Press conference with the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the CoE, Mr. Martinez You are heading in the right direction and have reached a point that we believe is absolutely irreversible; at the same time, it is not only irreversible, but also beneficial and welcome. LORENC LIGORI For about 20 minutes, in his office at the CoE palace, the President of the CoE Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Miguel Angel Martinez, received the Albanian journalists and answered their many questions. The President of the Assembly’s first words were: I am very happy for Albania! —In response to Deutsche Welle’s question: The Germans say that everything is fine, while the end is good; nevertheless, how do you explain the situation with the veto by the legal committee? The President replied: It was not a veto; the opinion of this legal committee was only an opinion. The legal committee thinks that it was ... and suggested to the Assembly that the matter be referred to the Political Affairs Committee. Arbnor’s reporters, Mr. Serreqi, everyone ... were able to produce a statement that the Legal Committee had requested. —Kelmans has said that the Legal Committee’s claim was somewhat ... [text continues beyond the visible frame] (Continued on page 2)

Yesterday, the proceedings of the international investment conference concluded; it was a message to foreign investors and government institutions about improving the policy pursued so far to attract foreign investment. The main topic on the conference’s final day was the legal, fiscal and banking framework, among the most important issues faced by foreign investors entering Albania. Specialists presented the current state of the legal and fiscal system, as well as issues concerning land ownership ... (Continued on page 2)

The International Investment Conference in Albania concluded We will continue to support a liberal policy Closing remarks by Mr. Aleksander Meksi *The aim of this conference was not only to provide an up-to-date overview of the economic climate created in Albania after three years of the economic reform of the Government I lead, but also to set out the opportunities and obstacles encountered by foreign investors who have operated, or wish to operate, in Albania. In this context, I believe the conference should be considered a success for the message it delivered to foreign investors to invest and to Government Institutions to improve message that the Government conveyed to foreign investors and public opinion through its representatives, and which I want to emphasize once again, is that we will continue to support a liberal policy oriented toward private-sector initiative. Support for free competition in most sectors of the economy and the policy of fully liberalizing prices will continue to be at the core of our policy toward the private sector. Strengthening the banking sector will be another task for us, to improve the necessary services and attract private investment. *The Government will also remain committed to carrying out infrastructure projects aimed at creating a modern environment for the development of private business. The Government’s approval, a few weeks ago, of the Public Investment Program for 1995–1997 is evidence of this commitment. We will also make every effort to implement as quickly as possible the projects for which financing has been secured. *Our achievements in stabilizing macroeconomic indicators are already well known, but this area of economic policy will nevertheless always remain a priority, in order to further stabilize and improve macroeconomic indicators and ensure GDP growth. Through strict monetary and fiscal policies, the Government will continue to keep inflation under control and reduce the deficit. In this regard, I want to underline the assistance of the European Union, International Financial Institutions and other countries. The recent negotiation of commercial debt will ease the country’s financial position. (Continued on page 2)

Press conference by the Secretary General of the CoE, Mr. Tarchys We are very ready to provide our assistance with the issues that Albania itself identifies —The Nano case is an Albanian problem. A decision on it has been made by the Albanian courts. The Secretary General of the CoE, Mr. Daniel Tarchys, met with Albanian journalists yesterday at midday. At the very beginning, it proceeded with ... [text cut off at the bottom edge] In any case, Albania’s integration into European and international institutions has been, and will remain, important, especially in the CoE; therefore, it will also have an impact on the Albanian issue. Likewise, I hope that we will see Kosovo become a member of this Council as soon as possible. We are working in this direction, and Kosovo and Albania ... [text cut off at the bottom edge]

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Dr. Bujar K.Bukoshi, congratulated President Berisha, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo and in his own name, on the occasion of Albania’s admission to the Council of Europe. This is also proof, the message says, that Albania is growing stronger, and this strengthens Kosovo and the Albanians in their ethnic lands in the former Yugoslavia. [text cut off at the lower edge] Kosovo and the Albanians throughout the ethnic [territories] in the former Yugoslavia. This is also a congratulatory message to the Albanians in Kosovo and the former Yugoslavia, urging them to have confidence in their legitimate aspirations.

- The Nano case is an Albanian problem. A decision on it has been made by the Albanian courts - General of the Council of Europe, Questions and answers began right away. Gazeta Shqiptare, A.Mero: What obligations does Albania face following its admission to the Council of Europe? Answer: The Parliamentary Assembly voted to admit Albania to the Council of Europe. We have worked hard to achieve this directly. We have worked with committees in the Secretariat and have also met with the Albanian authorities. We have cooperated with the EU and declared the issues that were important. You have emerged from isolation. You are independent and still have a great deal to do. You know that the presence of the Assembly is very necessary. We have objectives that are short-term. You must fulfill the obligations that come with membership, for example those concerning human rights. Albania will sign the human rights convention. Albania has obligations toward other countries but also toward its own citizens. With admission to the Council of Europe, the position of Albanian citizens has been strengthened. Zëri i Popullit, A.Dalipi: (Continued on page 2)

The students’ festive evening, organized by FRPD in the “Studenti” district, continued until midnight. It was the new owner, Altin Backa, who laid on a free cocktail reception and organized an enjoyable student evening at his venue Europe. “RD” correspondent

PROF. DR. SHABAN DEMIRAJ Chairman of the Academy of Sciences It is news that makes us all happy as Albanians, and we hope that in the near future we too will experience more such joyful news. This important event should prompt us to reflect and work harder for the further development of our country and to fulfill with dignity the obligations arising from our country’s admission to the Council of Europe. On this occasion, I would like all Albanians to find the path of understanding and cooperation for the general progress of our society.

