On 26 May they will vote for the first parliament of this new national mandate. For this process, two paths are being outlined. This is how the free people themselves are presenting it. The democracy and its benefits are being definitively established, along with the progressive reform that will return Albania to the united home of the European family. During these days and hours we will face the wretched and exhausted nostalgics of communism, with their tired stomachs, their false hopes, the careerists — those whom you also love? because in these four years the PD has fulfilled its promises. The free Albania of 26 May will have free and fair elections. We have done everything to create the conditions, to implement European standards, to protect the free vote of the citizens and their right to choose calmly, without pressure or coercion. That is our agreement with the people. No one can deny it to us. No one can slander it. No one can prevent the deserved victory of the majority. The elections of 26 May 1992 freed us from the communist dictatorship; four years later they will lead us toward new victories. In the city of freedom, Shijak, last night in a grand rally, the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, called on the people of Durrës and Tirana to a new victory. Hundreds of thousands of citizens from Tirana and Shijak, arriving from Durrës and the surrounding villages, with banners in their hands, with hundreds of flags, with cries of 'Victory! Victory!', with songs and enthusiasm, welcomed the President of the Republic Dr. Sali Berisha at this grand gathering. In the city of freedoms, in the new Tirana, hundreds of thousands of citizens welcomed the President with banners: "Where are the stolen 400 thousand dollars?"; "Where did Angjeli get the 70 thousand dollars for his villa?"; "Head of the PS newspaper 'Pack your bags'"; "The Socialist Party surrenders"; "The devils, the PS chairman's minions, have not managed to hold even one electoral meeting". Found black, Altin Sina, Erion?; the truth is that in Tirana and Shijak, you have landed the block and northern column for Erpog? and the debt-ridden government and the devilish breakaway of the PS. We are determined not to accept the return to the stage of the people of failure. Voters from zones no. 8, 9 and 22 marched toward the square with banners: "We are supporters of reform"; "New Tirana will vote for PD and reform"; "We want peace, work and order"; "Free elections are our test". In this extraordinary atmosphere, President Berisha thanked the people of Tirana and Shijak for their great support and for the civic spirit they showed. He said that on 26 May Albania will enter a new phase of democracy. He accused PS leaders of trying to create tension, to obstruct the election campaign and to spread slander. According to him, their time is over. Sali Berisha emphasized that only a PD victory will guarantee the continuation of reforms, economic development, employment and the country's European integration. The speech was greeted with long applause and cries of: "Victory! Victory!". At the end of the rally, the President left for Shijak, where another major election meeting was held. Citizens welcomed him with just as much enthusiasm, considering this the new contract of the city of freedom with the Democratic Party. The city of freedom signed the new contract with PD. Student City

For the elections to be successful, the President said, the voice of the citizens must be heard and they must have the chance to choose among alternatives. In the discussion on a normal electoral process, as part of the preparations for the visit of the President of the UAE, Paloma, the President of the Republic praised the excellent relations with the Arab world. The President highly valued the support and sympathy that Arab countries have given Albania since the collapse of the dictatorship. Also yesterday at the Presidency, the ambassador of Kuwait presented his credentials. During the meeting, the President also underlined the importance of developing economic relations with the Gulf countries. Albania will soon sign a new agreement with the WHO, which will help us successfully fight AIDS, tuberculosis and other diseases. Thanks to donations, it has been possible to improve several public health indicators and meet the need for medicines. (The article on page 8 is expanded)

States Ives Ekalot, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe. On the basis of the recommendations of the Davos Forum, European ministers, representatives of business and banks, as well as international institutions, an important meeting on the business climate and investments is taking place in Tirana. According to officials, the meeting serves to improve infrastructure and the legal framework for foreign investors. Mr. Ekalot emphasized that Albania has made progress, but he called for continuity of reforms to ensure sustainable economic growth. (The article on page 8 is expanded)

Will Doke return the stolen 400 thousand dollars? Where did Angjeli get the 70 thousand dollars for his villa? Head of the PS newspaper “pack your bags” The Socialist Party surrenders Yesterday the deputy chairman of the PS could not hold a single election meeting Page 3