President Berisha's meeting with representatives of political parties On 1 March 1996 you outlined the change of times in Albania. You know how long and bitter this period of communist failures has been, with deep wounds in this country. It became very bad, very bad, very strong. For more than 40 years, a communist system with strong Stalinist elements isolated Albania and the Albanians in the most barbaric way, turning them into a nation of slaves. But at present I commend the initiative and the success of the meeting with you. Along with that, as you noted, a calm and free environment has been secured for political alternatives. We became people equipped with the most humane rules of democratic processes. A civilized country should allow itself to contribute to solutions and to finding the right paths for the future. Albania has already laid the foundations of modern society with a market economy, with the rule of law, with the concept of individual freedom and private property, with a free media and with pluralist life in its institutions. The new Albania is rising on democratic foundations, which are irreversible. They have great stability and our European future is tied to them. For this reason, every political force that feels itself part of the future must take an active part in this process. The President stressed that the government and the parliamentary majority remain determined to guarantee free and fair elections, to respect the rules of political competition and to ensure European standards in election administration. He underlined that the major changes of recent years are the result of the joint efforts of Albanian society to finally break away from the totalitarian past. Addressing the representatives of the parties, the President valued political dialogue as an essential instrument for strengthening institutions and preserving stability. In this context, he asked all political forces for responsibility, maturity and a will to cooperate.

The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, held a meeting yesterday with representatives of the political forces... The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, held a meeting yesterday with representatives of the political forces taking part in the coming elections. The meeting was attended by the chairman of the Democratic Alliance Party, Neritan Ceka, the secretary-general of the PSD, Sabri Godo, the chairman of PBK, Abdi Baleta, the chairman of PR, Fatmir Mediu, the chairman of PSHDK, Nikollë Lesi, the chairman of PDK, Ylli Vejsiu, and representatives of other parties. During the meeting, views were exchanged on the normal conduct of the election campaign, on respect for the law, and on the need to create an atmosphere of calm and understanding during the electoral process. The importance of the participation of all political forces in the race and the necessity of accepting the democratic rules of the political game were emphasized. The President underlined that state institutions would be impartial and that the public administration would respect legal standards. Representatives of the parties expressed their commitment to a civilized campaign and fair competition. (Continued on page 4)

Financial institutions and from KrW [?] bank, loans with a 10-year term will be granted, a considerable part to be invested in exploiting the potential that Albania offers for the development of the mining industry. Financial institutions and from Schiifer [?] KfW bank to consortia and German firms, through loans and financing on favorable terms, for productive and export financing. (Continued on page 3)

My visit supports the democratic government In politics, going back would be like a retreat for the free people of Albania p.3

Today in Tirana, the President of Greece, Stefanopullos The Greek President Konstantinos Stefanopullos arrived yesterday in Tirana for a two-day official visit to Albania. During his stay he will hold meetings with the highest authorities of the country and will sign the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighbourliness between the two countries. The visit is seen as an important step in strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic, political and cultural cooperation. (Continued on page 2)

In the premises of the presidency of the University of Tirana, the rector, Professor Jorgo Bulo, awarded Professor Klaus Sparanger the title of doctor honoris causa yesterday. Prof. Klaus Sparanger, who is a well-known figure in German pedagogical science as well as a long-standing friend of Albania, has made a special contribution to the reform of university curricula. The contribution of the distinguished professor to improving the quality of pedagogical studies in our country prompted this high distinction.

A decision that further encourages the free revival of private farmers Farmers will not pay the outstanding tax for the years 1994, 1995, 1996 p.4

RILION ETURIMET! TIRANA - SKOPJE - TIRANA THREE TIMES A WEEK ON MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY. Departure from Tirana 14:50 Departure from Skopje 15:30 Tirana - Milan - Tirana every day (except Sunday) Tirana - Düsseldorf - Tirana four times a week (except Sunday) Tirana - Berlin - Vienna Albanian Airlines is non-stop and flies without توقف to Vienna. For information, contact the offices of Albania Airlines, their representatives, or travel agencies throughout the country.