Interview with PDSH chairman Mr. Eduard Selami, given to “Voice of America” radio Interview with PDSH chairman Mr. Eduard Selami, given to the “Voice of America” radio QUESTION Xhevdet Shehu: Mr. Eduard, it has finally become clear and known that the Constitution was not approved by the people on 6 November. However, it is increasingly being said that, more than a vote on the Constitution, this was a vote of confidence by the people in the PD, the Government and President Berisha. Do you share this view? ANSWER: I do not agree with this view. Because, as I have said before, this was a specific vote on a specific issue, namely this Constitution. The Government’s performance certainly had an influence, as did our performance as the PD, the progress of the reform and some of our shortcomings that have been pointed out. But I do not think these were decisive. Likewise, we did not conduct the campaign for the Constitution on this basis. We have said several times that this is not a campaign for a political fight between the PD and the PS, but rather a referendum on an issue that concerns everyone, such as the Constitution. Thus, if we had truly had a confrontation between these two parties, things would have gone differently. Perhaps we might have received fewer votes than this; I cannot say that, but my view is that we might also have received more, regardless of the shortcomings pointed out so far. QUESTION XH.SH.: In your view, what might be some of the reasons the Constitution was not accepted? But we also need it as an opportunity to join the Council of Europe. In fact, there is an article in the draft constitution concerning religious matters and religions which has not been very well received by the Council of Europe. Perhaps these provisions should be reviewed, although this is not my responsibility now; it will be the responsibility of the commission drafting the draft constitution. I also think this will be an additional reason for people to approve the new draft Constitution. QUESTION XH.SH.: Mr. Eduard, it is also said that the Constitution lost because of serious mistakes by the PD in governing the country, because of corruption among some current government officials and because of other problems in Albanian life. What is your assessment of this opinion? ANSWER: Naturally, opinions and views of this kind are unavoidable in such cases. What is important is that we have just received an important message, not only about the Constitution but also about other issues. I want to say that we have received this message, and during the period ahead we will make every effort for Albania to have a Constitution as soon as possible. We will certainly change many things in our work, because we believe this was a message for us to improve our work in government, in cooperation with our allies. I think that depending on this, it will be achieved [text cut off]. that any kind of decline should be a reason for new elections, because we were given a four-year mandate. And I think there is an additional reason in Albania, because the difficulties here have been much greater, and we have now been in the most difficult period of the reform. Therefore, a confrontation at this time would undoubtedly have resulted in our getting the bare minimum. But we did not view this as a political force. We considered the fact that Albania needs the Constitution; democracy needs it; internal stability needs it; it is needed as a guarantee for foreign investment; it is needed as a guarantee to speed up reform; and it is also a condition for joining the Council of Europe. That is why I think it is too soon to make such analyses. Naturally, there are other political forces that have called for new elections. That is their right. Calling for new elections now, when we want to have the Constitution—because no one can think that a new parliament would be able to produce the Constitution, since we do not know how the balance of forces would turn out—I think means looking solely at narrow party interests, looking solely at one person’s or another’s seats. And I think this does not amount to opposition to the PD, but to opposition to Albania. Because there is no question that every delay, every interruption and every postponement of the Constitution hinders Albania. QUESTION XH.SH.: Nevertheless, it is said that now, after the referendum of 6 [November]... Representatives of the PS and the other four parties, including the PD—namely the Social Democrats, the Republican Party and the Human Rights Party—supported this consensus, and I think this is a very positive sign, showing that the Albanian political parties and political life have reached a level of maturity at which they recognize that some priorities do not belong to the parties, but concern more important matters that do not arise every day or every year, but at important moments in a country’s history. In this respect, I think this is not a realistic concern; nor is the socialists’ departure from parliament. I think people know that whenever they have walked out and returned, this is simply their daily routine. I do not think this is a concern. For me, what is very important is the consensus reached by the four parliamentary parties, and the seriousness and concern shown in their discussions. I am optimistic that Albania will have a Constitution as soon as possible, because I have absolute confidence that people did not say no to Albania’s entry into Europe. But the people have an absolute right to their vote. I think something is wrong with the draft that was presented. It is up to the specialists to say what. Something is wrong with the timing for people to see it and, in practice, be convinced of its importance. I am convinced that people will say Yes, [continues outside the photograph] QUESTION …if we had received less than this, I cannot say that, but my opinion is that we could have received even more, notwithstanding the shortcomings that have been observed so far. QUESTION XH.SH: In your opinion, what do you think were some of the reasons the Constitution was not accepted? ANSWER: - I think we need to look at things concretely. First, perhaps the timing was unfavorable for people to form their own opinion about this particular draft, because it became excessively politicized by both sides, and people were unable to see and become concretely aware of this Draft Constitution and its merits; instead, they viewed it simply as a confrontation between different political forces. I think there are also some articles about which we have received suggestions from the Council of Europe, and which do not meet today’s standards. It is worth emphasizing that we need a Constitution not only for Albania Albania must have a Constitution as soon as possible, and we think in government and our cooperation with our allies. I think that the future of the DP and the future of the political struggle in Albania depend on it. Once again, I want to say that this is not about avoiding the political duel between the DP and the SP, but about focusing on the importance the Constitution has for Albania. Because today, above all, we must give Albania a Constitution. Let me give you just one small example, which I also used at the press conference: if we had considered only party interests, there would have been no reason for us to risk holding such a vote before 1996. It is no secret that every political force, regardless of whether it is in government, experiences its ups and downs during its four- or five-year term, as is the case in other countries. But it is not inevitable that the draft Constitution…

