On the anniversary of the publication of the first issue , “Rilindja Demokratike,” a missionary of democracy in Albania [The left column is partially cut off and the visible text is unclear.] ... doubts, hope, ... feelings appeared ... the same people ... ordinary ... had been ... formed ... The first opposition day after ... the elections of ... a most ferocious dictatorial ... former communist ... Had announced that ... its and 5 ... the day that would give them ... “Rilindja Demokratike.” Therefore, people ... with their minds ... waited impatiently ... for the newspaper ... the newspaper ... when dictatorship. “Will it ... come out ...?” This question ... in the heads of ... near ... worked in the printing house ... At every moment ... and the newspaper ... There was a group of intellectuals ... who would bring about ... the birth of the first opposition newspaper ... Duka ... The monsters on the other side read and gnashed their teeth. “RD” was the magic mirror that showed everyone the ugliness and black face of the regime, and the monsters kept gnashing their teeth. “ZP” spewed venom at “RD,” which spat flames, and the dictatorship shrank; the darkness made its stains smaller and smaller. Thus, in constant clashes with the dictatorship, with communism, “RD” began increasingly to consolidate its identity. At the country’s most important political events, “RD” was not only present, but also played its role, and in some cases a decisive one. As a missionary of democracy in Albania, “RD” continues to be at the center of attention and of Albanian democratic opinion. Even today, the role of “RD” is no easier than it was in the first days after its launch. At a time when the hordes of darkness seek to kill hope and darken the future by calling for a return to their time, “RD” has taken it upon itself to keep ... confidence in the energies of democracy and in positive values. By respecting the rules ... the hordes of darkness seek to ... I am sure that all of us together, regardless of our convictions and party affiliations, and setting aside unrealistic embellishments and a pessimistic outlook, will be convinced that throughout this ... there are many reasons to leave ’94 with a deep sense of gratitude toward it. The year 1994 was another successful year in the history of Albanian democracy, a year of peace and stability for Albania that brought the country significantly closer to Europe. The year 1994 was a year of rapid development for the country and intensive change, of comprehensive deepening of reform and its consolidation. Thus, despite its difficulties, 1994 was another blessed year for the individual, the family, democracy, and Albania as a whole. To understand the true scale of our progress and the major changes we have achieved, whose daily pace we often fail to notice, I invite you to look back for a moment and compare our freedoms, our market, our law and order and security, our ... with just 3–4 years ago. I am convinced that very few will not acknowledge with satisfaction and justified pride that Albanians are freer and live, create, work, eat, dress, travel, receive information, are honored and respected better and ... Our legislative system and institutions have come increasingly closer to contemporary European standards. The laws of the dictatorship are rapidly being replaced by the laws of the rule of law. New codes are coming into force. Existing institutions have become increasingly consolidated, and new ones have been created. Pluralism has become the true driving force of Albanian democracy. This year we inaugurated the institution of the referendum, through which the sovereign people rose above the state. In their first referendum, Albanians demonstrated not only that they wanted a more perfect draft constitution, but also, through the way they handled its result, demonstrated the stability and maturity of their democracy. In other words, they proved to the civilized world that the foundations of their stability and state are the values of democracy, and this is undoubtedly a genuine historic achievement for Albanian democracy. Dear fellow citizens, I am aware that during 1994 many families and individuals faced difficulties, economic decline, pain, and sacrifice. Many of these were caused by the strict measures imposed by reform, such as price liberalization and ... the country significantly closer to Europe. ... darkness seek to ... ... significantly closer to Europe. They were a group of intellectuals and students who would accomplish what had begun alongside the Democratic Party: the first opposition newspaper. Then the workers at the printing house, the ones who handled the newspaper sheets, would also witness the journey of “Lindja Demokratike” into the light of day. There was much debate about the name, the number of pages, and especially the newspaper’s politics. “RD” went through countless other trials until, on January 5, 1991, the printing press sent it out from the pressroom and to the newspaper sellers. It contained the people, their yearning to drink in the printed word. The first 50,000 copies of “RD” were printed and began circulating from hand to hand. People read what had been inaccessible to them; they read what they could scarcely believe their eyes were seeing, written on paper, and no one dared touch or alter it. “RD” had begun its mission: for the first time in 50 years it brought the free word, the torch of democracy, and its “supporters” would not be enough; hundreds and thousands queued for “RD.” It was part of a [unclear], an expression of freedom, transmitting the free word to others, and “RD” did not allow [unclear]. Respecting the rules of the game of the modern democratic press, “RD” continues to stand unwaveringly by truth and sensitivity [word unclear], while at the same time exposing those who continue to slander and deceive, building everything on lies and manipulation. “RD” continues to hold free speech sacred, unlike those who abuse freedom of speech in a depraved way. Unlike those who base their “success” on speculation, “RD” has chosen the path of loyalty [possibly “legality”] and links its success to the achievements of democracy in Albania, to fostering a new and modern mentality among people in every respect, and also to defining and implementing the rules essential to every emancipated society. By constantly striving to improve its quality through a contemporary concept of the newspaper, “RD” will continue to defend and promote those ideas that aim to create an Albania as its people dream of and demand.

