PD and Berisha victory in the upcoming elections

Press conference of the EU Ambassador in Tirana, Dilo Germano The reforms have made Albanians optimistic Albanians have responded positively to Europe on the issue of democracy p.3

The American Embassy refutes “ZP” The Embassy of the United States of America in Tirana has thoroughly reviewed the article entitled, “State Department Report on Human Rights in Albania,” which appeared in your newspaper on 13 March 1996, page 3. The Embassy has not accurately interpreted the State Department's Human Rights Report for Albania, as published by the Department on 6 March 1996. The Embassy further notes that the article quotes selectively from the report in a way which omits and distorts the positive and negative aspects of the report. The Department Report notes accurately the progress and shortcomings in Albania in 1995. Specifically, the report observed improvements in the conduct of police, increased freedom of religion and speech, and noted the progress in privatization. It also criticized some of the treatment of some opposition members, actions of the Government against some journalists, and restrictions on human rights organizations. The Embassy in Tirana requests that your newspaper print the complete text of this letter, and present to the public the entire and objective review of the State Department Human Rights Report on Albania. The Embassy believes that your newspaper will appreciate the importance of presenting the complete and objective review, in order to permit the Albanian people to form impartial views. Sincerely, Christopher Hill Ambassador

The work of the socialists shows that he now serves not only as a destabilizing factor in the country, but also as an instrument of slander and media fabrications. This truth emerges naturally, strong on issues of democracy. Determined to preserve calm in the country and to lead it toward broader prosperity, the PD and the democratic government have made real a series of difficult but historic reforms, in order to bring Albanians closer to Western standards. Today the Albanian political class is in a period in which everything can be assessed more clearly, more soberly, independent of the early emotions of the years of pluralism. In this context it is clear that the socialist chairman SHP, Mr. Rexhep Meidani and Mr. Fatos Nano, have become the expression of a policy that has not only lost its connection with Albanian society, but is increasingly being put at the service of destabilization and slander. Europe likes development, order and stability. It has always supported the forces that work for integration and the rule of law. That is why the messages coming from international partners are clear: Albanians are optimistic because they have seen concrete change in their lives. Blocking processes, attacks on institutions and false propaganda can no longer be sold as an alternative. Citizens have become more aware and know how to tell who works for the country and who works for narrow party interests. Within this framework, the upcoming elections are expected as an important test for the democratic future of the country. PD and President Berisha are presented as the guarantee for the continuation of reforms, for strengthening the state, and for Albania's European integration.

The Albanian President: Also an important contribution of his to the integration and recognition of Albania in Europe

A new sign [?] of support for the reformist course of the Albanian President was also the successful visit to Slovenia. Slovenian archive [?] officials from the municipal office and the regional press welcomed the Albanian President's visit in 1995 and the meetings held there. The daily press highly praised cooperation between the two countries and the deepening of economic relations, especially in the field of privatization and trade. The success of this visit was also seen as a sign of Albania's broader integration into the European space.

Mysly[?], deputy executive secretary of the LDK, accused the ambassadors of several states, according to him led by Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, of exerting pressure on Kosovo institutions to accept the double game of certain structures. In this context he also accused Luka of unclear positions and of attempting to manipulate public opinion. In the analysis made by the local press, this issue is linked to political developments in Kosovo and to efforts to preserve the unity of the Albanian political factor.

After beating him, the police forcibly locked him up all night in a detention room This is how the Serbian police treated writer and patriot Adem Demaçi yesterday. Shocked and shaken by the actions of the Serbian police and outraged by the violations of human rights in Kosovo, he publicly denounced his treatment. According to Albanian sources, Demaçi was detained and held overnight in harsh conditions, without any lawful explanation. The event has caused strong reactions in public opinion and in Albanian political circles.

Exit visas with Albania are abolished The government spokesman and the head of the Macedonian government, Cvetko Cvetkovski, stated that the abolition of exit visas with Albania stems from the improvement of relations between the two countries and from the interests of free movement of citizens. He assessed that this decision represents an important step toward regional rapprochement and mutual cooperation. Relations between Albania and Macedonia have seen new positive developments during this period.

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