INTERVIEW WITH THE PRESIDENT BERISHA OVERESTIMATED THE INVESTMENTS IN MALAYSIA AND BRUNEI AND ALBANIAN RADIO-TELEVISION Of the two countries, Malaysia was organized in the rapid changes of development. According to the President's words, "in these 40 years, the state has successfully and deservedly used the country's abundant capital, as a result of the great reserves of oil and gas, especially with that of British companies". In Malaysia, the President of the USA welcomed? the country with an official reception. Talks with the country's prime minister Mahathir Mohamed and the relevant ministers focused mainly on the need to exploit the opportunities created by the free market in Malaysia and in Albania. Recalling that diplomatic relations between the two countries have existed since 1971, the President noted that economic relations will be established by businessmen, who are taking their first steps. According to him, in the future it is possible to organize goods exhibitions for both the Albanian and Malaysian markets. Within the framework of relations with Brunei, where the President met with the Sultan of this country, Hassanal Bolkiah, it was said that discussions were held on creating concrete opportunities for economic, cultural, etc. cooperation. The President emphasized that Albania is interested in attracting foreign investors and that the experience of these Southeast Asian countries is valuable for the Albanian economic reform process. He stressed that in these countries the democratic changes in Albania and its opening to the world were appreciated. Interview for Albanian Radio-Television

The government took a blow during '93 INFLATION LOWERED ITS HEAD But it will no longer happen from 1994 on. Inflation was only a consequence? of the reform, due to high spending demand; from the improvement in supply, in growth and in macroeconomic indicators. In these three years of economic reform, the situation has always been one of stabilization. High inflation at the beginning had as its main feature the imbalance between spending and demand. From around 950 million to 2.2 billion lek at the beginning of 1992, during 1993 inflation fell sharply. The consumer index, according to the graphs, shows a slowdown in the rates. The growth of industrial production and agricultural production affected the increase in supply on the market. The monthly rate of price increases, which at the beginning of 1992 reached 11 percent, by the end of 1993 had fallen to much lower levels. According to specialists, the improvement of financial discipline, the control of the budget deficit and the exchange-rate policy directly affected the reduction of inflation. However, inflation remains one of the main challenges of the Albanian economy and requires care in the management of public finances and the domestic market. CONSUMER PRICE INDEX

"In support of the proletarians who defend the methods of "ZP"" In yesterday's issue, "ZP" writes that Albania has become the center of the struggle of the proletariat against the bourgeoisie and against the forces of international reaction. According to it, the Albanian experience should serve as a model for the working class in other countries. The article in "ZP" uses harsh ideological language and attacks democratic parties, economic reforms, and orientation toward the West. It calls for the mobilization of the masses and for confrontation with the "class enemy" on a world scale. Commentators have described this position as a return to old Stalinist rhetoric and as an attempt to hinder democratic processes in Albania.

Jonida Goga inspires Nano's tightening split. Government moves with forms toward Korea. The film's non-involvement is prepared to penetrate everywhere—of Kuçova. In a country that of foreign movement and of the government; the frenzies of the rain and of the American police . The PPS elections? are approaching, and Fatos Nano has made a new political move. His visit to Kuçova has been presented as an attempt to reorganize the socialist base and regain ground with the electorate. In this context, meetings with supporters and public statements aim to create the idea of a strong comeback on the political scene. Opponents see this as a propaganda act, while supporters see it as proof of the vitality of the left-wing opposition. (To be continued on page 2)

"According to the opposition press, yes" Haimondu Çeli, counsellor at the Italian Embassy in Tirana: "Relations with Albania continue to be full of a deep sense of friendship". Eduard Selami: Albania is an Italian nursery. Our relations will develop positively anyway".

Several things about the PS? are being revealed: "ZP" or ideas, "rich people in anti and awakenings advances of his, but is stopped by the press with the moves of the PPS with the current. The Socialist Party is losing ground for its elections. Simoni is becoming an unclear man. Instead of real organizational work, he is spending energy on media campaigns and attacks on political opponents. For many observers, this is a sign of the deep organizational and ideological crisis of the old left. In this context, the criticism of the PPS is interpreted as part of a desperate attempt to preserve power and influence. ISMET SHESHORI former political persecuted