Puke: In just a two-week period, 50 new members were accepted into the PD. Kukes: In the period January–March 1994, 208 new members were accepted into the PD branch of the district, of whom 58 were intellectuals.

Just 1,000 days ago, Albanians’ vision of the world did not go beyond that of a child concerning death. Surrounded by ignorance and hatred, for 50 years we did not know what we should have known, until we did not even know ourselves. Just 500 days ago, the majority of Albanians voted against ignorance, hatred and self-isolation. Since 22 March, Albania began its takeoff toward Europe. The PD can not only claim that it brought Albania into the CSCE, or that it established relations with the enemies of communism—the USA, the Vatican, England or Israel—but also that it gave the world the image of a noble and peaceful, democratic and European nation. At the tables in Strasbourg, Brussels, New York and Geneva, Albanian diplomats presented the identity and aspirations of the Albanian people for progress and integration in the best possible way. Albanian democrats deserve credit for being the first, after 45 years of denial, to bring the issue of Albanians in Kosovo and Çameri to the fore; for three UN bodies voting for resolutions in support of Kosovo; and for the Council of Europe, the IMF, the World Bank, etc., cooperating very fruitfully with Albania, paving the way for its accession to NATO through the signing of the “Partnership for Peace.” Albanian democrats deserve credit for the fact that Albanians were blessed by God’s emissary on earth, His Holiness Pope John Paul II; that Tirana was visited by or received the support of the best-known leaders of world diplomacy, from Bush, Gensher and Baker to Clinton, Kohl, Major, Werner, Martinez, etc. Following this historic course, Albanian diplomacy began the 1991 season with considerable concrete ambition. President Berisha’s visits to Kuala Lumpur, Brunei and Brussels, to London and Ankara, within a short period of time—and especially the results of these visits—are a clear indication of the policy of cooperation and integration pursued by Albania. In just these few months of 1994, Tirana was visited by numerous high-level NATO military delegations, who gave concrete assurances of cooperation with the Albanian army. Concerned about stability in the Balkans, where chauvinistic conflicts are raging, Albania continued and continues its policy of peace, dialogue and partnership, for which it is also valued by the democratic institutions of the West. Following high-level meetings with the three presidents of the Balkan region, Kuçan, Zhelev and Demirel, the Albanian initiative for cooperation and dialogue extended to the ministerial level, with Tirana visited by the foreign ministers of Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Croatia, etc. After visits by Maltese President Tabone and the Danish foreign minister, Klaus Kinkel, the number two in the German government, was received in Tirana—a development that clearly demonstrates the identity and political seriousness of friendly relations between the two countries. Albania has firmly declared its peaceful role in the region. By drawing attention to the highly critical position of the Albanians of Kosovo under Serbian rule, it has warned that the conflict in Kosovo is a conflict on Europe’s doorstep, a characterization supported by the USA, Germany, Turkey, NATO, etc. The deployment of UN and CSCE observer missions is the minimum necessary for normal progress toward dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade, with international mediators. Albania has declared its commitment to a stabilizing role in the Balkans. In cooperation with NATO, it has agreed to make its territory available for NATO observation operations and is continuing the process of military modernization. The lifting by the USA of the arms embargo on Albania has clear political significance, of which Albanians are proud, and is a diplomatic success. Albania has declared its commitment to full integration into Europe. The latest reporters left Tirana with the promise that (Continued on page 4)

