At the invitation of the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, on 12 and 13 July the President of the Republic of Turkey, Sulejman Demirel, will come to Albania for an official and friendly visit. This is the second visit by the President of Turkey in less than two and a half years, following President Ozal’s visit in February 1993. This visit, together with President Berisha’s visits to Turkey, once again demonstrates the high and steady level of friendly cooperation between our two countries. During the stay of the Turkish President and the other government officials accompanying him in our country, official talks with President Berisha, a visit to and address before the People’s Assembly, a working meeting with Prime Minister Meksi and other members of the government, etc., are planned. On the basis of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in the first month of the democratic government, during the first visit Mr. Demirel made to Albania as Prime Minister, it is expected that the Turkish President’s current visit will give fresh impetus to close cooperation between the two countries in all political, economic, cultural and military fields. Press and Information Office of the President of the Republic

A person who, as deputy prime minister, sold Tirana’s shops for 100 dollars apiece and whose family has benefited substantially from the current privatization should have more scruples when writing that privatization is “the destroyer of the entire economic reform process of the DP.” You are glad to read, at the beginning of Dr. Gramoz Pashko’s article published in the latest issue of Aleanca, that the author defends the idea of full privatization, since in this way, as he explains, property and the economy can be administered properly—something our weak state is unable to do. It seems as though, with this declaration, the opposition politician, who made a considerable contribution to drafting the economic section of the DP’s pre-election program, fully supports the government’s economic policy, which is guided precisely by this principle. It would be logical for the controversy, if unavoidable, to be directed at the leaders of the PS and PSD, who have declared themselves in favor of various forms of compensation in relation to privatization and the economy in general. But no! The sword’s edge is turned toward the Democratic Party, and Pashko states that “we must not forget that politics also has—or rather, should have—a moral dimension and ethics.” Some of the arguments and terms used in the article are truly out of place. Mr. Pashko writes that the privatization scheme took no account of old property. This is not the place to explain the priority given to former landowners, both in the return of property and in the privatization of properties over which they had legitimate claims. But it is worth recalling that Gramoz Pashko, as deputy prime minister in the Government of Stability, was the one who decided to sell the capital’s shops for laughable sums ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 new lekë. The consequences of the “consideration” he showed for old property are best known to the former and new owners of these shops, who lost time, energy and money wandering through squares and corridors trying to sort out the tangle. Mr. Pashko also writes about “ruffians, members of the boards” who act irresponsibly. Perhaps he should instead have written that, through privatization, a member of his family privatized a quite decent wood-products factory and is making money thanks to the market economy established over the past three years, as well as thanks to contracts secured from the government, from which his family benefits. Perhaps he should instead have written that we have been left to make sacrifices in the privatization of a quite decent wood-products factory and are making money... It must stem precisely from unavoidable, to be directed at the leaders of the SP and the PSD, who have declared very different views on edge is turned against the Democratic Party and its government. G. Pashko writes that the statist concept prevailed in the DP: that the state can manage the economy better than the private sector. Naturally, in a free country with a free press, anyone can publish all kinds of nonsense and promises made on March 22, ’92. The DP’s achievements in Tropojë are visible and tangible. Although Tropojë was geographically isolated and was the place of maximum persecution under the communist regime, the democratic government immediately changed its appearance. Today, farmers have twice as much livestock as Tropojë had in ’91. The people of Tropojë take pride in their work, in their land, which is all planted, and in all the DP’s achievements. Investments have been considerable; several new water-supply systems have been built, and others are under way. Work continues on paving the roads.

