Today the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Prof. Dr. Roman Herzog, is arriving in Albania for an official visit. President Herzog's visit to Albania takes place within the framework of the increasingly good and friendly relations that are being established between our two countries. Albanians especially appreciate and highly value the ongoing interest of the German government, as well as Chancellor Kohl, in the fate of Albania during its most difficult days. This care became even more tangible and more palpable especially after Albania's admission to international organizations. On this occasion, a large economic delegation also arrives in our country, made up of 26 businessmen, led by Dr. Michael Fuchs, chairman of the Germany-Albania Economic Forum. In his speech during a reception given by the German ambassador, Mr. Peter Schallenberg, on the occasion of Germany's reunification, Dr. Fuchs described economic relations with Albania as the most important for Germany in the Balkans. This is attention that the German government is devoting to our country by being represented by leading figures from politics, culture, and the economy, starting with the president of the country, Chancellor Kohl, former President Weizsäcker, as well as figures from other fields. Tonight at 8:00 p.m., the President of Germany, Mr. Roman Herzog, will be welcomed at Rinas airport as a distinguished friend of our country by the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha. Tomorrow President Herzog will hold talks with the highest authorities of the Albanian state and will have meetings with representatives of the political spectrum. Among other things, President Roman Herzog will also meet with representatives of the German community in our country. The German president's visit to our country also includes a visit to the city of Krujë. During his stay in Albania, President Herzog, accompanied by the Minister of Finance and German businessmen, will attend the inauguration of Hotel Tirana. At this ceremony, Dr. Fuchs, on behalf of the German businessmen, will deliver a welcoming speech and will hand over to Mr. Bashkim Fino, the newly elected chairman of the Albanian-German Businessmen's Association, the statutes and rules of this association. MR. DR. ROMAN HERZOG President of the Federal Republic of Germany during a press conference with the President of Albania, Dr. Sali Berisha. Also present at this conference, among others, were the German ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Peter Schallenberg, and the Foreign Minister, Alfred Serreqi. From the press conference of the German ambassador Klaus Volers From the visit of the President of the FR of Germany, Dr. Herzog, a cultural monument of particular importance in bilateral relations and a joint declaration for a successful visit, political and institutional

PRESS OFFICE NEAR THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC The President of the Republic, Dr. Prof. Sali Berisha, yesterday received at the Presidency the Association “Albanian-German Friendship,” which has just begun its activity, and several representatives of the Albanian-German community in our country. Mr. Buxhovi, the president of the association, informed President Berisha that the aim of this association is to strengthen the traditional Albanian-German friendship and to encourage and support economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries. He added that the association's goal is to contribute to the recognition of the new Albania in Germany. President Berisha, wishing the association success in its activities and expressing confidence that it will positively influence the recognition of the new Albania in Germany, said that thanks to democratic developments Albania has now entered the path of true peace. According to President Berisha, from the moment of the declaration of independence and throughout the fifty years of communist rule, Albanians, through their own mental strength but also with the special and rather generous help of Germany, have valued and will always value the help and care of the German government for the consolidation of democracy and the market economy in Albania. President Berisha highly valued the role and contribution of German businessmen in Albania, who, according to him, through their investments are providing precious assistance not only to the market economy, but also to our new democracy. President Berisha considered the investments Germany is making in Albania very important and pointed out that the intensive development of trade with Albania and support for Albanian business in Germany are factors of importance not only for the country's economic development, but also for political stability in the region. EDI LOLQA

