Press conference by President Sali Berisha Yesterday morning, the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, held a press conference. After greeting the journalists, Mr. Berisha spoke about the most important events that have recently taken place on the international stage. “The most important and undoubtedly long-awaited event,” the president said, “has been Mandela’s victory in South Africa.” He also welcomed the important contribution made to peace by the agreement between Israel and Palestine. Turning to the situation in the country, he praised the steps taken toward stabilization and setting the Albanian economy on the path to progress. As concrete examples, he singled out the start of construction work on the highway has not approved and ratified this protocol. In this context, then, the question arises: What value do the Greek government’s repeated declarations that Greece has no territorial claims have, when certain circles include southern Albania in Greece’s military defense plans, call southern Albania Greek land that has been liberated, or refer to it as “Northern Epirus”?! It seems to me that in this case we are dealing with a clear indication, the basis of which lies in the failure to sign the Florence Protocol. I, and all Albanians, recognize a special merit of the current Greek government: several years ago, it repealed the absurd state-of-war law. It would be to its credit to ratify the Florence Protocol as well. Such an act would clearly demonstrate its energy prospects, as the greatest potential for development. Within a period of two years, the state will also compensate for the increase in fuel prices. THE STATE DEPENDS ON ITS CITIZENS, NOT CITIZENS ON THE STATE Answering a question about the level and structure of taxes, the President said that they were at a completely acceptable level. At first glance, through red-tinted glasses, tax policy may seem exploitative. But it is not. No state can exist without taxes. The regime that has passed had the heaviest taxes this country has ever seen. But the hypocrisy of those in power… With the latest price adjustment, the government completed one of the most difficult aspects of the most painful, but absolutely necessary, reform. I also want to stress that although the price of electricity was increased, the entire state subsidy on the bills paid by citizens has been returned to them as compensation. As the poorest country that we are, we will not be able—not today, and not for many years—to heat our homes with electricity. I do not know of any country that heats its homes and relies on this kind of energy. Secondly, to keep energy prices low PHOTO: A. BABANI

The President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, received a delegation from the European Investment Bank, headed by its Vice-President, Mr. Hans Duborg. The President, expressing his appreciation for the Bank’s role and future cooperation with it, outlined the country’s priorities as the most suitable areas for the Investment Bank’s activities in Albania. He stressed that our priorities are the development of infrastructure, especially in transport, telecommunications and the energy sector, as well as support for the private sector through the SME project. Mr. Duborg, after thanking the President for the reception and sharing his impressions of the rapid changes in Albania over the past two years, said that the Investment Bank would begin its activities by supporting maritime transport (the Port of Durres) and trade, and would also explore the possibility of expanding its activities to other projects in coordination with other financial institutions. ATSH

Yesterday morning, the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, received Mr. Tomas Dine of the U.S. Agency for International Development for Europe and the New Independent States. After thanking him for the assistance they provide to Albania in this context, President Berisha asked that the Agency increase its assistance in the future to develop the agricultural education system, initially expanding it in Korce, Berat, Shkoder, Kavije and Peshkopi, and to improve the irrigation system in agriculture. A special place in the conversation was given to the assistance the Agency could provide in developing infrastructure, and particularly in improving the water supply system for the population. President Berisha also gave a brief overview of the situation in the region and highlighted the efforts of the Albanian government as a factor for stability. For his part, Mr. Tomas Dine congratulated Albania on its achievements in implementing reforms. He praised the results the Agency’s program has achieved in our country so far and pledged that the Agency was determined to continue its assistance in the future. ATSH

