Yesterday, President Sali Berisha held a meeting with the newly elected chairmen of the executive committees of PD branches in the districts. Also attending the meeting were the PD’s Secretary General, Shehu, and vice-chairmen Dosti, Spahia and Hysenbegasi. In his address, President Berisha emphasized, among other things: First, I want to greet you and express my deep confidence that, through your honesty, dedication and abilities, you will earn and fully justify the vote and confidence the PD members placed in you. I also want to thank from the heart all those who, for reasons of the statute or other reasons, were not re-elected. They are, and will remain, valued activists of the PD. ... electoral [campaign] of the PD, the great renewal achieved by the PD in this party election campaign is one of the greatest achievements in its history. But I want to assure you that the successful implementation of the PD’s program and the honest fulfillment of its promises are also the main reasons for our successful renewal. ... What stood out was the mass influx into the PD of capable individuals, more committed to democracy and its values. The party election campaign showed that the new reality created over the past four years is highly valued by the most active elements, groups and forces in society. The PD’s authority and the confidence placed in it have grown sharply and steadily. elected to the leaderships of the PD branches in the districts. The Secretary-General of the PD, Shehu, and deputy chairmen Dosti, Spahia, and Hysenbegasi also took part in this meeting. In his speech, greet you and offer my heartfelt congratulations on your election to the important position of PD chairpersons, and express my confidence that you will fully deserve and justify the vote and trust that from the bottom of my heart all those who, for statutory remain, valuable activists of the PD. Following the achievements in implementing its contract and successfully fulfilling the program’s promises But I want to assure you that the major reason for our successful renewal lies in fulfillment of its promises. This party electoral campaign, which was conducted in accordance with the democratic norms of a party, is one of the greatest achievements in the history of elections in the Party. It demonstrated that the new reality created over these trust placed in it have grown strongly and steadily. The electorate was convinced, and is becoming more convinced every day, that the PD implements (Continued on page 2) …more widely distributed. Berisha! …that which you do not have, all that venom gathered against an Albanian who was once a friend—it is quite clear to everyone that you yourself have become convinced that as long as he was and respected by everyone, inside and outside Albania. They respected him for the qualities God had bestowed upon him, demonstrated by the results, the grades …Was the “namesake,” the former Minister of the “Communist Gestapo,” really so far-sighted, when from the very first days he publicly declared: Anyone could become President, except Sali Berisha? Were the former ministers of the dictatorship so far-sighted?! The ministers of communism? of communism? Was he so far-sighted, the former ... publicly declared: Anyone could become President, except Sali Berisha? On one day—4 March 1946—six others were executed, including Giovan Fausti and among them Sami Qeribashi and his companions. On yet another day—31 December 1946—the execution of the nationalist and patriot Riza Dani, together with six other innocent companions, was ordered. (Continued on page 2)