Message from the President of the Republic Sali Berisha on the occasion of New Year 1995 Dear fellow citizens and compatriots, wherever you may be, Brothers and sisters, Ladies and gentlemen, Through this message, I wish to be among you, to share with you the joy of the holiday and the joy of you, your families, friends, and loved ones. Happy New Year 1995. I hope that this year will be a year of achievements and joy, hope and fulfillment for all Albanians wherever they are. A year of great prosperity, harmony, understanding, happiness, and justice. The year 1994 was filled with great efforts and sacrifices, but also with important achievements and steady progress. We should all pause for a moment and naturally ask ourselves where we were a year ago, how much we expanded the space of individual freedom this year, and how and to what extent we made use of the opportunities it offered for ourselves, our families, and our country. and a pessimistic outlook, will be convinced that throughout 1994 we have many reasons to part with ’94 with a feeling of ... [continues beyond the frame] ... more than at any other time in their history. Democracy, freedom, and individual rights experienced during the year a ... reduction in jobs. But on this occasion I wish to reiterate that these measures, unpopular as they were, were necessary to lay the foundations for a different future—a great mission for every democratic society—and be assured that the support you gave these measures was support and encouragement for Albania, for your future and that of your families. These difficulties are compounded by other serious shortcomings resulting from inherited deficiencies in infrastructure, which is increasingly inadequate in conditions of rapid development and makes your daily activities more difficult. On the other hand, it is entirely true that, alongside material shortcomings, we also face and will experience considerable psychological difficulties. This is because people’s hopes in a democracy are great, their demands grow rapidly, and today we, open to the world ... [continues beyond the frame] New codes have entered into force.

Yesterday, the Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Mr. Pjetër Arbnori, received the German Ambassador to Albania, Mr. Klaus Felers, to whom he emphasized the contribution made by the German Embassy to the traditional friendly ties between our two countries. For his part, the German ambassador said that the role of Parliament in Albania had been strengthened over the last two years—a development to which its presiding officer had made a particularly important contribution. Finally, Mr. Arbnori conveyed his best wishes to Mrs. Susmuth for her contribution to relations between the German Bundestag and Albania, as well as for her unfailing assistance in the political field and material aid to Parliament.

In 1994, 85% of the 7,423 criminal offenses were solved —Press conference by Interior Minister Agron Musaraj— [Photo of the minister speaking at the conference.] ... in our country, there were also 1,967 crimes against persons, of which 1,894, or 96%, were solved. Compared with 1993, there was a decrease, while the police’s detection rate remained constant. On average, a criminal offense occurred every 67 minutes, a figure showing that Albania fares better than many other developed countries in terms of the frequency of crime, always in relation to population. Furthermore, of 265 intentional homicides, 228, or 86%, were solved. This is a genuine indicator of the good work of the police ... [continues beyond the frame] ... the good work of our police force, Minister Musaraj emphasized. The high number of murders was motivated by trivial matters and revenge arising from old feuds, a phenomenon that has increased recently, particularly in the districts of Shkoder, Mirdite, Puke, Kurbin, Lezhe, Fier, etc. Other crimes during the year that has just ended were committed against property, but compared with ... (Continued on page 2)

