NATO and Albania, loyal allies The Democratic Party opened its election campaign in the Kurbin district BERISHA.- Triumph will mark the beginning of a kind and elegant rule, which, in contrast to the arrogance that today governs through violence and theft, brings out the strength of bread. The forum of this truth is the most solid guarantee of all that will last into the year 2000, but will change values and bring the future. The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, takes part Before tens of thousands of people and the strong enthusiasm that burst forth in this gathering in the square of Kurbin, President Berisha yesterday afternoon opened the election campaign in the Kurbin district in a charged political and festive atmosphere. In a long speech, President Berisha stressed that the elections of 26 May are decisive for the country’s future and for Albania’s European path. He said that Albania has taken important steps in economic stabilization and in strengthening democratic order, but there is still much to do in the fight against corruption, poverty and the remnants of the past. Addressing supporters, he underlined that a victory for the Democratic Party will guarantee the continuation of reforms, integration into Euro-Atlantic structures and an increasingly close relationship with NATO. "We want a modern, European and respected Albania, not a return to isolation and failed ideologies," he said. The upcoming elections, according to him, are a battle between the future and the past, between freedom and nostalgia for dictatorship. He called for massive participation and a vote for PD candidates. President Berisha also greeted the party’s local structures and the citizens of Kurbin for their hospitality and enthusiasm. President Berisha greeted NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana President Berisha greets NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana

France provides concrete support for the PD’s victory As part of the Democratic Party’s growing contacts with right-wing parties in the West, its chairman, Mr. Sali Berisha, held important talks with the President of the PRP, Jean-François Mance. As we informed you yesterday through information from the PD headquarters, its chairman, Mr. Sali Berisha, held several meetings with the Chairman of the Republican, Democratic and Social Party of France, Jean-François Mance, and their progress is highly encouraging and successful. As we also said yesterday, the French Socialist chief Michel Pelissard came to the PD headquarters for talks. The two politicians, who represent the right in their respective countries, agreed that the multiparty elections of 26 May are important not only for Albania’s life, but also for the prospects of peace and stability throughout the Balkan region and for the climate of cooperation across the entire European continent. In their assessment they spoke in favor of the normal conduct of the elections, as a condition for the Albanian people to create their own opportunities to move forward at the fastest possible pace in democratic processes, to preserve a climate of calm and mutual understanding among political forces, as well as cooperation among all governmental and nongovernmental organizations for the smooth, peaceful and proper conduct of the election campaign. Speaking about the situation in the country, Mr. Berisha said that the elections of 26 May will be held under conditions of free participation by citizens in campaign activities and voting, guaranteeing pluralism and equal space for all political forces, as well as broad monitoring by foreign and domestic observers of the electoral process. Within this framework of cooperation and these positions, today the chairman of the PRP also met with the chairman of OMONIA, Mr. Vasil Bollano, as well as other leaders of center-right parties in the country. Mr. Berisha described this meeting as an expression of a European interest in Albania’s democratic development. During the talks, the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, underlined that the Albanian government and the right-wing forces are determined to lead the country toward European integration. According to him, the upcoming elections are an important test to show that Albania is part of the European democratic family. The chairman of the Republican, Democratic and Social Party of France expressed his appreciation for Albania’s achievements in recent years and for its efforts to consolidate democratic institutions. Lajmin

In the halls of the SP, the Serb finds guarantees of the local division and dismemberment page 4

Says Richard von Weizsäcker: Page 3

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Prime Minister Meksi received Solana Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi held a meeting yesterday with NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana, who was staying in Tirana on an official visit. The talks covered aspects of developments in the region and NATO’s relations with Albania and with other countries of Southeastern Europe. Solana described Albania as a country important for peace and security in the region and praised its policy of openness and cooperation. During the meeting, it was emphasized that Albania has made clear progress in building democratic institutions and strengthening internal stability. At the end of the conversation, Solana said that NATO will continue to support Albania on its path toward integration and cooperation with Euro-Atlantic structures.

Naffim Ilir Oli described the organ of Albania’s promotion with the West as a “bringer of peace” He also judges it as the policeman that guarantees the calm governance of the socialists. Its blow for the liberation of spiritual freedom is bone-breaking, we are "Sejfi Vllamasi" Street Tirana Telephone number: 292 42.