On Friday, 6 May, Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi, Mr. Tritan Shehu, Secretary General of the PD, and a government team comprising the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Edmond Spaho; Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Myslim Islami; Deputy Minister of Industry and Mines, Mr. Arben Llazbani; Chairman of the National Privatization Agency, Mr. Niko Gloxherri; Vice-Chairman of the Academy of Sciences, Mr. Ylli Vejsiu; and Chairman of the Youth Forum, Mr. Afrim Krasniqi, made a working visit to the city of Pogradec, where they held a series of meetings. The expanded meeting of the PD branch in Pogradec, held in the presence of the prime minister and the team accompanying him, was a very productive and enthusiastic working meeting, judging by the issues raised and discussed. After a welcoming address, the branch’s problems and work were presented by its chairman, Mr. Jorgaq Proko. Participants in the meeting then spoke, questions were asked about various issues, and comments were made about the government’s work and the concerns of the Pogradec district. The issues raised and the meeting’s concerns can be summarized in five main points: 1) The urban planning council should be inspected and changed because of its poor and questionable work. 2) The Ministry of Justice must resolve the problem of judges, since all of Pogradec has only two judges. 3) The National Privatization Agency should review and resolve the issue of the property of the former cooperatives and NB. 4) The activities of local government should be monitored because of the obstacles and problems it creates for implementing the reform. Pogradec, etc. Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi and Mr. Tritan Shehu spoke at this meeting. FROM THE SPEECH BY PD SECRETARY GENERAL MR. TRITAN SHEHU We must acknowledge that, alongside our achievements, there is still much to do, correct, improve and develop. There are people who want more, want to move faster and are not satisfied with what has been achieved. Naturally, we want these things too, and it is very positive not to be satisfied with what you have achieved and to seek more progress. The main thing for us is that we have a positive record of work and have gained experience in organization, legislation, the economy and privatization. All this is a foundation for moving forward, but it calls for greater professionalism, more experience, knowledge and commitment. The PD’s base is all those who voted for us, and let us not forget that more than one million Albanians voted for us. Any tendency or practice that undermines the electorate that voted for the PD leads to fewer votes and puts democracy in our country at risk. Bearing this in mind, the PD must be more active in preventing this phenomenon, strengthening and expanding its ranks, resolving the PD sections, and bringing in young people and others. We must get rid of the idea that those who did not vote for us in the local elections are not part of our electorate. They voted for us on 22 March ’92, and today they are watching where things are going; therefore, we must bring them closer and be more understanding. The PD has never had, and does not have, the illusion that we are the only political force in Albania that will carry out democratic reforms. We have cooperated in a coalition with those parties that support genuine democracy and are anti-communist, and we will continue to do so in the future. We must maintain a firm stance. After this meeting, the prime minister and his team were escorted by an officer of the Pogradec police station. Following a ceremonial military reception, the prime minister met with the personnel of the station. Major Pellumb Korfizi reported to him on several achievements in strengthening public order and enforcing the law in Pogradec. The prime minister congratulated the personnel and command on their good work in all areas. He called on them to strengthen internal discipline and ensure that all citizens abide by the laws of the state. Afterwards, Mr. Meksi and the team met with representatives of the local government in the district. Later, in the afternoon, the prime minister and the government team met with residents of the commune of Çoraves. A number of serious problems concerning the residents and the progress of the reform emerged here, reflecting the poor work of the head of the commune of Çoraves. Here too, the prime minister and members of the government team answered the residents’ questions. Many

He also welcomed the important contribution to peace made construction work on the Tirane-Durres highway, the imminent completion of the Coca-Cola factory, as well as a number of other important investments. Mr. Berisha then invited the journalists to put their questions. I AM OPTIMISTIC ABOUT GOOD RELATIONS WITH GREECE In his questions, journalist Xhevdet Shehu asked to hear the President’s opinion on the recent statements by the Greek government spokesperson concerning relations between the two countries, the Kukes incident, the increase in the price of electricity, and journalists’ disclosure of the secret. Mr. Berisha replied: “Personally, I am not in favor of rallies, but of lowering tensions in relations between Albania and Greece. I am convinced that this is in the interest of both sides and the entire region. In this respect, I view relations between Albania and Greece in a broader context. The future of relations between the two countries offers two possibilities, depending on the tendency that will prevail in Greece. If Greece favors European policy, the principles of Maastricht and the CSB, I am certain that bilateral relations, if not