Writer, humorist I don’t know why, but these days I was reminded of an Italian expression: “Ridere a denti stretti” (which means “to laugh with clenched teeth...”) “Perhaps it came to mind after I read the newspaper “ZP”, which carried the report about Albania's admission to the Council of Europe.”

Folk singer I almost went mad with joy when I heard Radio Tirana broadcast the happy news. Albanians should rejoice wherever they are, without party distinctions; from now on, may popular Albania be on the right path. Albania is heading toward Europe. These opportunities for Albania were brought only by democracy. It gave artists breathing room too. It is helping them gain recognition everywhere in the world. We had to wait for the years of democracy for doors to open for us artists too; these days had to come for me to travel all the way to America. I stayed there for 1 year, sang, and was happy—now the roads are open to us. (Continued on page 2)

Prepared by: ILIRIANA A.BAJO In response to RD’s questions about what this membership represents and what it will change in relations between our country and Europe, the ambassadors of Italy, Austria and France, as well as the German Cultural Attaché, gave the following opinions. I am very happy and regard this as an important moment in the history of Albania, for Albania and for the entire Albanian people. It is also a recognition of developments in Albania, of the democratic path pursued by Albania and by all the political forces in Albania. On this occasion, I also congratulate President Berisha, the Albanian leadership, and the Albanian people, who are preparing for this very high level. With its vitality, it has shown that it is capable of developing in democratic terms and, above all, of integrating into Europe. In any case, every integration of Albania into European and international institutions has been and remains important, especially into the Council of Europe; it will therefore also have an impact on the Albanian question. I also hope that in the future We are working in this direction—Kosovo, Albania and the Albanian people. Once again, on behalf of the people of the Republic of Kosovo, I congratulate the Albanian people and all of Albania on this recognition and this integration into Europe.

Paolo Foresti, Ambassador of the Italian Republic in Tirana For a long time Albania was outside Europe and its institutions, while Europe, after the Second World War, built new structures for cooperation and integration among European countries. It was therefore very important, following the holding of free elections and the establishment of a parliamentary government, to institutionalize the intensification of relations with all democratic European countries. Albania cooperates with many countries and is also a full and very active member of various organizations. Among these, we can single out “Partnership for Peace” within the framework of relations with NATO and the Atlantic Alliance, and it is moving forward toward concluding an association agreement with the EU. Albania belonged in the Council of Europe, which is an organization for political and cultural cooperation of particular importance to European countries.

Kurt Shpaltinger, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria in Tirana I was pleased to learn that Albania was admitted as a full member of the Council of Europe, having been unanimously approved by the Parliamentary Assembly. During these three years of opening up and consolidating democracy and governance, from the moment it submitted its application for full membership of the Council of Europe, Albania has had Austria’s unreserved support. Immediately after joining, Albania must also bear in mind the obligations that arise and are connected with democratic development and the rule of law. But I will reiterate that democracies.

Gerald Wolf, Cultural Attaché of the German Embassy in Tirana Albania's entry into the Council of Europe marks a major and important step toward institutionalizing relations with European countries. I think this is a first step that is expected to be followed by others just as important. Albania and will redefine its position. Albania's integration into Europe concerns every field, including the political, economic and cultural spheres. Implementing the Strasbourg amendments, as well as the obligations that arise directly from membership in the Council of Europe, is a second milestone that will strengthen the idea and practice of Albania's integration as an ongoing process.

Lui Domenici, Ambassador of the French Republic in Tirana Lui Domenici, Ambassador of the French Republic in Tirana I would like to say that France is pleased about Albania's accession to the Council of Europe. We have always supported this accession and continue to support the entire process of bringing Albania closer to Western Europe and the EU. This admission, which will be confirmed by the governments, gives Albania its natural place at the European table. Membership means that your country needs to adapt its laws and practices to the standards of Western Europe. Beyond participation in the Council of Europe, Western countries have shown Albania that they accept it among them, along with the responsibility of moving toward the EU. This is France's position, and this is why, during its Presidency of the EU, it made discussions on an association agreement with the EU possible. He concluded by saying that there is a general political logic for accepting Albania into Europe, and that this is a sign of friendship.

“Perhaps it came to mind after I read the newspaper “ZP”, which carried the report about Albania's admission to the Council of Europe.”

5/8/93 [Inside cover of the newspaper with the headlines:] The Constitution and the NANO issue Two troubling problems for the European Parliament The DP will go to Europe with PASHKU What Europe says...! ALBANIA: THE GOVERNMENT IS THE MAIN OBSTACLE TO ALBANIA’S ADMISSION TO THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE [Other text on the reproduced page is partially illegible]