Comrade Ramiz Alia received the delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of Kosovo[?] of Europe[?] Yesterday morning, the Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly of the Republic of Albania, Ramiz Alia, received at the seat of the Presidium the delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which has arrived in our country at the invitation of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly. At the beginning of the meeting, Chairman of the Presidium Ramiz Alia, after welcoming them, gave a brief account of the democratic developments taking place in our country. During the conversation, satisfaction was expressed at the fact that Albania’s relations with the countries of Europe are being strengthened and expanded[?] and are becoming increasingly active. It was emphasized that, in this context, cooperation with the Council of Europe and other institutions of the continent also holds an important place. The Chairman of the Presidium stated that our people are interested in seeing our country included as soon as possible in the European integration processes. For their part, the representatives of the delegation expressed their satisfaction with the reception and their interest in developments in Albania. They appreciated the steps taken toward political pluralism, elections, and the opening of the country. Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also took part in the meeting. (ATSH)

Our interview With Mr. PIRO ANTONELLI, ambassador of the Republic of Italy in our country . Yesterday’s regime failed to stop the free expression of different ideas, even by peaceful means. Of course, we know Albania well and we know that the difficulties it is facing are not few. The Italian people stand by the Albanian people. It has not ceased to provide numerous forms of aid, both in food and in medicines. This assistance must continue and increase even further. In this context, the Italian Government has decided to send extraordinary aid to Albania. Let us not think that the time is right to create misunderstandings. It is necessary that relations between the two countries be characterized by mutual respect. Italy is following closely the developments taking place in Albania. The success of democratic reforms in your country is important not only for Albanians, but also for stability in the region. Italy is ready to contribute to this process. Economic and cultural cooperation must take on new dimensions. We hope that contacts between people will strengthen and that free movement will expand. Albania and Italy are linked by history, geographical proximity and common interests. (Continues on page 2)

We do not know whether in these days, which are full of new events and developments, there has ever been a greater need for calm, self-restraint and cool-headed logic than now. In a society going through a difficult period of transformation, emotions are strong and the temptation to react with passion is great. But precisely now wisdom is required. It is necessary not to give room to excessive words, calls for confrontation or impulsive action. Democracy cannot be built on the momentum of the moment; it needs institutions, rules and a culture of dialogue. The elections have just taken place and their results must be awaited with seriousness and moderation. Each political force must know how to win and lose with dignity. No one has the right to use citizens’ disappointment to inflame tensions. We must all contribute to ensuring that the country moves forward in civil peace. This is the most important test of our political maturity.

On the results of the April 14, 1991 elections for deputies to the People’s Assembly The Central Election Commission will issue the general announcement on the April 14, 1991 elections after processing the data from all district commissions. However, on the basis of the first announcements, out of 250 deputies, by 11:30 p.m. on 14.4.1991, after the data from 249 polling stations had been processed, it results that for the elections to the People’s Assembly 1,926,842 citizens with voting rights were registered. 1,765,490 voters took part in the voting, or 91.6 percent. According to the preliminary data, 248 deputies of the People’s Assembly are elected from 250 registered candidates. The Central Election Commission will provide a more detailed account of the voting data in the April 14, 1991 elections before 8:00 p.m. on April 16. CENTRAL ELECTION COMMISSION