-The call for early elections is a destabilizing demand -T.Shehu: Both the PK and the fascist party are illegal- Gentlemen Eduard Selami, Tritan Shehu and Ali Spahia at a press conference -The call for early elections is a destabilizing demand -T. Shehu: Both the PK and the fascist party are illegal- Asked about the effectiveness of the coalition and the criticisms that have emerged recently, Mr. Selami replied that the DP stands by the coalition, because it has produced positive results both in winning the elections of 22 March and afterwards. The coalition, Mr. Selami said, is dynamic, and therefore the demands made by the PSD and PR have been reasonable; we sat down to talk with them, and we have been successful in resolving our problems. But of course there are also things in the coalition with which we disagree; that is perfectly normal. But I want to emphasize once again that we stand by the coalition, and this is in the interests of democracy. Asked to identify some of the democratic government’s successes in foreign policy, Mr. Selami replied that the primary goals of foreign policy over the past two years have been overcoming isolation and integrating Albania into the International Community, which has been successful so far. Mr. Selami then answered a question about the Greek government’s responsibility for the 10 April incident: “The government’s position,” he said— Two years have passed since the establishment of the first democratic government, and in these two years unimaginable positive changes have taken place in Albania. After coming to power with a high percentage and popular support that was decisive for Albania’s historic course at the end of this century, we were given a genuine opportunity to thoroughly reform the country and overcome the catastrophic consequences of the communist dictatorship. Through political and institutional reforms, the rule of law was established and is being consolidated; individual freedom, freedom of expression and freedom of belief are being institutionalized at the highest levels of contemporary standards. This freedom and its momentum, supported also by assistance from the World Community, have been and remain fundamental and decisive to Albania’s successes during this period. Through shock therapy, and while facing extraordinary economic difficulties and upheavals, a market economy is being established every day. It must be said that the programme pursued by the Democrats and our Republican and Social Democratic allies was and remains the best and only alternative for setting the country on the path of pluralist democracy, a market economy and integration with the world. It is precisely this programme, implemented with great boldness and courage, together with the popular support that the Democratic Party has never lacked, that explains why Albania today, despite the great difficulties it inherited and is going through, ranks among the most successful former communist countries in implementing reforms, and is the country with the highest growth in economic output in Europe. In practice, we have now entered one of the most important periods of economic reform: that of extensive privatization, full price liberalization, and the preparation of securities. It must be said that every opportunity exists to speed up the privatization of medium-sized and large enterprises, as well as the preparation and issuance of securities. Likewise, the efficiency of the state apparatus at the central level and in local administration must be increased, to avoid sluggishness and bureaucratic obstacles and ensure more transparent administration. In response to statements describing Albanians in Macedonia as destabilizing, Mr. Selami said that such statements are made by those interested in destabilizing Macedonia, a highly sensitive region in the Balkan crisis. “We consider the Albanian factor in Macedonia,” Mr. Selmai declared, “to be a factor for stability, and we believe that resolving the problem of the Albanians in Macedonia is an issue of interest not only to the region but also to Macedonia itself.” Regarding the relations the PDSH would have with the right-wing front of Albanian political parties, whose idea is now being promoted in this city’s press, the DP chairman replied that the creation of new parties and alliances in a pluralist system is entirely normal. “Today,” he said, “the right wing of the government is in power, so the existence of a right-wing front that excludes those who are now in government and have its absolute support seems paradoxical. It is laughable,” Mr. Selami continued, “that zealous representatives of the right present themselves alongside former chief socialists of collectivization and diplomats of Albania’s isolation.” Asked about the possibility of cooperation between the DP and the Italian right, which came to power in Italy, DP chairman Selami said that we have, and continue to have, close relations with Italy. “We welcomed the victory of the centre-right in Italy,” he said, “because we consider it easier to cooperate with parties from the same political spectrum. We have sought contact with Berlusconi and sought close relations not only at party level but also at government level.” The past two years; early elections. It is interesting to see what arguments they use to demand these two things. To call for new elections, the country must be mired in a political, economic and social crisis, and the PS leaders know this. Since no crisis exists, they strain their imaginations to create one in the minds of those listening to them; but it must be said that their imagination leaves much to be desired. In Koplik, L.Hajdaraga says that Albania today is in the same state of collapse “as before March ’92.” Every Albanian can see whether parallels can be drawn between the situation today and that before March ’92; I need not prove the absurdity of this reasoning. But there is something positive in this statement: the fact that Hajdaraga admits that when the Socialists held power, Albania was in total collapse. Then why is he calling for new elections and for the Socialists to take power again—or for us to return to a new collapse? Another interesting aspect of the PS leaders’ propaganda, also within the framework of the imaginary crisis, is that they continue to speak of the PS’s “poor people” as representatives of these poor, privileged classes. A Eurosocialist at the PS’s recent conference would have called this propaganda “laughable,” but it seems the PS leaders did not agree. They continue to present themselves as defenders of the poor. Look at this photograph: does he look like a man who is starving to death? Isn’t this the image of a man who put himself in the “defence” of the privileged and the poor? Once, E.Hoxha and the other apparatchiks wrote about the workers’ state from their luxurious villas. E.PALOKA democratic in foreign policy, Mr. Selami replied that the main priorities in foreign policy over the past two years had which had so far been successful. I think Albanian foreign policy has been a policy in favor of Albania’s integration and in favor of Albanian national interests. Regarding the recent incident with Greece and Albania’s relations with the Council of Europe, Mr. Selami said that our parliamentary delegation was attending a session of this Council when the incident occurred; we expressed our opinion on this at our meeting with Mr. Martinez, and raised the issue in the Political Committee and in the respective parliamentary groups. This issue has become part of the discussions. I think it is a serious incident that affects not only relations between the two countries, but also has repercussions for interstate relations. In response to a question about the selection together with the PSH, the Secretary General of the DP, Tritan Shehu, said that in Albania not only the Communist Party but also the Fascist Party should be made public, since they are not very far apart in terms of the crimes they committed; this does not absolve him of responsibility, because the gang came from Greek territory and went back there. In response to a question about the DP’s current relationship with the electorate and the opposition’s demand for new elections, the DP chairman said that the demand for early elections coming from the PS and its allies “is unfounded and destabilizing at this time; under the circumstances, the institutions that have been established and are indispensable,” he said, “show that the people’s support for the DP is a real fact.” With the implementation of reforms, the country also has the highest economic production growth in Europe. In practical terms, of economic reform: that of extensive privatization, the complete liberalization of prices, and the preparation of securities. It should be said that every opportunity exists for for the preparation and issuance of securities, to happen more quickly. It is likewise essential to increase and in local administration, in order to overcome the sluggishness and inefficiency seen in the administration, especially at its middle levels. Considering the realities of these past two years, the progressive transformations and changes that have been made, as well as today’s political reality, we regard the demand for new elections coming from the socialist opposition and its satellites as unfounded and destabilizing. It is regrettable that the PS and its leadership cannot break away from the past and that its leaders are now defending corruption, even by opposing justice. In addition to the natural tensions brought about by reform, the extremely complicated situation in the region must also be mentioned. These relations with the world and Bosnia, and the fall of Goražde—a zone declared under UN protection—into Serbian hands have chilled and dimmed the hopes for peace that arose after Sarajevo and seriously shaken people’s faith in the United Nations. Meanwhile, the situation of Albanians living in Kosovo is becoming calmer following the Serbs’ expulsion of international observers. The extremely tense situation in the former Yugoslavia, which is also the greatest crisis in Europe since the Second World War, is compounded by Greece’s irresponsible and provocative actions; today, Greece is effectively the latest leader in the European Union. The April 10 incident, the most serious in recent times, should be seen as a continuation of the policy pursued by certain influential circles in the Greek government. There are circles in Greece whose policy toward Albania is based on Hellenization, and this is dangerous. Military provocations, the inhumane treatment of Albanian emigrants, the stance on Çamëria, the anti-Albanian propaganda being spread, and the policy of blocking Albania’s integration into the International Community—which Greece has applied several times—are evidence of precisely this Hellenizing policy, which could have consequences for the entire Balkans. RD CORRESPONDENT

