Two heads are not enough for a scandal Without an agreement between PS and PBDNJ, the presidency of parliament would go to the latter In order to “resolve” the crisis in the government cabinet, created by the resignation of the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Mr. Bashkim Fino, as well as the secretary-general of that same ministry, the issue of the secret “agreement” between PS and PBDNJ was shamelessly used in front of the public. It was said that the two parties had agreed that the post of speaker of parliament, left vacant by Mr. Maksim Cikuli, would go to PBDNJ. But in reality the matter is quite different. According to parliamentary sources, such an agreement does not appear to have been written or approved by the governing bodies of PS. It was used more as an alibi to avoid the political responsibilities of certain leaders. The very fact that such a delicate issue is being handled in this way shows a lack of institutional seriousness. Parliament cannot become an arena for inter-party bargaining. If there are agreements, they must be public; if there are none, then the truth must be told. In this story, it is not enough for only two people to leave. The scandal runs deeper and touches the way political responsibility is understood. The public expects clarification, not smoke and mirrors. EDI PALOKA

The 4th anniversary of the Tepelenë PD branch is celebrated The chairman of the DPA, Mr. Eduard Selami, also takes part The day when a small group of men and boys from this old region, yet one that is very young in political activity, raised the banner of freedom and democracy, helping the processes that Albania needed at the beginning of the 1990s, has taken its place in the life of the inhabitants of the Tepelenë district. The 4th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Party branch in this district was celebrated in a warm reception at the “Turizmi” restaurant, attended by early democrats and young people, personalities from local and central government, representatives of the prefecture, officials at various levels, veterans, students, etc. Present at this special event were the chairman of the DPA, Mr. Eduard Selami, its secretary-general, Mr. Tritan Shehu, deputy prime minister Mr. Bashkim Kopliku, members of the People’s Assembly, members of the government cabinet, senior officials of local government bodies, district deputies, representatives of political forces, associations, the religious community, etc. The meeting was opened by the chairman of the DPA branch for the Tepelenë district, Mr. Aleko Kuli, who gave a brief overview of the branch’s path during these 4 years, emphasizing that through its organization, activity and positions, this branch has become a worthy spokesperson for the interests of the people of this district and beyond. The chargé d’affaires of the US embassy in Tirana, Mr. Mark Perl (?)[?], sent on this occasion, greeted those present with a congratulatory telegram from the American ambassador to Albania. The telegram said, among other things: “It is a very important event to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Party branch in Tepelenë. This shows the commitment of the branch and its members to building democratic institutions and the market economy in Albania. America is proud to be Albania’s partner on this path...” On behalf of the DPA central committee, Mr. Tritan Shehu greeted the participants. Meanwhile, the DPA secretary for foreign relations, Mr. Aleksandër Meksi, said, among other things, that the 4th anniversary of the DPA branch in Tepelenë is an important event not only for the democrats of this city, but for all Albania, because this branch has been an important support for all democratic processes. The meeting continued with an artistic program prepared by the district groups and with a social cocktail. RD newspaper correspondent Tepelenë, 5 February 1995

“The privatization of pharmaceutical services was a necessity” The state will subsidize 170 types of the medicines most commonly used in the daily life of Albanian families Interview with Prof. Dr. Halit Shkoza, Minister of Health The shortage of medicines in Albanian pharmacies has, for years, been one of the persistent concerns of public opinion. With the government’s latest decisions on the privatization of this service, it is believed that this problem will be resolved. On this issue and many others, RD journalist O. Zaimi conducted the following conversation with the Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Halit Shkoza. Question: Do you consider the privatization of pharmaceutical services necessary? Answer: Absolutely. The Ministry of Health has believed from the very beginning of the reforms that without reforming and privatizing this service, it is not possible to move forward. For a long time this service has been centralized, and that has caused shortages, delays and failure to meet the population’s needs. The aim now is for pharmacies to be supplied more regularly, more quickly and according to the real needs of the market. Question: What will be done about the medicines that are most frequently used and are essential for vulnerable groups? Answer: The government has decided to subsidize 170 types of medicines, which are considered the most commonly used in the everyday life of Albanian families. This means that for these drugs, the state will cover part of the price so that citizens are not financially burdened. Question: Will this reform also affect the quality of medicines? Answer: Of course. By liberalizing the market and placing greater responsibility on private entities, better opportunities are created for quality control, for expanding the range of medicines and for a more civil service to the citizen. Question: And as for distribution in the districts? Answer: We aim for the network of private pharmacies to extend throughout the country, so that citizens in the districts have the same opportunities as those in Tirana. This is an important part of our health reform. Question: Do you have a message for the public? Answer: Yes. I want to say that this reform is not against the citizen, but in their interest. We want to create a more functional, more efficient and more responsible system. Toto. O. Xhongo Photo: O. Xhongo

Draft decision on defining the work of the Council of Ministers From yesterday’s government meeting Yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Office, Populli Shqiptar “For Constitution, for Albania” presented Prime Minister Mr. Aleksandër Meksi with a document entitled “On the creation and functioning of administrative structures in the center and districts of the Ministry of Education and Science”. At yesterday’s meeting, the draft decision “On some changes to decision no. 615, dated 9.12.1993, ‘On the payment of budgetary personnel’” was also examined, as well as the draft decision “On some changes to decision no. 416, dated 4.8.1994, ‘On some measures to increase low wages’”. Also on the agenda was the draft decision “On the administration of confiscated and seized goods”, as well as a normative act “On the transfer for administration of agricultural enterprises”. P. SHEHUROJ (ATSH)

Europe has expressed concern about a possible return of left-wing extremism in Albania From the PS press conference To see what the positions of PS are and what they are trying to achieve with their propaganda, it is enough to read carefully the press of this party, its newspapers and its public statements. According to international observers, the rhetoric used there often has confrontational tones and raises concern about a return of old ideological discourses. At a press conference, PS leaders tried to present themselves as a modern European force, but many of their theses remained unclear. Instead of a concrete offer to the citizen, there were general accusations against the government, institutions and economic reforms. Sources close to diplomatic circles say that European partners are closely following the development of Albanian politics and view with concern any tendency that could lead to artificial polarization or a resurgence of extremisms. No new platform emerged from the press conference; it served more as a tribune for political attacks. That is why its statements have been received with reserve. From the PS press conference

The annual meeting of the leaders of the Balkan railways was held This movement will free the country’s economy from sudden shocks At the conference held in Bucharest, where representatives of the railways of the Balkan countries took part, the problems of regional cooperation, international transport and the need to modernize the railway network were discussed. The Albanian representatives emphasized the importance of stable ties with neighbors and the positive impact that rail transport has on the country’s economic development. It was noted that expanding cooperation will help cope with sudden economic shocks and increase the security of supplies. The meeting ended with agreement to intensify technical contacts and harmonize some common procedures. (Continues on page 2)

Corruption and health care (Page 2)

The report of the US State Department on Human Rights in Macedonia (Page 2)