Interview with PDSH chairman Mr. Eduard Selami given to Radio “Voice of America” QUESTION: These days, Sali Berisha is at the head of a government delegation, visiting Germany. What do you expect from this visit? ANSWER: I think that under the current conditions, relations with Germany can enter a new phase of development. Since it is one of the most developed countries in the European Union, German aid has been considerable for our economic and democratic reform. In this context, I think the visit will be especially important and will help deepen these relations further. QUESTION: Have current political developments in Albania been at the center of your attention? ANSWER: Of course they have. These developments are tied to the progress of reforms and to efforts to consolidate the democratic state. In this sense, the PDSH believes the country needs a calmer political climate and stronger institutions. QUESTION: Much is currently being discussed about the constitution. What is your opinion? ANSWER: We believe that Albania should have a constitution as soon as possible. It is a necessity for the country’s stability, for the normal functioning of institutions, and for guaranteeing the freedoms and rights of citizens. The constitution should be the result of the broadest possible political consensus. QUESTION: Do you have a comment on relations between the opposition and the majority? ANSWER: Relations should be based on dialogue. We have not been and are not in favor of exclusions. All political factors should contribute to the democratic process. QUESTION: How do you see the role of the media in this process? ANSWER: The media has an important role in informing the public and creating a democratic culture. It should be free and professional.

For him, as for any other tourist, “Rinas” airport would rightly be called the country’s “air gateway”. Only, the person arriving in Albania tonight is neither an ordinary tourist nor an ordinary traveler. He is former American President George Bush, one of the most prominent figures in world politics in recent years. Former American President George Bush, on the one hand, embodies stability in the field of U.S. foreign policy; on the other, he is tied to some of the major developments of the early 1990s. The victory of the coalition led by the United States in the Gulf War, the changes in Eastern Europe, the collapse of communism in the countries of central and eastern Europe, as well as support for democratic processes in Albania, are linked to the period of his presidency. Given this, it is no surprise that his visit to Albania is being followed with great interest. It comes at a time when our country is trying to consolidate its democratic institutions and move more quickly toward reforms. George Bush has been one of the American politicians who showed interest in Albania and the Albanians. His name is also linked to clear messages against violence in Kosovo. In this sense, his arrival in Tirana is an event of significance not only symbolic, but also political. Tomorrow in Rrogozhinë? [?] George Bush [unreadable text]

Parliamentary committees continued yesterday their discussions on several important draft laws. At the center of attention were issues related to the functioning of the public administration and the improvement of legislation. The debates also focused on the need for greater transparency in the work of the Assembly, as well as for a stronger role for the opposition in parliamentary discussions. Some deputies called for the sessions to be more open to the public and the media. It is expected that in the coming days the projects under review will be submitted for approval in plenary session.

The lifelong senator Giulio Andreotti had a meeting yesterday at the PD headquarters with the chairman of the PDSH, Mr. Eduard Selami. During the meeting, they discussed the political developments in the country, relations between political forces, and the progress of democratic reforms. Andreotti expressed his interest in political stability and in the continuation of democratic transformations. For his part, Mr. Selami emphasized the importance of international support for the reform processes and for Albania’s integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. The meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere and was valued as useful for strengthening contacts with important European personalities.

Dear Mr. Babari, Warm congratulations on your re-election to the important position you hold. I wish you success in your duty and I am convinced that you will further contribute to strengthening democratic processes and expanding cooperation among political structures. Respectfully, Eduard Selami

Today, in Albania, the great friend of the Albanians, former U.S. President George Bush. Bush gave his silent and democratic support to the communist countries of Eastern Europe, and even today his signature appears on the proclamation of the Albanians. Bush, despite the propaganda and the regime of the Albanians in the former Yugoslavia, was the one who told the Serbs that if they provoked anyone else in Kosovo, the United States would stand in defense of democracy and the Republic of Kosovo. Welcome to Albania, George Bush.

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