Toman Dosti, chairman of the PDH In a general overview of the development of political pluralism in Albania over these last four years, it can be said without fear that it is moving in step with the development of Albanian democracy as a whole. During this very short period of life, not a few political parties have taken advantage of the opportunity to enter Albanian politics. Almost all of them, especially the more organized ones, have tried to secure their place on our political scene and have also clearly defined the political platform they intend to carry out in order to come to power. Up to this point, it can be said that the political framework in Albania, whether party-based or related to electoral representation, has moved within the known democratic framework. There have been problems and ambiguities, but overall the political spectrum has become increasingly crystallized. There have been parties, groups and individuals who, for selfish interests or because they do not want to look ahead, have cut short these processes. Looking at everything in its entirety and without prejudice, I am convinced that the process of institutionalizing political parties has advanced. Likewise, each of them, with a few minor exceptions, has crystallized its own profile. Here these phenomena are very important not only for the parties themselves, but also for strengthening Albanian democracy. The question arises: is this a process aimed at the clear and secure consolidation of our democracy? Certainly yes. When? President Sali Berisha, in his speech at the National Assembly of the Democratic Party and at the second Congress of this party seven months ago, pointed out that Albania is entering a new phase of its democratic life, the phase of institutionalizing political parties. Well said. Albania has gone through a four-year period of democratic developments and changes. If we now have a democratic parliamentary political framework with a number of parties and political groupings, this does not mean that the process is over. There is still much to be done. Institutional stabilization requires time, political maturity, democratic culture and respect for the rules of the political game. It is precisely in this sense that it can be said that Albanian democracy is moving toward firm consolidation. Continues on page 9

SAMI MILOSHI Contributions, whether in cash or in kind, foreign or domestic, made to a given political subject are lawful as long as this occurs in full compliance with the relevant legislation, something enshrined not only by democratic norms in our country but also by the relevant international conventions. These are well-known and accepted facts. Therefore, Bob Dole’s accusations against the Albanian Democratic Party regarding the financial contribution this party allegedly received from the American firm "Marketing Plus" are as absurd as they are ridiculous. All the more so when Bob Dole makes these accusations solely on electoral grounds. He seeks to damage President Berisha and the Democratic Party in Albania politically by involving them in American polemics. Such behavior is unserious and offensive. Albania cannot be used as a tool in an internal American political race. If there was a lobbying or consulting contract, it should be judged on the basis of laws and documents, not guesses and propagandistic statements. Shame is on you, Dole.

The organ of the American weekly "The Weekly Standard" devotes a considerable space to the article on developments in Tetovo and the reflection they have found in the international press. According to that article, the latest developments have created a new situation in interethnic relations in Macedonia. The article especially dwells on the protests and reactions that followed the events in Tetovo, as well as on the positions of Albanian political actors. It is also pointed out that the Albanian issue in Macedonia cannot be ignored and that sustainable political solutions are needed. The article echoes the debates on education in the Albanian language, institutional representation and the civic rights of Albanians. In conclusion it is emphasized that only dialogue and respect for democratic standards can prevent the escalation of tensions.

On 18 February 1995, around 7:00 a.m., near the border line in the southern sector, a serious armed incident occurred between our border forces and an armed group that had illegally crossed the border from Greek territory. According to the official statement, the group did not comply with the order to stop and opened fire on the Albanian patrol. As a result, there were dead and wounded. The competent authorities immediately launched investigations and asked the Greek side for full cooperation in clarifying the event. The statement says that Albania remains interested in good neighborly relations with Greece, but that sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be violated. The Albanian authorities expressed regret for the victims and at the same time emphasized the duty to defend the state borders.

From the conversation with the special governing PS team with the chairman of the PPD, Mr. Iljaz Halimi (Continues on page 7) These days, if you go through the last few days in the Pollog Valley, from house to house and through the towns, you will convince yourself of the concern this heated political climate has created there. Various representatives of the authorities, parties and groups close to them are trying to impose the thesis that anyone who raises their voice for the Albanian university or for national rights is an enemy of the state. This is unacceptable. Albanians cannot be treated as second-class citizens. Mr. Iljaz Halimi stresses that the only way forward is equal dialogue and respect for the legitimate rights of Albanians. He criticizes those who, for narrow political interests, look at Europe from Belgrade and not from democratic standards. In his view, any attempt to criminalize Albanian demands is harmful and dangerous. Continues on page 7

Scheduled for 24 February: meeting of the FRPD National Council The FRPD leadership met yesterday in one of its regular meetings and discussed a series of issues concerning the organization of its work. It was decided that on 24 February at 10:00 a.m. the FRPD National Council would meet with the following agenda: approval of the draft statute and rules of procedure of the National Council; review of the state of the organization and measures to increase activity; as well as preparations for future activities. The meeting was held in a spirit of work and responsibility.

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Tirana Municipality Association of Sculptors in Albania MONUMENT OF DEMOCRACY The competition is open to sculptors and their creative groups, as well as to architects. The monument will be dedicated to the events of December 1990 and the Albanian democratic movement. The site area for the monument and the technical requirements will be specified in the accompanying materials. The works will be submitted within the deadlines announced by the organizers. The composition of the jury and the conditions of participation will be published in the official announcement. Continues on page 2

Military cooperation between the Albanian armed forces and Western partners is seeing further expansion. Official sources state that another joint Italian-Albanian-American exercise will soon take place within the framework of partnership with NATO. The exercise aims to increase readiness, improve operational coordination and exchange experience. It is regarded as an important step in the process of modernizing the Albanian army and bringing it closer to Euro-Atlantic standards. Continues on page 2

Yesterday at the meetings of the People's Committee Yesterday too, the Parliamentary Committees continued their work on reviewing various draft laws that are expected to be submitted to the People's Assembly for approval. On the agenda were issues related to finance, the economy, public administration and social legislation. The deputies discussed the relevant drafts article by article and requested improvements where deemed necessary. The review process will continue in the coming days.

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