New beginnings toward great challenges Report on Albania by reporter Kees Zijstra, adopted by the Economic and NATO Committee in Washington After approximately 45 years of general isolation and constant tension, Albanians have made great strides since the day of their “freedom.” Nevertheless, the country remains poor, and significant assistance from abroad will be needed in the coming years. It is imperative that, as the reconstruction of the economy and political institutions continues toward a vibrant and democratic system, investments be well-targeted and proportionate to the needs of the Republic of Albania. With a high growth rate, a relatively stable currency and increased production in key sectors, Albania appears to be on the right track with its macroeconomic stabilization program. The country’s laws for foreign investors are broad in scope and very attractive to them. Tax and customs legislation has been drafted in accordance with market-economy standards, and a commercial fiscal code has also been established. What is still needed is a fair judicial system that would encourage foreign investment in emerging industrial sectors. It is also necessary to develop a more coordinated privatization system and an aggressive privatization process for large non-producing industries. All these objectives should be achieved with the least possible hardship for the population, while maintaining the economic sanctions on former Yugoslavia without increasing budgetary controls or weakening the lek. The Republic of Albania is embarking on the long road toward creating a functioning economy and a democratic system, but much remains to be done. With continuing public and international investment and assistance, a well-targeted investment program and greater stability in the region, Albania will be on the right path to creating the society it has dreamed of for 45 years. The IMF, the World Bank, the EU and the USA have welcomed the government’s firm direction toward the complete reconstruction of Albania’s economy. Various positive indicators have risen, showing that the current program is truly working to raise the living standards of the Albanian people and will enable the Albanian nation to once again dream of its own aspirations and compete in markets with its neighbors. With significant assistance from the World Bank, Albania has established an economic program that will dedicate the necessary resources to strategic sectors, foster a favorable investment climate and meet the needs of the population. The European Commission describes the Albanian Public Investment Plan as an important and highly meaningful step that confirms Albania’s suitability to continue the reform process successfully. The Public Investment Plan will be implemented in many strategic sectors, with a focus on improving infrastructure and modernizing schools and the healthcare system. Major investments in infrastructure improvements are considered vital to economic expansion and closer regional cooperation, because rebuilding adequate infrastructure will help bring about a rapid transition to a market economy, determine the success of economic reform and undoubtedly lead to European integration. The agricultural sector is the most vital for the future and for Albania’s self-sufficiency. The government has focused most of its resources on privatization and increasing agricultural production. Albania has many reasons to be proud: it has begun transforming into a modern society and economy. Just three years after a violent movement brought down the previous government, the country has developed a strong market economy, sharply reduced state credit, lowered inflation, stabilized its currency, and proved to be a strong and determined partner in NATO operations in the Balkans. Nevertheless, the analysis above points out that much remains to be achieved before Albania can declare itself entirely independent of foreign aid. Therefore, the responsibility lies not only with the government but also with foreign donors, to ensure that the necessary resources, both within and outside Albania, are properly allocated. One thing is clear: the international community must work to establish a more broadly based aid program. Great importance must also be attached to the need to build infrastructure and the energy system. Most importantly, international assistance must continue at a critical level. Albania appears to be taking a significant step forward and has moved toward becoming an important strategic partner in Europe and the rest of the world. This opportunity must never be lost.

PD Secretary General Prof. Dr. Tritan Shehu speaks about the creation of the Albanian Right-Wing League QUESTION: Mr. Tritan, how do you assess the creation of the Albanian Right-Wing League, and what position will the PD take toward this alliance of several right-wing forces? ANSWER: I believe that the creation of the Albanian Right-Wing League, comprising several parties from the right-wing spectrum, is a positive element in recent Albanian political developments. I believe the creation of this front will further strengthen the parties’ struggle to consolidate democracy in Albania. It will turn them into a more effective force which, together with other anti-communist political forces, will prevent the return of communist dictatorship to Albania. I believe this front, created by these right-wing political forces, will play a positive role in democratic processes. The PD, as a centre-right party, has always regarded the other right-wing parties as its allies, because they are close to its political spectrum. In line with this idea, at the last meeting of the PD National Council it was decided to broaden the PD’s alliances with other parties, so that political forces on the right, and parties that are not at the extremes, could stand together. The rapprochement and cooperation that the PD is developing with these parties serve this purpose. On this basis, we in the PD have held a series of meetings and discussions with many political parties, including those in this new Albanian right-wing league. These meetings have been positive and promising for the future. These meetings have helped us gain a clearer understanding of one another’s positions, identify common points and objectives, and thus strengthen cooperation with them. The PD believes that alliances and ties with these parties should be strengthened, but without forming premature coalitions. Coalitions will be formed after the 1996 elections, based on the actual voting results and the interests of each party. QUESTION: In your opinion, what has been and is the contribution of right-wing political forces to Albanian democracy? ... including those in this new Albanian right-wing league. These meetings have been positive and promising for the future. These meetings have helped us gain a clearer understanding of one another’s positions, identify common points and objectives, and thus strengthen cooperation with them. The PD believes that alliances and ties with these parties should be strengthened, but without forming premature coalitions. Coalitions will be formed after the 1996 elections, based on the actual voting results and the interests of each party. QUESTION: In your opinion, what has been and is the contribution of right-wing political forces to Albanian democracy? Despite some differing views we may have, or differences on certain points in our political and economic programs—which is normal, since otherwise we would not be distinct parties—I believe that each party which formed its own League will be an ally of the PD, especially when it comes to the struggle against Marxist parties, the interests of Albania and the future of the Albanian nation, and further consolidating democracy in Albania. Interview by: MENTOR SHEHU