Restoring NATO’s credibility after the human catastrophe in Gorazhde is extremely important for discouraging Serbian aggressors in the region and preventing conflicts not only in the Balkans, President Berisha emphasized. Albania is interested in close cooperation with the United States and NATO within the framework of the Partnership for Peace. In this context, the Albanian Army has embarked on a very serious reform in order to attain the standards of the armed forces of NATO member countries, as part of its efforts to achieve membership in the Northern Alliance as soon as possible. General Oaks thanked the President for the very warm welcome he received in Albania. He was impressed to find the Albanian airmen proud and dedicated, and said: “I have come precisely to deepen cooperation between the Albanian and American air forces through joint exercises.” PRESS AND INFORMATION OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENCY Tirana, 20.04.1994

-President Berisha receives the head of the CSCE Mission in Skopje, Ambassador Norman Anderson In his assessment of the prospects for your Mission to preserve stability and prevent conflicts, President Berisha told Mr. Anderson, Albania is deeply interested in preventing this conflict. But we note with concern that tensions remain high and the danger is great. Recent developments in Gorazhde, and the failure of the UN and other institutions, have greatly increased the possibility of the conflict spreading in the region. Regarding the crisis in Albanian-Greek relations, President Berisha emphasized that the Albanian side has consistently pursued a policy of understanding and cooperation with its southern neighbour, but we observe that, in addition to the Greek-Serbian alliance, the Greek government has repeatedly used the “Albanian refugee” factor as pressure against our country’s sovereignty. Furthermore, Greek officials have attempted to manipulate certain minority elements to advance Greece’s open territorial claims against Albania. The latest case, the massacre by the Greek commando unit at the new conscripts’ barracks in Peshkëpinë e Sipërme, was an act against Albania’s sovereignty, for which the Greek government bears responsibility. The Greek commando unit came from Greek territory and returned to that same territory. It bore all the characteristics of a Greek special forces commando unit, or of personnel with special training. That is why we have raised this issue at the UN Security Council and the CSCE, and have requested a commission from the European Union, notwithstanding the investigations by our two commissions, because Greece cannot be a party to the adjudication. In any case, we are determined to overcome our differences through dialogue, and hope that the other side will show the same willingness. (Continued on page 2)