“The person you love has no flaws; start not loving them, and you’ll see how many flaws they have” “The person you love has no flaws; start not loving them, and you’ll see how many flaws they have” PJETER PEPA Member of Parliament This proverbial saying by the wise Sami Frasheri came to mind when I read your article, Mr. Broka. As always, a great deal of poison against democracy, but this time somewhat more concentrated against the number one figure of the Albanian state, Mr. Berisha! That you have not kept your poison bottled up against an Albanian is perfectly clear to everyone, since even you are convinced that when he was a “man in a white coat,” like you and me, he was honored and respected by ... ... everyone, from the simplest Albanian to you, who were once a minister in the communist governments. So how did it happen that this man, until yesterday so honored and respected by both you and me, turned out to be so “bad,” contrary to what you expected—or, as the people say, “your wish didn’t come true”?! It is perfectly understandable! Your poison has gathered around him as President!! That is where you see all the “evil and flaws” you spew in your article! And perhaps someone might believe that after all these years you, as the expert you are, have identified them so courageously (or shamelessly) and listed them for us. Just don’t forget! “No one is rich enough to buy their own history,” the scholars say—history has its own truth, its events and facts, and however much you try to distort it, it speaks in its own language. After all these years, “someone” might believe he was “so evil,” but every honest Albanian is troubled by the question: “Why didn’t you and your comrades love him from the very first day?! Why did you and all your comrades vote against him that day?! And naturally the question follows: Are you so wise? Are you still such experts, you former ministers of the dictatorship?! Former ministers of communism? Were you, “my namesake,” so far-sighted, you former Minister of the “Communist Gestapo,” who declared publicly from the very first days that...” ... MP Bardhyl Fasko, who declared: “Next year I’ll still be an MP, and you, Pjeter Arbnori, won’t”?! And that is exactly how it turned out! They say Bardhyl Fasko would end up somewhere “in prison,” while Pjeter Arbnori became Speaker of the People’s Assembly! And, as it happened, you made Sali Berisha President, while G.Ruçi still hasn’t reached his final stop ... Well, Mr. Zabit, I believe you remember the first confrontation in Parliament well! “Your friends came with pistols at their waists and automatic weapons in their cars, and you know best when you handed over your pistol (a pistol ... figure it out yourself); perhaps you still use a pseudonym” that you once had. But for you to have the face and courage to write, and even defend, the “40 days” of your namesake G.Ruçi, the former Minister of killings during Albania’s most difficult days! Good for you!! What a brave man ... what a shameless man! For you know very well, Mr. Broka, that Albania’s painful history records many terrible events that took place in just one day!! On one day alone—1 March 1945—17 Albanians were sentenced to execution by firing squad, from Fiqei Alizoti to Bahri Omari!! —On one day—4 March 1946—six more were executed, from Giovan i Fausti to Mark Çuni. —On another day—3 July 1946—eight Albanians were executed, including Sami Çeribashi and his comrades. —On one day—31 December 1946 ...

In a message of condolence sent to President Clinton following the tragic death near Sarajevo of three senior diplomats who were members of the American delegation negotiating the latest peace plan for the former Yugoslavia, President Berisha praised the character of Ambassador Robert er Freizher and Dr. Jozef Kruzel, a friend of our country who has visited Albania twice and made a special contribution to drafting the “Partnership for Peace” between NATO and the countries of Eastern Europe. Their commitment to a mission intended to end the suffering of millions of innocent people and the consequences of aggression makes them unforgettable in the consciousness of their families and their great nation, the telegram says. President Berisha also considers President Clinton’s decision to continue peace negotiations in the Balkans without interruption to be of particular importance. Press and Information Office of the President

Interview with the Minister of Industry, Transport and Trade, Ms. Suzana Panariti —I am very optimistic about women’s participation and achievements —My concern: completing the projects already begun ... privatizing key sectors such as telecommunications and rail transport ... bilateral and multilateral negotiations ... Interview with the Minister of Industry, Transport and Trade, Ms. Suzana Panariti I have devoted myself to my profession —I am very optimistic about women’s participation and achievements —My concern: completing the projects already begun ... privatizing key sectors such as telecommunications and rail transport ... bilateral and multilateral negotiations ... Question: Ms. Panariti, you were appointed Minister of Industry, Transport and Trade, becoming the first woman minister in the Meksi Government. Meanwhile, the ministerial cabinets include several deputy ministers, many department directors, and so on. Do you think your appointment to this post is also evidence of the contribution women make to the governance of the country? Answer: The inclusion of women at all levels and in all state and party structures is a reality that has been reshaped in recent years. The presence of women as ministers, deputy ministers and department directors speaks not only to their professional and organizational abilities, but also to their support for reforms, democratic governance and development in general. I am very optimistic about their participation and achievements in the positions they hold. Question: What has your professional career been like? Answer: I completed my higher education at the Faculty of Economics in 1979, and since then everything has been connected with my profession, to which I have devoted myself. Until 1985, I worked at the Construction and Mining Enterprise and at the Institute for Mining Studies and Design in Tirana, while also teaching at the Faculty of Economics throughout that period. The years 1985–94 marked my complete move to the Faculty of Economics, to the “Production Management” department; indeed, for the last two years I was head of that department. I took up the position of deputy minister last year, and today I serve as minister. Throughout this time I have tried to further my professional development, a goal that will remain with me at every moment. Question: The institution you head has a broad scope and deals with reform every day. What changes and solutions do you intend to introduce now that you have taken this post? Answer: Our ministry is very complex because of the range of sectors it covers. It includes enterprises ranging from coal production, leather and footwear, and mechanical and electromechanical industry, to all activities related to domestic trade and transport, including its branches. Having come to my current position from the post of deputy minister in this same ministry, I think my future work will be guided by the strategies for the projects already under way, based on the strategies drawn up by managers and specialists. Our foremost concern will be the privatization of two key sectors (Continued on page 2)

