfounded such an accusation is, I would like to make the journalists promoting the cooling-off theory think logically. Do the words of some parliamentarian in the Italian Parliament really indicate the position of a country and its government? What would happen if relations between two countries broke down after every parliamentarian’s speech? Let us not forget that some parliamentarians use their seats for personal interests as well. In any case, by the official representatives of both countries. The First Counsellor of the Italian Embassy in Tirana, Mr Raimondo Çeli, confirms that “from the Italian side, relations with Albania continue to be marked by a deep sense of friendship, a constructive spirit and cooperation.” “Among other things, this is confirmed by the aid Italy has provided since 1991, by the role it has played and continues to play in raising the international community’s awareness of the need to intervene in Albania’s favour, by the distribution of aid from Italy as well as other countries, and by the continued support it gives Albania in joining international organisations.” At the same time, representatives of the Italian Embassy provide us with some very interesting figures that concretely show the level of cooperation with Italy. Italy’s contribution to aid for Albania amounted to 600 billion lire, equivalent to 32% of the total and more than that of any other country. Today, cooperation with Italy is embodied in a three-year development programme (1992–1994) worth 218.5 billion lire, currently being implemented. Of this, 90.5 billion is allocated to infrastructure, 78.2 billion to agriculture, 32.1 billion to industry and 20 billion to emergency aid. The Italian Parliament held a debate on the Albanian Government’s attitude towards Italy, using as its argument the obstacles the Albanian Government allegedly puts in the way of Italian businesses while favouring others. But what are the facts? “Italy’s economic and trade presence is growing rapidly, which has placed Italy in first place among the countries investing in Albania, with more than 200 companies present and 130 million dollars in investments,” says Mr Çeli. In this regard, the First Secretary of the Italian Embassy, Mr Amedeo I] [?]Celi, who notes difficulties between Italians and Albanians, because we should not forget that some parliamentarians also use their seats for personal interests. In any case, On this same point, the First Secretary of the Italian Embassy, Mr Amedeo [illegible] [?], states: “relations between the two countries? Let us personal interests. The facts that completely refute the Italian parliamentarian’s claims are once again provided by the Italian Embassy. Italian businesses account for more than 60% of joint ventures in Albania, while Greek businesses account for about 17%, French and German businesses about 5%, and the rest is divided among 15 countries. So there can be no talk of the Albanian Government “discriminating” against Italian investors or of relations breaking down. “At this level of cooperation,” Mr Çeli concludes, “the possibility of problems arising with partners is natural; nevertheless, these problems are wholly insignificant in proportion and cannot affect relations between the two countries.” A clear confirmation also comes from a representative of Albanian politics. The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and leader of the PD, Mr Ed[uard] Selami, after pointing out that the matter in question is merely a problem invented by journalists who lack even a minimum of information about foreign policy, stresses: “Albania, under the Democratic Government, continues to be very grateful to Italy for its assistance, and expresses this gratitude especially through the very good relations it maintains with that country. We are developing these relations and will continue to develop them positively.” Regarding the “problems” between the two countries, Mr Selami stressed that “only in countries with extensive cooperation can technical problems arise, but there is no way they can affect the good relations between the two countries.” Thus, as can be seen, the “break with Italy” is merely an illusion held by journalists with a shaky grasp of culture. It is the same as the propaganda trying to prove that Europe is not Albania’s primary goal. E.PALOKA