today then in the not-too-distant future, will be very good. “There are many prejudices against this approach. But if the other tendency currently prevails in Greece, which I would call Byzantine—the one that identifies the state with the Church, of which many Greeks are proud—I think that in that case relations between Albania and Greece would face a difficult future. “I am somewhat reassured by yesterday’s statement. The truth is that in the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was apparently irritating, the Democratic Government raised the Cham issue as soon as it came to power and will continue to raise it. The Greek Government has taken a first step forward on the property issue, and we have welcomed it. “I believe that the Zybilut meeting was positive too. Both sides showed a clear and sincere willingness to address all the problems. “In my remarks I mentioned the protocol of France, the border protocol of the Great Powers, which on 13 December established the border between Albania and Greece. To this day, no Greek government… dealing with a clear complication, the basis of which is the failure to sign the Protocol of Florence. I, and all Albanians, give particular credit to the present Greek government, which several years ago credit to ratify the Protocol of Florence as well. Such an act would clearly prove the truthfulness of its statements that it has no territorial claims. I have called for the broadcasts of the radio stations from Konica and Corfu to be stopped; every day they call on the Greek minority to rise in armed revolt to overthrow the regime. On this occasion, I warmly congratulate the minority because these warmongering voices are falling on deaf ears. But given that calls for war are prohibited by the Constitution, and that Greece is a democratic country, it is surprising that it does not prohibit these calls. It is known, however, that the UN Charter and other international documents prohibit neighboring countries from conducting propaganda against one another. Imagine if throughout Europe, where minority issues are intertwined, people sought to resolve them through calls for war! So I do not think that my statement on “Deutsche Welle,” which was broadcast by “Antena,” was imitative. On the contrary, I have called for a realistic policy in relations with Albania. THE GROUPS OF THE FORGOTTEN DESERVE PERSECUTION -Regarding the incident in Kukes, Mr. Berisha said: I think that the groups of the forgotten deserve persecution. These include former political prisoners, former property owners, the homeless and others, as well as the displaced. I have been informed of their latest demands and assure them that the Government will draw up a program to address their legitimate demands. There are also unacceptable demands that penalize society as a whole. If a particular group demands revenge against the majority, we cannot agree with them, because there is not and cannot be a democratic government that submits to the absurd demands of a minority. There have also been clashes with the police. Certain elements have infiltrated the protesters and sought to exploit their legitimate demands by blocking the road and occupying state buildings—things that are unacceptable. The strike is lawful and may continue, accompanied by dialogue. PRICE POLICY FAVORS THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

(Continued on page 2) the hypocrisy of those in power at the time trumpeted that we were a country without taxes and that the country was prospering! Today, the majority of Albanians—70% of them—support the market economy. This is undoubtedly one of the most positive indicators, as it proves that they also indirectly agree with the taxes applied in a market economy. Tax collection teaches citizens that the state depends on them and not they on the state. Taxes are the means by which citizens support schools, administrations, the army and hospitals, and today they have the ability to oversee this budget. The tax system is complicated, but soon we will devise a simpler, European system. THE STATE IS GOVERNED BY LAWS, NOT ORDERS Mr. Berisha then once again gave his opinion regarding secrecy. “For journalists,” he said, “there are no secrets. But it would be unfortunate to think that the state is governed by orders from the head of state. The state is governed by laws. We experienced a time when the law did not function, but orders did. We must be the first not to seek to govern by that method again. I have said, and repeat, that the enforcement of the law is a necessary condition for the functioning of the state, and I invite journalists to set an example. This in no way infringes on freedom of the press. GERMANY’S TOLERANT APPROACH TOWARD ALBANIAN REFUGEES MUST CONTINUE In response to journalist Apollon Baçe’s question about the fate of refugees after talks with German Foreign Minister Kinkel, Mr. Berisha replied: “I stressed to him that keeping Albanian refugees there is a great help to Albania. We understand that Germany has refugees from all over the world, but among Europeans, Albanians are at least the most hard-pressed. I think the German state has adopted a tolerant approach toward these refugees, but this tolerance must continue.”

