The first Albanian political party to be accepted as a full member of a European union After joining the Council of Europe, another historic event for Albania Congratulations on this historic victory The President of the European People's Party and the membership of PDSH and UCD in this great European political family At the request for the admission of PDSH and UCD submitted to the Presidium of the European Christian Democratic Union of the European People's Party of Paris, on 31.III.1995 by the Secretary General of PDSH, Mr. Aleksandër Meksi, and vice president of UCD, Professor Dr. Alberto Montaner, this important centre-right political union decided yesterday to make the Democratic Party of Albania a full member and to accept UCD as an observer. From Paris comes the announcement of this historic decision for the Albanian centre-right. PDSH membership in the European Christian Democratic Union and in the European People's Party constitutes one of the most important events for Albania's European future. In particular, this act takes on multiple significance on the eve of the parliamentary elections to be held in our country. On this occasion, the Albanian opposition receives a worthy response to the endless smear campaign directed at PDSH and the Albanian leadership. PDSH is the only political force in Albania that has made the fastest progress toward the great European Christian Democratic political family. On 1.I.1995, at the request of PDSH submitted to the presidium of the European Christian Democratic Union of the European People's Party of Paris, this Albanian political force, the first Albanian political party, was presented by the President of PDSH, Professor Dr. Sali Berisha, at the meeting of the EUCD presidium for obtaining observer status. At the beginning of May, the Secretary General of PDSH, Prof. Dr. Tritan Shehu, authorized by the party president, officially submitted on behalf of PDSH the request for full membership in EUCD. In June 1995 PDSH became an associate member of the European People's Party, the largest political grouping in the European Parliament, which includes 28 Christian Democratic and conservative parties from Europe. The Democratic Party of Albania and Albania took an important step yesterday on the road to European integration.

Today, on 1 July 1995 in Brussels, an Albanian party has been accepted for the first time into a European political organization. The Council of the Union of European Christian Democratic and People's Parties decided yesterday to accept PDSH with full rights in this Union in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. This political body includes 44 Christian Democratic and centre-right parties from Western and Eastern Europe. PDSH membership constitutes a historic event for our country. According to official sources close to PDSH, the acceptance of PDSH into this union follows Albania's accession to the Council of Europe. This membership is the result of several years of work with European right-wing forces and in particular with the European People's Party. The result of the March 31 elections, in which PDSH won by an overwhelming majority, also influenced PDSH's membership in this Union. The news of the acceptance of the Democratic Party into the Union of Christian and People's Parties has greatly delighted the broad Albanian political public. The head of state has described it as another important victory on Albania's path toward European integration.

On Monday, the President of the Republic and his wife, Mrs. Liri Berisha, will leave on a working visit to Switzerland. The Albanian president will take part in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, which is being held in its fourth session in Ottawa. In this context, the head of state will have bilateral meetings, as well as make an official visit to Bern, where he will meet the President of the Swiss Confederation. During his stay in Switzerland, President Berisha will meet with senior representatives of Swiss politics, business, and financial institutions. President Berisha will also meet with our compatriots who live and work in Switzerland.

ELI PLAKA At a press conference held yesterday at PDSH headquarters, representatives of this party announced that PDSH is now a full member of UCD. According to the secretary for external relations at PDSH, March 31 and Albania's admission to the Council of Europe were the key factors that made this membership possible. Representatives of PDSH also said that this is a very important political moment and a clear success of the democratic forces in the country.

Yesterday, around 12:00, the Secretary General of PDSH, Dr. Tritan Shehu, gave a press conference at PDSH headquarters regarding the achievement of PDSH's acceptance as a full member of the Union of European Christian Democrats. (Continues on page 2)

From the Secretary General of the European Parliament, 2 ALEBE In an interview with the BBC, the Secretary General of the European Parliament expressed his conviction that Albania's admission to the Council of Europe will open new doors for the development of contacts, especially with this [?] international scene. (Continues on page 2)

Official visit by the commander of the armed forces of France Today, the chief of staff of the French army, Admiral Jacques Lanxade, arrives in Tirana. The spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence announced yesterday that Admiral Lanxade will meet with the Minister of Defence, Safet Zhulali. During his visit, he will also hold talks with the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha. Mr. Lanxade will leave our country tomorrow afternoon. On Monday, the Greek Minister of Defence, Mr. Gerasimos Arsenis, arrives in Tirana. During his visit to our country, Minister Arsenis will talk with his Albanian counterpart Safet Zhulali. Mr. Arsenis's visit to Albania comes 3 - 4 days before the meeting in Zhanis, Morocco, of the Assembly of the Atlantic Council. Mr. Arsenis will also hold a meeting in Albania with the President of the Republic and Prime Minister Meksi.

President Clinton writes to Congressman Engel about Albania I am pleased to inform you that I have received information that the letter signed by members of the Albanian-American community has been forwarded to President Bill Clinton. This letter summarizes the concerns of those individuals who are interested in Albania's economic and democratic progress. As noted in your letter, President Clinton is well aware of Albania's economic situation and the progress it has made, as well as the many difficulties it faces in its efforts to build a democratic society. The U.[?] has continually sought to support the country in the process of democratization and economic transformation. Our Ambassador in Albania, Mr. Rajerson, is one of many officials of our administration who pay attention to developments in Albania and do everything possible to help these efforts. We thank you for expressing your concerns. It is clear that the President is well informed on the issues and, should you have any further questions in the future, please do not hesitate to write again. Sincerely, Sandy Berger Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs The White House