On Monday, the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, gave an interview to Albanian Radio and Television about his visits to Malaysia and Brunei. In it, he said: The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, gave an interview to Albanian Radio and Television on Monday about his visits to Malaysia and Brunei. In it, he said: I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart the King of Malaysia, the Prime Minister, and the Sultan of Brunei for the exceptionally warm and friendly welcome they gave us during these visits to Southeast Asia, specifically to Malaysia and Brunei. Naturally, the purpose of the visit was to further strengthen cooperation and friendship between Albania and Malaysia and Brunei. Although Albania and Malaysia are geographically far apart, they share certain similarities that bring them together spiritually. Both are countries with religious pluralism. Different religions coexist in Malaysia in harmony, just as they do in Albania. Both countries have had a difficult past and a backward development. Malaysia has successfully overcome this period and is considered one of Southeast Asia’s miracles in terms of development. What were the main challenges and the paths that led to the rapid development of this nation and country? I can say that Malaysia had great resources, but the secret of its development lies not in its resources, but in the wisdom of the Malaysians, their determination to work, their discipline at work, and their resolve to develop the market economy. We signed an agreement on economic, cultural and technical cooperation with Malaysia, under which the two countries undertake to cooperate closely in the economic and technical fields. I believe we will benefit greatly from their experience, as a country that has known how to make up for lost time. And we Albanians are very interested in making up for lost time through the methods and practices others have used, so as not to repeat their mistakes. We signed agreements on the elimination of double taxation, payments, and the protection of investments. I believe the agreements signed between Albania and Malaysia create a sound, comprehensive and strong legal basis for cooperation between the two countries. Malaysia undertook to help Albania in mediation, telecommunications and infrastructure. There is great interest in Malaysia among business circles and entrepreneurs in investing in Albania. Likewise, in education, where around 50 Albanians are studying in Malaysia; we were very pleased that some of them were among the most distinguished students at the university. Similarly, I made a short working visit to Brunei, where we discussed in depth the development of relations between our two countries. It is a very wealthy country, so we discussed establishing close economic cooperation at length. I can say that His Majesty the Sultan and the ministers we met showed considerable interest in various projects, especially in transport and infrastructure. We left a number of projects to be studied by Brunei’s Investment Agency, which will later decide on the corresponding investments. We are both small countries, but with great opportunities for cooperation. ATSH

The government won a battle in 1993 INFLATION LOWERED ITS HEAD -But will this also happen during 1994?- Controlled inflation—this has been the government’s most frequent reference to its own performance. Its use as an argument for an important achievement, together with the opposition’s attacks on this point as well, raises the question: is this excessive modesty or justified pride? The first alternative is justified in the case of an ordinary achievement, while the second applies in the case of a visible success. So let us try to answer this question, but to do so we need to recall the financial situation from 1990 onward. Inflation also existed during the years of the meticulously planned economy: 686.9%, with the aim of reaching three-digit figures. Defining its main objective as curbing inflation, and applying measures to that end—such as restricting channels through which excess money could be absorbed, cutting budget expenditure, pursuing a tight credit policy, and increasing revenue as a result of applying the tax system—meant that in December of the year just ended, the consumer price index, using 1990 as its reference year, reached 899%. This index corresponds to an inflation rate of 30.9%. Comparing this figure with the other objectives—restructuring and revitalising the economy in order to reduce unemployment and increase real incomes—means that the government is not waging an anti-inflation battle. It is thought that a controlled rate of inflation should be allowed so that some of the objectives mentioned above can be achieved. Nevertheless, caution is necessary, because the consequences of accelerating things in the wrong way will be serious. SHPETIM LUKU CONSUMER PRICE INDEX The revenues in thousands at the start? The application of the fiscal system has meant this figure with the one recorded in 1992, which was around 200%, gives the Government grounds to consider this a notable success. But will this also happen during 1994? Taking into account the negative effects of anti-inflationary policy on unemployment, on the decline in purchasing power, and in other respects such as