Two years of the US–Albania Military Coordination Team The very friendly ceremony held yesterday afternoon at the Ministry of Defence was a further confirmation of the excellent level of Albanian-American relations in the field of defence. The second anniversary of the arrival of the US Military Coordination Team at the Ministry of Defence, a symbol of military cooperation and a source of shared pride, was marked by a review of joint activities and of the community’s aspirations and vision for the future. Asked what this anniversary represents, Defence Minister Zhulali, the US Ambassador to Albania, Mr. Lake, the US military attaché in Albania, Mr. Buch, and the representative gave the following answers: DEFENCE MINISTER MR. ZHULALI: This ceremony represents our gratitude for the work of this team and our appreciation of everything they have done for the Albanian army. MR. JOSEPH LAKE: The primary purpose of the US Forces’ military program in Albania is, in fact, to help Albania develop a democratic society and a free-market economy. Albania’s path determines our program. MR. BUCH: It shows the continuity of our relations and gives impetus for this program to continue in the future, for many more years. At every point, we have valued and respected your requests and needs. Interview with the head of the US-Albanian Military Coordination Team, Colonel William E. Spitznagle “R D” The ceremony marking the second anniversary of the arrival of the US Military Coordination Team in Albania was held with due solemnity. What was the origin of this team? —Two years ago, the US Military Coordination Team arrived in Albania under the command of US forces in Europe to provide technical assistance in Albania. What was the origin of this team? —Our projects implemented during this period have covered various areas of defence. It has been our task to help Albania take a further step toward institutionalizing military relations between our two countries, the USA and Albania. Our projects implemented during this period have covered various areas of defence. It has been our task to (Continued on page 2)

Three prosecution witnesses and one defence witness appeared at yesterday’s hearing and testified in the case against Arben Lika and three other people, accused of smuggling. A total of 12 people have testified so far, giving testimony that supported the charges against the defendants. Witness A. Kamberi, who testified yesterday, said that he had given [?] to the defendants A. Lika and D. Shehaj and that they had sent their car, although he did not know what goods the other car was carrying. Customs officer N. Dino also gave explanations about the customs procedures he had carried out in this case. According to him, the documents submitted by the defendants were in order, but they did not specify what was inside the cardboard boxes. Those present listened with interest (Continued on page 2)

Ministers Zhulali and Xhaja face interpellations Zhulali: I strongly supported constitutional order in Albania, democracy, and the draft constitution prepared by the pluralist parliamentary group News report The draft law “On Food,” which was on the agenda for consideration at yesterday’s plenary session of the People’s Assembly, was sent back once again to the Council of Ministers for revision and completion. The Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Mr. Tomor Malasi, who chaired yesterday’s proceedings, informed the deputies that objections to this draft law had been submitted both by the standing parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Food and by the Committee on Laws. Therefore, he added, under the rules of procedure, it was for Parliament to decide whether or not to consider this draft law. Prepared by: NORA PROZHMI Z HULALI: I strongly supported constitutional order in Albania, democracy, and the draft constitution prepared by the pluralist parliamentary group Xhaja: The legal framework for private forms of management of the electricity distribution system will be ready in the spring

Recently, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports decided to erect an obelisk in memory of 26 March 1990 and the anti-communist resistance in the city of Kavajë. This decision, as well as the revival of cultural institutions after several years of stagnation, were the reasons for the visit that the minister of the relevant department, Teodor Laco, made to the city of Kavajë in recent days. The Ministry of Culture will soon organize a national competition for the submission of designs for the obelisk. The best works, dedicated to the anti-communist resistance in Kavajë, will be selected by a specialized jury. G. KABASHI (ATSH) Opinione ’95 — newspaper of the city of Kavajë Opinione ’95, whose first issue came out in recent days, is the newest newspaper in the city of Kavajë. According to its publisher, Gezim Tafa, and editor-in-chief, Nazmi Roli, the newspaper is being launched because “the people of Kavajë should talk to one another about both the good and the bad, without dark glasses and without euphoria. Being deeply independent, it will not be an addition to any other newspaper or any party: it will be a newspaper of Kavajë.” This periodical, covering the arts, politics, economics and society, has eight pages, featuring sections titled “Pant(e)on,” “Focus” and “Interari.”

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