The structure and formation of the next government will be discussed Today at the Presidency The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, is organizing a meeting with the leaders of the parliamentary parties at the Presidency on 29 June 1996 at 12:00, to discuss the structure and formation of the next government: the Democratic Party, represented by Tritan Shehu and Alia Spahia; the Socialist Party, represented by Servet Pëllumbi and Luan Hajdaraga; the Republican Party, represented by Sabri Godo and Fatmir Mediu; the Balli Kombëtar Party, represented by Hysen Selfo and Aleko Gjergjo; the Human Rights Party, represented by Vasil Melo; and Thoma Mico.

The four-year Meksi government resigned. This is a well-known democratic practice: a government leaves office after completing its term. The Meksi government was formed four years ago, after the Democratic Party won decisively in the elections of 22 March of that year. It took charge of Albania precisely at a time when the Albanian economy was in chaos, while market-economy laws were almost entirely lacking, as was legislation capable of guiding democratic processes. Albania was exhausted after several governments had succeeded one another over two years, amid a complete upheaval following fifty years of communist oppression. It was not easy to take the initiative in laying the foundations for an entirely new kind of development, previously unknown in the country. Nevertheless, the government managed to fully implement the Democratic Party’s program. Everything promised in the DP’s 1992 election program was given life and put into practice by the government. Over these four years, Albania achieved double-digit growth in national production while reducing inflation many times over. From 400 percent in the early days of democratic government, it is now in single digits, restoring the credibility of the national currency in the Albanian market. Meanwhile, agreements and associations were established with the most important European organizations and beyond, ensuring Albania’s substantial integration into Europe. The democratic government laid solid foundations for successfully facing the market economy by creating the necessary legal system to make room for private initiative and to foster free and prosperous individuals. In four years—which is not a long time—the Albanian legal system was fully built, from laws concerning privatization and property to the criminal and civil codes. The country is now experiencing rapid progress and a dynamism that bears fruit every day. Albania’s appearance is different from what it was four years ago, while the government’s entire activity in support of a free market economy has been reflected in people’s lives. According to recent surveys, around 70 percent of the population are living better than in 1992. This is a promising figure also for the remaining part of the population, who have been harmed by the reforms or have not experienced economic changes to the extent they had hoped. Albanians’ vote for the Democratic Party, entrusting it with government once again, reflects the confidence they have in this kind of democratic leadership. The successful completion of the privatization process created suitable conditions for foreign investment and encouraged initiatives by domestic investors. A large network of private enterprises and companies has now been established in every sector of Albania’s economy, while foreign capital in Albania is increasingly secure, thanks also to a legal system that is highly supportive and encouraging. Everyone is now witnessing an Albania different from the one of four years ago. In just a few days, the new government will be formed. Undoubtedly, four years of reform have brought forward trustworthy figures and capable talents to improve it. The ground has been prepared for renewed and professional governance. The new government will bring even faster progress in economic and legislative reform in Albania. Albanian Stalinists, incited by extremists of the Greek lobby and their supporters, challenge Europe with 700 wounds Yesterday’s rally of the Red Front at the “Ali Demi” sports field was the most vivid demonstration of the failure of the Albanian communists. The reason—their justification for boycotting the elections—was exposed as an act carried out under non-Albanian influence. The six or seven hundred thousand Albanians yesterday, just as they silently rejected the protest by former State Security spies and the dictatorship’s belated lackeys, also rejected their sponsors: the ultra-nationalist Greek lobby and its supporters. Yesterday’s isolation of the Red Front by the capital’s residents is also the best response that can be given to people who seek civil war and compromise at the expense of their own country. The Greek extremists, the main instigators behind all the Red Front’s activities, had hoped for conflict and civil war in Albania, while at the same time orchestrating an anti-Albanian campaign. To achieve this, they did not spare millions in their efforts to create chaos in the country. The reward was delivered: the Albanian lackeys of the anti-Albanians were humiliated, while division and the self-humiliation of a bunch of former State Security men and their tools were on display yesterday at the “Ali Demi” field. Ultimately, anti-Albanians may carry out a massacre and organize a boycott, but they must know that stability springs from the free vote of the Albanians.

Yesterday at the Presidency President Berisha, having accepted Prime Minister Meksi’s resignation, asked him and the government he headed to continue working until

President Berisha, having accepted Prime Minister Meksi’s resignation, asked him and the government he headed to continue working until the appointment of the new Prime Minister. Mr Aleksandër Meksi responded positively to this request Yesterday morning received Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi, who submitted his resignation from the post of Prime Minister due to the end of the mandate of the government he headed and the start of talks between the parties to appoint the Prime Minister and the new Government. For his part, the President of the Republic praised the work of the government headed by Mr Aleksandër Meksi, emphasizing this government’s merit in successfully implementing the Democratic Party’s programme, establishing and consolidating the rule of law and the market economy, and integrating into Europe, which made it possible to establish the country’s political and economic stability during the difficult period of transition. and the government he headed to continue working until the appointment of the new Prime Minister. Mr Aleksandër Meksi responded positively to this request.

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“The best Italian opera singer”

According to the radio station “Voice of America” One of the Socialist deputies who won in the May 26 elections has decided to take a seat in the new Parliament, which convenes on July 1, the Voice of America radio station reported. Sources from the constituency commission, according to Voice of America as well, report that the Socialist deputy, Fadil Rexhepi, had represented the Librazhd and Pogradec districts during a parliamentary term; these are electoral areas included in the districts of Librazhd and Pogradec. Fadil Rexhepi, having won a parliamentary mandate as an SP candidate, is ready to take up the parliamentary mandate he won as an SP candidate, if [with that constituency]. Mr Rexhepi is one of ten Socialist deputies with the potential to take their seats in parliament. His decision comes at a time when, in a recent statement concerning his decision, Socialist Party chairman Namik Dokle said that this party was not ready to participate in the May 26 elections, while acknowledging that it had won seats in the elections just held. However, although he is one of the few Socialists who will enter parliament at the beginning of July, this party will continue not to recognize the elections as legitimate. End

Statement by the Political Secretary of the PDSH, Mr Ferdinand Xhaferi Page 2 Statement by the Political Secretary of the PDSH, Mr Ferdinand Xhaferi The Red Front once again lays bare its illegitimacy Page 2

All members of the National Council of the Democratic Party are hereby notified that the National Council of the Democratic Party and the elected Democratic Party deputies will meet on Sunday, 30 June 1996, at 11:00, at the Palace of Congresses.

at the PACE during the session of 24–29 June 1996 at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (A.P.K.E.) during the session of 24–29 June 1996 Albania belongs to all of us; we will build democracy together

The new Parliament meets on Monday In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Albania, Sali Berisha, convening the new Legislature of the People’s Assembly, deputies are hereby notified that the first session of this Legislature will open on Monday, 1 July 1996, at 18:00. Deputies are also asked to bring their election certificates issued by the relevant electoral commissions, together with their identification documents.