—Prime Minister Meksi declares, regarding the “DIF” case— —Mr. Prime Minister! Various press outlets have published different commentaries on this issue. As Prime Minister, how would you comment on it? —I believe that it is the duty of governments to reverse improper actions. The argument is that, because someone deceived the Albanian people three days before the 31 March elections, the Albanian people must bear the burden and every government must allow it. Our government—that is, the relevant ministries—proposed to the Council of Ministers that this contract be annulled because it was detrimental to the Albanian state. At the price of compensation for the land, the value of that property comes to around 100 million dollars. We cannot allow anyone to own such a property, acquired through an improper agreement with the former Albanian government, under circumstances that may yet have to be examined. I do not understand why people take issue with returning a property to the Albanian people so it can be used for the benefit of their economy, but do not take issue with those who cause this damage to the Albanian economy. —Then, who do you think bears direct responsibility for this? —Those who signed it may bear direct responsibility, because when the judicial authorities deal with such matters, they summon them first. One thing is certain: responsibility does not lie with our government. If they have a case against our government, let them find more convincing arguments. —In any case, international arbitration has already issued a decision. What will happen next? —We have tasked our lawyers and other experts with examining the legal means available for a solution to this unjust matter that is favorable to Albania and to Albania’s interests, which Albanians, at the very least, should not be made to oppose. We hope for a positive solution. Interview given to Radio Tirana and ATSH

—G.Pashko, M.Kapllani and R.Malile testify —Pashko tries not to incriminate Nano and shakes his hand at the end —Nano “accuses” S.Zhulali of pressuring him with planes flying over the court, thus showing that he suffers from more than one mental illness.— —M.Kapllani states that he was unaware that his Ministry handled aid. R.Malile says he informed him of this when he handed over his duties. —In any case, two names are always present: R.Alia and F.Nano. As yesterday’s hearing in the trial of F.Nano, S.Plaka, R.Gjuni and H.Halliku began, the presiding judge, Mr. Agim Bendo, called G.Pashko as a witness. G.Pashko spoke mainly about the period from June to December ’91 and the continuation of aid. Answering questions from Prosecutor Oleshi, G.Pashko testified that in a letter sent to Kardilli concerning the movement of aid, it was mentioned that Levante Co had been selected by the previous government for transport, and that it should no longer do so; the request to move the aid was made for this reason. The reason for the request to move the aid is clear. Thus witness Kabiri immediately confirmed reason. Despite the harassment and pressure from the Albanian government, that company could not continue this process. It is also a fact that Pelikani came to Albania after Pashko’s letter. Although Pashko knows these facts well, in his testimony he tried not to incriminate F.Nano, saying that his letter was not threatening in nature and that the removal of Levante Co was for political reasons—views that Pashko could not have held at the time when he was Nano’s political opponent. Thus, his position yesterday appeared to be political, all the more so because, before leaving, he shook F.Nano’s hand. The second witness called by the court was the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, M.Kapllani. In his statements regarding the case, Kapllani said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was a department responsible for political relations between various states, while economic relations were handled by specialized bodies. Throughout, M.Kapllani denied knowing that his Ministry and particular individuals there were involved in the arrangements for moving aid. Answering Prosecutor Gjokutaj, M.Kapllani said that, in principle, the Ministry dealt with aid. S.Plaka was responsible for relations (Continued on page 4)

