Press conference of the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha Yesterday morning, President of the Republic Sali Berisha gave an interview at a press conference for foreign correspondents in Tirana. Speaking about the local elections, he expressed his determination and that of the government to hold free and fair elections. "At least in 4-6 polling stations, television cameras will be set up to film the voting, the counting of the votes, and the announcement of the result publicly through screens. This is done not only to prove to the world that the process was fair and free, but also to gain experience for the parliamentary elections," said President Berisha. In response to a question from a journalist from the Greek magazine "Khan" about the eligibility of minorities to serve as mayors in areas where they make up the majority of the population, the President stated that the most democratic standards for minorities are being applied in Albania and said that he saw no discriminatory obstacle for their representatives in local government bodies. In response to another question from the BBC correspondent about the degree of press freedom in Albania, President Berisha said that the independent press not only has no censorship in Albania, but is also receiving large subsidies from the government. PRESIGJJA [?] - It has played an important role now that we are talking about free elections. Do you trust these observers and will you respect their will? PRESIGJJA [?] - Several missions are observing. We have done everything so that they observe not only on election day, but also the period before it. The working conditions for them are excellent. They are invited to take part in all meetings with our institutions. I think that with everything we have done we are moving along the safest path. However, I want to declare to all Albanians that their verdict will be respected without fail. The President or the government have no power to change anything. The sovereign's will will prevail. PRESIGJJA [?] - The Greek newspaper "To Vima" published an article claiming that in Albania we are pursuing a campaign against the Greek-language press. Is this stance true? PRESIGJJA [?] - No, not at all. It is true that for flagrant violations of customs law and press law we have confiscated about 96 percent of the issues of a newspaper imported from Greece. But only for that reason. In Albania, every citizen is free to publish, write, and distribute newspapers in any language, while respecting the laws of the country. PRESIGJJA [?] - Regarding consultations with the leaders of political parties, do you think this will have an impact on the conduct of the elections? PRESIGJJA [?] - The consultations have been carried out continuously and have been transparent. I believe the political climate is such that the elections will be held normally and the result will be accepted by everyone. TOTO. AI. BANANI

Press conference of PD Chairman Eduard Selami From November 1 to 7, Mr. Eduard Selami carried out a tour in the USA, where he met with senior Administration officials, congressmen, senators, representatives of various foundations, and leaders of American banks and media outlets. At the conclusion of this tour, yesterday Mr. Selami held a press conference. Below we give a summary of it. PRESIGJJA [?] - Mr. Selami, what exactly did you gain from your meetings in the USA, and how do you see the future of Albanian-American relations? ANSWER - I think the main gain from this meeting was the reconfirmation of the high interest that the United States of America continues to have in democracy and reforms in Albania. This interest is not merely declarative. It has also been expressed in the readiness to increase economic and political support for our country. Likewise, I found full understanding for the need for Albania to continue along the path of the rule of law, the market economy, and Euro-Atlantic integration. PRESIGJJA [?] - Do you think the local elections will be held according to democratic standards? ANSWER - We are determined that the elections be free and fair. The Democratic Party will respect the people's free vote. This is a fundamental principle for us. I believe that the Albanian institutions have created the conditions for the process to be as transparent as possible and for any irregularity to be identified and punished. PRESIGJJA [?] - What is your message to Albanians? ANSWER - My message is that they should take part massively in the voting, not fall prey to provocations, and believe in the power of the free vote. Only through it can we build a better future for the country. (continued on page 7)

RECEPTION AT THE PRESIDENCY Yesterday, President Berisha received a delegation of the Council of Europe led by Mr. Janis Lianis. During this meeting, the political developments in Albania, the process of democratic reforms, and our country's relations with European institutions were discussed. President Berisha praised the support of the Council of Europe for Albania and stressed the commitment of Albanian institutions to strengthening the rule of law, human rights, and democratic standards. For their part, the representatives of the Council of Europe were interested in the progress of the local elections and the role of institutions in guaranteeing a proper electoral process. At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed their readiness to deepen cooperation and continue institutional dialogue. (continued on page 5)

Yesterday afternoon Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi departed for Switzerland for a four-day official visit. During this visit he will hold meetings with high-ranking Swiss figures and with representatives of the country's economic and financial institutions. The visit is expected to focus on expanding bilateral cooperation, attracting investment, and supporting economic reforms in Albania. (continued on page 7)

with its minister The Minister of Religious Affairs of Saudi Arabia paid a visit to Tirana, where he was received by the Albanian authorities and held talks concerning cooperation in the religious field. During the meetings, possibilities were discussed for deepening institutional ties and supporting activities of a religious and cultural nature. The Saudi side expressed interest in strengthening contacts with Albanian institutions and in becoming closely acquainted with the Albanian reality in this field. (continued on page 6)

Shkodër Tragic murder STABBED TO DEATH IN OLD AGE [?] FORMER PS MEMBER, 43, FROM PËRÇA Nënëz e Vito Konomes, 43 years old, was arrested last night in Vlorë after being suspected of having stabbed a person to death in circumstances that are being investigated by the police. According to initial sources, the victim and the perpetrator had had a long-standing disagreement. The incident has caused a reaction in public opinion, and the law enforcement authorities are continuing their investigation. ATSH

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