Former American president Xhorxh Bush, one of the most distinguished figures in the American state, arrives in Albania today. Xhorxh Bush, the 41st president of the United States of America, played an important role during his presidency in overthrowing communism in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe through the democratic revolutions of 1989. In 1988, after serving for eight years as Ronald Reagan’s vice president, Bush, who enjoyed Pirs, the daughter of a magazine publisher. They had six children, but one died of leukemia at the age of three. In 1948, he gradu ated from Yale University in economics, where he received an academic degree. Before being elected vice president for two terms and president for one term, Bush had a varied career. As a representative of the Nixon administration at the United Nations, his cooperation with Reagan during his vice presidency gave Bush experience in foreign policy and an image of moderation. During this post he traveled to 60 countries and, on several occasions, alongside ceremonial visits, he also engaged in diplomacy. During his two terms as vice president, he headed a number of task forces against crime, terrorism and drug trafficking, playing an important role in this regard. Bush had been taught by his parents to strive for success. But he had also been taught to be a member [?] of the family. Showing off and striving to get ahead of others were not to his liking. This made it possible to establish good working relations with Ronald Reagan. As vice president, Bush always tried to adapt his views to those of the president, with both creating distinguished public images. This image helped him win the election as president on 20 January 1989, bringing an atmosphere of loyalty to the White House. President Bush will be remembered for the role he played in American foreign policy, affirming his country’s important mission in world politics and diplomacy. A series of meetings with then Soviet President Mihail Gorb[açov?], the signing of treaties on arms and other issues made it possible to end the Cold War, which for nearly 50 years had kept East and [text ends] …authority, he had the opportunity to articulate his vision for America’s future. Xhorxh Bushi was born in Milton, Massachusetts, the son of a wealthy investor, Preskot Bush, who was a Republican senator from Connecticut from 1952 to 1963. He was educated in Connecticut at Phillips Academy. World War II interrupted his education. At the age of 18, he joined the U.S. Navy and for a time was its youngest pilot. After serving in the Pacific on 58 combat missions, his plane was shot down and he was rescued by a submarine. In 1945 he married Barbara. With his personal warmth and ability to learn quickly, he became an effective U.S. spokesperson in this worldwide organization. His career at that time included serving as chairman of the Republican National Committee, as the U.S. representative in China during a very delicate period in relations between the two countries (during his 14 months in Beijing he managed to establish new relations between the United States and China), and as director of the Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, during which time he is credited with raising its morale. …his role then-Soviet President Mihail Gorbaçov, and possible the end of the Cold War, which had kept East and West divided and isolated for nearly 50 years. As communist governments fell one after another in Eastern Europe, Bush watched as this part of the world redefined its future. Drawing on his extensive diplomatic experience and wisdom, he played an important role in advancing American foreign policy. Among his diplomatic successes, besides the fight against communism, his sworn enemy, were the defeat of left-wing forces in Nicaragua, meetings with South Africa’s reformist president De Klark and with the newly released Black leader Nelson Mandela, the removal of Noriega from power in Panama, etc. LULETA ANDONI

The senator for life Xhulio Andreoti, the most prominent figure in Italian politics over the past half-century, 14-time Prime Minister of Italy, nicknamed Andreoti the Eternal, met and held talks with PD Chairman Eduard Selami and Secretary General Tritan Shehu. At the meeting, Mr. Selami thanked Mr. Andreoti for the great support he had given Albania when he was prime minister and briefed him on the latest political developments in the country. Expressing his pleasure at this visit, Xhulio Andreoti noted their shared desire to learn about the neighboring country, liberated from communist dictatorship. The conversation included discussions about the domestic politics of both countries as well as international politics.

The senator for life Xhulio Andreoti, accompanied by Italian ambassador Foresti, was received for a meeting by Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi. After the customary exchange of thanks, the conversation addressed mutual views on economic and political developments, pausing equally on several issues concerning the legislation of the two countries and the European electoral system in general. Regarding the rejected Draft Constitution, Mr. Andreoti would make an observation concerning the inclusion of prior conditions for appointing the heads of religious communities, as provided in the relevant article of the fundamental draft law. He also endorsed the idea of drafting a Constitution proposal by a parliamentary commission whose membership should include as many parliamentary parties as possible. Question: Mr. Andreoti, could you comment on the referendum? I think it was important because of the very high turnout. People felt the importance of this issue; moreover, there is a difference between those who were “FOR” and those who were against. That is characteristic of a referendum.