Reply to the ZP article: “Privatization or theft” Every privatized enterprise marks a step toward breaking with the past Reply to the ZP article: “Privatization or theft” Privatization—a necessary, lawful and transparent process Every privatized enterprise marks a step toward breaking with the past All international institutions, and not without reason, have ultimately described privatization as an entirely socio-political process. This is also the axis around which all the elements of reform, as well as political perspectives and positions, revolve, because what is at issue is the real transformation of systems. Thus, privatization is the process that establishes a new social order; this is also why it must be radical, rapid and transparent. These elements must give people the opportunity to participate as broadly as possible in the process, so as to release the energy of market forces that were forcibly kept closed off for 50 years and that left-wing political circles are, in fact, trying by every means to keep closed. Therefore, not privatizing means remaining stuck in place. It is too “dangerous” for any government (all the more so one that came to power through democratic elections) to enforce rules governing who may and may not manage and work in “its” businesses. If 100% of “businesses” remained in government hands, the “temptation” would be strong. This is also the heart of the conflict between political ideas; it is also the source of the causes, friction, criticism, speculation and deception directed at the privatization process by the extreme left. Their complaints that property is the people’s property or the fruit of their labor and is going to waste, and that the economy ... (all their accusations), are demagoguery. The real reason is the loss of the economic base on which the superstructure of socialist-communist ideology rests, and the loss of the basis for recreating a bureaucratic state. Therefore: The less state monopoly over management and employment, the better for the development of a democratic order. The privatization process is carried out for one purpose: To change the ownership structure very quickly, based on two basic ideas: 1. The only way to ensure the development of a market economy is through privatization—THERE IS NO OTHER WAY. 2. The sooner this process is completed, the sooner economic growth will begin. SPEED IS THE PRIORITY. The democratic government was burdened with carrying out this difficult mission and facing all the conflicts and barriers created during the past 50 years, when the complete destruction of ownership rights was carried out. As the conscious owner and defender of the reform, it has borne the dissatisfaction, pressure and blackmail of political forces. The first goal is to combat harmful egalitarianism, the stifling of entrepreneurial ability and the development of the individual, so that everyone can find their proper place. The second goal is to favor the social groups that suffered the greatest losses and blows during the dictatorship, as promised. Results 1. Transparency: In 1991–1992, not a single property was advertised with a public offer to participate in privatization; the matter was discussed at no level. A few people decided, and favoritism was 100%, supposedly in favor of employees, while those favored by the authorities gained entry. In 1993–1994 and thereafter, not a single property went unpublished several times in every corner of the country. Every property was discussed and reviewed by a broad, pluralistic group of people. Favoritism was around 30%, mainly for former landowners, formerly politically persecuted people (the facts were presented in the People’s Assembly), and groups of employees. Who could identify party affiliation among 10–100 participants? And what about the former owners of the land? The year 1995, meanwhile, marks only 15% favoritism, mainly for former landowners; 85% was paid for with securities. Those who buy the enterprises can speak to how marketable they are. Mass privatization opens up a new and broad perspective for anyone who owns securities. Everyone has the right to acquire ownership in any enterprise they choose, guided by their own judgment. Everyone has the chance, not only during privatization but also afterward, to manage their voucher or share well. This is an opportunity to take another step toward breaking with the past. Chairman of the A.K.P. NIKO GLOZHENI

Instead of the PS’s “Pro-American” passport The “NANO” condition—personification of the PS’s anti-Europeanism The newly elected heads of DPSh branches invited to “RD” Interview with the chairman of the PD branch in the Librazhd district, Mr. Naun Sinani Interview with Balkan political analyst and historian Robert Austin PAGE 5 “ZP”—newspaper of criminal cults Above all, dedication, courage and devotion