PSSH, not PS, has lost every sense of reality; does it even realize that it is leading itself down a dead-end road! Referring to the statement of the so-called secretariat of the leadership of PSSH, dated 25.01.1990, which gives as its motive the escalation of political pressure exerted by the Marxist opposition in Albania, through disinformation and the exploitation of problems created by the difficult weather conditions and the destabilizing efforts of extremist elements inside the country, the Leadership of the Democratic Party of Albania informs the public opinion that the reaction of the neo-communist leadership to the reforms and positive achievements of the democratic government is the most typical expression of the complete economic, political, moral and psychological bankruptcy of PSSH. With this, the secretariat of that crude political force will go further in discrediting itself, mentioning with utterly inexplicable arrogance the “failure” of the coalition government in solving the sharpest problems of the people’s living conditions and the prime minister Meksi’s “surrender” in the face of the “pressure” and “ultimatums” of the IMF and representatives of other international financial institutions. PS seriously confuses itself when it starts from the ultra-communist cliché of judging a country’s life problems with the dusty terminology of “surrender” and “ultimatum”. Equally absurd are the other insinuations of this political force, which has now passed the “zëzë” age of the choleric, according to which our country supposedly stands “on the verge of general economic bankruptcy” and the government is “incapable and irresponsible” in bringing the situation under control. This is as if PSSH, which is rejoicing in natural disasters like the black devil, knew nothing about the continued reduction of inflation, the curbing of the budget deficit, fiscal and monetary tightening policies, the stability of our currency exchange rate, the continued increase in foreign exchange reserves, the measures for bringing Albania into GATT and for stabilizing our relations with the most important financial institutions of Europe and the world, the high level of liquidity of our banking system, the increasing role of the Bank of Albania, as well as the official data on production growth, the easing of unemployment, and keeping price increases under control. But this discredited political force does not even wish to take these truths into consideration, because it feeds on chaos, misery, destabilization and political hatred. It will not understand that Albanian society, despite its difficulties, has decisively embarked on the path of building a democratic state and a market economy, and that no one can blackmail this people with the vocabulary of violence and confusion. It is in the nature of this opposition to distort reality, stir up artificial dissatisfaction, manipulate misfortunes, and try to delegitimize democratic institutions. But Albanians are increasingly understanding that behind its rhetoric there is no real alternative, other than a return to failed Marxist schemes, isolation, command economics and permanent political conflict. Therefore, the attempt to present the country as collapsing and the government as having surrendered before international factors is nothing more than an old propaganda instrument of those who cannot accept the great democratic change. In short, destabilizing the country is the failed alternative of a Marxist command at the head of PS.

as a result of changes in the governments of Italy they have reciprocally regained one another. During the two meetings it was emphasized that the Italian government and the Albanian government will continue to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the field of the economy. At 10:00 a.m. the President of the Republic Sali Berisha received the Secretary-General of the Islamic Conference Dr. Hamid Al-Gabid, with whom he discussed political developments in Albania and relations with the countries of the Islamic world. The importance of economic and cultural cooperation was underscored. Later the President received the new Ambassador of France in Tirana, Mr. Zhak [?], to whom he expressed readiness to deepen relations between the two countries. In separate meetings, diplomatic representatives and public figures were also received. President Berisha praised the international support for democratic reforms and Albania’s efforts to integrate into European structures.

The joint Albanian-American exercise “SAREX 95” began A ship of the U.S. 6th Fleet participating in the “Sarex 95” exercise docks in the port of Durrës Yesterday at 11:00 a.m. at the Pashaliman naval military base, the opening ceremony of the joint Albanian-American exercise “SAREX 95” was held, in which the Chief of the General Staff, Brigadier General Sheme Kosova, the representative of the Minister of Defence Mr. Agim Karaj, the American ambassador to our country William Rajerson, the American major generals Xhorxh Fiçh and Xhon O. [?], the American military attaché Colonel Uilliam Uesli, as well as many senior officers of the Albanian army took part. This joint exercise involves naval, air and ground forces and equipment from the Albanian army and the American army. The objective of this exercise, carried out within the framework of the “Partnership for Peace” program, is to raise the level of cooperation, search and rescue, and coordination in cases of natural disasters and maritime emergencies. Official sources said that in the coming days practical exercises at sea and on land will be carried out, with the participation of special units from both countries. This exercise is seen as a concrete step toward Albania’s further rapprochement with Euro-Atlantic structures and a clear sign of military cooperation with the United States of America. (Photo: P. Çumi) ALSO IN DURRËS

Implementation of the government decision to relocate the “flooded” people from the Fierza hydroelectric plant In implementation of the government decision to relocate the “flooded” from the Fierza lake, 170 families from the Kukës district will be resettled in the Lushnja district. Local authorities are cooperating to secure the land, housing and infrastructure needed for their settlement. According to preliminary data, the families will receive agricultural plots and assistance in building homes. The purpose of this process is to improve living conditions and fully integrate the relocated people into the host areas. Local officials stated that the process will be carried out in phases and that measures will be taken for the schooling of children, health care and employment of the incoming residents.

In the economic meetings held recently, the need to supply the Albanian industry with raw materials from Ukraine has been emphasized. According to specialists, cooperation with Ukrainian enterprises would help restart some production capacities and improve the trade balance. The Albanian side has expressed interest in imports of metallurgical, chemical and energy raw materials, while the Ukrainian side has offered opportunities to expand economic exchanges. Experts assess that such an agreement would have a direct impact on stabilizing industrial production in the country.

Of course, all this concern is aimed at preserving constitutional order and avoiding a political crisis, which would harm the country’s interests. Opposition deputies tried to use the debates to create the impression that the constitutional process was taking place in a one-sided manner, but the parliamentary majority defended the position that each article was being examined according to the procedures. The session yesterday was characterized by long debates on the powers of the institutions and on the legal wording of some provisions. Nevertheless, work continued normally and by the end of the session the number of approved articles had reached 251. The Presidium of the Assembly announced that the discussions would continue in the coming days with the aim of completing the constitutional text as quickly as possible.

Albania has an urgent need for investment in agriculture and land management, especially in areas with a tradition of livestock raising and high forage production. Specialists emphasize that the rational use of pastures, the regeneration of forest resources and increased mechanization are prerequisites for increasing agricultural production. Within this framework, the role of farmers and local structures remains decisive. Incentive policies for production, credit and the marketing of agricultural products are considered essential to guarantee sustainable rural development. Experts underline that Albania’s future is closely linked to the way the country’s natural wealth and productive potential will be managed.

No. 865 Friday, 27 January 1995 Number of pages 8 PRICE 10 LEK

(Page 2)

(Page 5)

(Page 6)