The PD has kept its promise
After three years of government by the Democratic Party
Their commitments fulfilled
FOREIGN POLICY
Albania's international authority has increased considerably. Our country is a member of the UN, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and the Islamic Conference. Albania is on the verge of signing the Agreement with the European Union. Our country actively participates in the Central European Initiative and the South East European Cooperative Initiative, following a policy of good-neighborliness and regional cooperation.
There have been numerous meetings with high representatives of the countries coordinating with the member states of the SEECP. The President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister have held working and official meetings with their counterparts from European Union states and other important countries of the world.
US President Bill Clinton visited our country as part of his European tour. The visits of Turkish President Demirel and Italian President Scalfaro[?], as well as President Berisha's frequent meetings with his counterparts in the region and in Europe, testify to the profound change in Albania's international position.
GREAT BRITAIN
The intensification of relations with the major Western countries has become an important element of foreign policy. A series of cooperation agreements and protocols have been signed with Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Greece, the USA, France and many other countries.
Protecting national interests and the interests of Albanians outside the borders has been a priority of our policy. Albanian diplomacy has closely followed developments in Kosovo, Macedonia and other Albanian areas in the former Yugoslavia, seeking peaceful solutions and respect for the rights of Albanians.
AGRICULTURE
With the democratic changes, agriculture was freed from the old collectivist system. Land reform and its privatization created the foundations for free agriculture. Thousands of hectares of land have been distributed to farmers and agricultural production has increased in many sectors.
Measures have been taken to supply farmers with seeds, chemical fertilizers, tools and loans. Veterinary and advisory services have been improved. There are more domestic products in the markets and interest in investments in the countryside has increased.
THE NETHERLANDS
Relations with the Benelux countries have been strengthened. Political and economic contacts have been established with the Netherlands and exchanges useful for experience in administration, the market and reforms have been developed.
THE ARMY
The Albanian army has been reformed in line with the requirements of a democratic state. Steps have been taken toward its depoliticization, the reorganization of its structures and its partial modernization. Military cooperation with partner countries has expanded.
Within the framework of Partnership for Peace, Albania has entered into new relations with NATO. Reciprocal visits and training sessions have been held, as well as programs for the training of military personnel.
ITALY
Italy has been one of Albania's main partners in these years. Political, economic and cultural relations have expanded significantly. There has been concrete assistance for public order, the economy and the administration.
GERMANY
Germany has strongly supported the reform processes in Albania. Numerous projects have been carried out in the fields of the economy, education, vocational training and public administration.
THE MOUNTAINS
The development of mountain المناطق has been part of government policy. Efforts have been made for roads, water supply systems, electrification and support for the household economy in these areas.
FRANCE
France has expressed interest in democratic developments in Albania. Diplomatic, cultural and economic contacts have expanded.
USA
Albanian-American relations have entered a new phase. The USA has supported democratic reforms and the market economy in Albania. Political ties and institutional cooperation have been strengthened.
SIVA
The rumors that our country is governed by the tail of the kaval continue to circulate, but the facts prove the opposite. Albania is moving toward stability, democracy and European integration.
They were presented as states that would plunge Albania into complete chaos and push this process down a dead-end road. But democratic governance brought a profound change in the country's life. Today's Albania is much closer to Europe than ever before.
( To be continued on page 2 )