Promotes the General Secretary of PDSH, Prof. Dr. Tritan Shehu As part of a meeting with the center-right parties, organized by the Department for External Relations in the PD, the general secretary of the PDSH, Prof. Dr. Tritan Shehu, made clear the Democrats’ position on the issue of Albanian political grouping. “Alliances are made for unity, not for a momentary victory,” he said. Explaining that “the goal is the victory of the right together, not of a single force,” Prof. Shehu stressed that the PDSH is ready to cooperate with all right-wing forces that share the same democratic values. In his speech he pointed out that, despite differences, there is a shared space for political action in the face of the challenges of transition. He emphasized the need to consolidate democratic institutions and strengthen the country’s European profile. PRISLIM ZAZINA [?] The shortened version of this article, taken from the speech delivered before students, is reprinted on this page as the main text.

2 years of the USA - Albania Military Coordination team Mediation by our permanent partner, the USA An agreement between the head of the American-Albanian Military Coordination team, Colonel William E. Espuraznale, and President Berisha these days concludes his activity as the leader of this bilateral American-Albanian Coordination institution. The 2-year anniversary of his work in Albania coincides with the 2-year anniversary of the creation of this structure. This marks a positive turning point in military relations between the two countries. The USA has continuously helped and supported Albania and Albanian democracy. According to the article, this cooperation is not merely technical, but expresses a stable partnership linked to the country’s Western aspirations. The text emphasizes that the coordination team has played an important role in aid, training, and institutional communication. The colonel’s departure is presented as the end of one stage, but not of the close Albanian-American relations.

Children in the great shadows of the war The Albanian people are endangered by this disaster, involved in the conflict in Bosnia and K. Nano in Washington It was a report from our special correspondent in Geneva, who had earlier informed us that three transport aircraft had landed at Tirana airport. It was also reported that the planes were bringing humanitarian aid and were taking away 200 Bosnian refugees. According to him, it was the same point from which, 48 hours earlier, 2,000 refugees had departed for the USA. Among them was also the former president of Bosnia, Alija Izetbegoviç. He was perhaps escaping from the hell of Bosnia on an American transport aircraft, using an Albanian military airport. It was news that immediately made you feel good as an Albanian and also proud. You wanted to ask that correspondent: could this too be part of the scheme that the Great Serbs had devised for us? Could it be that not far from that Albanian military airport the Great Serbs are gathering with their boxfuls of fireworks, or preparing the runways for a future landing? And is some Albanian armed group perhaps waiting for them with bread and salt? He was not asked. It was, surely, a bad day for each of the ominous voices which, with an unparalleled significance, intentionally left in the fog of secrecy a nervous wish: 'What if...?'. In short, it was a bad day for each of the conditioned newsmen who grin on every occasion, whenever the bitter description of Albania is confirmed. Since in Albania part of the press continues to deal more with the anger over the 'details' than with the substance of developments, we continue to take examples of how ugly the injustices done to the country are. The latest case was the departure of President Izetbegoviç from Tirana. At the same time, while many foreign journalists or commentators were mentioning Albania as a country that was providing valuable help in solving a dramatic European knot, here there were no shortage of muffled voices rushing to find what was 'hidden' behind this gesture. There is nothing easier than building accusations on the fog of prejudice. But is there anything harder than accepting a simple truth: that Albania, despite a long defamatory propaganda campaign, knows how to play a dignified role in the region. It was in Tirana, at an Albanian military airport, that an important humanitarian and political act became possible. And that is enough to embarrass anyone who still feeds on old clichés. From these events it becomes clear that we have no reason to lower our heads. There are enough reasons to feel proud, not with big words, but with concrete facts. Albania is proving that it is capable of making serious contributions at a difficult time for the region and for Europe.