To the Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Tirana, Mr. Krsko Cajka The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, by means of a note dated 20 February 1995, has made known to the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Tirana its protest regarding the publication in the Czech press of an article by the Czech ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Krsko Cajka. In this article, titled “The Albanian Mafia in Tirana,” Ambassador Krsko Cajka expressed opinions and views in insulting tones toward Albania and Albanians, opinions and views related to issues and problems of Albanian domestic politics. Considering the article to be an inappropriate act by a diplomatic representative accredited in Albania and a disregard for the rules and practice of diplomatic relations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania has requested further explanations from the Czech Embassy. The note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns the ambassador's attempt to make such assertions about internal problems and issues of Albania, and especially such unacceptable and insulting labels for our country as “the Albanian mafia.” The Albanian note also points out that such untrue assessments testify to a shallow and superficial knowledge of Albanian reality, and that they do not serve the spirit of mutual understanding and bilateral cooperation, but rather encourage prejudice and misunderstandings. At the end of our note, the Embassy of the Czech Republic is requested to convey to its government the reaction and concern of the Albanian side regarding this matter. EDI LOLQA

“Do not underestimate the harshness of the transition phase...” It would be a mistake to generalize about the situation in our country, especially that in the capital's environment. I believe that most of Tirana's population is becoming wealthier and more emancipated. In every country, everyday life also brings concerns, just as there are many positive things. Albania emerged from a barbaric communism, the poorest country in Europe. Now it is moving toward a market economy, and every Albanian can see that taking part in it requires not only knowledge and culture but also great dedication. Forty percent of Albanians have become small property owners. Albania's history is changing with the unstinting support of the West. Now this people must continue to work and sacrifice a great deal. There may also be “losers,” but the majority is winning. Only through endurance and patience will this transitional period be overcome. The other article, at the very least, should have apologized to the Albanian public. To say in the press “the Albanian mafia” means to insult all Albanians without distinction. Albania has already passed the stage of fierce political and propaganda attacks. Today the country must strengthen social peace and good-neighborly relations. Please do not slide into superficial assessments. Albania is no longer a country of uncontrolled insecurity. That does not mean there are no problems, but they must be viewed with maturity and a real understanding of developments. (Is the star rising?)

It is interrupting its activities in Albania for the moment While on a tour of travels through Central and Eastern Europe from Macedonia, he stopped in Tirana and stated in front of the entrance to Hotel Dajti that the government's “fines for dollars” could harm reform. He declared that he would prefer to go for 20 minutes to the government building at the edge of the center and meet one or two opposition deputies. He then traveled on to Bulgaria. On this occasion he said that he had come to hold talks with President Berisha and Prime Minister Meksi, but added that his statements had been misunderstood by the press. Nevertheless, diplomatic circles have noted that he has postponed part of the program and that his staff has temporarily suspended some activities. According to observers, this shows that Albanian diplomacy has reacted firmly to any irresponsible statement that damages the country's image. (Continued on page 3)

In yesterday's session of the People's Assembly, its chairman, Servet Pëllumbi, announced the decision to exclude deputy Alben Imami from the assembly's work for 15 days. According to him, this decision came after the deputy's conduct in previous sessions and the obstruction of the normal conduct of the work. Opposition deputies opposed the decision, describing it as political, while representatives of the majority said the measure was in accordance with the assembly's rules of procedure. ATSH

RD correspondent Before yesterday, the Prime Minister of Malta came to Albania and at the press conference spoke about the importance of the agreement in the field of tourism. He said that “such a center in Albania will help in building tourism infrastructure” and that his country is ready to offer its experience in the management of coastal areas and in tourist services. The signed agreement provides for exchanges of experts, training, and joint projects to improve tourism standards. There was also talk of maritime links and the encouragement of investment. ATSH

The Malaysian government offered a loan of nearly 20 million dollars for several important projects and stated that part of it will be used for infrastructure and economic development. Official sources said that the agreement was reached during recent contacts and that the terms are favorable. ATSH

Senior officials of the Albanian government discussed issues of the economy, privatization, and administrative preparations at yesterday's meeting. Special emphasis was placed on improving the business climate and cooperation with foreign partners. S. SH. From yesterday's government meeting

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PD activities in Korçë, Vlorë, Elbasan, Krujë, Durrës, Kavajë, Dropojë-Pukë, Bulqizë, Kolonjë, Devoll, Berat Page 2