Comment BY AFRIM KRASNIQI When Albania was admitted to NATO, the main reason for the US and the other supporting countries was the active and recognized Albanian role in strengthening regional peace and security. Highlighting the merit of a policy of regional moderation and the commitment to stable neighborly relations was the first element of every American and EU statement addressed to the Albanian political balance. Since 1992, official Albania chose to be a reliable partner of Western policies for the region. Problems or disputes in state relations with any neighboring or regional country were very short-lived. Official Tirana, regardless of whether the government was left-wing or right-wing, throughout the years of transition showed maturity, willingness to dialogue, determination to participate actively in regional initiatives and in economic cooperation. Tirana was visited by the American secretaries Baker, Albright, Powell, Clinton, as well as by President Bush himself, to feel at first hand the high American appreciation for the European vision of Albanian politics in regional matters. In a Balkans tired by four wars and dozens of other ethnic, religious or ideological conflicts, the Albanian model was and remained... continued on page 21

The declassified 1990 document: The army and the Sigurimi will crush the dissidents. The reforms are insufficient CIA REPORT IN FEBRUARY 1990 Pages 13-17

Funds for the parties are reduced, how the money will be distributed Funds for the parties are reduced, how the money will be distributed Page 4

LUNCH.COM Page 13 French ambassador: Albanians should be demanding

Crosswords latest by Kadri Vokopola Page 23

ELECTION Page 5 Edi Rama vice president of the Socialist International

MEDIA IN ATHENS Page 15 IN PHOTO: Robert Hjadhi and “Golden Dawn” MP Kostas Barbarousi Greeks mock the Albanian from “Golden Dawn” Robert Hjadhi hotel in southern Albania with Albanian and American flags IN PHOTO: Robert Hjadhi and “Golden Dawn” MP Kostas Barbarousi

DECISIONS IN THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE 1 billion lek for Nishani for the villa, 800 million for lobbying Money from the reserve fund for the presidency and lobbyists in the US TIRANA Genc Kondi Since Bujar Nishani was elected to the post of president, up to now 1.2 billion old lek have been given... Page 10

ELECTIONS Page 5 Ilir Meta: Coalitions, LSI votes for its own flag

DENUNCIATION Page 9 Belgium, 20 Albanians held at the airport

RAMA ASKED FYLES to the president, have been given and a well-known Albanian in strengthening peace and security Western policies for the region. Problems or cooling in state relations with any regardless of whether the left or the right is in government, throughout the years of transition, [he] demonstrated maturity, readiness for dialogue, a will for active participation European of Albanian politics other ethnic, religious or ideological [groups], the Albanian model was