Interview with the Secretary General of the PDSH, Prof. Dr. Tritan Shehu, given to Editor-in-Chief Lorenc Ligori “Statement” is a normal procedure of the EUCD. It was signed by me, the international secretary of New Democracy, and the Union’s President, Martens. It was made known to the EUCD Council, where Mr. Ceka was also present. Ceka is known both for his anti-DP statements, made alongside the communist presidents, and for his several failed comings and goings in politics. It seems Mr. Ceka does not know any foreign language and has failed to understand what was discussed at this Council. Ceka focused solely on a savage attack against democratic achievements, against the DP, against the development of democratic processes in Albania, and against Albania’s integration into Europe; he made the admission of the DP conditional on denouncing the Islamic Conference. He received his answer in the form of the Council’s and the European Christian-Democratic Union’s approval and admission of the DP, while the AD was granted observer status only. UNDERSTANDING When signing the UEDC constituent document, the representatives of the Democratic Party of Albania will also the following statement: The Democratic Party was formed at the end of 1990. Since then great efforts have been exerted in consolidating the democratic process in the emerging democracy of Albania. However, we are aware that further steps should be taken to reach our ultimate goal in establishing full democracy, based on respect of human rights, full respect of the rights of the Greek minority and the free performance of all known religious rites of worship under the protection of law, according to the democratic values defended by the UEDC. The Democratic Party assures you of its commitment to spare no effort to work toward that end. Tritan Shehu Secretary General (DP) Marietaa Giannakou-Koutsikou, M.P. International Secretary (ND) Wilfried Martens President (UEDC) Bucharest + and all our wishes ... Question: Mr. Shehu, in an interview given to the newspaper “Koha Jonë,” Neritan Ceka stated that “the DP’s membership was granted because the Greek party New Democracy, which was a member of this union (EUCD), opened the way for it to join quickly. This was done on the basis of an agreement between Mr. Tritan Shehu and the representative of New Democracy in Bucharest, an agreement that was not made public at this meeting.” How truthful is such a statement? Did you sign such an agreement, and if so, what does it contain? Answer: First, I would like to say that the DP’s admission to the Union of European Christian-Democrat and People’s Parties was achieved because the union became convinced that the DP was a truly democratic party; because it became convinced of the decisive role the Democratic Party plays in reforms in Albania; and because it became convinced that Albania is moving along the path of democracy and has applied, and will continue to apply, the lofty principles of European democracy. It was also the result of the high regard in which the results achieved by Albania through implementing the DP’s program are held. I want to emphasize that the DP was accepted as a full member without having been an “observer” in this Union—that is, it bypassed all the stages, the observer stage and that of associate member, and was accepted directly as a full member. It is true that at this meeting the Greek New Democracy Party also gave its approval and was entirely in agreement that the DP met all the conditions to become a full member of this Union. I would say that it is not easy for different parties to become full members of this Union. This Union has very strict and rigorous rules. Indeed, among the applications for full membership submitted by the Croats, the Finns, and us, only we were accepted. The Croats were accepted as associate members; consideration of the Finns’ application was postponed for six months. On the other hand, Mr. Wellei of the German CDU, secretary-general of this Union, and Ms. Spak of the German CDU, a representative of the European Community, voted in favor of the DP. Only one vote, cast by a German representative, was against, but this apparently had to do with misinformation spread by ill-wishers like Ceka. So Ceka is lying here too. I was sorry to see that the PAD did not receive five or six votes from the Union’s principal leaders even for observer status. I am convinced that no one pays attention to Mr. Ceka, who is known both for his anti-DP statements, made alongside communist presidents, and for his several failed entries into and exits from politics. Regarding the agreement Ceka mentions, I want to clarify that no agreement or treaty exists, whether secret or open. Rather, there is a “Statement,” a symbolic accord signed by me on behalf of the DP and by the international secretary of the New Democracy Party, and also signed by the President of the Christian-Democratic Union, Mr. Martens, who served for 12 consecutive years (Continued on page 3)

President Berisha awards Professor Aleko Minga the high title “Teacher of the People” on the occasion of his 60th birthday High professionalism and broad culture, an outstanding lecturer and a rare stylist, are the most striking characteristics of Prof. Aleko Minga during his 43 years of work connected with mathematics and the Faculty of Natural Sciences. These were the words with which colleagues and students, friends and dignitaries portrayed the distinguished figure of Prof. Aleko Minga on his 60th birthday, the day on which he also experienced the deeply moving presentation of the high title “Teacher of the People” by the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, with the following citation: “For his outstanding 40-year activity in advancing higher education, Albanian education and science, for his major contribution to Albania, for his significant pedagogical contribution to the high level of mathematics, for his personal standing as an outstanding lecturer and teacher in the field of teaching, and for his valuable assistance in drafting curricula and training teachers.” In a packed lecture hall, where Prof. Minga has taught for

