The chairman of the Democratic Party of Albania, Mr. Eduard Selami, received Mr. Edwin John Feulner yesterday afternoon at the DP headquarters for a special meeting. Feulner is President of the Heritage Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., and chairman of the Institute for European Defence and Strategic Studies in London. In preparation for the visit, Mr. Selami briefed Mr. Feulner on political, economic and social developments in Albania, as well as on the structures and operation of the Albanian Democratic Party. Mr. Selami also highlighted relations with the European Community, the United States, NATO, etc., expressing appreciation for their assistance and contribution to Albania’s democratic processes. For his part, Mr. Feulner congratulated Albania on the notable achievements of the past two years in respect for individual freedoms and significant economic improvement. “This is my second visit to Albania,” Mr. Feulner noted, “and I can easily see the positive changes that have taken place.” The meeting also addressed opportunities for establishing ties and concrete cooperation between the Heritage Foundation and the Albanian Democratic Party. Also present at the meeting were DP vice-chairman Mr. Ali Apiah and member of the leadership Mr. Dylber Vrioni. Press and Information Department

The map of Europe for the Socialist Party of Albania “shrinks” to a minimum It may seem strange to someone unfamiliar with the world of politics to see a connection, in the minds of former Albanian communists, between Berlusconi’s victory in Italy and the victory of the Socialist Party’s communists in Albania. But the truth is that the victory of the centre-right badly disillusioned the leaders of the Socialist Party and left them with a bitter taste. One need only read what was written during the two or three days of the Italian election campaign to understand their reaction after the election results. A news item about Berlusconi from the ANSA agency, published in “RD”, astonished “ZP”, which then began attacking the Milanese boss as well. They accused Berlusconi of having fascist connections in Italy, but the Socialist Party’s newspaper in Albania was no less hostile. Whole pages of that newspaper were filled with “certain predictions” of victory for Occhetto and the Communist Refoundation in Italy, but their predictions did not come true. So why did the Albanian former communists want the left to win in Italy? Did they want a victory for the left, or simply the defeat of the centre-right? Was this desire connected merely with the colour red, or with concrete interests? It seems—and is clear to everyone—that there is a very great difference between the friendships of the European left and those of the former Albanian communists who are active in the Socialist Party. The fact is that the “old guard” of the Socialist Party have not been welcomed at Europe’s doors and have been excluded by those parties that represent the European left. But it is also a fact that two of those parties cooperated with the Socialist Party. These two parties were Greece’s PASOK and Craxi’s PSI. It may seem baseless to raise questions about two parties in neighbouring countries, but the facts are undeniable. There is a declaration signed by the two signatories, F. Nano, who is accused of embezzlement. PSI, Craxi, De Mikelis. Nano has mentioned the last two names several times with pride as friends of the Socialist Party. Nano even intended to give Craxi membership card number 3 of the Socialist Party of Albania. A move that hit the mark at the time, but would later come back to haunt them. The holder of membership card no. 3 of the Socialist Party of Albania is accused of corruption by the Italian judges, and so is De Mikelis. The PSI is undergoing a deep political crisis, which was reflected in his harsh statements against the Italian communists (imagine what he might say about the Albanian communists). He made it clear that the latest election result in Italy, unlike those of earlier elections, would be very important for Italy and beyond. If the parties whose campaign centred on fighting the old political class and corruption had lost in Italy, then Nano’s and “ZP”’s nonsense about the DP being against the Italian state would have been discredited. But events in the neighbouring country showed that corruption among some Italian politicians was fought by the Italian justice system itself, in Italian courts, without any other means. And if Italian citizens themselves cannot be accused of attacking the Italian state because they do not fight the state—and why should the DP be accused of attacking the Italian state for being friends with Nano, when in Italy his friend is being tried?—then Albanian justice cannot be accused of attacking the Italian state for putting De Mikelis on trial over his own scandal either. ...also in the latest elections, where it received only 2.2 percent of the vote. Meanwhile, the aid scandal has erupted in Albania, with former communist prime minister F. Nano, who is also chairman of the Socialist Party, accused in connection with it. On the other side of the Adriatic, De Mikelis is being accused over the same issue. At this point, one may ask why Craxi’s and De Mikelis’s PSI helped Nano. That, then, is why the victory of the anti-communists in Italy is so bitter for the Albanian communists, who had been preparing to organize a great celebration like the one the “BASOK” in Greece holds for its victories. The fact is that they were unable to celebrate as they wished. This is the Socialist Party’s “victory”. ...of aid in Italy. The DP and the democratic government have repeatedly expressed their gratitude to the Italian state and people, who cannot be represented by a few corrupt politicians, even if they are Nano’s friends. processed by those parties representing the left wing. parties cooperated with the PSH. These two parties were Greece's PASOK and Croatia's PSI. Perhaps making baseless insinuations about two parties from neighboring countries is unjustified, but certain facts are indisputable. There is a declaration signed by F. Nano on behalf of the PS and PASOK that does not accord with Albania's national interests. The signing of this declaration was subsequently followed by an agreement for PASOK to secure a rapid victory for the PS in Albania, and by absurd demands for the immediate release of