-From Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi’s speech at the expanded meeting of the Democratic Party branch in Pogradec I want to begin this conversation with a little humor. My arrival here somewhat complicates Namik Dokle’s life, because he has declared that if Meksi goes to Pogradec, he will throw me into the lake.” I advise Mr. Dokle to leave it until the summer months, since the water is very cold now. In any case, that is their business; it is good if they let us work. -Pogradec has changed since the barbaric destruction of two years ago and, naturally, every achievement brings new demands and problems that need solutions, so that changes can continually be made for the benefit of Pogradec’s residents, in both the city and the countryside. Some things we wanted to do because they were essential have not been done because the economic situation in which we took power was catastrophic, because of the daily obstacles put in the way of our political officials, because of the situation in the region, and for other reasons. But we must acknowledge—and we greatly appreciate—the assistance given to us by Europe, the USA and other countries, assistance that has been extremely valuable during the circumstances we have faced and continue to face. But we must be aware that two years is too short a time to carry out every item in the program. Yet the change is historic when one considers that we are dealing with the overthrow of a half-century-old communist system. We must not forget that, for the first time in 50 years, Albanians are free; Albanians have property. Albania is open. Today, you people of Pogradec can go out on the lake, take a boat ride or fish without fear. Just think: until yesterday, you could not see even one private boat on the lake’s shores; today there are dozens and dozens. We understand that many of the dark things from the past that weighed on our hearts and backs have been forgotten, and some people do not even think of the fact that it was the Democratic Party that helped them escape those things. Nevertheless, I say that each of us should look back, see where we were and where we are now, and then make criticisms. That would make us more aware and clearer about what we are asking for and proposing. It would also lead us to demand insistently and forcefully that the shortcomings we identify be corrected, and to demand accountability when the things we have undertaken to do are not carried out. This is your right as voters who cast your ballots for this democratic parliament and government. Development prospects have opened up, but they are not the same for every district. We must understand that in a democratic state, investments are no longer made for propaganda purposes, as they were under the dictatorship. Today, investment goes to those economic sectors, enterprises or factories that can guarantee efficiency. One cannot invest in a mine that only consumes resources and produces nothing. Democracy gives everyone equal opportunities to take free initiative, obtain loans for construction, invest, do business, and so on. Your criticism regarding the development of tourism in Pogradec is justified. We will give this issue particular priority, and the Minister of Tourism is here for that reason. The government has plans to do a great deal for Pogradec in terms of infrastructure. Reconstruction of the Pogradec-Kapshice road will begin using funds from the FAR program. Ugaranes will also be reconstructed. We want Pogradec to have modern infrastructure: roads and telecommunications. The plan includes adding 200 telephone lines with a prefix, as well as a wastewater collector, without which tourism development is impossible. At the Ministry of Construction, I will try to secure funds for agriculture. We think that the law on the use of resources will create many opportunities to further promote tourism, construction and other sectors. The government is preparing a law on cleaning. We think this issue will be resolved by the end of May. There are many problems and difficulties that local authorities must resolve, of course in accordance with the laws and the specific circumstances of the district or city itself. The coal and iron-nickel mines are an extremely difficult problem. You know that the nickel-cobalt plant went bankrupt because it was not profitable. Every one of us pays for its continued existence. The same approach will be taken with the coal mines. The government will preserve some of them, keeping them ready in case the need arises. Privatization and free initiative are priorities and essential for development. Thus, we think that the vacant sites on the lake’s shores should be allocated as compensation ... (Continued on page 2) 2) The activities of local government should be placed under oversight, regarding 5) At the trial of the former PP leaders, headed by Ramiz Alia, the charges against them should also include the mass defections at the grassroots level of the electorate that gave its vote to the PD, leading to a decline in votes and thereby endangering democracy in our country. Bearing this in mind, we say that the PD must act more effectively to prevent this phenomenon, be more vigorous in expanding its circles, in reorganizing its PD sections, and in promoting young people and people of standing who support our program. the grassroots electorate that gave its vote to the PD leads to a decline in votes, and people of standing who support our program.