PRESIDENT BERISHA RECEIVED YESTERDAY AFTERNOON THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT, MR. RON FRIMAN “I would like to thank you for the interest you show in Albania,” President Berisha told the Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Mr. Friman. “I am grateful to you for drawing up the strategy for cooperation with our country, as I find it very useful.” “I would like to thank you for the interest you show in Albania,” President Berisha told the Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Mr. Friman. “I am grateful to you for drawing up the strategy for cooperation with our country, as I find it very useful. This strategy, which includes infrastructure and other areas that are priorities for the country’s economic development, is fully in line with Albania’s goal of developing according to a model of rapid economic growth. This strategy, which is characterized by support for the private sector, the development of infrastructure and the promotion of exports, is also particularly important for the banking system and its restructuring, as well as for other financial institutions. We also consider your involvement in the development of transport successful, particularly in the construction of east-west corridors, the establishment of industrial parks, the privatization of Telekom, the use of energy reserves, the establishment of the tourism corporation, and other projects.” For his part, Mr. Friman stated: “We are satisfied with our cooperation with Albania. The results of this cooperation are evident, and we want to assure you of our full commitment to carrying out projects involving energy, tourism, the banking and financial system, industrial parks, and others.”

TIRANA: As part of visits to the region, the Director of the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Mr. Xhejms Ulzi, arrived in our country for a one-day visit. During his stay in our country, he met and held talks with the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, as well as with other senior Albanian state officials.

I am in favor of far-reaching changes in the Government I appeal to the President and the Prime Minister to turn their appreciation of capable Albanian women into concrete action by including them in the highest state institutions —Interview with the Chairwoman of the Albanian Democratic Women’s League and member of the DP leadership, Ms. Flutura Hasko, conducted by Editor-in-Chief Lorenc Ligori— The DP leadership is in favor of changes in the state administration. What is being done about this? Answer: At a meeting of the DP leadership, the Prime Minister and the President were asked to make changes in the Government as soon as possible, always taking into account the criticisms raised at the National Council. I am in favor of far-reaching changes, so that the message of the protest expressed by the people in the November 26 referendum is reflected. A country’s political life demonstrates its level of emancipation. Albania has never lacked, and still does not lack, capable women who can put their intellectual abilities and humanitarian, democratic spirit at the service of the political, economic and social transformations our country is undergoing today. In this regard, the LDGSH, the largest organization of Albanian women, has a vast intellectual potential within its ranks that can be put to use and can make an unquestionable contribution at any level of leadership. The current representation in political, economic, scientific and other leadership is not an indication of inferiority or commitment, but perhaps the result of a... At the meeting of the DP leadership, the issue of an amnesty on the occasion of November 28 was discussed. What is your opinion on this? Answer: Personally, I am in favor, because an amnesty is in itself a humane, generous act, which in democratic societies encourages reconciliation. Moreover, as a woman and a mother, these matters have an even deeper meaning for me. This issue was discussed by the DP leadership, which unanimously supported an amnesty. In addition, the chair of the DP parliamentary group, Mr. Ali Spahia, reported at the leadership meeting that 25 DP MPs had requested that this issue— to make changes in the Government, always bearing in mind the actions taken at the National Council. I am in favor of profound changes, so that we respond to the message of protest delivered by the people in the November 6 Referendum. I am convinced that the NO to the Draft Constitution was not a vote for PS obstacle to reform. (Continued on page 2)