FROM PRESIDENT BERISHA’S MEETING WITH PHARE PROGRAMME DIRECTOR MAYEW On Friday at noon, President of the Republic Sali Berisha received the Director of the PHARE Programme, Mr. Alan Mayhew, who was accompanied by the representative of the Presidency of the European Union, Mr. Petros Aiverions. The European Union’s ambassador to Albania, Mr. Elio Germano, was also present at the meeting. “We are grateful to you,” President Berisha told Mr. Mayew, “for the valuable assistance and solidarity that the European Union has given Albania in difficult moments and continues to give it, as well as for the help you personally are providing to ensure the proper functioning of the Joint Commission. The first meeting of the Joint Commission, the first meeting of the Commission for the project to build the horizontal trans-Balkan road Durrës–Skopje–Sofia–Istanbul, the improvement of the water supply system and the distribution of electricity. Assistance in support of the textile and food industries, as well as the stimulation of the private sector, would also be important. I am also convinced that very soon the European Union will continue discussions on accelerating Albania’s accession to the Association Agreement.” The European Union’s ambassador, Mr. Elio Germano, presented President Berisha with the study prepared by the “Gallup” Institute for the Eurobarometer. He emphasized that Albania is its integration into Europe. “What makes me happy,” President Berisha said, “is that this study demonstrates the major psychological change among Albanians. It is truly encouraging to see the support and confidence they are showing in the market economy, the development of reforms as a whole, and Albania’s integration into the European Union.” “We are enthusiastic,” Mr. Alan Mayhew said, “that you will use the European Union’s assistance methods effectively, and this is supported by the results achieved. We are determined not only to continue this assistance but also to increase it. In preparing the programme for assistance to Albania in Albania, Mr. Elio Germano. has given Albania in difficult times Commission and the talks held today are an important event in Albania’s relations with the European Union. In this context, one of the priorities for European Union assistance should be infrastructure, and in particular support for investment in this field, following the facts that revealed the abuses committed by Levante Co with the help of Albanian government officials. a fact that, following Pashko’s letter, Pelikani was to come to Albania.” The European Union prepared by the “Gallup” Institute for the Eurobarometer. their conviction that Albania’s future ... be destructive for Albanian society. The President greatly appreciates the generous assistance that the Italian people and state gave Albania in difficult days, and sees this assistance as a powerful element of Albanian-Italian friendship—a friendship between two allied and friendly countries that share and defend the same values and principles. Absurdly, corrupt elements on both sides of the Adriatic, who are being dealt with by the justice systems of their respective countries, are trying to make our relations victims. We say again to these Don Quixotes that Albanian friendship and the Albanian people’s determination to develop their friendship with Italy cannot be harmed by those who forge tattered membership cards or who have abused and appropriated the generous aid of the Italian people; it cannot be affected by anything, just as Albania’s desire to expand its relations with Italy cannot be harmed. 1994 ATA-

-PRESIDENT BERISHA HAS NEVER DESCRIBED THE SOCIALISTS AS “OUR ENEMIES.” -ALBANIA’S DESIRE TO EXPAND RELATIONS WITH ITALY CANNOT BE DAMAGED- Mr. Hajdaraga’s claim in “ZP” on March 12, 1994, that the President of the Republic described the PSHSH as “our enemies” is false and unfounded. Neither in his conversation with the journalist who published the interview in La Stampa, nor on any other occasion, has the President referred to the PS or any other political force in Albania using this term. On the contrary, this political concept is not only foreign to him, but also unacceptable to him. The President has always advocated justice that punishes the specific crimes of communist officials, without accepting their collective or ideological condemnation. Such justice is also a way to avoid revenge, which would be destructive for Albanian society. President Berisha addressed the press and information media with a clear message. He stressed that Albania ranks among the leading countries of Eastern Europe in terms of Albanians’ positive assessment of the country’s democratization, the development of the market economy, the protection of human rights, the improvement of their financial situation, and their conviction that Albania’s future lies in its integration into the European Union. “We are enthusiastic,” said Mr. Alen Mayhew, “that you have known how to use European Union assistance effectively, as the results achieved demonstrate. also to increase it. In allocating the program of assistance to Albania, we will take into account the priorities of the Albanian economy, and a special place will be given to assistance for developing infrastructure, as well as to the other areas that were mentioned.” PRESS AND INFORMATION OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Tirana, March 12, 1994

