Chronicle At the invitation of President Berisha, yesterday morning Austrian Federal President Thomas Klestil arrived in our country, accompanied by Foreign Minister Dr. Alois Mock, Justice Minister Dr. Mikolaus Michalek, President of the Austrian Economic Chamber Leopold Maderthaner, Vorarlberg Land Minister Elisabeth Gehrer, as well as a group of businesspeople. At Rinas Airport, Mr. Klestil was received by President Sali Berisha, Prime Minister Meksi, Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly Tomor Malasi, etc. This is the first visit by an Austrian president to Albania. After arriving at Rinas Airport, President Klestil, accompanied by President Berisha, held a one-on-one meeting at the Presidential Palace, during which they discussed issues relating to the further development of democratic processes in Albania, Albania’s integration into Europe, and the resolution of the Kosovo issue. After his meeting with President Berisha, Mr. Klestil delivered an important speech in the Albanian Parliament, in which he recalled the traditionally good relations between the two countries and expressed his conviction that Austria would continue to support Albania’s democratization processes in the future as well. At midday, the two Presidents, Berisha and Klestil, held a press conference. Later, President Berisha hosted a dinner at the Palace of Brigades in honor of the distinguished guest. At President Klestil’s meeting with Prime Minister Meksi, they spoke about the economic assistance Austria has offered Albania over the past three years, emphasizing that Albania is the country that has received more economic aid per capita than any other country in Eastern and Central Europe. In Austria. The President knew that we wanted President Klestil to visit the exhibition by the Austrian Theatre Museum about the great actor of Albanian origin Aleksandër Moisiu, at the National Gallery of Arts in Tirana. Afterwards, the official opening ceremony of the Austrian Embassy in Tirana took place. Following discussions between the foreign and justice ministers of the two countries, a round-table meeting was held between the Austrian economic delegation and the Albanian economic delegation. At the conclusion, several agreements on Austrian-Albanian economic cooperation were signed. Yesterday afternoon, Austrian President Thomas Klestil departed Albania. His visit concluded with the signing of important agreements on cooperation in the fields of economic assistance and the environment, and with the signing of an agreement on cooperation in the fight against drugs. May 1, 1995 was celebrated Far from false predictions, from euphoria over great successes achieved, and from the stale slogans of the communist rallies of the past 50 years, May 1 was celebrated this year in Tirana and the districts. Albanian workers chose excursions and simply a day off in nature, gathering with family and friends to enjoy this traditional holiday as much as possible. RD Correspondent

President of the Republic Sali Berisha received Austrian Federal President Dr. Thomas Klestil and the delegation accompanying him Yesterday, the President of the Republic held official talks between President Berisha and Austrian Head of State Klestil. They began with a one-on-one conversation between the Presidents. “I am very pleased to welcome you today, Mr. President, Minister Mock, and the delegation accompanying you,” President Berisha told President Klestil. “I am convinced that this visit marks a historic event in the longstanding relations and cooperation between our two peoples and countries, and I take pride in the political achievements; bilateral cooperation between Albania and Austria is very good. I wish to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to you, the Austrian government, institutions, and citizens for the valuable and generous assistance you have given Albania in all fields—assistance of a kind that reflects the spirit in which Austria has supported the countries of Eastern Europe. Following the elections of 22 March, our major objectives have been to bring Albania out of isolation and out of the position of neither East nor West in which the communist dictatorship had placed it, to build the rule of law and a market economy, and to integrate Albania into Europe—objectives of great importance for the future of our country. After comprehensive and sustained efforts, Albania in ’95 presents a completely different picture. It has replaced a legal vacuum with laws and European standards, established new institutions, increased macroeconomic stability, and embarked on the mass privatization of the economy. All these achievements have gone hand in hand with the establishment of democratic structures, the development of democracy in our country, and the integration of the country into Europe. “We attach great importance,” President Berisha continued, “to preventing conflict in the region and establishing good-neighborly relations. As for the situation in Kosovo, it remains important that Kosovo—Kosovo must be among the most complicated and important issues of the crisis in our region, and its imposition carries great risks. We have been and remain in favor of friendly relations with Macedonia and are interested in the stability of that republic, but naturally its stability depends on Albanian-Macedonian understanding and harmony, as well as respect for the human and national freedoms and rights of the Albanians living there. We will help foster this understanding. Our relations with Greece are developing positively.” “Austria is following political and economic developments in Albania with great interest,” President Klestil said. “We are impressed by the considerable progress you have made in a short period. Austria supports Albania both bilaterally and through European and international structures. “We are pleased that the Council of Europe has determined that Albania is a country in Europe. “We attach great importance to Albanian-Austrian relations,” Mr. Klestil said. “Austria, a new member of the European Union, will be an advocate for the integration of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe,” President Klestil continued, “including, of course, Albania. It also supports Albania’s membership in the Council of Europe.” President Klestil endorsed President Berisha’s assessments concerning the region and the Kosovo problem, and committed himself to supporting a just solution to it. He praised Albania for maintaining its embassy despite the costs, which, he said, were burdensome for the country. President Klestil expressed the wish that the two countries conclude more economic agreements to complete the general legal framework and further promote bilateral economic cooperation and Austrian investment in Albania. President Klestil also invited President Berisha to return his visit in Vienna, so that high-level Albanian-Austrian dialogue could continue. Press and Information Office of the President Photo: A. DHIMITRI

