In just 100 days of its work, the government has achieved, shall we say, a balance sheet, several signs, a certain name in the international arena. Those affirmations of freedom, those signs of emancipation, those recognitions by serious governments, those successes of the government, their contacts with the world, have given our country's image the most visible breathing room that had been missing for decades. NATO was at the center of Albanian diplomatic activity. Membership in the North Atlantic Cooperation Council and the signing of the framework document of “Partnership for Peace” placed Albania in a new position in relations with the Western alliance. The assessment given to our country in Brussels, in meetings with high-ranking representatives of the alliance, demonstrated the seriousness with which Albania is now being treated. Likewise, the intensification of relations with the USA, Germany, Italy and other European countries is a fundamental component of this activity. Relations with neighboring countries have also been in the spotlight. Visits and contacts with Italy, Greece, Turkey and Macedonia have had as their objective the consolidation of a climate of understanding and regional cooperation. Despite economic difficulties and a heavy political legacy, Albanian diplomacy has managed to present a new face of the country, based on democratic values and a clear Euro-Atlantic orientation.

The proposals of the Greek government, positive press from the Serbian Minister(?) on Albanian-Greek relations The exchange of visits by high-ranking officials and the continuous contact with the Greek government were assessed as part of a new climate in bilateral relations. At the same time, the Albanian authorities reiterated that national interests and the all-Albanian issue remain inseparable from the process of democratization and integration into Europe. Public statements emphasized the rights of Albanians wherever they live, respect for European standards and the need for a climate of stability in the region. Representatives of the Albanian government stressed that partnership with neighbors must be based on reciprocity and respect for national dignity. In these developments, the daily press paid particular attention to comments about Albanian-Greek relations and the various political positions in the region.

On Wednesday, the 12th, at 3:00 p.m. near the headquarters of the PPSH, hundreds of journalists and information specialists gathered to protest against violence and threats to the free press. The event was linked to the attack on several media representatives and attempts to prevent the exercise of free speech. The protest participants called for respect for press independence, an end to acts of intimidation and guarantees for the right to information. The adopted statement emphasized that press freedom is one of the fundamental conditions of a democratic order and that any violation of it is an attack on pluralism. CHAIRMAN YLLI RAKIPI

In the wave of discussions about privatization and economic reform, the press and television have devoted considerable space to debates on the social consequences, benefits and risks of the process. These treatments display different positions, which often reflect the political and economic interests of the actors involved. This media panorama has been accompanied by many comments, rebuttals and analyses, making the issue of privatization one of the central topics of public life. In today's newspapers, there is a strong presence of economic terms and arguments that call for clear explanation to the public.

Clashes over the administration and ownership of one of the printing houses mentioned in the press have prompted various reactions from managers, workers and commentators. The issue is linked to claims of unlawful interference, a conflict of authority and possible consequences for periodical publications. Articles and public statements have called for official clarification, transparency regarding procedures, as well as protection of workers' interests. The debate remains open and is considered to have a direct impact on the functioning of the press market.

HERMAN SHOPTARE The management center academy in Germany, within the framework of cooperation with Albanian institutions, has presented several ideas for modernizing economic education and administration. According to its specialists, part of the terminology should be adapted so that it can be better understood by Albanian students and practitioners. The proposals include standardizing certain terms, preparing supporting texts and setting up joint management courses. These initiatives have been seen as part of bringing Albanian educational practices closer to Western models.

Pukë: Just over a two-week period, 50 new members have been accepted into the PD Kukës: In the January-March 1994 period, 208 new members were accepted into the PD branch of the district, 58 of them intellectuals.

EH, WHAT HAS OUR PRESIDENT TURNED OUT TO BE! AND WHAT THE DOGS CANNOT DO! LONA TISANOV E PLOKA Cartoon with two figures and text in a speech balloon.