ALBANIAN REFORMS IN SEARCH OF DEVELOPMENT AND STABILITY
Speech by President Berisha at Chatham House, 29 March 1994
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today is a historic day for us as Albanians, because for the first time the head of the Albanian state is invited to give a lecture at Chatham House, an institution renowned in the international arena and one that is precious to us as a rare friend. To be here before the institution that has dealt with the Albanian question with such professionalism and foresight from its very beginnings was undoubtedly a special emotion. This is understandable if we bear in mind that not far from this year, 72 years ago in 1922, the documents of Chatham House formed one of the main supporting foundations for saving Albania at that time from being dismembered as a state. [The text in the columns continues partly legible:] ... The reform process in Albania is trying to create the conditions for political freedom, a market economy and the rule of law. ... Albania is facing the heavy legacy of the communist regime, isolation, poverty and the lack of democratic institutions. ... We have undertaken profound reforms in privatization, economic stabilization, the banking system, agriculture and trade. ... Our objective is European integration and the building of a free and democratic society. ... This path has difficulties, but international support and the will of the Albanian people are decisive. Continued on page 2