President Berisha meets with residents of the districts of Dibër, Bulqizë, Mat and Lushnjë By expressing in this way the effort and sacrifices made during these 5 years of democracy, the President of the Republic, during the election meeting with residents of Peshkopi, Bulqizë, Mat, Lushnjë, Fushë-Krujë, Mamurras and Bushnesh, emphasized that the country’s economic development will move even faster. "That alternative brought by the future of this political force, with the full commitment of the President and the democratic government, creates a secure future for every Albanian". In kq., such districts enter into the internationalization of the PS. The written agreement between this voice of courage, manliness and deep sense of responsibility, with which our citizens will celebrate the day of 26 May. Its goals are the vision of the future of development. President Berisha has stated that Albanians quickly understand the country’s position, that with today’s coalition they have a clearer idea of what must be done. President Berisha has made it clear that he has not only been elected chairman, but that he is convinced of the victory of the PD, which has entered the race with a clear program for future governance, emphasizing the building of the rule-of-law state and the market economy. He stressed that the democratic government is creating secure foundations for social and economic development and for improving citizens’ living standards. President Berisha pointed out that the opposition is using slander and permanent fabrication as its weapon. According to him, the new communists seek to slow down the pace of reforms and the country’s integration. He called on citizens on 26 May to vote for stability, for democracy, and for Albania’s European future. At another meeting in Lushnjë, President Berisha was welcomed by thousands of citizens, who expressed their support for the Democratic Party. At this meeting it was emphasized that a vote for the PD is a vote for work, development and well-being. Likewise, in Bulqizë and Mat, he dwelt on the importance of investments, infrastructure and agriculture, stressing that millions of dollars in investments are waiting only for the victory of the PD to be set in motion. In his speech, President Berisha underscored that Albania is facing a decisive moment and that the vote of 26 May is a decision about the path the country will follow in the coming years.

Worth: The USA want a democratic government in Albania - Our embassy officials are monitoring democratic processes - - Many were from the PS and were not allowed to run for parliament - - The USA will continue to be engaged in Albania’s progress along the road of democracy and the development of a market economy - The USA will continue to be engaged in Albania’s progress along the road of democracy and the development of a market economy, said the US ambassador in Tirana, Ms. Marisa Lino, yesterday at a press briefing, a few hours before the counting of votes for the 26 May 1996 elections began... As was announced at this meeting, the USA are not trying to influence the election results, but are monitoring the way they will be conducted. Our embassy officials are monitoring democratic processes in our country, said the American ambassador in Albania. She said that the USA support free and fair elections in Albania, adding that there are currently many issues in our country that could harm such a process, such as the electoral code, the voting commissions and the vote-counting commissions, etc. The USA will continue to be engaged in Albania’s progress along the road of democracy and the development of a market economy, she said, adding that democracy is very important and a rule-of-law foundation, and this is perhaps something useful for Albania’s future. - We are not trying to influence anything; we are simply watching how the democratic processes are moving in Albania. Perhaps the USA, as well as others, have made it clear that they are concerned about certain things here in Albania. This is necessary, since we want to see the election process while respecting the electoral code - she said. She went on to say that many people who were members of the PS and whom the communists did not allow to run for parliament... The USA, as well as others, have made it clear that they are concerned about certain things here in Albania, which must be resolved so as not to damage the democratic process. The USA will be engaged in the democratic processes. (Page 3)

Xhefri Pai - leader of the British Conservative Party writes to the chairman of PDSH In a letter sent to the chairman of the English Conservative Party Sir Geoffrey Howe (?) [unclear text], the leader of the Conservative Party of Britain sends the warmest wishes for victory in the elections. Further on in the letter it says that in unison with the leaders of the radical force at the PDSH headquarters we are pleased. We are sorry that you will lose three days of elections, the new force of which belongs to all Albanians. We are with you.

Representatives of the Italian Force at the PDSH headquarters The Secretary General and Mr. Albert Bely (?) [unclear text] and the secretary [unclear] of the PDSH and the Head [unclear] Mrs. [unclear], held a meeting at the PDSH headquarters. This was a special meeting, during which the Italian delegation became acquainted with the developments of the election campaign and its prospects. A press conference was also held during the meeting, in which [unclear] of the SHA organization [unclear], the new force [unclear] expressed the conviction that the Albanian democrats will win and that with them the Italian and European perspective of Albania will also win.

Page 9 The new classics of Marxism

Distinguished Albanian intellectuals, writers and artists from all over the country Pages 6-7