Other witnesses further expose Nano’s guilt -Clear evidence that aid was accepted without proper documentation- Other witnesses further expose Nano’s guilt GRAMO: SEJDIA, PERNIOLA ... WERE WAITING FOR HIM IN BARI -CLEARLY, AID WAS ACCEPTED WITHOUT PROPER DOCUMENTATION- As part of the witness questioning, it was Ylli Cabiri’s turn to testify about what he knew regarding the Italian aid case. He said that the Ministry of Foreign Trade had not dealt with the Italian aid. It took on this task later, under the Government of Stability. Thus, witness Cabiri immediately confirmed to transport the aid, and that it was not to be used again; yet the request for this movement of aid was made again. Meanwhile, witness Gavrosh Poçace tried to present matters to the court as he described the fate of Minister Kapllani. After explaining his duties during that period, he acknowledged that prices were high and the composition of the goods was not effective. The former prime minister also spoke about these problems, saying that a certain [unclear] had an agreed responsibility; had he worked in his own profession, he would have earned several times more during this period of democracy than he did as a minister. Being a minister is only a patriotic duty to the country and democracy, and this alone is what motivates us to carry out this difficult task. I conclude by addressing everyone: those from the security service who remain active, let them bring their entire arsenal of tradecraft and blackmail to bear and find at least one case—I repeat, at least one case—in which, apart from my salary from the state, I asked anyone for “5 lekë” in exchange for performing my state or private duties and services, whether today as a minister or in my former profession as an engineer. (Continued on page 4)

I, Bashkim Kopliku, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania, am “unfortunately” neither building nor having built a villa or a one- or multi-storey house, either in Durres, at the Beach, or anywhere else. This is an explanation of what the independent (?) MP, Mr. Kalakula, stated in the newspaper “Aleanca Demokratike” dated 6.3.1994, and what he has been repeating, over and over, for some time, in several places where he holds gatherings. In Durres, tonight he is being backed by two psychopaths and former State Security agents. “There’s no forest without a pig,” as the saying goes! People say, “You can’t put the minaret in a sack.” And anyone can easily see the truth about Kalakula’s “minaret” in this case (the villa cannot fit into Kalakula’s pocket, however large it may be). Three years ago, when the communists (socialists) were in power, I set in motion proceedings against the editor-in-chief of “ZP” for defamation (and he was convicted). Today, I will not do the same to Mr. Kalakula, because: 1. I do not consider what is being said an insult. Building a house, having money, becoming rich is not a crime in a democracy. The communists pretended to regard wealth as a crime. In this context, I do not consider my failure to become rich a personal merit. 2. I have generally ignored petty, shameless types like Mr. Kalakula. I have “multiplied them by zero.” I am taking the trouble to issue this public explanation because I observe that the “security agents” have launched a systematic campaign of the most unscrupulous and baseless slanders, alleging the enrichment of PD ministers. Unfortunately, someone who is worth addressing and clarifying matters with is also becoming a victim of this propaganda. I am fully convinced that any minister, working independently in their own profession today, would earn several times more in this period of democracy than conclude by addressing everyone who remains active: bring your for “5 lekë” in exchange for carrying out

From the bottom of my heart, I wish all Albanian Muslim believers, in Albania and wherever they may be, “Many happy returns on the day of the Great Bayram.” The day of Bayram is a great celebration of peace, mercy, forgiveness, generosity, humanity, remembrance and love among people. On this day, Muslim believers celebrate and rejoice in their achievements in the service of God, and with a profound spirit of brotherhood they give thanks to Him for His help. The day of Bayram is the day of the individual’s triumph and self-control over the temptations of evil; it is the day of harmony, respect and human brotherhood. This year we celebrate Bayram better, more united, freer and stronger than ever in our history and, with God’s help, we will celebrate the next Bayram even better. May God bless the Muslim believers and all Albanians wherever they may be. Once again, happy celebrations to us all on the glorious feast of the Great Bayram. SALI BERISHA PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Tirana, 12.3.1994

The feast of the Great Bayram, which comes immediately after the end of the fast, gives me the pleasure of extending my heartfelt wishes to all Muslim believers wherever they may be: “May you happily celebrate this great holiday! Love, harmony and nationwide brotherhood!” Eduard Selami Chairman of the Democratic Party of Albania

Many happy returns on the occasion of the Great Bayram, dear readers of our newspaper! Our very best wishes for prosperity in our homeland! The editorial staff of “RD”

CONCERTO “PROFESI FATOS” (OUR MOUNTAINS) SOCIALIST PARTY