The visit of Albanian President Sali Berisha to Great Britain received extensive coverage in British and international radio and television circles, including CNN, BBC, NBC, FT, ITN, etc.; in the largest British newspapers, such as The Times and the Financial Times; and in major news agencies such as Reuters, AFP, etc. During the visit, President Berisha also held a press conference over breakfast at the Hyatt Carlton Towers hotel with journalists from numerous newspapers, magazines, news agencies and radio and television networks. Thus, shortly after his arrival, on Monday evening, he was invited to an interview broadcast live from CNN’s London studio. The interview began with an introduction to Albania by the CNN journalist, who emphasized that Albania, the poorest country in Europe, had undergone dramatic political and economic changes over the previous two years. It was the country with the fastest economic growth in Europe, growth that, according to the IMF, reached 10 percent. The interview focused mainly on the situation in the region and Albania’s views and positions on resolving the crisis. President Berisha stressed that the Albanian question is a fundamental issue in the Balkan crisis and that any conflict with the Albanians would be a real Balkan war. On Tuesday morning, he met with a dozen representatives of Britain’s largest newspapers and international news agencies, among others, and discussed the situation in Albania and the region with them. He also gave separate interviews to various radio and television channels. BBC Television, for example, reported in its main news bulletins on the Major–Berisha meeting and conducted a lengthy interview with President Berisha in which he presented the Albanian government’s view of the region. Another similar interview was conducted with BBC World Service, the radio service broadcasting abroad. President Berisha was also interviewed by “Financial Time TV”. He then met with the Confederation of British Industry, where he called for greater British investment in Albania. This interview, rebroadcast by other British and foreign channels such as “Sky Nces” and NBC-ITN, was accompanied by footage of the lively free market, progress in agriculture and privatization, as well as scenes of the coastline, highlighting its tourism potential. Particular mention was made of economic growth of 11 percent during 1993. The world’s two largest news agencies, “Reuters” and “AFP”, published two lengthy reports after their conversations with Mr. Berisha, covering Albania’s foreign policy and the regional situation. They reported that Belgrade wanted to shift the conflict towards Kosovo and take further repressive measures there, and called for the issue to be placed on the agenda. The agencies write: (Continued on page 4)

—31 August 1994—the final date for former owners to submit applications and complete documentation— —Forestry Police, Construction Police and State Control employees to be armed— —Deputy Miço declares that “the human rights of minorities” are being violated by the Public Order forces. —Deputies Haxhdari and Toto describe the statement as a “smokescreen”— Taking into account the many difficulties in obtaining the documentation required by the law on the return and compensation of property to former owners, the People’s Assembly, on the proposal of a group of 36 deputies, approved yesterday the extension of this deadline from 31 March to 31 August 1994, under the draft law “On an amendment to Law No. 7698, dated 15 April 1993, as amended by Law No. [date] 2 November 1993.” At the end of yesterday’s session, a statement was also made by PBDNJ deputy Thoma Miço, in which,

