Discussion on behalf of the DP parliamentary group on the government’s medium-term programs By Genc Ruli, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Economy and Budget The government’s medium-term policy program for 1993–’96 is in itself a clear and serious study of the priority economic directions and the measures that must be undertaken to overcome the crisis in the country’s economy and fully transform it into a liberalized market economy. This program should be understood as an integral part and logical consequence of the general strategic program with which the Democratic Government appeared before this Parliament two years ago, and on the basis of which it became possible during this period to achieve positively two of the most important strategic objectives: 1. macroeconomic stabilization and the establishment of control over economic parameters; and 2. stabilization of production, achieved within 1993. Alongside the achievement of these two priority objectives, during this first phase of reform progress was also made steadily toward structural reforms, the institutionalization and establishment of the mechanisms of a free and private economy, as well as the creation of a broad legislative basis for further deepening the transition process. At the time, the economy was entirely confused and distorted, of a kind that knew at least not only its economic trends and parameters, but also its financial and administrative possibilities and resources, which had to serve to determine and calculate the deadlines and pace of transformation. Today, when the reality of economic trends and possibilities has become concrete and the fundamental objectives of stabilization have been achieved, the opportunity has also arisen for more detailed and accurate programming of the continuation of the government’s economic policy through a medium-term framework extending to 1996. The program before us demonstrates that the government has not only correctly defined and analyzed the measures to be undertaken, but has also drawn up a sound platform for implementing them. The objectives set out in the medium-term policy program are historically necessary and economically planned. They are necessary because fully overcoming the economic crisis and transforming a centralized economy into a free-market economy require, as imperatives: 1. Deeper intervention in the structural adjustment of the economy; 2. The institutionalization and daily strengthening of the mechanisms and concepts necessary for a market economy; 3. Continuity and consistency in carrying out economic transformation processes. They are justified because: 1. They are based on the continuation of the strategic objectives set two years ago. 2. They are supported by a more stable economic environment as a result of the progress made, and one that is also more liberal as a result of the release of the legal and economic framework from dogmas and centralizing, statist policies. 3. Their implementation timetable has been carefully studied, since it is based on the actual pace demonstrated so far in implementing transformative measures, on the logical order in which they are carried out, and on certain economic trends that are now well established. 4. They are supported by the growing awareness among most people of the need to carry out economic reform, despite the difficulties accompanying this process. 5. They are supported by the rapid and significant improvement throughout the state administration in understanding and implementing these new measures, once almost unknown to it. Further consolidation of the macroeconomic stability achieved and the deepening of comprehensive structural reforms, accompanied by a careful social policy, constitute the only path forward toward a market economy. This is the aim and strategic conclusion emerging from this government program. As one of the medium-term program’s most important qualities, we can point to the range of its objectives across every aspect of reform and all economic and social fields and sectors. Thus, the program provides a detailed breakdown and logical order of priorities and control over economic parameters and it was also possible to make steady progress toward structural reforms, the institutionalization of the mechanisms of a free and private economy, and the development processes. The medium-term program we are reviewing further elaborates and precisely defines a set of concrete objectives, with priority given to the restructuring and adjustment measures for our economy, which may be defined as the steps of Phase II of Economic Reform. In the general economic strategy program presented in 1992, these objectives were set out in general terms and within broad time frames. This was explained by the fact that, at that time, there existed a picture ... The objectives are crisis and transforming an of freeing the legal and economic framework from dogmas and centralizing and statist policies. 3. The timetable for its implementation has been carefully studied because it is based on ... logical order of priorities and objectives: a) Fiscal, monetary and budgetary measures which, over this three-year period, are essential to maintaining satisfactory financial, monetary and foreign-exchange stability as guarantees for gradually strengthening the national economy. Such objectives include reducing the state’s public deficit to 9% of GDP by 1996, keeping inflation within moderate limits of less than 20% per year in the following years, and significantly reducing the current account deficit of the balance of ... (Continued on page 2)