The fourth anniversary of the first Democratic Party rally in Lushnje In the history of every city there are many special events, and among the major events there are some that reach a peak in their importance and in the way they unfold. During these high points in history, there are also events that bring together messages and ideas. The fall of a violent regime is a source of satisfaction, but above all it is a necessity for the entire political culture of people with new arguments in what is called the “political struggle” and “odious” [word unclear]. Being aware of who is with [unclear] or of certain hardships. Powerful historical moments and words, especially for those who take part in them, are like daily nourishment, without which one cannot live or work. For others, those who do not participate, they are something for a Sunday lunch at the end of the month. For opponents of the messages conveyed, they are particular points and moments in life. Such was the case with the Democratic Party rally, represented by its future chairman, Sali Berisha. In the first days of January ’91, the author of these lines, together with Arben Sula, one of the students of the December movement, were circulating ... (Continued on page 2)

In the newspaper “RD,” in its issue dated December 25, 1994, under the headline “Scandal,” among other things it says: “Although the police and security services were certain that the judge in the case, Mrs. Kakalaku, did not share the opinion of the other two judges, who had ruled in favor of his conviction.” In response to this statement by “RD,” at her press conference, Mrs. Selenica refuted the above quotation, emphasizing: “It is not true that the other two members were in favor of convicting him; rather, together we referred the case back to the prosecution authority for reconsideration,” according to the newspaper ZP, December 29, ’94, a news item [unclear], following Mrs. Selenica’s press conference. To uncover the truth about this case, and especially to convince readers that “RD” is not lying, as Mrs. Selenica accuses it of doing, we sought a comment from Mr. Metush Saraçi. He was one of the assistant judges in the Kallafatos case at the Court of Cassation, and said: “Regarding the case of the Greek citizen Kostandinos Kallafatos, the decision was followed through in the prosecution service; in two and a half pages, Mrs. Selenica, in a minority ruling, declares innocent the Greek national who had been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for drug trafficking by two levels of court.” Readers should be told that the “minority” consisted only of Mrs. ... (Continued on page 2)

Press conference by the Italian ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Paolo Foresti On December 30, ’94, the Italian ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Paolo Foresti, met with journalists at his Residence. After wishing Albanians a Happy New Year, he spoke and answered questions about Albanian-Italian relations and broader issues. Speaking about Albanian culture, Mr. Foresti considered it a clear expression of the desire for integration and the best response to 50 years of isolation. The ambassador, Foresti, then summarized Italian activities carried out in Albania in various fields. Foresti considered the consolidation of the rule of law and the creation of a typically modern system of relations with the Albanian government to be very important. Steps have been taken in this area and will also be expanded in ... (Continued on page 3)

State of emergency lifted Water inflows into the cascade of hydroelectric plants built on the Drin River have increased significantly as a result of the rainfall in recent days, said Fation Tugu, chairman of the Albanian Power Corporation. As a result, reservoir levels have risen, creating an optimistic situation that will allow the country to emerge from its difficult energy situation. Levels at the Vau i Dejës and Koman hydroelectric plants have now reached nominal levels. Water inflows of 1,000 cubic meters per second have made it possible to operate turbines at these two plants. The electricity they produce now meets consumers’ needs. At the Fierza hydroelectric plant, meanwhile, water inflows over the past 24 hours have been around 1,400 cubic meters per second, causing the level to rise by 2 meters and 30 centimeters. The water being collected in this plant’s lake will be used later, according to the needs that arise. It is precisely this optimistic energy situation that allowed the general staff to lift the state of emergency, not only for the population but also for industry.

Kukes After the interruption ... As has been reported ... New Year visit after a meeting ... the President of the Republic ... Floodwaters from ... Fierza, was interrupted ... in Kukes. According to statements by Mr. Ja ... who was chairman of the commission ... This ... “RD” correspondent

On the status of veterans of the war against the Nazi-fascist occupiers of the Albanian people 260 families from Tropoja will be settled in Mamurras (Page 2)

President Skalfaro suspends his consultations (Page 3)