Albania Conference of President Sali Berisha Press Conference of President Sali Berisha -I presented to the President of the Republic, Mr. Pasi, whether the democratization process of the country is moving forward during these years of your rule? And how do you assess its prospects? -I believe that the President of the Republic saw a country with completely extraordinary development for the post-communist period. This is Albania, which, from being the country with the most extreme poverty in Europe, is today showing a new economic dynamism with the highest growth rates on the continent. It is moving quickly toward transforming itself into a free-market economy. The democratization process has advanced in parallel with market reforms. Naturally, it is a process with difficulties, but I think it is irreversible. President Pasi had the opportunity to see firsthand an Albania with a real and pluralist opposition, with a free press, with elected institutions, with a political climate in which debate is lively. Albania, despite the difficulties it inherits, is showing that democracy is now a tangible reality. -We asked that economic growth be accompanied by increased investment, lower unemployment, and the strengthening of the rule of law. European aid and cooperation are very important for this process. President Pasi valued this progress and expressed interest in intensifying bilateral relations. In this framework, we reiterated that Albania remains determined to follow its Euro-Atlantic orientation and that good relations with neighboring countries are an important condition for the stability of the region. (To be continued on page 2) PHOTO: A. ADHAMI

Pogradec [?] Speaking about a very fruitful meeting we held yesterday with the district residents, the head of the PD branch in Pogradec, Ylli Cici, said: “The meeting ultimately confirmed that Aleksander Meksi and the leadership of the PD enjoy the full support of the electorate.” When asked about Pogradec’s most urgent needs, residents emphasized improvements to infrastructure, water supply, sewage, as well as support for the fishing and tourism sectors. Aleksander Meksi stressed that Pogradec has great development potential and that the government will encourage projects with a direct impact on citizens’ lives. There was also discussion of improving the road network and the need for a more efficient local administration. Secretary General Tritan Shehu held separate meetings with party structures and representatives of local government. (To be continued on page 3)

Pogradec [?] As part of his visit to the lakeside city, Mr. Titan Shehu met with activists, intellectuals and local leaders, discussing concrete problems of the area’s development and the strengthening of party structures. He praised the commitment of PD membership in Pogradec and stressed the need for more contact with citizens, transparency in the work of the administration, and the encouragement of private initiative. Mr. Shehu also dwelt on the importance of coordination between local government and central structures in order to solve issues of water and energy supply, as well as to support education and healthcare. (To be continued on page 4)

The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, received the ambassador of Denmark, the USA, Mr. Tomas [?] Borg. The interlocutors discussed issues related to political and economic developments in Albania, the progress of democratic reforms, and the expansion of cooperation with Western countries. President Berisha emphasized the country’s commitment to market reforms, privatization, and the guarantee of political and civic freedoms. For his part, Mr. Borg expressed interest in developments in Albania and in opportunities for cooperation in various fields. The meeting underlined the importance of international support for the consolidation of Albanian democracy and for its integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.

-From the speech of Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi at the expanded meeting of the PD branch in Pogradec The government’s project is to make Pogradec a major tourist city. The main goal of public and private investments will be to turn it into an important center of the local economy and tourism. Within this framework, action will be taken on urban planning, road reconstruction, improvement of drinking water supply, as well as municipal services. The natural potential of the lake and the surrounding area must be better used. The Prime Minister stressed that the development of Pogradec must go hand in hand with improved well-being for citizens, with support for small business, and with better education and healthcare services. He underlined that the government’s determination is to turn promises into concrete deeds and that cooperation with local government and the community is essential to the success of this policy. (To be continued on page 2)

At the group of deputies’ regular meeting, extensive discussion was held on the draft law on property return and compensation, as well as on ways of implementing it in practice. The deputies present emphasized the importance of creating reliable administrative and judicial mechanisms to prevent abuses and speed up the review of files. It was also proposed that the process be closely monitored and that there be broader public information, so that citizens can know the rights and obligations arising from the new legislation. At the end of the meeting, political consensus was called for on issues of high national interest such as property rights. (To be continued on page 2)

With fair and uninterrupted implementation of this law, we will have a natural return of private property and an old wound of Albanian society will be closed. This law aims to create the legal basis for the recognition, return or compensation of properties lost during the communist regime. It sets out the administrative procedures and criteria for handling the claims of former owners. The implementation of the law will be of great importance not only for social justice, but also for economic development, because clarifying property status encourages investment and legal certainty. Many citizens see this law as a necessary step toward restoring rights and closing inherited conflicts. (To be continued on page 2)

ECONOMIC OF THE COUNTRY In recent years Albania has made important steps in macroeconomic stability, in reducing inflation, and in increasing production. These achievements must be protected and deepened. The success of the reforms depends not only on the government, but also on a climate of social and political understanding. A tolerant, informed and responsible voter contributes to the consolidation of democracy and the market economy. From this perspective, political debate must be strong, but not destructive; competition must be fair and the country’s overall orientation toward integration and modernization must not be called into question. (To be continued on page 2)