Press conference Berisha-Fisher The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, during a conversation with Dr. Bertin Fisher, President of the Foundation "Asamblesë së Këshillave të Europës" and member of the European Parliament, as well as with Ms. Petra Kelly[?], coordinator of the Working Group for Albania within this Foundation, said that with the elections of 22 March Albania had taken a very important step forward on the path of democracy. Dr. Bertin Fisher stated that in June an important conference on Albania will be held in Tirana and that the purpose of this visit is to observe closely the political situation and the efforts to consolidate democratic institutions. At the meeting, emphasis was placed on the importance of cooperation with European organizations and on the need for the opposition and the government to contribute to political stability. President Berisha stressed that Albania is determined to move toward European integration and that political forces must demonstrate responsibility. The interlocutors also discussed developments in Kosovo and their impact on the region. It was assessed that peace, democracy and respect for human rights are the fundamental conditions for long-term stability. Fisher expressed his interest in the functioning of Albanian institutions and in the progress of reforms. Berisha underlined that the main goal remains the consolidation of democratic values.

Show that democracy is the primary principle In the coming weeks, Europe will recognize three important political choices, choices that are significant for the region and in which Albania has a special role. It will show whether the Albanian political class has matured for the challenges. Next week, on 14 April, the conclusion of the Intergovernmental Conference with the European Union will be marked. On 17 April the meeting of the Foreign and Defence Ministers of the NATO countries with the aspirant countries begins in Luxembourg. On 30 April the Council of Europe is expected to meet, where the situation in Albania will be assessed. Precisely in view of these meetings, the Albanian file has been prepared with great intensity in the two important European centers, Brussels and Strasbourg. It will be the subject of discussion and decision-making. This file includes everything that has happened in Albania over the last months: political developments, the law-and-order situation, the economy, the elections, the situation in Kosovo, relations with its neighbors. For both of these decision-making centers, what has happened in Albania after the 29 June elections has been an important test. The Europeans want to see whether Albania is truly entering the path of stability and institutions, or whether last year's crisis was merely suspended. In this sense, the developments of the past weeks will be used to judge not only the government, but the entire Albanian political class. If it continues to remain trapped in conflict, violent rhetoric and exclusion, the message Europe will receive will be grim. If, on the contrary, it manages to show signs of responsibility, compromise and institutional functioning, Albania may gain ground. This is, in essence, an appeal for democracy to be grounded in its primary principle: to place the national interest above narrow political calculations, to respect institutions, to exclude violence from political life, and to create guarantees for fair elections and a functioning administration. Albania is under observation, but not under prejudice. There is still time to convince European partners that the country deserves support and closer ties with Euro-Atlantic structures. This depends not on declarations, but on the concrete behavior of the political forces in the days ahead.

SAMI NEZA "The years of communism, Albania "specific"" Is it absolutely necessary to continue articulating a conspiratorial thesis at the top and in place of the alternative of government? This question, repeatedly posed to public opinion, cannot be detached from the behavior of the opposition in these months. On the contrary, it comes as a direct consequence of a political culture that still has not managed to overcome the legacy of closure, suspicion and totalizing explanations. For many, the continuation of the rhetoric of the "captured state" or of dark scenarios serves as justification for the inability to propose concrete solutions. Instead of offering a governing program, a vision for institutions, the economy, education or security, labels and accusations are produced that keep public debate away from real issues. In Albania, democracy cannot be an alibi for failing to build the state. It cannot be reduced to freedom of speech without responsibility, or to pluralism without rules. Precisely because the country has emerged from a long period of isolation, democracy requires more institutional culture, not less; more rule of law, not less. To say that Albania has a "specific" democracy may, at best, be a description of a difficult transition. But when this becomes a political doctrine, it risks turning into a pretext for irresponsibility. Democracy either functions on universal principles - free elections, separation of powers, free press, independent justice - or it degenerates into a façade in which each person interprets the rules according to their own interest. Albania needs to get out of this trap. Political debate must move from the anxiety of conspiracy to the seriousness of reform. Only in this way can public trust be built and international credibility be gained.

Mrs. Fisher decorated with the Golden Order of Mother Teresa

It is now perfectly clear that Albania's extreme poverty has come as a result of an anti-national policy that has destroyed the country. The Albanian people can no longer accept empty promises, nor rule by force, nor the criminalization of public life. We would never understand how some circles still continue to nourish illusions about failed models. Albania needs a new direction, an honest administration, investment, work and order. The Democratic Party presents itself as the only force that can take the country out of isolation and return Albania to the path of development. It invites citizens to join a national project for democratic rebirth and for building a modern state. Only with trust, sacrifice and dedication can we build a better future for Albanian families.

Speech by President Berisha For us Albanians who experienced the fiercest communist dictatorship in Europe, the Council of Europe, ... and it always remains the temple of freedom and reason.

Authors of the massacre, 2 April and Ruci's advocacy Azem HAJDARI Accusation: Destroy the incriminating documents of the crime!

The Socialists' platform for Albania in the years 2000- -The Socialists' platform for Albania in the years 2000- Jemin Gjana