—The Greek government’s proposals receive a positive response from the Albanian government— Minister Serreqi on Albanian-Greek relations Yesterday, at the session of the People’s Assembly In his discussion at yesterday’s session of the People’s Assembly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Mr Alfred Serreqi, began by once again clarifying the circumstances that have shaped and continue to shape Albanian-Greek relations. First, Mr Serreqi emphasized, is the reality of Albania today, which has embarked on the path of democracy and is successfully passing through this period of political and economic transition. Then there is the domestic reality of Greece, the fact that the two countries have been neighbors for centuries, etc. Also important is the position toward the crisis in the former Yugoslavia and, in this context, I would single out the position on the pan-national Albanian issue. Among the factors shaping these relations, we also take into account the fact that Greece is the only Balkan country that is a member of the Council of Europe, although at present it is not successfully holding the rotating presidency for this six-month period, the minister went on to say. Greece is also a member of NATO, a fact that we naturally take into consideration. There is another very important factor: the long-standing presence of Albanians in Greece and the Greek minority in Albania, where, of course, state policy and the democratic dimension of society can turn the minority at any time into a bridge of friendship and communication that greatly facilitates relations, but can equally turn it into a Trojan horse. And then there is the Çam factor, which was raised for the first time by the democratic government, in what is a clear indicator of two countries, [text garbled] very tense. As for the latest terrorist act, about which all the media have informed you, I think all Albanian political forces, with only minor differences, agreed on the degree of responsibility of the Greek government. But what concerns us is the reaction—or lack of reaction—in Athens and through PASOK. These matters, more than ever, are in the hands of the sovereign Albanian state and of Albanians wherever they are in the world. Millennia of history have shown this. Prepared by: D.KARAJ dimensions and that a path to resolution must be sought. It must be said that throughout the ages, the philosophy of the Greek Church in relation to the Greek state’s policy toward the Albanian state has also had considerable influence on Albanian-Greek relations. At the same time, there are many other events that have not yet been freed from the ideology of the past. It is noted that the Greek side has not drawn a clear dividing line between economic cooperation and Hellenizing tendencies in southern Albania. Another important element influencing present-day relations between Albania and Greece is the presence of Albanian emigrants in Greece. On this occasion, Mr Serreqi said, we thank the generosity of the Greek people, who have sheltered and employed thousands of Albanian emigrants during this difficult period of transition, easing the economic hardships our country is currently experiencing. I want to make clear to people that Albanian emigration to Greece is not an element of criminality or of its increase in that country. Ultimately, the factors shaping Albanian-Greek relations have caused these relations to be zigzagging—that is, at times very good and at times we are all informed, I emphasize that the degree of responsibility of the Greek government. What concerns us, however, is the reaction or lack of reaction by the Greek government, its failure to accept responsibility, and its lack of cooperation in shedding light on the incident, which may have been partially corrected following the Albanian government’s reactions. It is important to single out the latest developments concerning the incident: the proposal from the Greek government to establish cooperation to fully clarify the event, as well as the proposal for a meeting of foreign ministers in a neutral country or at a multilateral event. We consider these proposals important and have responded positively both to a joint investigation of the incident and to the meeting of foreign ministers. Regarding the international response, Minister Serreqi said that the incident in question had been brought before the UN Security Council, would be raised at the meeting of EU foreign ministers, and had been raised within the structures of the Council of Europe, etc. It is clear that the act is condemned, that the Greek government’s responsibility is evident, and that international organizations support the position of the Albanian government. We must have no reservations about anything: the country’s sovereignty and the major pan-Albanian issue do not pass through any world capital or any political party, whatever its orientation, and certainly not through Athens or Prepared by: D.KARAJ. the appropriate dimensions and that a path to a solution at times we are all informed, I emphasize that not through Athens or Prepared by: D.KARAJ.

The latest crime by Greek commandos on Albanian soil has brought Albanian-Greek relations to a breaking point. The Albanian government rightly held the Greek government responsible for this act and other similar acts. The Greek government was also accused over the chauvinistic statements of several politicians, which are in complete contradiction with all international rules. Meanwhile, it was once again the Albanian government that, guided by the interests of preserving good-neighborly relations and peace in the Balkans, offered a way to resolve the latest situation. Strangely, although the Greek government spokesman denies responsibility for the latest crime and Greek politicians present themselves to international public opinion as wanting understanding, once again a representative of the Greek government speaks like a thoroughgoing chauvinist. According to AFP, Greek Secretary of State for Defence Niko Kuris stated that “Greece and all Hellenism together will take all necessary measures to protect the life, property and honor of the Greeks of Northern Epirus.” Doesn’t such a statement remind you of the words spoken by one of the criminals who committed the latest crime, who said, “You’re getting this for Vorio Epir”? How can the Greek government be considered credible when it denies responsibility for the crime, while its politicians continue making typically chauvinist statements? The Greek government has still not given an official response regarding the crime in question, although, according to Western public opinion, a response is required at a bilateral meeting. Could Kuris’s statements perhaps show a desire for understanding? E.PALOKA

Nowadays, being efficient and professional has come first. Many were among the first to make the leap in 1991–92, even with little knowledge, because they were the first... Now the market is full, and competitors offering the same product have multiplied. Today, bringing something new to the Albanian market has become difficult. In state structures, the market remains open... The need for a professional dedicated to reform is like an oxygen cylinder for the state administration. It is not enough to be “pro”-reform. You have to demonstrate this “pro” through results. It is intolerable for young “vegetators” to remain in key positions. The sector that does not forgive the incapable is the private sector. The private sector is the environment most hostile to bureaucrats and empty husks. If we want to put industrial production facilities (those that can be recovered) into operation, we must transfer them as quickly as possible into capable private hands. Only in this way can the fundamental task of the second phase of reform be fulfilled: reviving production on a broad scale. Relying on some state “miracle,” through reorganization or by giving new names to our old factories and systems, is pure utopia. We have had our fill of “enjoying” socialist utopia for 50 years. Now there is only one action: PRIVATIZE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. The National Privatization Agency plays a primary role in carrying out this action. Many other Eastern countries have ministries of privatization. An agency would be enough for us, too, provided it is given full powers. It must not depend on the will (Continued on page 2)

