-THE PARLIAMENTARY GROUP AT THE HEAD OF THE PS IN THE CONTINUATION OF THE DISTANCES The President of the Republic considers that the PS's tactic for achieving its goal of destabilizing the country and seizing power by force has not changed. This tactic continues in the attempt to exploit the discontent and temporary problems facing the country in order to create violent incidents. This scenario was set in motion in Elbasan, but failed thanks to the reaction of the residents of that city. This tactic is now being implemented in Kurbin, to create the same situation there. The President of the Republic described as anti-national the repeated demand of the PS leaders to present Albania to the Council of Europe as a country where human rights are violated. He said that Albania is making serious efforts to build the rule of law and democratic institutions. In his analysis of the latest meeting of the PS Presidium, the President stated that its purpose was to stir political and social tensions in the country. According to him, this meeting and the statements issued from it aim to raise unnecessary tensions and hinder the country's progress toward European integration. (Continued on page 4)

TIRANA - According to the presidential press release, the President of the Republic, Dr. Sali Berisha, received yesterday a delegation from the Council of Europe, led by Lord Inchberg, chairman of the Committee on legal matters and human rights and relations with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. At the beginning of the discussion, Dr. Berisha expressed his pleasure at the presence in Albania of this delegation and praised the support that the Council of Europe has given our country in the democratization process. President Berisha then addressed the issue of justice and the strengthening of the rule of law in Albania. For his part, Lord Inchberg expressed appreciation for the democratic reforms undertaken in Albania and for the progress made in the field of legislation and human rights. He stressed the importance of further cooperation between Albania and the Council of Europe.

Berisha explains Albania's orientation, role and geostrategic position during his meeting in Istanbul. "Interview of the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, given to Albanian Television after his return from Turkey" "I think the objectives of this visit were first of all the meeting with President Demirel and Prime Minister Çiller. I have known both personalities as people with great dedication to relations between our two countries. With President Demirel I discussed a range of issues concerning bilateral relations, but especially the prospect of their development. Albania and Turkey have a great interest in broader cooperation in the economic, trade, military and cultural fields. During this visit, developments in the region and the role Albania can play as a factor of stability were also discussed. Albania is a small country, but with an important geostrategic position in the Balkans. We are determined to move toward European integration and to strengthen relations with friendly countries. (Continued on page 4)

The President of the Republic considers that the repeated mistakes of the socialist leaders are leading them to further political and moral losses. He said that attempts to block democratic processes will not succeed and that the institutions will continue their normal work. According to him, instead of offering alternatives, the opposition leaders are trying to create an atmosphere of mistrust and to instrumentalize every difficulty. This strategy, he said, has distanced them from the citizens. (Continued on page 4)

-From the meeting of press representatives with the delegation of the Council of Europe Accompanying photo: Edi Paloka (Continued on page 4)

PRESIDENT BERISHA RECEIVED THE GERMAN FIGURE HOKH XHULLEN Yesterday, our country was visited by Mr. Hoxh Xhullen, chairman of the European Alliance, supreme commander of NATO ground forces in continental Europe, accompanied by the Italian Minister of Defence, Mr. Zanili, etc. "I was amazed by the peace and calm in Tirana and in Albania. I value President Berisha's role and his desire to integrate Albania into European and Euro-Atlantic structures," he said during the meeting. For his part, President Berisha stressed the need to strengthen cooperation with NATO and with Western countries in the field of defence and security. (Continued on page 4)

Minister Musaraj comments on the "Accusation" against him 1) With admiration I ask myself and answer myself: “Is a man ignorant if he accepts such criticism with all his soul?” 2) Usually I take this variation as an alibi. There are accusations that may also be true. But the accusations made by the owner of “Accusë” are very far from the truth. 3) Yesterday, Mr. Musaraj clarified that he would not avoid public debate and that he would answer insinuations with facts. (Continued on page 4)