Mr. Ronaldo Mota Sardenberg, chairman of the UN Committee established by Resolution 724 concerning the former Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), has sent a letter of thanks stating that the Committee greatly appreciates the letter sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania concerning our side’s explanations and positions on cases of embargo violations by other governments, which were detected and investigated by the Albanian authorities. The Committee thanks the Government (Continued on page 4)

-Meanwhile, he admits that when the Socialists were in power, Albania was in total collapse- The latest meeting of the PS leadership assigned its tasks, and the PS leaders dispersed to carry them out. Their stale demands for the release of the convicted Nano and for early elections are now well known. exists, they strain their imagination to create (photograph; the letters “PD” are visible in the background)

-“Pen Abdi Baleta” writes other people’s biographies- -Baleta’s metamorphosis: “Let us work and live as if under siege” -Ramiz Alia’s “broom” theory in Kalakula’s strategy. On 17 April, the Association for Property with Justice and the “Former Kulaks” association organized a forum to show solidarity with the demands of this association concerning the return of property. This was the latest news in the poor little leaflet through which, since the year of the shops. Nevertheless, whatever one may say, and despite the disappointments of the independents, Abdi Baleta is the representative of a grotesque duo, this one of the grandfather for the denunciations of recent times? What is this in Albanian politics? The Baleta-Kalakula-Rrapo trio had chosen the theatre stage to launch an “electoral campaign” against the DP, the democratic government and parliament. The property issue had been tightly woven together with the existence of the prosecution. The “game” was a quick one, a false farce, and the role of “defender” of the struggle for the return of property. Their aim was to throw up smoke bombs for the formation of an anti-communist right-wing front, so that they could “support” the mass of slanders that began the attack against fragile democracy with hysterical cries reminiscent of the Indians’ shouts before battle. The chairman of the Association for Property with Justice, with both hands cupped like a funnel around his mouth, shouted and spewed: “We will not put [unclear] for Berisha, Meški and Selami, but also for leaders of other political parties such as Qjoshja and Godo.” The hypocrisy of these caricatures knows no bounds. From the bridge

-Implementing the vital economic trinomial in Albania in ’92–93- -A qualitatively new programme requires a coherent administration- More than two years have passed since 22 March 1992. A characteristic feature of Albania’s reality over this short period, in terms of a country’s development, was that parliament and the government committed themselves to a whole range of reforms while events were still unfolding. Things had to move forward at such a pace that there was no time to catch one’s breath or stand still; the previous period resembled a house without a roof, ceiling, doors or windows, which nevertheless had to be repaired as an absolute priority. In the economic sphere, the main tasks fundamentally carried out during these two years were: 1. Macroeconomic stabilization, bringing productive capacity into operation so that it could meet market demand. Stabilization first and foremost involved reducing the large budget deficit and bringing down runaway inflation. “Something had to be done for macroeconomic stabilization; one might say that the country…” Wages, wages—but simply raising them immediately would not have helped. Even if wages had been increased at once, say by 30%, as was done last year on 21 May, runaway inflation would have swallowed it up. The rise in prices would also have strengthened the position from which those who benefited—or might have benefited—from the wage increase could gain. This would have happened because, at the beginning of the stabilization process, the country lacked productive capacity and therefore did not produce goods to justify the money in circulation. The money needed to pay tens of thousands of people 30% more could only have been found by issuing new banknotes, that is, by directly financing inflation. Macroeconomic stabilization requires major cuts in subsidies (state aid with no limit and no repayment) in both industry and agriculture. This freed state finances from the heavy and stifling burden of supporting unprofitable enterprises and farms. 2. Macroeconomic stabilization was carried out simultaneously with the liberalization of the economy. This, which consisted primarily of price liberalization, generated the creation and stabilization of a private goods market. The result was direct: today there is a market in the country stocked full of goods. (Continued on page 2)

A socialist writes: I, the person writing to you, have been a member of the SP since its founding. The disappointment I have felt lately has continued to deepen because of the insincere and undemocratic actions of some officials of the Fushë-Arrëz commune, which is dominated by socialists. The Socialist Party has positioned itself as the defender of underprivileged groups. The socialists in the Fushë-Arrëz commune also profess this position—but only in words. I say “in words” because, in practice, they do not abide by what they preach. Not only do they fail to defend the groups that, for objective reasons, have been most affected by the reform; on the contrary, they display in their own conduct the very things they attribute to opposing political forces, such as extremism, privileges, corruption, and so on. To briefly substantiate this conclusion, I will recount several episodes concerning the activities of Aleksander Paci, chairman of the council of the Fushë-Arrëz commune in the Pukë district. Before and after the local elections, where (Continued on page 2)