—Deputies Hajdari and Toto describe this statement as a “smokescreen”— of a group of 36 deputies, also approved a third extension of the deadline for submitting these documents. Thus, 7698, dated 15 April 1993, as amended by Law No. [date] 2 November 1993,” approved yesterday, the deadline was extended law “On several additions to Law No. 7566, dated 25 May 1992, ‘On Weapons,’” also approved yesterday, the Public Order authorities are authorized to issue permits and provide firearms to employees of the Forestry Service Police, the Construction Police, and the State Control Service. At the end of yesterday’s session, PBDNJ deputy Thoma Miço also made a statement in which he protested, as he put it, against violations of the rights of minorities in the southern areas by the Public Order forces. Deputy Hajdari, meanwhile, rejected the statement as speculative in its allegations. Likewise, (Continued on page 4)

- No one can deny the achievements in Shkoder, either - - Meeting of the Shkoder branch of the DP - - Attending are the Secretary General of the PDSh, Mr. Tritan Shehu, and Deputy Chairman Ali Spahia On Wednesday, March 30, 1994, the meeting of the DP branch of the Shkoder district was held, attended by members of the branch leadership, heads of sections and subsections, heads of communes, and local government officials from the district and the municipality. Here we highlight excerpts from some of the discussions. Ludovik Dega, chairman of the Shkoder DP branch The reorganization of the sections and subsections has been completed throughout our district. At our workplace we have been members of the new membership, especially after the Second National Conference of the PDSh. We must now give greater impetus to the activities of the work subsections, in order to ensure implementation of the DP program and address the issue of advancing economic reform in both the city and the countryside. Pjeter Kromi, member of the DP branch leadership Work to stabilize law and order here in Shkoder has been undertaken. Incidents continue to follow one another. Often, the perpetrators are not caught, even when their tracks are identified. There are two reasons: the growing criminal activity of the extremist communists and former communists seeking to destabilize democracy in Shkoder, and the shortcomings of the law-enforcement agencies in catching and punishing criminals. Zef Markoda, mayor of Laç commune Once the discussion about the agricultural sector and the agricultural program had been set up, responsibility fell to several people, some of whom are now in the municipality and ... on a district council. Thus, when the economic assistance plan of 15 million lekë came to me in 1993–1994, two days later 4 million were taken away...? You ask why and cannot find the reason! Menduh Mushani, district director of agriculture Veterinary services in the countryside still face many problems. Many food-processing enterprises have not been privatized because they have been valued at prices that are high relative to their current worth and the population's low purchasing power. The issuance of securities is essential, and the government should consider the possibility of payment in installments. Kol Tonaj, MP The Dukagjin region, the northernmost part of our district, has seen many positive changes compared with the past. There are still problems and concerns. As for the future, the priority remains the relocation of these residents to the country's lowland areas. Ali Kazazi, chairman of the district council: The PDSh program must be carried through to the end; this is the sole wish of Shkoder's democrats. We consider land privatization essential. We must pay greater attention to this process, because there have been many cases in which communist forces in the past obstructed the division of land. Despite all these obstacles, land distribution in our district too has passed the 90% mark. Administrative reform must go deeper; administrations must be cleared of extremist communist elements and former Sigurimi agents, who only damage democratic ties further. Gezim Luli, MP The time has come for the democratic law, only 2.2 percent of the votes. Meanwhile, there has been an aid scandal in Albania for which the former communist prime minister F. Nano, also the chairman of the PS, is accused. On the other side of the Adriatic, De Michelis is accused over the same issue. At this point, can we ask why the PSI of Croatia and De Mikelis helped Nano? Tangentopoli would overturn Italy's political landscape and destroy the “reputation” of Nano's allies. Meanwhile, the new parties positioned on the right are advancing their positions against corruption. But that is not enough: the emergence of Silvio Berlusconi on the scene would make the executive powers synchronize and function as a single bloc. The arrival of government officials in Shkoder is useful, because work has also begun to move in a positive direction. Filip Guraziu, mayor Once again, on law and order. There is evidence that criminals, thieves, and rapists are systematically paid by certain former communist forces with one aim: to destabilize Shkoder and tarnish the image of democratic government. The government must do more for Shkoder. The two most difficult areas of our district, Shllaku and Dukagjini, should receive more investment and economic assistance. Dede Toka, from Shoshi, member of the DP leadership For two years, the Democratic Government has ensured that there is no longer hunger for bread, even in Shale and Shosh; in fact, we have several kinds of bread. The people of Shale have 60 m2 of land per person. An appeal to the government for the organized resettlement of the population from these mountainous areas. Tritan Shehu, Secretary General of the PDSh: I assure you that the concerns raised today at this meeting about law and order in Shkoder will be presented to the Ministry of Public Order and the Government. Law and order in Shkoder will be stabilized. Law-and-order problems should not be left to the police alone; everyone must work together with all sectors of the population, and all public opinion must be made aware of the need for law and order and peace—not only in Shkoder. Regarding the implementation of the land law, the main support must come from you, the elected representatives in democratic government. How capable you are of opposing those who violate the land-distribution law is important. Of course, things must be said openly, as you said them here today, but we should not forget to mention the values that democracy has brought, which we all see and feel. The standard of living in Shkoder is undoubtedly better than it was three years ago. No one can deny this. The times we are going through are extremely favorable for democratic forces in Albania. I would like to quote just one statement made recently by Mr. Kemal Dervish: “Any country would Albania.” It remains an undeniable fact that Albania has now overcome the economic collapse that had engulfed it three years ago. We must be clear that today's struggle in Albania is between democracy and the former security-service elements of the past and extremist Enverists, who dream of bringing back the cruel communist dictatorship. We should bring intellectuals and people of standing into our ranks. I am glad that the FRPD in Shkoder is very active. This youthful spirit should also be felt more strongly in the village sections, by adding young men and women to our ranks. Finally, Mr. Tritan Shehu spoke about the international situation and the Balkan region, emphasizing the great importance of the victory in Italy's recent elections of the center-right, led by Berlusconi's “Forza Italia.” PREPARED BY: DYLEJMAN KARAJ Dervish: “Any country would BY: DYLEJMAN KARAJ

