Speech by the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, delivered at the 4th congress of the Italian PD Albania’s aspiration, embodied in the Albanian people's decision to finally break away from the yoke of the harsh Stalinist dictatorship, xenophobia and isolation, and to embrace the family of European nations, was formalized with the solemn act of Albania’s accession to the Council of Europe. I have the particular pleasure of greeting your forum, whose participants include highly esteemed and valued friends of the Albanians. A. De Lorenzo, Fausto Berti, Xh. Tremaglie, Italian deputies and senators who, in relation to my country and the Albanians, have been and remain great and distinguished friends. We Albanians, with such closeness and admiration for Italy, just as Italy does for us, have experienced and are experiencing this friendship more and more every day as a reality, with the deepest conviction that this is not a chance sentiment, but one grounded in strong historical, geographical and social realities. Today, Italy is Albania’s main partner. In the fields of human activity, especially economic activity, relations have entered the path of their unstoppable brotherhood. Just as strong as the ties that unite us today are the roots they have in the past. Our history has shown long periods of coexistence and mutual understanding. For us Albanians, Italy’s and the Italians’ contribution to the creation of the Albanian state, to its consolidation, and at the most critical moments for the fate of our nation, has been very great. Snow-covered Tirana and the 4th Congress of the PDS, a symbolic photo for the unstoppable transformation of communism into neocommunism. In fact, the entire apparatus of the Italian Communist Party and its press tried and are trying with all the means of propaganda to hide from public opinion not only the transformation of communists into social democrats, to replace their name and not their doctrine, but, as the commentary in “Corriere della Sera” writes, to avoid any comparison between them and the PPSH. And today, as the president of “Corriere della Sera”, Mr. Ugo Stille, has pointed out, the PDS team “feels uneasy” for good reason, because Italy and Albania are moving in opposite directions. While in Albania the Stalinists and the nomenklatura are retreating before progress, in Italy they are still surviving as opponents of reforms and democracy. (to be continued on page 4)

President Berisha honored James Belushi, who has Albanian roots It was a pleasant surprise to see the great American actor of Albanian origin James Belushi arrive last evening in our capital and to witness the honor paid to him by the President of the Republic. In the reception hall of the Palace of Brigades, before personalities from the arts and culture, Mrs. Jozefina Topalli, PD deputies Kastriot Islami [?], Preç Zogaj and the mayor of Tirana, Mr. Albert Brojka, Mr. Belushi said he was deeply moved by his arrival in Albania. “Our country can be a bridge for dialogue between Europe and the East,” said Mr. Belushi. (to be continued on page 4) Photo 1. A. Abdani

Tirana PD has played a decisive role in democratic developments The chairman of PD Tirana, comrade Tritan Shehu, said at the meeting with the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, that “Tirana PD has played an important and decisive role in the democratic developments that have taken place in Albania during these years, as well as in advancing reforms and the country's progress. PD Tirana branch is the largest branch of PD and has made a special and immense contribution throughout the entire process of democratic change in our country.” Mr. Berisha, among other things, said that Tirana PD has always played an important role in the economic and political development of the country thanks to the dynamism, wisdom and valuable contributions of the leadership forum of the Tirana branch since the meeting of 12 December 1990 and onward. (to be continued on page 4)

Albania took its deserved place among the civilized nations of Europe PD-SO [?], grateful to the reformers, personalities and distinguished figures of our nation, took its deserved place among the civilized nations of Europe, said President Berisha while greeting the meeting organized by the PD of Durrës. The important turning point of the reforms of recent years became possible only thanks to courage, determination and the strength to tear down the old world and build the new society. Mr. Berisha said that “PD has made its choice and that choice is Albania’s European integration. This choice is not a slogan but our deep conviction, because we consider it the only path the Albanian nation should follow”. (to be continued on page 4)

The privatization program is moving at a rapid pace Ladies and gentlemen, First of all allow me to thank you for the honor you do me with this invitation you have extended to me to take part in this meeting, about which I find it very difficult not to speak with enthusiasm. Over the past five years Albania has transformed itself into a free and democratic country, with a developing market economy and a rapid integration into Europe. We can no longer return to the past. What has happened in Albania is more than a political revolution. It is a profound transformation of our society. The privatization program is one of the main pillars of the economic reforms. It has moved at a rapid pace and has included important sectors of the economy. With this program we are creating the foundations of a free, competitive and modern economy. (to be continued on page 2)

The well-known Albanian-American actor James Belushi exclusively for “RD” I am Albanian and I am proud of it The well-known Albanian-American actor James Belushi exclusively for “RD” As if the sufferings I feel there I became free and I was able to make Albania free The invited guest of the President The Albanian with a kihinon - Bersha (to be continued on page 3)

From ration coupons to 3,000 food items! “Gazeta shqiptare”, servant of the fascist empire From ration coupons to 3,000 food items!

The working group for Albania in the German Bundestag will be expanded The conclusion of the Declaration of the Albanian Helsinki Committee is grotesque