According to the President’s spokesperson, President of the Republic Sali Berisha considers the attack by the rebel Serbs of Krajina against the civilian population of Zagreb and other cities to be a criminal act with dangerous consequences for the spread of the conflict in that area. Expressing understanding of Croatia’s right to restore its sovereignty over the entire territory of Croatia, the President stressed that it was essential to prevent any further escalation of the conflict. Press and Information Office of the President

Following a television debate - The Meksi–Pellumbi duel: 3–0 - Pellumbi is afraid of a televised duel - Pellumbi’s absence—a unique case in the history of televised debates Following a television debate Pellumbi’s unconditional capitulation - The Meksi–Pellumbi duel: 3–0 - Pellumbi is afraid of a televised duel - Pellumbi’s absence—a unique case in the history of televised debates A positive experience for TVSH: political debate in a television studio. Public debate between representatives of political parties is a familiar practice around the world, aimed not only at transparency but also at acquainting the public with different political views on issues selected as the subject of debate. Televised debates themselves carry an emotional charge, not only for their participants but also for viewers, who often continue them outside the studio halls. That is why televised debates between politicians often turn into televised duels, contests between programmatic alternatives and competitions between the politicians representing them. Rai studios are constantly transformed into arenas where politicians challenge one another. To illustrate the importance of such duels, it is enough to cite the debates between the two most highly regarded candidates for the presidency of France, Mr. Jospin and Chirac. Experience shows that the opposition is above all interested in such debates. Given the advantages of being in opposition, it prefers such duels in order to improve its position in the political arena. Against this background, in Sunday’s televised debate on investment, which also included Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi, the unjustified absence of PS deputy chairman Servet Pellumbi stood out. Pellumbi was expected to confront the ideas of Marxist Pellumbi, particularly those concerning private investment. But Pellumbi was absent, apparently not considering himself an expert in this debate. Whether he is an expert is something he knows better than anyone, but Pellumbi, who keeps declaring that PS’s victory is unquestionable, should have been present in the studio to explain to the electorate the PS opposition’s position on investment and its contribution. Regarding his position, he continually stressed that preventing any further escalation of the conflict was essential. Pellumbi did nothing other than confirm once again the barrenness of PS’s ideas and the destructiveness of its leaders. On Sunday, Gjinushi represented Hoti Anyone who has followed Gjinushi’s appearances in television studios has observed that he has been intent on painting reality in dark colors, conveying coded or uncoded messages, and resorting to irony and vulgarity. Meanwhile, Gjinushi repeatedly expressed his disgust, both appropriately and inappropriately, by blaming institutions—especially the Presidency, Parliament, and Government—their logistics, and false figures. Gjinushi has sought to discredit such studios, conveying to viewers the message that there is no seriousness in politics. For political analysts, Gjinushi’s conduct continues the stance of his associates in Parliament: walkouts, absences, boycotts, endless motions of no confidence, language inappropriate for that chamber and for Albanian politics, and endless exchanges, all simply to achieve the low and malicious aim of discrediting, to kill people’s hope that this country can move forward, and to suggest that everyone is the same—the people in office today and he, Gjinushi, former staff member of ARISE. The Albanian political scene needs everyone, but it will be more effective and credible if nihilistic and destructive voices of the Ruci, Gjinushi, Dokle type, etc., are silenced. They suffer from the incurable symptom of nostalgia for their former communist paradise, and from the messages, instructions, and obligations it conveys. As for the 2 million that Gjinushi mentioned, he should know that the investment in just one hotel on the outskirts of Tirana—the “Diplomat” hotel—has cost around 3–4 million dollars. But... Gjinushi represented someone else in the studio: Namiku, Hoti. A. ORHANASI