From President Berisha’s visit to Turkey As we reported, on 4 April the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Sali Berisha, arrived in Turkey for an official visit at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Turkey, Sulejman Demirel. Mr. Berisha is accompanied on this visit by Foreign Minister Alfred Serreqi, Minister of Economy and Finance Pirro Dishnica, and Minister of Trade and Industry Selim Belortaja. Upon entering Turkish airspace, the plane carrying President Berisha was escorted by four Turkish F-16 fighter aircraft. At Ankara airport, President Berisha was received by Turkish President Sulejman Demirel and other senior figures of that country. At 3 p.m. local time on 4 April 1994, President Berisha visited the mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk. At the entrance to the mausoleum, Mr. Berisha was welcomed by the mayor of Ankara and other dignitaries. laid a wreath as a sign of respect and honor for Kemal Ataturk. He then visited the halls of this magnificent mausoleum. At 4:30 p.m. on 4 April, the official welcoming ceremony for the President of Albania, Sali Berisha, was held at the Presidential Palace. The national anthems of the two countries were accompanied by artillery salutes. President Berisha then reviewed the honor guard alongside President Demirel. The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Kaner Gensh; Deputy Prime Minister Murat Karacënçin; Foreign Minister Hikmet Çetin; and other senior dignitaries. The President of the Republic of Turkey, Sulejman Demirel, welcomed President Berisha’s visit to Turkey with a short speech. Among other things, he stressed that the visit would serve to raise the very good relations between Albania and Turkey to a higher level. President Berisha, for his part, thanked his hosts for the reception and highlighted the substantial assistance Turkey had given Albania. He emphasized that the very good relations between our two countries rest on strong historical and cultural ties. “I am convinced,” Mr. Berisha concluded, “that this visit will open up new horizons for bilateral cooperation.” For about 25 minutes, Berisha and Demirel held a one-on-one meeting. Official talks between the Albanian and Turkish delegations, led by Presidents Berisha and Demirel, then began. In his remarks, Mr. Demirel reviewed relations between our two countries in recent years. He emphasized that their development had been extraordinary. He mentioned his visit in May–June 1992, former President Ozal’s visit in February 1993, Prime Minister Meksi’s visit to Turkey, and visits by other dignitaries, noting that these visits had served bilateral cooperation, which had been put into concrete form through the treaty of friendship and mutual cooperation, in the military sphere and in other areas such as tourism, health, culture, etc. President Demirel stressed that Turkey would also assist Albania in 1994 in the field of legislation. Cooperation would also extend to telecommunications, and a branch of the Turkish Agricultural Bank would soon be established in Tirana. The Turkish President went on to say that Turkey was ready to develop relations with Albania in every field. Concluding, Mr. Demirel emphasized that Albania was moving rapidly toward a market economy and integration into the international community. In his remarks, Mr. Berisha stressed that it was a rare example for two countries to experience such a substantial increase in their relations in such a short period of time. Mr. Berisha agreed with Mr. Demirel’s summary of the progress of bilateral relations. He addressed those issues that had not progressed as they should. Investments and their level, Mr. Berisha emphasized, were far below the level of political relations and the real opportunities that existed. The obstacles had been subjective. President Berisha also asked the Turkish side to convert the loan repayment into a soft loan. The two presidents then discussed the situation in the Balkan region. Their views on this issue were the same. Kosovo was described by Berisha and Demirel as a very delicate issue. The spread of the conflict there would lead to immeasurable consequences. President Demirel praised Albania’s measured policy toward its neighbors. At the meeting it was emphasized that assistance from the Black Sea should be supported and encouraged, as it was considered integrative. At the end of the meeting, an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation was signed. The agreement was signed by Ministers Dishnica and Atilla. FROM THE BERISHA–ÇILLER MEETING Also on 4 April, during his visit to Turkey, President Berisha met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, Ms. Tansu Çiller. The atmosphere of very good Albanian-Turkish relations was reflected in this meeting as well. Ms. Çiller showed particular interest in Albania’s economic reform, focusing on its specific aspects. President Berisha, for his part, addressed investment, emphasizing that every opportunity existed in Albania for profitable investments. Ms. Çiller said she would work to bring Turkish investors to Albania. During the meeting, both sides expressed their readiness to expand and further intensify relations in areas of mutual interest. Prime Minister Çiller and President Berisha also discussed the situation in our region. The conflict in the south of Albania was considered by the interlocutors to be a very serious danger that would completely destabilize the Balkans. President Berisha also met with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Murat Karajalçin and with the Chairman of the opposition Motherland Party, Memedheu Mesut Jilmaz. President Berisha continues his visit to Turkey. power. For his part ... Thus, this refers to the reception accorded to him, and he highlighted the great assistance Turkey has given Albania. He emphasized that the very good political, economic and military relations are growing in a friendly spirit, because these relations are founded on old historical and cultural ties between our two peoples, the President said, among other things. He addressed those issues that have Berisha emphasized, are opportunities that exist. The obstacles have convert repayment of the loan into a soft loan. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Murat Karayalçin Mesut Jillmaz. President Berisha continues his visit to Turkey.

