Interview with the Chairman of the PDSH Prof. Dr. Tritan Shehu Anti-Albanian alliances The proceedings of the plenary session of the Assembly of Albania began this morning at around 10:00. At the start of the session, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Pjetër Arbnori, said that in recent days an anti-Albanian alliance has been manifesting itself in various forms in our country. According to him, this alliance is becoming increasingly visible through certain political positions and public statements aimed at harming national interests. Mr. Arbnori stressed that this alliance includes various segments acting against democratic processes and reforms in Albania. He underlined that, in the face of this situation, political forces and institutions must show determination to defend the rule of law and the country’s western orientation. There were many reactions and discussions in the Assembly chamber regarding this statement. Various deputies requested fuller clarification and expressed their views on the political situation in the country. MRS. SHEHU: During my meetings with the presidents of parliaments from European countries, a great confidence in our elections is evident. Also, at the assembly of the Council of Europe and the Democratic International of the Centre, the progress of democratic processes in Albania has been assessed very positively. According to her, contacts with European partners show that Albania is being seen as a country consolidating its democratic institutions and advancing on the path of integration. She added that the support of the European right for the Democratic Party is linked to the concrete results of reforms and the will to continue the country’s transformation. She said that, despite critical voices, the international climate toward Albania is positive and that the country is gaining respect in the continent’s political forums. (edited selections [?])

The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, left yesterday for Krans Montana, Switzerland, where he will take part in the "Forum 20" of political and business leaders, which is being held from 20 to 23 June 1996. President Berisha will also deliver a speech describing the policies and results of the transition toward a market economy in Albania. He is also invited to take part in an open discussion with well-known political, institutional and economic leaders, as well as in a debate entitled "Is Europe fulfilling its mission for a lasting peace in the Balkans region?". Mr. Berisha’s participation in these forums once again demonstrates the role of Albania and its President in the region, as well as their active contribution to Euro-Atlantic developments. President Berisha will meet with some of the forum’s personalities, senior representatives from the worlds of politics, business and the international academic community. The visit to Krans Montana is seen as an important step toward strengthening Albania’s image on the international stage of the 1990s.

Interview with the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister, Piero Fassino ANSA, Rome - "Italy continues to regard the 26 May elections in Albania..." ANSA, Rome - "Italy continues to regard the 26 May elections in Albania as something other than a 'tragedy' led by Albanian opposition militants, a place for an 'anachronistic pragmatism'. This is how the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister, Piero Fassino, spoke to the PDSH journalist in Montecatini. "The extraordinary relations between Italy and Albania will not be disrupted by this major event or by other contradictory events." According to him, Italy will continue to work for cooperation with Albania, giving importance to political stability, economic development and rapprochement with European structures. He stressed that the ties between the two countries remain strategic and that political communication will continue at a high level. In the interview, Fassino says that internal political crises should not hinder bilateral relations and that Italy will support reform processes in Albania.

On the electoral process in Albania Draft resolution presented by the group of the European People’s Parties, submitted by Mr. Pack, Mr. Oostlander, Mrs. Lenz Page 3

Interview with Mr. Will Yssels, organizational secretary of IPD Cooperation in the interest of further democratic processes Page 3

Tirana: For six former high-ranking PPSH officials Page 2

Lësi and the writings are finding conservatives in the PS Politics, because look what I missed! [...] [?] Page 3

Godo: "For us, rerunning the elections is unacceptable" Page 3

Tirana