The European Union is Albania’s largest donor Interview with Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi given to journalist Merion Shuli QUESTION: - Mr. Prime Minister, what is the overall current situation in the EU, has the implementation of the Maastricht Treaty become possible? ANSWER: - ... There is no doubt that even the mighty fortress of the economy (today) the European Union has plenty of problems that, to us, seem small in the eyes of a person from a Third World country, while they themselves see them as major problems. From production, overproduction and other quotas, to various activities, as well as very large economic and social problems in the member states of this European Union. There are also the problems that arose from the expansion of this Union. There are also various difficult and historically unknown points. I would say the main thing, and what interests us, is that despite the problems and difficulties, the European Union continues to remain an organism with resilience, with stability, which is moving forward even if with difficulty. This Union, with all its problems, remains the most important economic organization, especially for us as a neighboring country and for our interests in this organism, starting with markets, cooperation and possible integration into this community. From this perspective, the Maastricht Treaty also remains the final objective of membership in the European Union. From what can be seen, steps have been taken in implementing the Maastricht Treaty, but the process has not been easy. QUESTION: - What has been the role of the European Union in the framework of Western aid for Albania? ANSWER: - Aid for Albania within the framework of Western assistance, or rather of the international community, has been numerous, but I can say that the European Union has been and remains Albania’s largest donor. Not only for food aid, but also for infrastructure projects, energy, water supply systems, telecommunications, agriculture and many fields linked to the reconstruction of the Albanian economy. QUESTION: - How do you see the future of relations between Albania and the European Union? ANSWER: - We see this relationship as a natural path of rapprochement, cooperation and gradual integration. Albania has a vital interest in being as close as possible to united Europe, both economically and politically and institutionally. (the text continues [?])

Yesterday in the People's Assembly NËNË GJINI The day before yesterday, the People’s Assembly softened fines in the most serious cases of fines in the anti-discrimination law (?) and approved the draft law “On additives”. The consideration of the amendments to this draft law “On additives” began before yesterday’s session, since, as stated in the report of the committee on social work, education, health, environment and culture, “... the existing draft law had not been adapted to the recommendations of international organizations and to the concrete conditions of our country”. During the discussions, several remarks were raised about the way the control of the production and circulation of additives is organized, calling for a greater role for the responsible bodies. The draft law was approved in principle and then the deputies moved on to consider the next item. QUESTION: - What will it contain [?] ... (partial and illegible text in the inner columns [?])

Koha jonë for “RD” with the chief of Police Station No. 2, Ahen Preisi 3 kg of heroin seized (! ) 4 Albanian people arrested kung On Monday afternoon, in the capital, it was discovered that 526 g of drugs had been brought into the detention cells, shedding light on the cause of a police officer’s death. It is learned that in the forced investigation the civil lawyer ... (very unclear text; several readable lines) Our university of February 1991 began in the university [...] In the premises of the police station a quantity of narcotic substance was found, part of which was hidden in plastic bags and the rest in another package. According to police sources, the arrested persons had been under surveillance for several days. (Continued on page 2)

The February 1991 movement began at the Agricultural University CORRESP. OF “RD” The signing of a petition by students of the Agricultural University, asking the government and the country’s leadership structures not to hinder democratic developments, was the reason for the students’ gathering yesterday. At this gathering, the events of February 1991 were recalled and it was demanded that they be revalued as an important part of the democratic movement. Students and lecturers spoke about the role of the Agricultural University in these developments and called for more attention to the current problems of higher education. (Continued on page 2)

“The European Suit of the PS”

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Former Polish communists experience crisis after taking power EDI PALOKA (page 2.)

Yesterday in the People's Assembly The fines are reduced (page 4.)