An urgent solution for the students' demands At 12:00, the Conference of Rectors and the Ministry of Education, after speaking with the students' representatives in the presence of the chairman of the FRPD, jointly decided in full understanding to resolve the students' demands with concrete measures and clearly defined deadlines. Specifically, it was decided: 1- All requests related to working and teaching conditions, such as providing heating in teaching buildings and dormitories, as well as the supply of electricity and drinking water, will be resolved by Monday, 13 January 1997. 2- The dormitory fee for students shall be abolished from 1 January 1997. This has become possible thanks to the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 31.12.1996. 3- Students will be given the possibility to pay for food in installments. Based on the analysis, the number of scholarships for students will be increased. 4- A commission shall be set up at the Ministry of Education to examine problems related to the level of teaching, textbooks and curricula. Students' representatives will also be included in this commission. Such a measure is linked to the students' demands to take part in drafting the curricula. 5- Efforts shall be made not to allow students with low average grades to take examinations. 6- All students' demands of a non-political nature will be reviewed for resolution. page 2 A group of students

Two meetings of Ferdinand Xhaferri in Rome Today Mr. Xhaferri will greet the Congress of the People's Party of Italy page 3

Interview with the Minister of the Interior Mr. Halit Shamata The year 1996 has shown one of the most significant increases in public order and peace, in the reduction of criminal phenomena, thefts and armed robberies, and in the safety of citizens' lives and property. In the fight against narcotics, document forgery, and also in the economic field, important results have been achieved. The total number of crimes in 1996 compared with 1995 has decreased by 5.4%. On the other hand, crimes against the person have increased by 17.4%. Compared with 1995, crimes such as intentional murder have increased in number by 13.9%. Overall, as a result of the organization and professionalism of the police, 1996 recorded a significant reduction in criminal activity and an increase in investigative capability. For the police structures, the main challenge remains the control of unlawful activity and the strengthening of police authority. For the Albanian state police, 1996 ended with a positive balance. Valuable conclusions also emerge from public opinion about the work of the police. Surveys show an increase in public trust in the police.

By decision of the Council of Ministers The Ministry of the Interior continues to coordinate the decisions of the Prefects, in the following districts: 1- Mr. Akhil Fishta is appointed prefect of the district of Berat. 2- Mr. Jani Basho is appointed prefect of the district of Gjirokastër. 3- Mr. Sami Kora is appointed prefect of the district of Durrës. 4- Mr. Mehmet Xhaferaj prefect of the district of Mat. 5- Mr. Ahmet Hoxha prefect of the district of Kukës. 6- Mr. Arjan Hyseni prefect of the district of Lezhë. 7- Mr. Todi Mema prefect of the district of Krujë. 8- Mr. Bashkim Kërliu prefect of the district of Korçë. 9- Mr. Zhani Mema prefect of the district of Kukës[?]. Spokesman of the Council of Ministers LORENC LUÇI

Montenegro will boycott the Yugoslav parliament It is not clear whether this would mark the election of the new president of Serbia and Montenegro. But it seems that the crisis in Yugoslavia continues. The deputy speaker of the Yugoslav parliament, Milutinoviç, said that Montenegro will not take part in the upcoming sessions of the Yugoslav parliament. If this happens, the federal system will enter a new phase of institutional deadlock. page 4

The absence of civil war is the merit of Albanians For seven weeks now, on the road through the former Albanian universe, a campaign has begun of an unequal confrontation with forces that armed themselves with bayonets and with hatred against the neck of a democratic people. From the outset it became clear that the withdrawal of the state did not stem from its weakness, but from the wisdom of the Albanians themselves, from a civic will not to fall into the trap of fratricidal confrontation. The failed former actors, who even today feed on the phantom of crisis, did not manage to ignite the fuse of a civil conflict. On the contrary, Albanians demonstrated restraint and awareness. This is their historical merit. In this sense, the absence of civil war is not a coincidence, but the merit of Albanians. page 4

Mr. Kinkel emphasized that “for a united Germany in a united Europe, the solution of the Kosovo question by Kosovo, by the people and not by force, is very important” Kosovo - a priority of German diplomacy this year as well Press conference of the German Foreign Minister, Kinkel Mr. Kinkel emphasized that “for a united Germany in a united Europe, the solution of the Kosovo question by the people and not by force is very important.” On the other hand, he added that “those Albanians and Germans whom even the Ministry of Economy likes as Kosovo, on the other hand, are not in favor of a Kosovo stretched by violence.” page 4