“For Albania to be admitted to the Council of Europe, it must be provided with a constitution approved by the people. If the people said ‘No’ this time, we must start again from the beginning,” one of the CoE observers, Dumeni Kolumberg (Belgium), told AFP.

Chairman of the Republican Party of the USA Dear Barbour , I am pleased to extend my very best wishes to you for your very important victory in the recent elections held in your country. At the same time, I would like to thank you for the support your Party has given to the Albanian Democratic Party and to democratic developments in Albania. I am fully convinced that cooperation and understanding between the two parties will be strengthened in the future and will contribute to further strengthening relations between our two countries. Sincerely yours, EDUARD SELAMI

According to reports in the Greek mass media, Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Karolos Papulias, said recently that he wishes to overcome… According to reports in the Greek mass media, Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Karolos Papulias, said recently that he wishes to overcome the problems in relations with … and the two countries … “and the talks,” while … of Greek origin, the other side … has set as a condition … and from this moment on … relations between Greece and Albania, the other side … as always has … We hope that Mr. Papulias’s statement is a sign of a change in the position of Greek officials, who until recently had been setting conditions for sitting down at the negotiating table with Albania. The Albanian side hopes that it is a gesture of goodwill, which the Greek side has lacked until now. (ATSH)

On November 6, Albanians voted on the Draft Constitution submitted by the commission entrusted with drafting it. The draft, based on many of the constitutional laws of countries with developed democracies, as well as on constitutional provisions adopted by Albania’s most recent pluralist parliaments, was also described as positive by foreign and domestic specialists. In particular, after the Central Referendum Commission announced the results on November 6, it emerged that 41.7% of voters voted “Yes” to this draft, that is, fewer than 50% of them. Thus, the draft failed to obtain the necessary vote of confidence to become Albania’s first democratic Constitution. The fact that more than 50% of voters did not approve this draft shows that, for the majority of voters, it was unacceptable for one reason or another. Under these circumstances, recognizing the importance of adopting a new constitution as soon as possible for the institutionalization of democracy and Albania’s integration into Europe, the President of the Republic held a meeting with the parliamentary parties to discuss this issue. The purpose of the meeting was to find ways to provide Albania with a constitution as soon as possible. Four of the five parties agreed that the best choice was to recommend that Parliament establish a new commission to draft a new Constitution. The Deputy Chairman of the SP, Servet Pellumbi, rejected all the proposed procedures, stressing that he would not give his approval unless “the procedure followed for approving the constitution”—that is, the Referendum—was condemned. In addition, Pellumbi refuses to discuss a new Draft Constitution for Albania unless new parliamentary elections are held. During the campaigns, the other four … of the SP campaigned against the Draft Constitution submitted for approval. (Continued on page 2) …be included among the articles of the fundamental bill. He also approved the proposal to draft a Constitution project through a parliamentary commission whose membership would can because turnout was quite high. were against—that is characteristic of a referendum. QUESTION XH.SH: - Nevertheless, it is said that after the November 6 referendum a political situation has emerged and calls for early elections have grown louder; it is said that Parliament has been sidelined and that consensus cannot be reached even on the proposal President Berisha put forward yesterday to create a new parliamentary commission to draft a new Constitution project. What is your view? What is your party’s position on the new political situation and the developments that will follow? ANSWER: - I am not pessimistic, because I disagree with the claim that consensus cannot be reached on the President’s proposal. On the contrary, the only ones who did not join the President’s proposal were just… …in the referendum and its vote, we will continue to insist that this go to a referendum, because it is in Albania’s best interests. Naturally, as a political force we may risk something at this moment, but compared with what we gain, with what democracy gains, we believe that we too are winners.

With the aim of securing World Bank support for our country, a government meeting chaired by Aleksander Meksi was held. With the aim of securing World Bank support for our country, a government meeting chaired by Aleksander Meksi was held with senior officials of the institution, including Kemal Dervish, Director for the Development of Central and Eastern Europe. Assessing stability … and the development of inflation, Mr. Kemal Dervish said that our country stood apart from all the Eastern countries that had reached annual inflation rates of 100 to 200%, as was also observed at the World Bank meeting in Madrid. An analysis of the 14 existing projects, amounting to 150 million dollars, and improvements aimed at speeding up their implementation in light of changes in our economy, as well as the strategy for 1995–96, with the aim of making more appropriate investments in construction, energy, telecommunications, etc., were at the center of the two sides’ discussions, along with the World Bank’s financing priorities.

Today in Albania, the great friend of Albania and the Albanians, former US President Xhorxh Bush. Bush and his administration supported the democratic processes in the former communist countries of Eastern Europe, and, in this context, Albanian democracy as well. Bush also followed with concern the situation of the Albanians in the former Yugoslavia, and it was He who declared to the Serbs that if they were to provoke another conflict in Kosovo, the USA were prepared to take strong action. Welco[me] to Albania, Xhorxh Bush.