To support the restructuring processes in Central and Eastern Europe, the German Academy of Management was established in Celle, Lower Saxony, in 1989. The academy’s program director, Dr. Peter Theiner, says that understanding the laws of the free market, successfully applying decisive business techniques in practice, and carrying out management tasks effectively in the country are the three main areas covered by the courses the academy offers to train business executives. Through its specialized courses, it helps create a community with shared interests among the countries of Central and Eastern Europe in the global market and makes the social market economy more transparent to these countries. The Academy is an independent organization for maximizing economic performance and providing further professional training to people at an international level. It offers training for business executives in partner countries so they can establish contacts with these companies and, through those contacts, later move on to contracts. This is not simply about buying and selling goods, but about supporting restructuring processes in Central and Eastern Europe. Its partners include both government organizations and training organizations and companies. The Academy has a large number of partners in Eastern and Central Europe and direct contacts with businesses. On the other hand, according to Dr. Theiner, the partner countries are not all at the same level in statistical terms. The Academy has also had contact with an Albanian company on several occasions, but this was not ultimately brought to fruition. Dr. Theiner says, “In principle, we are open to any kind of contact, whether with a government organization, delegation, enterprise, company, or association from Albania.” The German Academy of Management has by now become well known in Central and Eastern Europe, offering the theory and practice needed to withstand competition in the global market. Its expertise is recognized not as an official authority, but as an independent organization—an institution needed today that is flexible and financed by businesses and industrial companies. This Academy should not be understood as a grant-giving institute. Participants from Central and Eastern Europe who have received training there have also contributed to its fund of 10 million marks. ATSH

In order to resolve the conflict that arose between employees of the “Çajupi” printing house and the State Audit Service’s Tirana Directorate over the latter taking possession of the offices, in accordance with an order from Minister Xhaja, an open dialogue was held yesterday among the printing house’s employees, representatives of the State Audit Service, and the Mayor of Tirana, Mr. Sali Kelmendi. Representatives of the State Audit Service insisted that the letter sent by Minister Abdyl Xhaja be implemented. The letter transfers the offices of this enterprise to the administration of the State Audit Service. Meanwhile, representatives of the printing house’s trade union insisted that they would not vacate the offices, describing the minister’s letter as unlawful, since, according to them, it had been issued after he had sent a letter instructing the Municipality of Tirana to place the printing house under its authority. For their part, the State Audit Service representatives, who have lost the property in the building where they were based, are asking to be provided with offices in accordance with the minister’s letter. In the letter, he explains that the enterprise’s offices will not be privatized, since a letter from the Council of Ministers prohibits the privatization of offices. Commenting on the minister’s letter, Mr. Sali Kelmendi said that the allocation of offices should be handled comprehensively, in accordance with an overall plan, since many other institutions also need offices. Nevertheless, he suggested that the matter be given until the end of the month so he could consult with the heads of the relevant ministries and find a more acceptable solution. The parties agreed. RD CORRESPONDENT 1

OH, WE HAVE A GOVERNMENT AND A PRESIDENT, BUT EVEN OUR SHOES DON’T FIT US...

On Tuesday, the 12th, at 3:00 p.m., Serbian police at the Qafe Morines border crossing detained Ms Adelheide Feilcke Tieman, Head of the Albanian Section of German radio “Deutsche Welle,” and the radio’s correspondent in Tirana, member of the Albanian Journalists’ Association, Dr. Apollon Baçe, for seven hours. They were in Yugoslavia, and the journalist had a special visa for journalists. Three people who had come from the headquarters questioned the journalists and released them at midnight. Ms Tieman was in an advanced stage of pregnancy. Serbian police seized all the tapes containing interviews with Albanian public figures from Kosovo and Montenegro, books, even business cards and money. One of the policemen told the journalists that he would have thrown them in jail if someone at headquarters had not released them. The Albanian Journalists’ Association protests this gangster-like act by the Serbian police forces and appeals to international organizations to intensify pressure on the Belgrade regime to stop the mistreatment of journalists. CHAIRMAN YLLI RAKIPI