We are publishing for the first time the letter that two Kosovars from Camp 307 Rubik sent to the former Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the PPSH, in which they ask: 1. To be returned to prison, where we can be sent without physical suffering 2. To be allowed to receive financial assistance from our families, without customs duties. This assistance would put us on an equal footing with the locals, whom nobody prevents from being helped by their own families. READ ON PAGE 4 DP Conference in Durres

Construction of the Lushnje–Ballagat road has begun The joint Albanian-Greek Commission met

May ’92–June & July ’95. Three years during which Albania, led by President Berisha, the democratic government, the PDSH and the other democratic forces, laid the foundations of the rule-of-law state, of freedom and individual rights, of the market economy; laid the foundations of democracy. Sali Berisha, President of the Republic of Albania: “29 June will be ranked among the most memorable dates for our nation. This day marks the complete triumph of the natural inclination of Albanians and their European orientation...” 4–6 MAY 1992 The first President of democratic Albania, Mr. Sali Berisha, makes his first visit to the Council of Europe. The symbolic figure of the movements for democracy officially deposited the request of a European people to take its place as an equal in the European family. 29 JUNE 1995 In a unanimous vote, the Parliamentary Assembly accepts Albania as a full member of the CoE and recommends that the Committee of Ministers ratify this admission. 10–13 JULY 1995 10 July 1995 — The Committee of Ministers of the CoE ratified the unanimous vote of the CoE Parliamentary Assembly to admit Albania as a full member of the CoE. At the formal ceremony on this occasion, held yesterday, 13 July 1995, in the presence of President Martinez, the Chairman of the CoE Committee of Ministers, Mr. Jelenic, and other European dignitaries, our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alfred Serreqi, and the Secretary General of the CoE, Tarshys, signed the historic document admitting Albania as the 36th member of the CoE. The Albanian flag was the first in the row of European flags. ...after half a century of imprisonment. Three years that gave birth to and strengthened the institutions of democracy, that enshrined the separation and independence of the branches of government, that established the rule of law. Three years during which an entire destroyed, centralized economy was completely transformed into a free market economy, into an economy with “high annual growth rates.” Three years of the flourishing of free initiative and private property. These are three years in which democratic Albania increased its authority through its policy of peace and stability. These are three years in which Albania finally cast off the great oblivion and absurd self-isolation, when Albania felt the affection and support of countries, institutions and international organizations. These are three years that rightly make all Albanians who contributed to these days proud. Albanians everywhere, in Tirana, Prishtine, etc., feel stronger today. Meanwhile, the road continues. The desire and will of democratic Albania to constantly embody itself is the guarantee that has been given. Just two days before the flag was raised, Berisha assured us: “On our path, our most precious potential is and remains freedom.” The outlook is more than promising... Let us all contribute to the development of democracy. to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe regarding Albania’s admission as a full member of the Council of Europe. At the formal ceremony Martinez, the Chairman of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, Zelenic, Alfred Serreqi, and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Tarschys, of the Council of Europe. European flags. Albania is the newest member of the Council of Europe. Albania is the 36th member of the European family. The Albanian flag, the flag of Skenderbeu, flew yesterday in Strasbourg, and was even the first among all the other European flags. Europe will naturally begin with the state called “Albania.” “Ancient nations belong to eternity. So does our nation,” says Berisha, encapsulating not only the natural affinity and European orientation of Albanians, but also that centuries-old saga of struggle, hardship, and resistance to survive, worthy of Europe. Albania is worthy of the Europe of the late 20th century, worthy of a Europe that holds nothing more sacred than freedom and human rights, the rule of law, peace, and progress. “I belonged to a special European category, those who did not receive freedom from our parents,” says Martinez. But what of Albania, what of the Albanians? It is enough to mention, just for a moment, 50 years of one of the most brutal dictatorships known to humanity. It is enough to recall Albania in the dark year of ’91 to come somewhat closer to grasping the scale of the three-year Albanian miracle, whose true, majestic dimensions will emerge years later. Three years in which Albania made real the centuries-old dream of a suffering people who never received from history as much as they deserved. Three years in which Albania left behind prisons, camps, executions without trial and [??], poverty bordering on destitution, and absurd self-isolation. Just three years, and Albania meets the criteria of a centuries-old democratic Europe. These are three years in which the dream of Albania’s student elite, the students of December ’90, was fulfilled—the call that burst from their hearts: “We want Albania to be like all of Europe.” That is why Berisha declared: “The first credit belongs to Albanian youth.” These are three years in which Albania has guaranteed, in law and practice, the rights and freedoms of individuals and minorities. Three years during which Albanians have enjoyed the freedoms of European citizens, View of the CoE building in Strasbourg

Joint press conference of Presidents Berisha-Demirel At the conclusion of the two-day visit to our country by Turkish President Sulejman Demirel and the delegation accompanying him, Presidents Berisha and Demirel held a joint press conference yesterday at midday at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana. Photo: A.BABANI Address by the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha Address by the Turkish President, Mr. Sulejman Demirel First of all, I would like to thank you for the warm and generous hospitality and the special interest shown by you, Mr. President Berisha, the Albanian government, the Albanian parliament and the entire Albanian people

