Interview with President Rugova given to the French newspaper “La Croix” Page 4

. Yesterday, President of the Republic Sali Berisha held a cocktail reception in honor of the diplomatic representatives accredited in Tirana. At this traditional New Year’s reception, the President thanked the representatives of all the countries that have diplomatic missions in Albania for their work and successful cooperation in 1996. Berisha also mentioned some of the most important political and diplomatic events of the past year. At the end, the President wished all those present a Happy New Year 1997. After the President of the Republic, the Dean of the diplomatic corps, Bulgaria’s ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Naumov, spoke. In his remarks, he highlighted some of Albania’s achievements during 1996, particularly those reflected in the results of the parliamentary and local elections: Naumov described these elections as a referendum in which the Albanian people expressed their will to live in a democratic society. The reception then continued in a friendly atmosphere. Those attending included Prime Minister Meksi, Deputy Prime Minister Tritan Shehu, government officials, members of parliament, representatives of political parties, artists and journalists. Meeting with you, the representatives of the countries and institutions most highly accredited in Albania, at the beginning of this year, is a particular pleasure for me because it gives me the happy opportunity to offer you my heartfelt wishes for the New Year and to take this opportunity to assure you of Albania’s genuine interest and unwavering commitment to consolidating, on the basis of reciprocity and the values we share, friendship and cooperation with the friendly countries and institutions you represent. This year, legislative, political, economic and institutional reforms reached new levels and opened up new possibilities. The freedoms and rights of Albanians attained greater dimensions than ever before. During this year, political pluralism reached its broadest spectrum. It is enough to recall that in the latest electoral contest, more than 20 parties competed with their programs and candidates. In 1996, unemployment stood at around 10 percent; the budget deficit deepened because revenues were not achieved; several new forms of organized crime emerged; and inflation rose almost inevitably. But it was another year... continues on page 3.

Address by President Berisha delivered to representatives of the diplomatic corps [to] the families, citizens and Governments of your esteemed countries: Happy New Year 1997! I wish all of you, the peoples and countries you represent, a 1997 filled with peace, stability and ever greater success. I hope that reciprocal relations, friendship and cooperation between Albania and your countries will see important new positive developments during this year, and I and unwavering, determined commitment to their consolidation, year, gives me the determined commitment to consolidating cooperation with your friendly countries and the institutions you represent. For us Albanians, 1997 will be a year of decisive importance integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions. I am also convinced that this year will be very important for the region, Europe and the world as a whole. Despite the problems, difficulties and challenges we faced, 1996 was a vital year of peace and stability, of rapid progress and of major, decisive choices by Albanians for Albania today and for Albania in the 2000s. This year, comprehensive pluralism reached an even broader electoral contest, parties competed with their political programs... Numerous parties, associations and nongovernmental institutions were established during 1996. Freedom of opinion in the Albanian press and all individual freedoms were further consolidated. During 1996, freedom of the market and free enterprise gained new momentum and scale. Today, in terms of ownership of land and housing and of the market, as well as of gross domestic product, Albania is one of the most “private” countries in the world. The full liberalization of the prices of wheat and fuel, and of the market, has provided new energy. The introduction of VAT and the expansion of privatization are other important achievements of the reform. But 1996 saw unemployment of around 10 percent, a widening budget deficit due to revenue shortfalls, the emergence of several serious forms of organized crime, and an almost inevitable rise in inflation. But it was a vital year

Yesterday morning, the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, received the Commander of NATO’s Southern Region Air Forces, Lieutenant General Richard Berthuren. President Berisha praised Albania’s successful and fruitful cooperation with NATO within the framework of the Partnership for Peace, as well as with the United States in the military field, and expressed his gratitude for the generous assistance and support provided in this regard. He emphasized that Albania values NATO’s role and contribution in our region and is committed to fulfilling the criteria for full membership in the alliance. Lieutenant General Richard Berthuren particularly praised the efforts and achievements of the Albanian defense forces in bilateral and multilateral services to meet the standards required for membership, and assured President Berisha that NATO’s cooperation with Albania would continue and increase.

Yesterday in Tirana’s faculties

Minister Gjონgecaj on professional development courses in higher education institutions Page 2

The Democratic Party is accelerating implementation of its electoral program -A draft law recognizing the financial independence of local government has been prepared. Local government will receive revenue for public services from local and national taxes. -The law on prefectures strengthens the prefect’s relations with state services within local government. This will ensure that the law is implemented and corruption is avoided. -A draft law on municipal police has been prepared. -The law “On the Organization and Functioning of Local Government,” drafted in cooperation with experts from the Council of Europe, will soon be submitted to Parliament. Page 3

Arben Xhaferi in Skopje’s “Veçer” Arben Xhaferi in “Veçer” of Skopje I will definitely leave Parliament Leaving parliament is the only way to put pressure on the authorities and show that we do not agree with certain developments in Macedonia Page 4

Friendship plans the reconstruction of bridges between the two countries “The progress achieved makes me certain that the day is approaching when the ribbon will be cut to allow the first car with Përmet license plates to cross the Vjosa and reach Greece,” emphasizes MP Genc Pollo Page 3

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Yesterday at the faculties in Tirana Page 3