Wednesday, 30 March

Page 2 - List of water supply systems, roads, and bridges to be built during 1994–1995 in the districts of Durres, Laç, Tropoje, Gramsh, Puke, Bulqize, Kruje, and Tirane. Page 3 - April 2 belongs to Shkoder; Shkoder belongs to Democracy.

As is well known, April 1 has been called by the people the day of “Zeri i Popullit,” the newspaper of three parties: the former Communist Party, the former Party of Labour, and now the Socialist Party. The fact that it has been the organ of several parties is nothing bad in itself. This country has known many people and organs with a hundred flags. But no one has the right to deny its creators, its parents. Thus, the newspaper “Zeri i Popullit” has a founder, its creator and first director, Comrade Enver Hoxha. I do not say this to boast, but so that, on occasions such as this April 1, Father Enver and Mother Party are also mentioned. There is no need to say anything else, since the ZP newspaper is well known here and beyond the border for its Marxist-Leninist truthfulness, its proletarian preparation, and its revolutionary vigilance. We, its many readers, wish this fifty-year-old newspaper a happy April 1 celebration, and many such celebrations in the future. A GROUP OF READERS MARXIST-LENINISTS AMAZONAS, BRAZIL SOCIALIST TELLTALES TRIUMPH. AGAINST THE LAW AND JUSTICE.