The delegation of the Council of Europe appointed at the Council’s latest meeting to deal with non-member countries arrived in our country yesterday. The delegation, headed by Lord Finsberg, consists of several rapporteurs from different Council of Europe committees, including Reddmann; Kelchmans, rapporteur of the Political Affairs Committee; Columberg, rapporteur of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights; Puh!, rapporteur of the Committee on Relations with Non-Member Countries; and Sorinas, secretary. The Albanian Parliament’s deputy speakers, Malasi and Vukaj, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Eduard Selami, and representatives of the parliamentary groups were there to welcome the delegation. As was also stated at the Council of Europe’s latest meeting, the delegation represents “political support for Albania’s admission to the Council of Europe.” The delegation’s task is specifically to examine the possibility of Albania joining the Council of Europe through an accelerated procedure. During its two-day stay in Albania, the delegation will meet the country’s most senior political figures, parliamentary parties, the Helsinki Committee, press representatives, etc. Yesterday the delegation met with the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, Mr. Arborni, and the Albanian Helsinki Committee. Today, meetings will be held with the parliamentary parties, members of the government, and President Berisha. RD CORRESPONDENT The delegation of the Council of Europe has arrived in Albania — “This visit is political support for Albania”

State Audit reports Ligor Dhamo and Zenel Hoxha for criminal prosecution MISAPPROPRIATION AT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY —The estimated figure for the damage to the state is around 15 million lekë— “There has been misappropriation of state property at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.” This is the conclusion of the audit conducted by the State Audit Service at this state social organization, which functioned as such until 1992. After that year, the Chamber of Commerce was recognized as a private legal entity. And, specifically in its capacity as a private body, it used state facilities. This is a maneuver that brought the Chamber of Commerce substantial profits and that, in fact, has made it an example of punishable and unlawful acts. In order to obtain financial gains deliberately at the state’s expense, warranting criminal prosecution, the State Audit Service documented the use, by this organization as a private entity, of the state’s financial, material and monetary assets that had been entrusted to it. The income earned from the registration of trademarks and industrial marks during 1992 and thereafter has also implicated its managers, Ligor Dhamo and Zenel Hoxha. This is because these revenues, which should have been paid into the state budget, were used by the Chamber. Not only that, but the Chamber’s use of the exhibition center without paying any revenue to the state for the use of its property also constitutes an aggravating factor. The State Audit Service’s report is accompanied by figures specifying each violation. Thus, the Chamber of Commerce owes 34 million lekë to the state budget for revenues earned in 1992–1993 from trademark registration. It appears that this action—that is, paying the revenues into the budget—was prevented by the Ministry of Trade having issued the Chamber of Commerce authorization to register trademarks and collect the proceeds from them. The exhibition center also provided the Chamber of Commerce with income, specifically 244,067 lekë. This was naturally accompanied by the responsibility of its managers for diverting these revenues elsewhere, since the exhibition center is state property. The Chamber of Commerce organizes it as a private entity, and the income earned from it has not been paid into the state budget. Add to these sums 9 million 482 thousand lekë, and the amount misappropriated comes to around 15 million lekë. The State Audit Service holds its managers at different times, Ligor Dhamo and Zenel Hoxha, responsible; according to the Service, they also benefited unlawfully by receiving high salaries and excessive per diems. Approximately 57,000 lekë for Ligor Dhamo and about 21,000 lekë for Zenel Hoxha were obtained through high salaries. Each also received per diems of 418 dollars and 300 dollars, respectively. According to the State Audit, the scope of the violations is further expanded by the purchase of cars, equipment and materials without accounting records, and by the distribution of bonuses without criteria. The punitive measure applied for such violations is the filing of criminal complaints against Ligor Dhamo and Zenel Hoxha. SHIPETIM LUKU

—Finishi—a mini-party, or “once upon a time there was the PS”— While fanatical leaders ramble in speeches and interviews and “ZP” fills entire pages with accounts of the PS’s growth and consolidation, in real life the opposite is plainly and clearly happening. The PS is dwindling, shrinking, aging, becoming ever more anemic and powerless. It is like a person who, despite having strength and being guided and trying to take good care of himself, cannot stop his wasting away and deterioration, or his being consumed by a disease that causes him no pain and is never diagnosed. This process, or this “illness,” began the very day the PS was born. It inherited the virus from the 50-year-old PP. The PS was born not in the hall where it held its first formalistic Congress, but earlier, at the officials’ residence or in Ramiz Alia’s villa. Alia: an incubator of old and new microbes and viruses, known and not yet encountered. The misfortune, the fatal flaw of the PS, is that it inherited from Enver Hoxha’s and Ramiz Alia’s PP all the human, material and financial resources. From this tainted and hasty birth it also inherited the complex of guilt, crimes, wickedness and vices. This transfer of the inventory was made public, and therefore neither here nor anywhere in the world did anyone rejoice at the “death” of the PP and the “birth” of the PS. Indeed, even the authors, directors and actors of this farce or masquerade had neither thought of nor foreseen what would become of the PS. The 50-year-old woman, with a complex of incurable illnesses... NOT JUST FOR LAUGHS... MR. NAND CLAIMS HE SHOULD BE GRANTED THE STATUS OF A POLITICAL PRISONER also inherited the “fabrication” or “destruction,” they themselves took on a new name and the PP’s cosmetics, and its birth upon its foundations, but (Continued on page 2) NOT JUST FOR LAUGHS... MR. NAND CLAIMS HE SHOULD BE GRANTED THE STATUS OF A POLITICAL PRISONER