-To help proletarians who do not understand “ZP”’s metaphors- In yesterday’s issue of “ZP”, in large black letters (“Good Lord, “ZP” sees only black dreams”), it calls on all national and international public opinion to rise up in defence of democracy in Albania, because at the end of the black dream, who knows what kind of monster has appeared. “ZP” is therefore calling on all the proletarians of the world to unite in the struggle against the new capitalist regime in Albania, which is trampling underfoot the sacred teachings of Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin, their most brilliant successor in this century, Comrade Enver, Ramiz, as well as Comrade Mao, whom we view with considerable reservations and suspicion. Yesterday’s issue of “ZP”, in large black letters (“Good Lord, “ZP” sees only black dreams”), calls on all national and international public opinion to rise up in defence of democracy in Albania, because at the end of the black dream, who knows what kind of monster has appeared. “ZP” is therefore calling on all the proletarians of the world to unite in the struggle against the new capitalist regime in Albania, which is trampling underfoot the sacred teachings of Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin, their most brilliant successor in this century, Comrade Enver, Ramiz, as well as Comrade Mao, whom we view with considerable reservations and suspicion. -Can’t you proletarians see what the Albanian capitalist regime is doing? Can’t you see how it threw two great internationalists into prison, two people who were willing to deny their own nation and their own language, solely in order to serve others?! And is there any greater injustice than this, any greater threat than this?! But we had already told you about the true face of capitalism, its inhuman nature and its merciless cruelty. And they say they rely on the law—just imagine! But you, Albanian proletarians, and you, proletarians of the whole world, have minds of your own and can judge: what kind of laws put national interests first, thereby denying the sacred principle of proletarian internationalism? After all, what did the two arrested journalists do? From time to time they published a little military secret, and perhaps that suited the neighbouring chauvinists. Helping your neighbours means being an internationalist. And for that, they are to be brought before the law?! Therefore, proletarians of the whole world, we call on you to defend internationalist democracy in Albania, for which we are working under difficult conditions and under constant repression!

-Hundreds of photographs of F. Nano’s face are being distributed in haste. -Large movements of cars with TR plates towards Kuçovë- -No one would heed someone who disregards the law- For days now, and especially since the PS’s second conference and the conference event, cars with Tirana licence plates have been streaming towards Kuçovë, parking near the Municipality and remaining there for days at a time. Familiar faces get out of these cars and emerge from the PS offices. On the other side, cars emerge from the PS offices. For days now, and especially since the PS’s second conference and the conference event, cars with Tirana licence plates have been streaming towards Kuçovë, parking near the Municipality and remaining there for days at a time. Familiar faces get out of these cars and emerge from the PS offices. On the other side, Municipality cars, Municipality cars and other cars have set out for Kuçovë; they have increased their trips to Tirana, to the building where the ageing but determined “indestructible proletarians” are staying, resolved to bring back once again the chaos, the burying, the injustice in the streets and institutions, and the persecution, reopening wounds for the entire nation. What astonished curious onlookers one day, as they happened to be near several cars being unloaded, was a number of cardboard packages, counted and handled very carefully by several disguised, sly-looking faces. But this mystery and curiosity would not last long. The packages were taken to the second floor, to the PS offices, with a kind of careful attention that was very revealing to an observant eye. In the following days, photographs of F. Nano, his portrait on ordinary sheets of paper and even larger ones, began to be distributed around Kuçovë. Groups of traders split up among all the villages in the municipalities and distributed photographs at their bases. They were hectic, unrestrained days, full of zeal, during which hundreds of small and large photographs of F. Nano were distributed. (Continued on page 2)

The PPS’s mouthpiece, “ZP,” blackens its pages every day with criticism of the Government. Likewise, every law put to a vote in Parliament has also faced opposition from the PS extremists. They suffer from an obsession with opposing everything, like their spiritual father Enver, who opposed the whole world; as a consequence of this madness, in Albania he was shut away in ward no. 6 of the yellow house.

but who condemned the dictatorship and distanced himself from it and now works in the Government, why does “ZP” accuse him: “Or are these not democrats because they were with the PP, etc.” How “conservative” the accusations made by ZP are can be seen in what you read on its pages, when they write that there are queues for bananas in Albania. With these delusions they insult an entire people, treating them as blind. That is why I say—no matter how well the democratic state performs, the criticisms and accusations of ZP will not stop. The whole world was with the PP, whereas with the PPS Albania is finding itself alone. The embittered Enverists who dominate the PS dream with their eyes open. If they came to power, they would make Albania this way and that (as if they hadn’t had 45 years). We suffered in prison solely for our views against the PP; we know you well. You will return to your old habits, opening the cells of Burrel above and below ground. You are the same people you always were; you have only changed your name, and Haxhiu. ISMET SHESHORI Former political prisoner

NATIONAL LIBRARY TIRANA

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