Yesterday President Berisha appointed the new government Yesterday the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, pursuant to Article 84 paragraph 4 and 91 paragraph 1 of the main provisions of Constitutional Law no. 7491, dated 29.4.1991, “On the Main Constitutional Provisions,” on the proposal of Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi, decreed the appointment of the government cabinet. The cabinet presented by Prime Minister Meksi is based on the coalition of centre-right forces, which represent 122 seats in parliament, and is led by the Democratic Party. PDK, PSD, PBKD, PASH, PAD take part in the government. The forces of the governing coalition have assessed that their participation in government is a clear commitment to a more efficient administration of the country and to the continuation of democratic and economic reforms. Composition of the New Government 1. Mr. Tritan Shehu, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs. 2. Mr. Arjan Bodo, Minister of Finance 3. Mr. Halit Shamata, Minister of Defense 4. Mr. Alfred Serreqi, Minister of Justice 5. Mr. Sokol Nako, Minister of Internal Affairs 6. Mr. Sofokli Lazri, Minister of Industry, Transport and Trade 7. Mr. Ylli Vejsiu, Minister of Agriculture and Food 8. Mr. Arben Imami, Minister of Public Works, Territorial Planning and Tourism 9. Mr. Arshi Myftiu, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy 10. Mr. Emini Cani, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports 11. Mr. Fatos Bitincka, Minister of Education and Science 12. Ms. Jozefina Topalli, Minister of Labour, Emigration and Social Welfare 13. Mr. Dashamir Shehi, Minister of Local Government and Decentralization 14. Mr. Genc Pollo, Minister of State for Relations with Parliament 15. Mr. Azem Hajdari, Minister of State to the Prime Minister 16. Mr. Vili Minarolli, Minister of State for Euro-Atlantic Integration 17. Mr. Blerim Çela, Minister of State for Public Administration 18. Ms. Ermelinda Meksi, Secretary of State for Economic Relations with Foreign Affairs Institutions 19. Mr. Robert Çeku, Secretary of State for Tourism in the Ministry of Public Works, Territorial Planning and Tourism 20. Mr. Nazmi Kola, Secretary of State for Local Government in the Ministry of Internal Affairs 21. Mr. Ibrahim Bame, Secretary of State for the Inspectorate of the Ministry of Industry, Transport and Trade 22. Ms. Hava Sulo, Secretary of State for Sports in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports 23. Mr. Agim Nallbani, Secretary of State for Transport in the Ministry of Industry, Transport and Trade. Composition of the New Government Yesterday President Berisha decreed the appointment of the new government cabinet. The coalition of right-wing forces has a considerable majority in parliament. The new government is presented as a cabinet of reforms and of continuity in the country’s democratic developments. FACE 3 President Berisha and Prime Minister Meksi

Interview with Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi given after the new government was appointed Yesterday the prime minister of the new government, Mr. Aleksandër Meksi, gave an interview to the media, which began with the words: The invitation to help me in my duties over the next four years has been such that I am grateful, and especially to that part of the staff, officials and parliamentarians who deserve to be mentioned by name. At least a sufficiently large part of them, as well as of the cabinet of ministers of the new government, gives us confidence that we will succeed in implementing the PD and PK Program over these 4 years. The new government has moved from a government with parliamentary political support to a political government with direct political responsibility. The new government in general, and the prime minister in particular, will be more oriented toward reforms and the implementation of the program. The new people were chosen with the full conviction that they have the right professional and human capacities to successfully fulfill the assigned duties. The new government will continue with dedication and determination its four-year Program and will not move left or right to overturn it. It has its own composition and will be judged and assessed according to its own criteria. The PS has described this as an anti-reform government. This is an emotional assessment, unrelated to the program, which for the most part it has not read. The government’s program is realistic, oriented toward economic development, job growth and the continuation of institutional reforms. This program, while preserving macroeconomic stability, aims at the further development of the market, encouraging investment, privatization, reducing the role of the state in the economy, and increasing citizens’ welfare. FACE 3

The Order of “Mother Teresa” for the French ambassador President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, awarded the Golden Order of “Mother Teresa” to the Ambassador of France, Arif, at the end of his mission. At the ceremony organized on this occasion, President Berisha emphasized the excellent relations between Albania and France, as well as the ambassador’s personal contribution to strengthening them. The President underlined that during his diplomatic mission, the French ambassador has made a valuable contribution to the development of political, economic and cultural contacts between the two countries. The ambassador thanked the President for the recognition and expressed confidence that Albanian-French relations will deepen further in the future. The President of the Republic decorates the French ambassador

Dr. President Berisha declared the new government to be a step toward cooperation and shared responsibility. Dr President Berisha declared the new government: “It has a composition that embodies the cooperation of political forces to carry forward reforms and deepen the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration. This government is not for a few, but for all those who want progress, stability and the modernization of Albania.” In his statement the President praised the commitment of the centre-right political forces and their role in securing a stable parliamentary majority. He stressed that the new government must remain open to the contribution of specialists and promote a professional and responsible administration.

Nano’s response to the development of the PS is delayed The imprisoned leader, I have lost the arguments, it closes and rises. FACE 3

Headline of a repentant FOR AND AGAINST - If your own place is occupied by work and the heart… Party? Your party

Skënderbej Square, Tirana Tel. 355 42 34185, Fax 355 42 34188 La Pargjola Bar Terrace Open every day from 7:00 in the morning until midnight. Tomorrow the interior area of the Hotel will operate for the months you will enjoy wonderful views of Tirana. For you at the Hotel you will enjoy the city, guests from the freshness of the evening breeze