The American Secretary met with the U.S. Secretary of State Christopher: “We wish and believe in the victory of the democratic forces” Regarding the statement by the American government in support of the democratic forces in Albania, the spokesman for the U.S. State Department gave an interview to “Rilindja Demokratike.” He stressed, among other things, that the American government considers the 26 May elections a very important test for the further democratization of Albania and expressed confidence that the democratic forces will emerge victorious. From this interview, which we publish below, it is clear that the USA and the Western world view the PD as the main force of progress and Euro-Atlantic integration for Albania. The American spokesman said that the achievements to date in stabilizing and opening up the country are linked to democratic governance and that support for this course will continue.

Today in Tirana Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1956; they were re-established on the eve of the overthrow of communism in Tirana in 1992. There are two liaison offices, two embassies, still without ambassadors in either country. A joint commission on property issues is conducting the necessary consultations. Visas were arranged for the Schussel mission, the plane registered in Vienna carrying passengers to Tirana, and AUA Austria has established the first regular air route, with the first flight on the 18th. This is an achievement of yesterday's government. The Austrian Foreign Minister, Wolfgang Schussel, who is in Tirana for a one-day official visit, is one of the most important figures in this country's politics. Aleksander Mock was the Austrian figure who first, after 1989, changed the improvement of relations with Albania. Austria's Foreign Minister, who before that had been Minister of Defence as well as Deputy Chancellor, took on responsibility for the agency for European affairs. Continued economic, political and cultural cooperation is strengthening at a satisfactory pace. Austria has included a number of projects to help Albania. Deputy Chancellor Schussel is expected to hold talks with the highest-ranking leaders of the Albanian state.

The victims of the Prespa boat tragedy were buried Yesterday, under a solemn and large public outpouring, funeral services began for 4 of the 6 victims of the drowning in Lake Prespa. Flowers and tears. A quiet but large funeral. Relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Deep sorrow. Their memory will remain unforgettable. Representatives of the local government, the police, and other institutions took part in the funeral ceremonies. In the speeches delivered on the occasion, the humane attitude and solidarity of the residents in the difficult moments were praised. According to the newspaper's sources, the search operations for the other two victims have continued.

The Albanian Government expresses its condolences to the families and relatives of the victims of the grave tragedy in Lake Prespa The Albanian Government expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of Pogradec for this heavy loss. The government considers this tragedy a very painful event and is working closely with all competent bodies to fully clarify the circumstances and take the appropriate measures. The government will stand by the victims' families and will provide every necessary help in this time of mourning. Law enforcement forces and rescue teams have been mobilized to the maximum to find the other two victims as well. The Albanian Government

Page 3 PD: “We all friendly victory, Work, Security” PS: “Together with us for a true democracy” The slogans facing each other

The chairman of the Socialist Party in Berat clashes with the security forces because he refuses to lower the flag to half-mast - Durrës yesterday ever more calm socialists There had been no request to suspend political activity during the days of mourning, but there had been a clear request to respect state symbolism. In a city school, Socialist Party activists refused to lower the flag to half-mast, prompting police intervention. According to newspaper sources, in Berat there was a heated debate between local Socialist leaders and law-enforcement representatives. Meanwhile, in Durrës the situation was calmer. The Socialist Party continues its election campaign, while its opponents accuse it of lacking sensitivity toward the victims of the tragedy.