Euro-socialist MP Pandeli Majko accuses: —PSSH leaders “fabricate” a delegation that signs in Thessaloniki for the lifting of the embargo against Serbia— —“ZP” lies by claiming that the resolution called for Nano’s release Euro-socialist MP Pandeli Majko accuses: “There are pro-Serb individuals in the SP...” —PSSH leaders “fabricate” a delegation that signs in Thessaloniki for the lifting of the embargo against Serbia— —“ZP” lies by claiming that the resolution called for Nano’s release EDIPALOKA On several occasions, “RD,” relying on facts that were not fully confirmed but had strong grounds for being true, has accused SP leaders of pursuing an anti-national policy, pro-Serb and favorable to Greek chauvinist circles. SP leaders have repeatedly been accused of secret agreements that ran counter to Albania’s national interests. The joint Nano–PASOK declaration was under constant criticism and was considered anti-national, not merely “for propaganda.” Through their old newspaper “ZP,” SP leaders tried to dismiss these accusations as untrue. But now Euro-socialist MP Pandeli Majko, with incontrovertible facts, confirms that there are individuals in the SP leadership who, in pursuit of certain interests, follow a pro-Serb and pro-Greek policy. These people, whose actions are reprehensible to every Albanian, including the Socialists themselves, have used conspiratorial and deceptive methods in their politics. No less important is the use of certain corporations and the SP leadership in this matter, but no one has taken any responsibility. Why? If they were going to claim that it was the work of only a few individuals, why do the rest of the SP leaders hesitate? Everything makes one think that this act was carried out with the full approval of the entire SP leadership, for purposes that are easy to understand. But let us look at some of the points from the interview that MP Pandeli Majko gave to the newspaper “Dita Informacion” on this issue. INTERVIEW WITH EURO-SOCIALIST MP PANDELI MAJKO QUESTION: Some sources say that FRESSH has rejected an invitation from Belgrade to take part in an event that will be held there. What is the situation? P. MAJKO: Yes! It is true that FRESSH received such an invitation, but not through “official” channels. I say this because the offer in question came from the embassy (Continued on page 2)

1. Ms. Flutura, one of the decisions of the National Council people in the November 6 referendum is reflected. I am convinced that the NO vote on the Draft Constitution was not a vote for the SP and did not show that people had lost faith in us. But it was a signal that urgent action must be taken to remedy those weaknesses that are becoming an obstacle to reform. 2. As Chairwoman of the LDGSH, what is your view on women’s representation in government? Answer: I believe that the broadest possible participation of women is essential. The Government has a vast intellectual potential indication of inferiority or commitment, but a consequence of a mentality that has continually prevented women from participating fully. This must undoubtedly be taken into account, because often—not to say in most cases—tolerance, sound judgment and opposition to corruption are precisely virtues of Albanian women. In this regard, I appeal to the President and the Prime Minister to turn their appreciation of capable Albanian women into concrete action by including them in the highest state institutions. 3. At the meeting of the DP leadership, the city and district leadership were discussed; again, even their politics, which makes their act even more ... 4. What does this Amnesty include? Answer: I am not in a position to judge specifically, because it is Parliament’s prerogative to decide. But personally, I do not believe those who committed genocide against the people should benefit from this Amnesty, nor those who abused the blood and sweat of poor people, those who exploited the country and its people for 50 years, or those who committed serious crimes. Thank you!

Meetings of the standing committees —DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE ON THE DRAFT PENAL CODE AND OTHER DRAFT LAWS— The Standing Committee on Laws of the People’s Assembly held discussions yesterday in principle on the general part of the draft law of the Penal Code of the Republic of Albania. Jurists from the ministry, faculty lecturers from the law faculties and specialists from various departments answered questions from MPs, members of this committee and other committees, and gave their views on various aspects of the Penal Code, which is also to be examined in a plenary session by the People’s Assembly. “In drafting this preliminary code,” Mr. Shamata said, “the working group studied and referred to the criminal legislation of several countries, such as Italy, France, Germany, Holland, Sweden and the United States of America, and also drew on the experience and practice of our own legislation, beginning with the 1927 Penal Code. It has kept

Yesterday, under the chairmanship of its Chair, Arifin Krasniqi, the FRPD National Council held a meeting, during which an analysis of the FRPD’s work over the long period of its activity was discussed. The activity of the PDSH National Council was also discussed, as was the discussion of the motion proposed by the FRPD concerning the amendment of ... In his speech, Chairman Krasniqi ...