The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, and a group of young people at the Palace of Brigades, on the occasion of the visit of Austrian Federal President Thomas Klestil and his Austrian delegation. Those attending the reception included Chairman of the Council of Ministers Aleksander Meksi, members of parliament, government members, and representatives of political parties. The two presidents held their official speeches, which they had discussed and planned. Ladies and Gentlemen, also. Today, the day of the first visit to Albania by an Austrian head of state, marks a significant date in the historic and traditional Albanian-Austrian relations. The President gave one of the speeches: “I wish to welcome to Albania Mr. President, the distinguished friend of the Albanian nation and the highest representative of friendly Austria. I also welcome the Foreign Minister, Mr. Alois Mock, ministers and senior officials, traders and businesspeople, and the entire delegation accompanying you. Albania and the Albanian nation have seen, and continue to see, Austria and the Austrian nation as their traditional friend and ally. (Continued on page 2)

Dear Mr. President Klestil, Dear Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mock, Dear ministers and members of the Austrian delegation accompanying the President on this visit. Ladies and Gentlemen, Today, the day of the first visit to Albania by an Austrian head of state, marks a significant date in the historic and traditional Albanian-Austrian relations. Therefore, from the bottom of my heart, I welcome you to Albania, Mr. President, distinguished friend of the Albanian nation and the highest representative of friendly Austria. I also welcome the Foreign Minister, Mr. Alois Mock, ministers and senior officials, traders and businesspeople, as well as the entire delegation accompanying you. Albania and the Albanian nation have seen, and continue to see, Austria and the Austrian nation as their traditional friend and ally. (Continued on page 2)

Mr. President, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Allow me, Mr. President, to thank you for the warm welcome here in Tirana and for your kind words of greeting. Even these few hours of my stay in your beautiful country have once again confirmed to me that the Albanian people enjoy and command a high reputation for their humanity. They are the most hospitable people in the world. In my opening remarks before the Albanian Parliament, I had the opportunity to speak in greater detail about Austrian-Albanian relations. I would like to add a few personal observations here: When I visited your country exactly six years ago, in May 1989, in my then capacity as Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs, I found a country profoundly different from the one I see today. (Continued on page 2)

Speech by Federal President Dr. Thomas Klestil Mr. President! Honorable members of the Albanian Parliament! Ladies and gentlemen! It is a pleasure for me to be here today, as Head of State of Austria, in this Albanian assembly of representatives freely elected by the Albanian people. I thank you all for the honor you have bestowed upon me with your words, Mr. President, and for your warm words of greeting. My visit to the Republic of Albania and to this august assembly is not merely an expression of the bond between our two peoples. With this visit, I also wish to emphasize explicitly the great interest Austria has in Albania and our pleasure in the good and close cooperation we pursue between the two countries. (Continued on page 3)

A terrible tragedy on Lake Shkodra The repeated deceptions and slanders of “ZP” cannot conceal the truth SHKSH From the press conference of Presidents Berisha and Klestil

Faik Konica —the idol of the Albanians, will find eternal rest in the Homeland

The achievements to date can be considered colossal