Reply to the newspaper “ZP” We did not create the isolation and financial blockade. On the contrary, we are trying to solve them The members of the delegation will take part in the political conference of the European Democratic Party on the theme “Political stabilization and development in Eastern Europe and the Balkans,” 29–30 March 1995. This conference will present the electoral platform and the political program of the European Democratic Union in line with the themes of European integration. Tirana, 29 March 1995. - The Embassy of the Republic of Albania to the European Community announces that, at the invitation of the chairman of the Democratic Parliamentary Group in the European Parliament, Mr. Alojz Mock, the chairman of the Democratic Party, Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha, accompanied by the deputies Genc Ruli, Rushen Xhindi and the secretary for foreign relations in the PD, Arben Imami, will take part in the Conference of European Christian Democratic Parties and the European Parliament, which will be held in Brussels on 29–30 March. In an interview with the BBC, the director of the State Department for Southern and Central Europe in the USA, Mr. Richard Schifter, speaking about the situation created in Albania after the elections of 26 May 1996, about the International Conference and the possible political destabilization in Albania, declared that future developments in our country will be determined by the election result and the stance of the opposition. On the other hand, the newspaper “ZP” of 29 March 1995 publishes an article alleging Albania's exclusion from the European Union's PHARE Program. The Embassy of the Republic of Albania to the European Community denies this news, considering it false and malicious. In the meetings held in Brussels, the Albanian delegation will discuss democratic developments in Albania, relations with the European Union, and the prospects for our country's integration into European structures. The Albanian representatives will also hold contacts with leaders of the European People's Parties and with members of the European Parliament. The Albanian delegation is composed of Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha, Genc Ruli, Rushen Xhindi and Arben Imami. Within this framework, the purpose of the visit is to strengthen political and institutional ties with like-minded European parties and to present the positions of the Democratic Party of Albania on the democratic processes in the country. At the same time, the delegation will also challenge the inaccurate information published in the foreign press regarding the political and economic situation in Albania. Photo: A. Baban

President Berisha received yesterday in a special meeting the President of the International Olympic Committee, Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch. During the conversation, the role of the Olympic movement in the development of sport and in bringing peoples closer together was praised. President Berisha expressed his gratitude for the support that the International Olympic Committee has given to Albanian sport. For his part, Mr. Samaranch praised the progress made in Albania and spoke in favor of expanding cooperation in the field of sport. Photo: A. Baban

Reply to PS deputy Mr. Na[?]ik Dokle Reply to PS deputy Mr. Namik Dokle Step down from immunity and confess to justice Comrade Dokle is going through the most difficult days he has ever experienced. It seems that your attitude is a paranoid distortion, as your public statements also show. You seem to be the type who deals in political conspiracies, but you forget that the truth of facts cannot be covered up with shouting. The mystery of the assassination will not be solved with empty accusations against the government. If you have evidence, present yourself before justice. Otherwise, your insinuations are nothing more than an attempt to evade responsibility and create political smoke screens. You have long been at the center of debates over serious implications. Instead of hiding behind parliamentary immunity, give it up and answer to justice. Your harsh language cannot replace evidence. Nor can it frighten public opinion. The rule of law cannot be challenged with rhetoric. You must answer for every suspicion that weighs upon you. That is the only way to clarify everything. If you are innocent, justice will prove it. If not, no one can save you. Photo: Gani Xhego

PRESS AND INFORMATION OFFICE AT THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE REFUTES THE FALSEHOODS IN THE GREEK PRESS President Berisha received yesterday the director general of ANA-S ATHENS, 29 March — The Greek telegraphic agency “ANA” published last night a false report according to which the Albanian government has broken off contacts with Greece after the arrest of five Greek minorities in Albania. The Press and Information Office at the Prime Minister's Office declares that the published report is completely false and tendentious. Albanian-Greek relations continue normally and there is no government decision to break off contacts. According to the statement, the report is part of a disinformation campaign aimed at harming the climate of relations between the two countries. President Berisha received yesterday the director general of the Greek agency ANA-S, Mr. Mihalis Psilos[?]. During the meeting, issues related to information and bilateral relations were discussed. ANA-S later denied the inaccurate report and expressed readiness for professional correctness. ANA-S

Conversation with the secretary of the Albanian Olympic Committee, Ylli Pinari After the successful meeting, at the press conference, Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said among other things that in a country like Albania, sport needs more investment and organization. He also praised the readiness of sports structures to improve participation in the international arena. Ylli Pinari emphasized that the main objective is a more dignified showing by Albanian athletes at the Atlanta Olympic Games. He underlined the need for financial support, training facilities and cooperation with international federations. According to him, Albanian sport has potential, but it requires systematic work and higher organizational standards. In the end he expressed optimism for a more competitive representation in Atlanta. YLLI PINARI

On Wednesday, from the very early hours of the day, thousands of citizens of Shkodër flooded into the Franciscan Church, beginning the tributes to the Great Professor, Pjetër Gaci. His worthy spirit was bid farewell with numerous honors by artists, citizens, pupils, students, friends and admirers. Representatives of local government, cultural and educational institutions, well-known artists and numerous citizens took part in the funeral. Pjetër Gaci remains one of the brightest figures in Albanian music, an outstanding composer and a devoted teacher. His work will live on for a long time in national culture. “RD”

The 2nd of April cannot be forgotten PAGE 2 The tribune of Albanian boys PAGE 8 Political spectacle of the PPAD presidents PAGE 8 The response of Gjingji Roji - that of the secret missionary PAGE 11 Does the government really want to know what Pëllumbi told Fatos? PAGE 3

Pëllumbi and Dokle against each other over the Nano issue SEVET PËLLUMI “I am in favor of being in parliament, it is a party issue and not a government issue. In this particular case I sent it to Fox, but there are other cases too. That is strange.” NAMIK DOKLE “While scandals are being talked about in our country, efforts are being made to divert attention. We cannot accept insinuations without proof.” A. DAVA