President Berisha’s speech, delivered at the PD meeting in Tepelenë It is one of the special pleasures for me, in the course of my work for the PD and in the course of your work in these six years of daily efforts, to pause in this strong anti-communist stronghold of Albania, to pause in the district of Tepelenë. Tepelenë has long been known for its anti-communist resistance and has recorded in the lives of hundreds and hundreds of its children the efforts and deeds of opposition to the most barbaric regime our nation has known, the communist regime. For me it is a special pleasure to return today, six years after the creation of our party in the district of Tepelenë, where we laid, not only symbolically but in reality, one of the foundation stones of that party, which in a few years would become the spirit of freedom for Albanians and the spirit of hope for their future. Now, why am I here? Naturally, I have come for the election campaign, because I am convinced that a victory for the PD is of colossal importance, of vital importance for every Albanian, for the present and future of this country. If we analyze, one by one, the results of our joint work over four years and try to present them with a realistic eye, we can deeply understand not only the meaning of the victories achieved so far, but also the profound historical necessity of its victory in the coming elections. Tepelenë supported the historic victory over the dictatorship If we turn back the PD calendar for a moment, the first thing we established was the complete failure, not only of monist rule but also the complete failure of the reforms of socialism. The effort made up to that time by a group of communist intellectuals to reform socialism, to build a socialism with a human face, failed disgracefully, as did all attempts to reform it in our century. It took the intervention, courage and determination of the students, the burning of the terrible taboos that had been erected in Albania for the establishment of political pluralism. The student movement, as you know, was the first anti-communist political movement in Albania. It turned into the nationwide movement of 20 February, a movement which in fact toppled the foremost symbol of the communist dictatorship in Albania. Then, on 22 March 1992, Albanians, with their vote, dealt the final blow, gave their vote to what I have called and what I call a peaceful democratic revolution in Albania. Let us never forget that the victory of 22 March did not come like a bolt from a clear sky. It came because this country, because this district and hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of Albanians, had not only suffered the dictatorship, but had rejected it in conscience, in spirit and in action. That is why I say that Tepelenë, like many other areas of Albania, has its own historical merit in this victory. Freedom and human rights are among life’s greatest guarantees We came to power in conditions of profound economic and moral destruction. Albania was the most isolated, poorest and most trampled country on the continent. In these years, extraordinary work was done to establish the institutions of freedom, to guarantee the fundamental rights and liberties of citizens, to create the conditions for a market economy, to open the country to the world and to pull it out of misery. The building of the rule of law was and remains one of the PD’s greatest goals. There is no democracy without law, there is no secure freedom without institutions, and there is no future for a country that remains hostage to arbitrariness. That is why we have made great efforts to consolidate the administration, the judiciary, public order and to establish clear rules of the game for everyone. We will continue on this path. Albania needs stability, it needs development, it needs confidence in itself and in its partners. We will win the elections, because our alternative is the alternative of freedom, of the market, of the rule of law, of European integration and of national dignity. We will win the elections because Albanians now know that the path begun must not be interrupted. We do not promise miracles, but we do promise work, honesty, dedication and continuity. We promise a better Albania for Albanian families, for young people, for farmers, for business, for intellectuals, for pensioners. That is why I am confident that victory will be ours. (Continued on page 3) with full support in the victory

Opposition politician Zoran Gjingjiç accuses President Slobodan Milosheviç The balance sheet and the conditions with the communist government and with the communists of Albania will justify a return to power. According to announcements and agency reports, statements made in Belgrade by leaders of the Serbian opposition have triggered numerous reactions. Zoran Gjingjiç accuses President Slobodan Milosheviç of having financially assisted Albanian communist forces, with the aim of creating a political climate favorable to Serbian interests in the region. The material stresses that this support would also explain certain political positions in Tirana and would be linked to efforts to restore left-wing influence. Such statements, published in the day’s press, have caused widespread debate. Commentators note that the accusations come at a delicate moment for relations in the Balkans and that they are also being used in the context of domestic political campaigns. Nevertheless, Gjingjiç’s statements have been treated as a development of particular interest to Albanian public opinion. In the photo: “Gazeta shqiptare” Taken from “Gazeta Shqiptare”

Statement by the Journalists’ Association The leadership of the Association of Albanian Journalists condemns the ShIK decision to stop the photographer of the newspaper “Koha Jonë”, Almarin Nushi, and describes it as a direct attack on the free press. It is said that representatives of this structure prevented the journalist from carrying out his duties and created a climate of pressure on the media. The statement calls on state institutions to respect press freedom and not to use unacceptable methods against media workers. The Journalists’ Association expresses concern about the repetition of such incidents and underlines that they are contrary to democratic standards. According to the statement, media independence is a fundamental condition for the functioning of democracy and any violation of it should be publicly condemned. Authorities are urged to clarify the event and take measures so that such cases do not happen again. Taken from “Koha Jonë”

PD branch meeting in Tepelenë The President of the Republic, Dr. Sali Berisha, together with senior leaders of the Democratic Party, took part yesterday in the meeting of the party branch in the Tepelenë district. The analysis emphasized the full mobilization of the sections and the commitment of the structures to the upcoming elections. Participants spoke about the results achieved so far in the district, about improvements in infrastructure, supply and services, as well as the need for greater activity in rural areas. It was underlined that the PD remains the main political force and that its program enjoys broad support. At the end, it was requested that every section work with maximum intensity, strengthen contacts with the electorate and make known the achievements of the democratic government. Taken from ATSH

During the meeting with Bashkim Rusi in Gjirokastër (Photo by VAD - PSD) Regarding the idea of the Albanian social-democratic convention, V. Bushati said that the United PSD would not take part in it. “We continue to move along our political path,” he said. According to him, “independent positions remain the foundation of our political profile.” It was also stated that he attended the meeting with Bashkim Rusi as part of outreach to the electorate and that this communication was part of the political force’s engagement on the ground. At the meeting, there was discussion about the elections, inter-party cooperation and the need for a more moderate political culture. Bushati also addressed the harsh political rhetoric, emphasizing that “ftozoIta[?] is not suited to democracies.” He stressed that pluralism must be built on debate and mutual understanding, not on exclusionary language. At the end it was said that the United PSD would continue its campaign while preserving its political identity and seeking support for its program. Taken from “Koha Jonë” BLERI KASMI

I am leaving for France President Salli Berisha

The visit of Stefanopoulos to Tirana, historic