Speech by the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, delivered at the open meeting of the National Council of the Democratic Party 29 June will rank among the most significant dates for our nation Speech by the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, delivered at the open meeting of the National Council of the Democratic Party Distinguished members of the National Council of the Democratic Party, invited guests and those present. Without any doubt, these days and this month constitute a significant event for the Democratic Party and our nation. For all of us, this accomplished and repeated circumstance is at the same time the selection of a new perspective for our country, a new beginning for its future. This beginning, for every free people and every free nation, is a good beginning. In any case, because of its particularities, it deserves to be established on the foundations of great human and national freedoms. In this context, the beginning of a new political campaign, as well as the holding of free and democratic elections, constitutes for us a moment of special importance. In this sense, I wish to stress that 29 June, as a significant date in the political and social history of the country, will rank among the most important dates for our nation. Today, we are not merely on the eve of elections. We are facing a great test of democratic maturity, civic trust and the determination to move forward. Political forces, state institutions and the Albanian citizens themselves share a common responsibility for the standards of these elections. The Democratic Party enters this contest with full conviction that the achievements so far, the sacrifices of the citizens and its program for the country’s development will find the support of the majority of Albanians. We have gone through difficult years, but we have built the foundations of a free society, dismantled the mechanisms of oppression and opened the path to a market economy, private property and free initiative. These are not just slogans. They are facts felt in everyday life, in schools, roads, businesses and institutions that have begun to take shape in the new Albania. Precisely for this reason, 29 June is not merely a calendar date, but a historical test for the continuity of reforms and for the strengthening of democracy. I believe that Albanian citizens will know how to clearly distinguish between alternatives, between empty promises and concrete programs, between the past that seeks to return and the future that is being built. We enter these elections with a clear program, with the best candidates and with the will to serve the country. The victory of 29 June will be a victory for democracy, freedom and Albania’s integration into the European family. (Continues on page 4) President of the Republic Sali Berisha at the podium of the meeting of the National Council of the Democratic Party

The atmosphere at the meeting of the National Council of the Democratic Party on the occasion of the 6th anniversary of its founding and the selection of this party’s candidates for parliament was characterized by extraordinary enthusiasm. The National Council of the DPA unanimously selected the party’s candidates for parliament and appointed the party’s electoral staff. The National Council of the DPA accompanied this appointment with cheers of “Victory, victory.” The National Council of the DPA elected by secret ballot the chairman of the party’s Central Election Commission, Mr. Eduard Selami, and also approved the procedure for holding internal party elections. Speaking about this NEC meeting, Democratic Party President Sali Berisha said that “they will create an excellent atmosphere in this party, which no one will be able to leave without a role in the great victory of 26 May.” (Continues on page 4)

A moving testament to the two threads: Albania in the embrace of Europe In the voting of 29 June, a new stage in political thinking in Albania will be inaugurated. For the first time in our history, a list of candidates selected with criteria that meet the standards of a serious party will be presented. Free and fair elections are the fundamental condition for European integration and for strengthening the democratic state. The Democratic Party enters these elections with the conviction that it will receive the mandate of the citizens to continue reforms and deepen cooperation with western partners. Subscribe regularly to the newspaper “Rilindja Demokratike” at the offices of the publishing house “8 Nëntori” or through our distributors in the districts. The subscription price is 10 lekë. (Continues on page 4)

On the admission of the Democratic Party to the International in Europe Resolution No. 2 of the National Council of the Democratic Party On the admission of the Democratic Party to the International in Europe The National Council of the Democratic Party, meeting in Tirana on 6 March 1995: (Continues on page 4) Resolution of the National Council of the Democratic Party, meeting in Tirana on 6 March 1995; meeting in Tirana on 6 March 1995.

The DP weakens precisely on those sacred principles that strengthened and enriched it All the acts of our governance are guided by the ideal of freedom, equality before the law and the protection of the public interest. The Democratic Party will not abandon these fundamental principles, because it was precisely they that made it strong and earned it the citizens’ trust. We will continue to build strong institutions, an efficient administration and an open, competitive economy. Only on these sacred principles can a free and democratic society move forward. (Continues on page 4)

We must love all of Albania so that others may love us I believe that every Albanian should be conscious and ready, with all their energy and abilities, to answer the call to defend national dignity and strengthen the country’s position on the international stage. The Democratic Party has always regarded as fundamental the building of a rule-of-law state, respect for freedoms and human rights, and the expansion of relations with our friends and partners. Only in this way can Albania win the respect it deserves and move confidently toward European integration. (Continues on page 4)

Welcome to Albania President Demirel At the invitation of the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, today the President of Turkey, Mr. Suleyman Demirel, arrives in Albania for a two-day visit. The President of Turkey’s visit to our country is an important event for the life of both countries, and especially for the friendship and cooperation between them. President Demirel comes to Albania at a time when our two countries have taken important steps to strengthen their relations, especially in areas where cooperation and bilateral relations have begun to take shape and come to life. In this stage in the path of the two states, Turkey is the first country whose large number of businesspeople is seriously investing in the Albanian economy. These investments are already known in the capital, as well as in telecommunications, light and heavy industry, and a number of political, economic and cultural fields. Based on the other talks expected to be held between Albanians and Turks, their economic cooperation in the above-mentioned fields will be further concretized and will grow. Albania and Turkey are two countries in the Balkan area that have coexisted for centuries, have mutual interests and historically have had stable relations. The President of Turkey’s visit to Albania is the most important high-level visit made to our country in the last six years. The Albanian people welcome the Turkish President with love and respect, as a great and important friend and ally. And by viewing and treating his visit as a great event for Albanian-Turkish friendship and cooperation, it will help bilateral interests move forward more quickly and successfully. (Continues on page 4)

Speech by Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi Ladies and gentlemen of the National Council and esteemed members of the Democratic Party. We all know that democratic governance is not just a slogan, but a way of responsibility, transparency and service to citizens. The reforms we have undertaken aim to build a functioning market economy, increase investment, guarantee order and strengthen Albania’s international position. It is through these reforms that our country is drawing closer to Europe and winning the trust of partners. The government will continue this path with determination. (Continues on page 4)