As expected, the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, is giving considerable publicity to the World Economic Forum in Krans Montana, Switzerland, as well as to the relations of this town with Albania. Its president, Mr. Lechter, described the policy and progress of the Forum, which is held in this town every March, without hesitation as being highly interested in relations with the Albanian government and with its President, Mr. Berisha. According to him, President Berisha will hold meetings and press conferences with the participants in this forum. President Berisha in Krans Montana

The President of the Republic decreed yesterday the convening of the new parliament on 1 July. This is an important political event, because it is the first parliament in 4-5 decades of communist rule that has no left-wing deputies. For the first time Albania will have a parliament with full democratic legitimacy, since it also emerged in its entirety from the free decision of the people. This situation was also helped by the opposition’s decision to abandon the previous parliament, but certainly the decisive role was played by the overwhelming victory in the elections of 26 May and 2 June. The worn-out and fainting parliament, even now with the free verdict of the people, peacefully hands over the baton to the new political generation and progressive forces. The smooth transfer of the governing process and the gentle move from one stage to another takes place at a time when Albania has overcome the brutal slap and crippling effects of the old 50-year politics. Those who still believe that there is a Europe that sleeps in socialist shoes must know that 2,000 years of European civilization cannot be turned back to the Middle Ages within a bright century. Albania made this move toward modernity through a political battle and a true popular referendum. As is often the case, it has also sent into retirement the old forces that hinder development, and their people. In the new parliament, after a completely clear decision by the electorate, every political group or individual will have the place it deserves in the modern political order and in the pluralist democratic system. Winners cannot deny the merits of the losers, but losers cannot deny the will of the people. This is the law of democracy. The consumption and abuse of the old political class gave way to a new climate, where politics once again takes on its public and moral meaning. The parliament that is coming will undoubtedly be one of the key institutions of this historical turning point.

The chairwoman of Sanblosco of the Council of Europe ministers to the PD, Europe, Russia and Turkey The chairwoman of Sanblosco of the Council of Europe, Russia and Turkey Your achievements are impressive Page 2

Interview with the Chairman of the PDSH, Prof. Dr. Tritan Shehu Mr. Chairman, the Republic today has its own President, its own government, and now it is proposed that it should also have parliament. Can this be called a completed phase and is the country now beginning to stabilize from an institutional point of view? Answer: First of all, I want to emphasize the jubilant concept of the moment, which we all feel in the final end of a certain era in the political life and in the orientation of Albania’s political and social development. The collapse of the opposition vote and the virtual departure of the communists from the political scene are, without exaggeration, a historic victory, but it is nevertheless only one stage within the framework of the stabilization of the modern system. This transitional period is being replaced by a modern pluralist system. This will be a difficult process and it requires social cohesion. Question: A month ago you said that, despite the fact that some are mocking the opposition, its role must also be kept in mind? Answer: Even a mature opposition is a supporting pillar of democracy and parliament, the basis of progress and political maturity. Today’s government has faced major economic, social and administrative problems, but the citizens’ choice has made it clear that the break with the past has come. The old forces will be redefined as a subject of the democratic political struggle. Question: You have also spoken about the moral responsibility of the victorious political force? Answer: Electoral triumph is not private property. It must be turned into the shaping of reforms and the concentration of forces toward European integration. The new parliament, the government and the President must create a working spirit in which the administration is more effective, the law is respected, and society can breathe with confidence. This is the duty of every winner. Question: Does the success of the Democratic Party also give it responsibility for improving relations with opponents? Answer: Of course. Institutional reconciliation is a necessary condition for a functioning democracy. But this does not mean compromise with the old mentality or with political abuse. Democratic culture is required, respect for the opponent, and clarity in carrying forward reforms. Interviewed by NËNËR GJINI Page 4

“Nano’s conflict in the PS leadership is not at the highest level of tension” “General” Çoka wants to become a soldier of the PS Page 3

The EU for Albania 600 thousand ECUs from the EU for Albania Page 2

The former communist threatens the turning point against Albanians The re-isolation of Albania is being called for Page 3

On convening the first session of the new legislature of the People’s Assembly In support of article 71, first paragraph, and article 85, point 3, of law no. 7491, dated 29.4.1991, “On the main constitutional provisions”, I decree: ARTICLE 1 The first session of the new legislature of the People’s Assembly is convened on 1 July 1996, at 17:00, in Tirana. ARTICLE 2 This decree enters into force immediately. Tirana, 19.06.1996 Decree no. 1508 President of the Republic SALI BERISHA