Speech by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Tritan Shehu, at the plenary meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council Albania as a European environment To overcome the crisis of confidence with ODIHR, I suggest: First: that the report on Albania be insisted upon once again; second: that the rules be defined in a series of criteria for the mission in the country and that work begin on a revised decision and rules. You know my country’s position regarding the frequent interventions of our delegation here. It remains the same. The Albanians of Kosovo or others in Europe, according to their will, or according to their directives, or according to the protocols [?], at least among other peoples, or their rights that emerged from the former Yugoslavia. The will of the people must be respected on the basis of agreement — the only difference is the preservation of the names of governments. Some are used and continue to use amendi, others have chosen the peaceful, democratic path. Both principles, apparently, are emerging. Automatically the questions arise: What should others do to overvalue? Should they use the same methods? Should they use the same methods? Page 3

President Berisha received the “DEMYC” delegation President Berisha expressed his particular satisfaction with the fact and with the statement publicly made by the President of “DEMYC” that the most active and committed segment of the membership of the Democratic Party of Albania and of its Youth Forum is the 16-30 age group, that Albanian democratic youth has become the driving force of reforms and emancipation in the country, and that the enthusiastic spirit of the youngest part of this country is a true hope for Albania’s future. President Berisha, thanking them for their visit, assessed that the very good relations of the Democratic Party with centre-right parties and with other democratic parties of European countries, especially with those that have given and continue to give special support to the rise of the Albanian right and the strengthening of true pluralism and democratic institutions in our country, constitute an important factor in the processes of Albania’s integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. The President of “DEMYC” assured Mr. Berisha that the organization he leads is determined to support the USA and especially the youth sector of this political force with all its means and capabilities. He highly praised Albania’s successes and President Berisha’s achievements, and also guaranteed “DEMYC”’s interest in further intensifying relations between the two youth forums of our right wing and their counterparts in the West.

The USA will continue support for Albania Shehu meets Timothy Wirth In a meeting held during the visit to Vienna, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tritan Shehu, had a conversation with the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Environmental Affairs, Science and Technology, Timothy Wirth. During the conversation, Mr. Wirth stressed that the USA will continue its aid and support for Albania. Tirana, in 6 years, our capital has been transformed from one of the most miserable centers in Europe into one of the most attractive cities. This is a visible reality for foreign friends as well as for ourselves. I believe that in the future too, Albania’s economic development and that of the Albanian people will continue at a rapid pace. There will be no place in Albania for violent extremism and xenophobia. Political pluralism, religious and ethnic tolerance, and democratic reforms are now part of the new Albanian identity.

In particular, with this summit and with the strengthening of its activity, the growing active and mediating role of Europe in solving other important problems of the continent is encouraging. Such is also the geographically significant role for the peace agreement in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and in certain situations in the Middle East. We consider this body to be one of the most important forums of pan-European cooperation and a central institution for a new architecture of security and stability. The EU needs to be revitalized and improved so that it can be more effective and fulfill this fundamental mission as well as possible. The successful path of such an organization must pass through the strengthening of its active and mediating role in resolving conflicts and improving its peacekeeping, preventive and stabilizing structure. Turning to the issue of Kosovo, allow me to state once again that lasting peace in Europe will not be achieved without a final solution to this issue. The situation created in Kosovo and in the other Albanian territories in the former Yugoslavia has clearly highlighted the limits and the imbalance of the EU’s action and role. Nevertheless, we acknowledge and realistically see that improvement of the situation in Kosovo cannot come only from a harsh military reaction. For us, the solution to the problem lies in finding political and diplomatic ways to restore Albanian rights through democratic and peaceful means. It will never be acceptable for any foreign observer or group to authoritatively assist in solving our issues. Here too, we wish for the restoration of Kosovo’s autonomy as a necessary first step toward recognizing its people’s right to self-determination. I kindly ask friends and everyone not to view the situation in Kosovo through the glasses of a totalitarian state, but through those of the European interest. Within this framework, the issue of the Albanians of Macedonia is also of special importance. In this country, Albanians must enjoy their legitimate individual and collective rights, in accordance with European norms. We hope that political actors there will move toward solving problems through dialogue and respect for fundamental freedoms. As for the Albanians in Montenegro and in the Preševo Valley, greater attention remains necessary, with the aim of guaranteeing their civil and national rights. With these concepts, Albania presents itself as a factor of stability, as a country aiming for full integration into the European family, contributing to the common security and democratic development of the region.

Sol completed redeployment return of the regiment and cooperation with Albania Tirana. In the American parliamentary commission where hearings on ratification of the U.S.-Albania military agreement are being held, the American ambassador to our country, Ms. Marisa Lino, has reiterated the American commitment that in the future military relations with our country will be further strengthened. She assured that cooperation and training agreements for Albanian units will be implemented. Ms. Lino also emphasized that visits by American personalities will be accompanied by concrete projects for the modernization of Albanian military capabilities. In this context, the ratification of the agreement is expected to pass without difficulty.

Official talks between the Albanian and Austrian delegations Austrians? [partially unreadable text] Austrians? [partially unreadable text] with our partners in this process is truly important. At our meeting we spoke with pleasure about the major changes that Albania has undergone, about the success of democratic and economic reforms, as well as about the prospects for its rapprochement with Europe. Mr. Schusel assessed that Austria considers Albania an important country in the region and is ready to help in its integration into European structures. According to him, the scope for cooperation with Albania is broad, including the economy, trade exchanges, culture and bilateral relations. He also emphasized the need to continue reforms and strengthen the rule of law. Page 3

The vehicle heading toward Pinas veered off the main road The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Albania, A. Savoç Bjelikova[?], and the people accompanying him were injured yesterday afternoon as a result of a car accident that occurred near the village of Tërkuzë, in Durrës. The accident occurred around 5:30 p.m. when the Turkish embassy vehicle with plate TR 27, which was heading toward Pinas, veered off the main road and fell into a roadside ditch. According to police sources, the driver lost control of the vehicle because of wet road conditions. The ambassador and his companions were immediately taken to hospital, where they received first aid. Their condition is reported as not life-threatening.

President Berisha received representatives of the English oil company “Premier Oil” Representatives of the English oil company “Premier Oil”, businessmen from a group of shareholders and investors from England and Austria, expressed to the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, their interest and optimism regarding the prospects for economic cooperation with our country, especially in the field of oil and gas. They praised the favorable investment climate in Albania, the progress of economic reforms and political stability as factors encouraging the presence of foreign capital. President Berisha emphasized that the Albanian government remains determined to support foreign investment and create the best possible conditions for honest business.