Interview with Prime Minister Meksi The “background-check” commission has begun its work The request of this commission that political subjects submit their lists of candidates confirms this fact. The commission is trying to properly carry out the tasks assigned by Parliament, in order to analyze whether the candidates for deputies were employees of the State Security, or persons who took part in acts of severe political persecution. This request has aroused particular interest, because in the lists submitted so far, well-known names from the communist past have been noticed. Prime Minister Meksi, in his interview, stressed that the law must be applied equally to all and that there should be no exceptions. He underlined that transparency in this process is essential for the credibility of the elections and for the consolidation of the democratic state.

Democratic Party is regarded, from what can be seen, as Mr. Pierre Lellouche, MP, Ambassador, Adviser on foreign and political affairs in Paris, invited to visit our country, before making the visit, as one of the most active and best-known parliamentarians on the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, gave a press conference yesterday in Tirana. Answering journalists’ questions, he said he is coming to Albania as a friend of the country, to establish contacts and further strengthen relations between the two countries, both politically and economically. Answering questions on how he views the Democratic Party and the Albanian government from the standpoint of democratic developments in Albania, he said that he has considered, and still considers, the Democratic Party a modern party representing the center-right, a political force essential for the stability and development of the country. He said he is convinced that Albania has made significant progress in democratic and economic reforms, and that this makes it necessary to deepen cooperation with Western countries. His positions were seen as a sign of support for the Albanian democratic forces.

On 19 March 1996, the newspaper “Koha Jonë” published a political analysis by Mr. Pyrrho Del[...] with the striking title: On 19 March 1996, the newspaper “Koha Jonë” published a political analysis by Mr. Pyrro Del[?] with the striking title: “Is Greece betraying the Albanian opposition?” By Skënder Shkupi!

In the first phase of their latest congress, which ended with the adoption of their electoral platform, the Albanian socialists presented two main objectives: 1) creating the conditions for a “strong and democratic state” and 2) implementing a market economy with “considerable corrections” through “state intervention in the economy.” The latter essentially means the creation of a state economic sector that will be an important part of our economy. This was clearly stated by the leaders of the PS, who underlined that they aim to nationalize strategic enterprises and expand the role of public administration in the economy. In their analyses this is presented as a necessity to deal with the social crisis, but opponents see it as a return to old practices. In this context, the socialist forum’s statements on property, privatization and state control were also interpreted.

Berisha received the American film director and screenwriter Shen Dragoti Yesterday, the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, received the American film director and screenwriter of Albanian origin Shen Dragoti. The meeting discussed possibilities for cultural cooperation and for promoting Albanian values on the international stage. President Berisha praised her work as a valuable contribution to Albania’s image and expressed his satisfaction with the ties she maintains with the land of her ancestors. For her part, the artist thanked him for the reception and said she was ready to help promote Albanian culture. Berisha [?] The President of the Republic receives in his office the American actress of Albanian origin [?].

Meksi received the German defence minister, Rube . Now both sides find themselves close to a new fact, and by the tact of the then felt German experience, one another. Our help will not be lacking to you.

Our loyal ambassador Mustafa Zylali and a group of young people from the country yellow [?]

FLIGHTS ARE BACK! TIRANA - MUNICH - TIRANA EVERY MONDAY, EVERY THURSDAY Starting from 1/4/96 10.10 Departing from Tirana 14:00 arrives in Munich 15.30 Departing from Munich 16.10 arrives in Tirana 17.50 TIRANA - DUSSELDORF - TIRANA EVERY WEDNESDAY Starting from 3/4/96 10.10 Departing from Tirana 14:00 arrives in Dusseldorf 15.40 Departing from Dusseldorf 16.10 arrives in Tirana 17.55 TIRANA - BERLIN - TIRANA EVERY FRIDAY Starting from 5/4/96 10.10 Departing from Tirana 14:00 arrives in Berlin 16.00 Departing from Berlin 16.40 arrives in Tirana 18.40 For information and reservations: TIRANA: Main office near Hotel Dajti 228 404; Agency opposite the National Museum 228 377; Agency at Rinas airport 256 534 AL. TIRANE TICKETING Albanian Airlines a new success at your service! Delayed plane departures - increase in quality in flight!