Speech by the President of the Republic Sali Berisha to the National Council of the Democratic Party Euro-socialists manipulate the future of Albanian youth Euro-socialists manipulate the future of Albanian youth The next 4 years are a key stage for the fate of this nation and today, 5-6 weeks before the elections, we still have not managed to fulfill our duties in making all Albanians aware that the alternatives that exist and the demands placed before us today are, above all, entirely different, indeed opposed. They are major historical challenges for our society, to which we must respond with all our spiritual and political strength. In these elections, dear democrats, the independence of Kosovo is at stake, which is being absurdly threatened today after a titanic struggle waged by Albanians for independence against Serbia. The enemies of eurosocialism have taken hold of this issue in order to close it in their favor. In these elections, the independence of Kosovo and the Albanian fate of our region and of all Europe are at stake. The fate of the freedom of Albanians is at stake, the most significant problem we have faced as a nation in the last century. Their answer was and continues to be money. Money and their powerful authority are trying to buy even the Albanians of Kosovo and silence their voice. A whole monstrous campaign is being waged today by extremist exponents of this politics to denigrate the struggle of the Kosovo Liberation Army and present it as a terrorist act. The manipulation by the euro-socialists and by some irresponsible intellectuals poses an extraordinary danger for us, and therefore all students and professors must align themselves irreversibly against this dangerous policy. Unfortunately, in Albania there is a black hand that has worked and is still working against the interests of Albanian students and youth. Some students today are confronted with demands linked not to their future, but to entirely different political interests. Conflict, law, the market economy must also function in the interests of all Albanians These democracies will stand firm and demand what is unlawful. They have lied and shown a determination to jeopardize the interests of those to come. In my government I do not invite anyone under conditions and I do not accept conditions. I do not issue ultimatums to anyone and I never impose them. I am convinced that together we will overcome all difficulties and will implement our program with dignity, which is the best program for Albania, for Albanian democracy, for its future. Albania, for Albanian democracy, for its future (continued on page 5)

In democracy we demand an unlawful stance and demand. They have lied and shown a determination to jeopardize the interests of those to come. In my government I do not invite anyone under conditions and I do not accept conditions. I do not issue ultimatums to anyone and I do not accept ultimatums. Albania is going through an extremely difficult period and will have to implement our program with dignity, which is the best program for its future.

Albanians are all suffering from these fraudulent schemes. Their fate depends on the determination with which we will act to save citizens' savings. The honest people demand justice and the return of their money. (continued on page 5a)[?]

"I stand by my Albanian democratic friends" I am here today in an extraordinary state because I see that things are evolving in Albania for better and for worse. Some are lining up in favor of stability and some, unfortunately, in favor of chaos... If, under these conditions, the referendum of 9 March is held, the decision there will determine the fate of the entire country. That is why I followed Berisha's speech in Parliament so carefully. No one can say that Berisha is not doing things to calm the situation in his country. On the contrary, I greatly appreciate the way Berisha is willing to discuss. I encourage him in his efforts to find an Albanian democratic solution.