Yesterday, the political adviser to the President of the Republic, Mr. Genc Pollo, was received in Athens by the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Karolos Papulias, and handed him a letter from President Berisha addressed to the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Stefanopulos. Mr. Pollo expressed President Berisha’s commitment to further deepening the friendship and cooperation between our two countries and requested Greece’s support for opening negotiations on an Association Agreement with the European Union. Minister Papulias expressed his willingness to further strengthen cooperation and friendship in every possible field. He emphasized the great importance of cooperation and understanding between our two countries, both for the countries themselves and for the stability of the region. He said that Greece would fully support any further integration of Albania into the European Union and the Atlantic Alliance. Mr. Pollo also discussed President Stefanopulos’s upcoming visit to Albania. Press and Information Office attached to the President

Ladies and gentlemen. I would like once again to thank the distinguished friend of Albania, the President of Turkey, Mr. Sulejman Demirel, for this successful visit, which gave a further, great impetus to the friendship and very good cooperation, and to the excellent relations that exist between our two friendly countries. Friendship and cooperation between Albania and Turkey have diverse and longstanding roots and ties, but they have seen new and very positive developments over the past three years. In all these developments, the President has played a special and important role. (Continued on page 3)

the great and warm hospitality, and for the special interest shown in us parliament, and the entire Albanian people, ever since we arrived in Tirana. As soon as we landed at the airport, I told the television gentleman that we had arrived in our second homeland. We did not come to a foreign country. As I leave now, I would like to repeat what I said earlier. I think that during this visit, if I am to speak about the nature of the meetings I held with President Berisha and Prime Minister Meksi, and with representatives of the political parties, I can find no other word than “sincerity.” Our region is an extremely delicate one. In the context of Europe’s restructuring, the Balkans must always be at the forefront of our thinking. And while Europe was being restructured, the breakup of the former Yugoslavia took place, and the phenomenon of Bosnia emerged, which is a disgrace to humanity. Unfortunately, this has continued for two and a half years. (Continued on page 3)

Demirel, among our most distinguished friends Esteemed Mr. President, Esteemed members of parliament, Esteemed friends and guests, In Albania there is a popular saying: The house belongs to its owner and to its guests. Among our most distinguished friends is Mr. Sulejman Demirel, President of the Turkish Republic. By opening our borders and expanding contacts, we have made many acquaintances around the world, but we will always abide by the principle: “Make new friends, but keep the old friend at the head of the table, for he will stand by you in good times and bad.” I have met Mr. Demirel even when he was (Continued on page 3)

“As your friends, today we feel happy when we see that the Albanian people have set out toward a future full of hope” Esteemed Mr. Chairman, Distinguished representatives of the friendly Albanian people, During this second visit I am making after the establishment of a democratic regime in Albania, which we consider a close friend and neighbor, I have the great happiness of having the opportunity to address (Continued on page 3)

14 July—France’s National Day SAMi MILLOSHI France, at the heights of world civilization, celebrates its national holiday today. Albanians hold the French people in high esteem because, on 14 July 1789, they stormed the Bastille, marking not only the end of feudal absolutism but also the beginning of a new era in the world. The great French Revolution and its ideas became engines of rapid developments not only in France but throughout the world. Thus France remained, and continues to be, a symbol of progress and modern civilization, a point of reference and a powerful impetus for political, cultural, and scientific initiatives. Such is France, the home of luminaries of world culture, also for Albanians, who suffered so greatly under the communist dictatorship. France’s National Day has now become an event inscribed in the memory of Albanians. This is an occasion for Albanians to send their best wishes to the French people for prosperity, flourishing, and further progress. It is also an opportunity today to point out that relations between democratic Albania and France are very good and have developed successfully in all fields—political, cultural, economic, and others. France has given full and comprehensive support to Albanian democracy, to the consolidation of the rule of law, the market economy mechanism, the establishment of democratic institutions, and so on. Albanians will never forget any of this, nor the strong support France has given Albania in its process of integration into Europe. They are grateful to France for the invaluable assistance that a developed democratic country has given, and continues to give, to our country as it pursues democracy. In this context, the meeting between President Berisha and former President Fransua Miteran is worth noting, as it gave an impetus to the development of Albanian-French relations, as did Prime Minister Meksi’s visit to Paris, during which the Albanian-French Treaty of Friendship was signed—a very important political and diplomatic document. It should be emphasized that Albanian-French relations are growing stronger because official Paris understands and feels very well the European vocation of official Tirana. Today, on France’s National Day, which, given its significance, deserves to be called Europe Day, Albanians recall that a consolidated right-wing government is now governing in France. On this occasion, we extend our best wishes to President Zhak Shirak as well for further success in his career. On the other hand, it is entirely natural that Albanian-French relations should now and henceforth make rapid progress. Albania was admitted to the Council of Europe, and yesterday the Albanian flag was raised in Strasbourg, France. Albanians are grateful to France for its strong support in this historic victory they have achieved. Albania and the Albanians will know how to honorably appreciate France’s contribution during this year and the first years of Albanian democracy.

Interview with the French ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Luis Demonici, given to our editor Dukagjin Hata PAGE 2 “Death lists”—a premeditated crime Failure of the Nano case in Strasbourg; Hajdaraga attacks Dokle Statement: The killers on trial!

On behalf of our Parliamentary Assembly, I wish to welcome this member state, the 36th, Albania, to the CoE. Alfred Serreqi: Albania is determined to continue on the path of democracy It is a particular pleasure and an emotional moment for me Daniel Tarschys: With these admissions, we will be honored Today we welcome two new members to the CoE, Albania and Moldova, adding colors to the parade of flags in front of the European Parliament. Jozef Zielenic: Albania is more than the 36th member Three years ago, President Berisha personally and officially requested membership in the CoE. READ ON PAGE 2