TIRANA, 31 January 1995 For the pressing problems of the day in the further development of the reform, within the framework of cooperation and institutional relations between the party and the government, yesterday at the central headquarters of PDSH a press conference was organized and turned into a free discussion between the leaders of PDSH, members of the presidium of the PD Parliamentary Group, several chairmen of parliamentary committees, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Bashkim Kopliku. At the beginning of this meeting, the chairman of the parliamentary group of PDSH, Tritan Shehu, stressed the need to better harmonize the actions of the party structures with those of the executive, in order to speed up reforms in the economy and in other fields. He emphasized that open discussion with the press and public opinion helps identify concrete problems and find the most appropriate solutions. During the discussion, issues related to privatization, restructuring of the economy, the functioning of the public administration, judicial reform and improvement of legislation were addressed. The participants pointed out that more effective coordination between the structures of the PD and the executive is a necessary condition for deepening reforms and increasing the efficiency of governance. The discussion also brought up concrete concerns of citizens regarding unemployment, market supply, local administration and the functioning of local government. It was stressed that the government and the party must maintain continuous contact with the grassroots and with public opinion so that the reforms are understood and more broadly supported. Bashkim Kopliku, responding to journalists’ questions, underlined that the executive is determined to carry the reform process forward and that cooperation with the party structures is important for the successful implementation of government policies. Photo A. Ymeri

From yesterday’s meeting of the PD parliamentary group Will the Republicans, the Agrarian Party, participate? Yesterday morning, the parliamentary group of the Democratic Party held an expanded meeting, attended by those interested in the standing committee on legal and property issues, as well as the central group of experts. This meeting, chaired by the head of the PD parliamentary group, Mr. Ylli Vejsiu, was intended to discuss several new amendments and concrete proposals prepared by the group of experts, which concern the legal regulation of the unresolved problem of returning and compensating the properties of former owners. Also discussed were issues related to the objections to legalization and to the submissions that had made certain additions and improvements necessary in the new draft law. As for the scope of this draft law, it concerns vacant land, agricultural and forest property, urban plots in the city and countryside, forests, pastures and meadows, and nationalized buildings. The proposed amendments will be subject to the consideration of the PD parliamentary group and will then be submitted for approval in the plenary session of the People’s Assembly. It is noted that they are expected to be given priority treatment by the parliamentary committees and then presented for approval at the near plenary session. These amendments give special treatment to the problem of property and, in particular, to its return to the lawful former owners. Most of the amendments concern the determination of the criteria for how returned property and compensated property should be settled, within the state’s real economic and legal possibilities. Determined to solve these problems once and for all, the Democratic deputies have also supported the idea that not only PD deputies, but also representatives of other political forces, associations of former owners, and all interested parties should take part in the review and approval of the draft law. On this issue, representatives of the PD parliamentary group have announced that they expect an open consultation with all interested political and social entities.

Conditions have been laid for creating the opportunities for cooperative relations between Albania and NATO, as a mutual interest in strengthening peace, security and stability in the region Conditions have been laid for creating the opportunities for cooperative relations between Albania and NATO, as a mutual interest in strengthening peace, security and stability in the region. This was made known during the visit of the commander of the southern region of the North Atlantic Alliance, Admiral Guido Venturoni, and the entourage accompanying him, to the General Staff of the Albanian Army. On this occasion, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff, Brigadier General Sheme Kosova, informed the NATO military officers about the process of reorganizing and modernizing the Albanian army according to Western standards. The meeting highly valued the level of military relations between Albania and NATO, especially within the framework of the “Partnership for Peace” program. Admiral Venturoni expressed satisfaction with the steps Albania is taking toward building modern defense structures and strengthening regional cooperation. He pointed out that Albania is playing a positive role in the region and that its policy contributes to peace and stability in the Balkans. The parties expressed support for further expanding cooperation in the fields of training, experience exchange, and military contacts. Photo: G. Xhengo

Yesterday afternoon, in a reception hall, the head of the American diplomatic mission in Tirana, Mr. Joseph E. Lake, hosted a reception attended by the Minister of Defence Safet Zhulali, the US ambassador in Tirana, senior military officers, deputies and other representatives of the country’s political and social life. In his speech, the American diplomat emphasized the importance of military cooperation between the two countries and the readiness of the United States of America to continue assisting the Albanian army. He praised the progress made in reorganizing the armed forces and expressed confidence that this cooperation will serve to strengthen peace and security in the region. Minister Safet Zhulali thanked the American government for the assistance provided and stated that the Albanian army will benefit from the experience and support of American partners in the modernization process.

Tirana on the Arisida case has not yet reached the Court of Appeal The decisive judicial process completed at first instance had identified several defendants as the perpetrators of the murder. Next, the case is expected to be examined at the second instance. Family members and other interested parties have expressed dissatisfaction with the procedural delays and have called for a trial as fast and complete as possible. The justice authorities have been called upon to act responsibly and in accordance with the law.

Suffering in the People’s Assembly The Chairman of the People’s Assembly, Dr. Pjetër Arbnori, held a meeting yesterday with members of the presidency and leaders of the parliamentary standing committees, in which issues related to the smooth running of parliamentary work and the agenda of upcoming sessions were discussed. This meeting addressed problems concerning the examination of draft laws, the coordination of committee work, and the preparation of materials for debate in the People’s Assembly. The need to increase the efficiency of parliamentary work and to respect deadlines in dealing with legal issues was emphasized. There was also discussion about intensifying parliamentary oversight over the implementation of laws and over the activity of executive institutions. The participants stated that the regular functioning of the standing committees is essential for the quality of legislation and for the exercise of the Assembly’s supervisory role. (Continues on page 11)

6th year of publication No. 869 Wednesday, 1 February 1995 PRICE 10 LEK

The diversity of opinion is the promoter of the PD and its governance toward the other parties AZEM HAJDARI The PD must create the physiognomy of its human potential on the basis of realities Lagevërin On Friday, 4 February 1995, at 11:00, near the headquarters of the PDSh, Tirana, the National Council of the Albanian Women's Democratic League will hold its meeting

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