The election campaign is accompanied by new admissions The PD branch and the PD authorities in the district have been engaged in fulfilling the promises the PD made to the electorate on March 22, ’92. The leadership of the Tropojë PD branch, guided by commitment and honesty, has been highly effective and consistent in resolving problems. On March 22, ’92, the people of Tropojë voted for the PD program as the only alternative to pull the country out of the abyss into which the PS (PP + PK) had led it for nearly half a century. The people of Tropojë never wanted communism; they never reconciled themselves to this bloodthirsty monster. Today, the electorate that voted for the PD says in every village and town of our district that what was promised to us on March 22, ’92 has become reality. (Continued on page 3)

The Austrian press on Albania In the article entitled “The Capitalist Economy,” the expert on Albania at the Federal Economic Chamber, Mr. Horst Machu, gives food for thought. Austrian exports to Albania last year reached 65 million schillings, while imports from Albania amounted to 23.6 million schillings. Nevertheless, the market should not be forgotten, because long-term opportunities will be created there. The country is consolidating and pursuing a pro-Western course. Albania has now demonstrated a successful history. Agriculture has been about 98% privatized, so surplus production is also possible. These products are sold in the free markets, which are flourishing. There are thousands of kiosks in Tirana. For this reason, people speak of a “Bazaar (Continued on page 3)

Yesterday in Rome, the congress of the Democratic Party of the Left was held. The main supporters of the government led by Lamberto Dini gathered to confirm their social-democratic choice, with Silvio Berlusconi and Gianfranko Fini also invited as guests of honor at their congress. This is the PDS’s first congress since it joined the Socialist International in 1992. It will ratify the leading role played by its secretary, Massimo D’Alema, elected a year ago after deputy Akile Okleton. The proceedings of this thematic congress are being followed by 1,400 delegates. Having broken away from the communist tradition, the PDS became a governing party by giving unconditional support to Lamberto Dini’s technical government. It aims to present itself to the media as a normal party like all the others: politicians firmly committed to social democracy and open to alliances with the centre, the Greens and left-wing formations. Seventy foreign parties from 50 countries, including the President of the Socialist International, Pierr Mourouy, will take part in this major event of the Italian left, which received 25% of the vote in the 1995 regional elections. Also attending will be 1,000 invited representatives of the media, culture and other Italian political formations.

Yesterday at midday, the Secretary General of the PDSH, Mr. Tritan Shehu, received the Polish ambassador, Mr. Mirosllav Pashic, at the party’s headquarters, at the latter’s request. The ambassador congratulated the PDSH on its admission to the EUCD and also on Albania’s support in the Council of Europe. The meeting discussed relations between the two countries, with the parties expressing their willingness to expand relations between Albania and Poland. The progress of economic reforms in both countries was also discussed. The need for joint cooperation in support of consolidating democracy in the two countries was emphasized. At his request, the Greek ambassador Hristos Caliqis was received at the PDSH headquarters by its Secretary General, Mr. Tritan Shehu. Ambassador Caliqis conveyed his congratulations on the successful meetings held in Athens some time ago by the high-level PDSH delegation. He also congratulated Albania on its admission to (Continued on page 3)

Question: Mr. Shehu, in an interview given to the newspaper “Koha Jonë,” Neritan Ceka stated that “the DP’s membership was granted because the Greek party New Democracy, which was a member of this union (EUCD), opened the way for it to join quickly. This was done on the basis of an agreement between Mr. Tritan Shehu and the representative of New Democracy in Bucharest, an agreement that was not made public at this meeting.”

By LORENC LIGORI PAGE 2

Why was H. Isai removed to be replaced by G. Ruçi? By EDI PALOKA PAGE 3

By Liman Daci, Doctor of Economic Sciences P. 4

iberia taj çudi- O tigra egtia gra do …en nga athon odhan (pasi) me te …jve retash PUZI 18 49