A draft law is sent back for revision Ministers Zhuli and Xhaja dodge the interpellation Chronicle The People’s Assembly held its regular plenary session and approved several items on the agenda. During the discussions, it was decided to send a draft law back for revision, while the debate on an interpellation involving ministers Zhuli and Xhaja was postponed. The discussions highlighted criticism of the way the draft was presented and the request for further clarifications. Several deputies called for the law to be better harmonized with existing practices and with the needs of the administration. At the same session, procedural issues and the pace of parliamentary work were also discussed. According to reports, the ministers mentioned did not provide full explanations for the interpellation, which led to reactions in the chamber. Interviewed by: ANTON SHEHU THE PRIME MINISTER: The French ambassador is quartered in Albania, he is as if understandably forgotten in the pluralist parliamentary group

Interview with the head of the American-Albanian coordination field team, Colonel William E. Esipuznale First of all, I am pleased with our very good relations established from the beginning. The USA has often made its sympathy for the Albanian people clear over time. In this regard, the American position, since the restoration of diplomatic relations, has also been highly valued in our country. Yes, although the concerns of a large number of foreign collaborators in Albania have been the problems of democratic development and economic reforms, humanitarian and military measures have not been lacking either. This is a welcome contribution. The colonel noted that Albanian-American cooperation in the field of coordination has developed intensively and effectively. According to him, the requests and needs of the Albanian side have been taken into account at every step. He also emphasized the importance of assistance in training, logistics, and management, considering this a long-term investment in stability and security. (To be continued on page 2)

These days, almost the entire press in Tirana felt the flood of news about 26 March 1990 and the memory linked to this date. In a brief view, the author dwells on the symbolic meaning of this event and on the way it has been experienced in public consciousness. The article seeks to bring not only remembrance, but also a reflection on the political significance of that period. It mentions debates, disagreements, and the interpretations that later accompanied democratic developments. (To be continued on page 2)

Opinion “95, old-fashioned Kavaja style” Opinion '95, old-fashioned Kavaja style [?] At first a notice appeared, in the March issue of Opinion '95, the first number with such special texts and with some memories of the city. On this theme, the article focuses on the role of local memory and the figures linked to the city of Kavaja. The author describes a reflective atmosphere, with appreciative tones toward the city’s tradition and its contribution to public life. (To be continued on page 2)

Answers by: NORA PROKAZMI On Thursday, 9 February, the next hearing in the court case against Arben Lika was held before the Tirana Court. During it, the testimonies of several people called by the prosecution and the defense were heard. According to the report, the defense raised objections to the procedures, while the prosecution insisted on the validity of the evidence presented. The hearing was followed with interest and is expected to continue with further questions to the witnesses. (To be continued on page 2)

EDI PALOKA Shkoder: the building police are operating (page 3) Duplicate structures?! SHPETIM LUKU (page 4)

Xhaj: In principle, the right to manage the legal field for: Private forms of system administration Distributors of electric energy

ENGLISH: RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE — Democratic Rebirth. Newspaper of the Democratic Party of Albania. Friday, 10 February 1995. Main visible headlines translated: “The Democratic Party open to cooperation with other right-wing political forces”; “Albania has many reasons to be proud”; “Sent back for revision, a draft law; ministers Zhuli and Xhaja dodge the interpellation”; “At every moment we have valued and respected your requests and needs”; “The Albanian democracy will have the USA as a permanent partner”; “Testimonies continue in the trial against Arben Lika.” ITALIANO: RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE — Rinascita Democratica. Giornale del Partito Democratico d'Albania. Venerdì 10 febbraio 1995. Principali titoli visibili tradotti: “Il Partito Democratico aperto alla cooperazione con le altre forze politiche di destra”; “L'Albania ha molte ragioni per essere orgogliosa”; “Rinviato per rielaborazione un disegno di legge; i ministri Zhuli e Xhaja eludono l'interpellanza”; “In ogni momento abbiamo valutato e rispettato le vostre richieste e necessità”; “La democrazia albanese avrà negli USA un partner permanente”; “Continuano le testimonianze nel processo contro Arben Lika.”