— ALBANIA AMONG THE STATES THAT SUBMITTED THE RELEVANT RESOLUTION — Nearly all the Mediterranean states, including Albania, submitted to the UN General Assembly the resolution “Strengthening Security and Cooperation in the Mediterranean Region.” The resolution, which was adopted by consensus by the Assembly’s First Committee, reaffirms that security in the Mediterranean is closely linked to European security and international peace. It expresses the commitment of the Mediterranean countries to eliminating all causes of tension in their region, as well as economic and social disparities in their levels of development. The latter, in particular, would, according to observers, contribute substantially to strengthening peace and cooperation among these states. In this context, participation in such initiatives expresses Albania’s intention and commitment to further expanding cooperation with the Mediterranean states. A. MILO (ATSH)

— The Shkodër branch of the Democratic Party held its active meeting — — Attended by PDSH Secretary General Shehu and its deputy chairman, Spahija — On Saturday, November 19, the Shkodër branch of the Democratic Party held its active meeting. The meeting was attended by PD Secretary General Tritan Shehu and Deputy Chairman Ali Spahija. This meeting is being held following the referendum vote on the draft constitution. meeting. The PDSH Secretary General, Shehu, and its deputy chairman, Spahija, attended. ... which received more than 60% in the Shkodër district. In his report, the chairman of this branch, Ludovik Dega, provided a detailed analysis of the voting process in the district, noting a series of shortcomings observed during the voting. We worked by going from house to house, municipality to municipality, and village to village; nevertheless, broader and more skilled work should have been done by everyone, from ordinary members to those elected to party and state governing bodies. The section chairmen in the connections of (Continued on page 2)

On Sunday, November 20, the international seminar “Freedom of Expression in Post-Communist Countries” began its activities at the Palace of Congresses. This conference is organized by the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights, the Soros Foundation, and the Foundation for a Civil Society, based in New York. Journalists, human rights activists, lawyers, media specialists, and well-known public figures from Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, former Yugoslavia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Austria, the USA, Great Britain, France, and other countries are participating in this conference. On the first day of this conference, the opening addresses were delivered by Mr. Brigitte Dofur (France), of the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights; Mr. Fraser Cameron (England), on behalf of the PHARE Democracy program; and Mr. Avni Mustafaj, of the Foundation for a Civil Society (Continued on page 2) MENTOR SHEHU

Among the explanations put forward for the results of the referendum on the Constitution are, as is well known, protest votes against inefficient leadership in certain areas of government. Naturally, those who had precisely this in mind could not state by name on their ballot which minister or other official they meant when they said “NO” to the Draft Constitution. But this does not mean that now, after the referendum, those officials who have been in the crosshairs since March 22 should feel secure or continue sinking into the quagmire of corruption. Democracy is powerful enough to bring them out immediately; democracy is powerful enough to tell these pragmatists: “Make way,” because there are capable young men and women who can replace them. Many article writers, whose mouths watered over the fate of democracy, now want to create the impression that everything has come to a standstill, that democracy’s hands are tied and that it cannot act to clear itself of certain corrupt or mediocre people who, for one reason or another, may have climbed into the seats of government. These nihilists, who see only darkness in this reality, are so categorical that they see only one alternative for improving matters: early elections. Their obsession is directed toward the seat of power; however, this obsession, made absolute by PS figures as the only option, would be fatal not only for democracy but for PS itself. It is enough to recall here that the article signed by Ismail Kadare in one of his interviews states, with great objectivity, that “A takeover of power by the socialists would be fatal for Albania because, unlike the Hungarian or Polish socialists, who are separated from classical Stalinist milk by a filter, a 30-year purgatory, the Albanian socialists are separated from it only by a brief period of lies. The world forgives a victory by the socialists of Hungary and

US President Bill Clinton met yesterday at the White House with NATO Secretary General Vili Klaes, US officials said, as quoted by the Reuters news agency. The meeting between Clinton, his National Security Adviser Antoni Leik, and Klaes had been scheduled before the NATO airstrike, but US officials said they expect NATO’s action and the fighting in the former Yugoslavia to be the main subjects of discussion. ATSH

At the request of the United Nations, 30 NATO planes based in Italy carried out airstrikes yesterday against Udbina airport in the region controlled by the Serbs of Krajina, NATO sources said, as quoted by news agencies. The airstrikes were carried out in response to Serbian air attacks against Bihać and its pocket in northwestern Bosnia, NATO sources said, describing the operation as “successful.” NATO sources gave no details about the scale or effectiveness of the airstrikes, which were carried out after a UN Security Council resolution adopted on Saturday authorized the use of air power over Croatia. “Today’s airstrike was necessary and a required response to the continued use of this airport by aircraft against the Bihać pocket in Bosnia-Herzegovina,” said the United Nations Special Envoy for the former Yugoslavia, Jasushi Akashi. (Continued on page 2)