2.805? The meeting of the Presidency of the Republic, Ramiz Alia, with trade unionists of the independent miners’ movement, Gjirokastër and Paskuqan Yesterday afternoon, the President of the Republic, Ramiz Alia, received in a meeting representatives of the independent miners’ union and of the student movement. At the beginning of the meeting, the students expressed their concern about the difficult economic situation and the delays in carrying out democratic reforms. They called for immediate measures to improve the situation and to guarantee political and trade-union pluralism. President Ramiz Alia stressed that the government must create conditions for normal work and for overcoming the difficulties the country is going through. He said that without calm, without order, and without cooperation among political and social forces, progress cannot be made. The meeting also discussed supply problems, the situation in the mines, housing, and the students’ demands. The need for dialogue and concrete solutions was underlined. At the end, the President stated that the requests presented would be taken into account and that the relevant institutions must act responsibly. The meeting took place in an open and sincere atmosphere.

These days, the leadership circles of the Bulgarian Socialist Party, through a statement, have sharply criticized the positions of the PPSH regarding developments in Albania and the democratic process. According to this statement, the Albanian leadership is obstructing reforms and is maintaining an outdated stance. In its response, the relevant Albanian bodies stress that no one has the right to interfere in Albania’s internal affairs and that the path of democratic development will be determined by the Albanian people themselves. The statement underlines that relations between parties and countries must be based on mutual respect, equality and non-interference.

Various notices and calls have been addressed to international public opinion regarding the situation in Kosovo, the violation of rights, and the need for solidarity with the Albanian people of Kosovo. The appeal calls for pressure to be exerted on the Yugoslav authorities to stop the violence, to release political prisoners, and to respect national and human rights. The Committee calls on international organizations, the media, and democratic personalities to help raise global awareness of the Kosovo issue.

Dear trade unionists, The French-European National Association for Human Rights, Freedom, Disarmament, Peace and Development, FEASAL, sends its message of solidarity with Albanian workers and trade unionists. This message expresses support for trade-union rights, pluralism and democratic freedoms, and calls for violence and repression against social movements to be avoided. The message underlines the importance of dialogue and peaceful solutions for overcoming the crisis.

In support of the program of the provisional government and the democratic reforms, a rally was held in Pogradec with the participation of citizens, young people and various organizations. The speakers stressed the necessity of preserving order, work and civic coexistence. They called for understanding and for overcoming difficulties with unity. (continued on page 2)

From the interview of the delegation of the castle of Evrosa — MY DECISION IN NSIN? NDRYSH? IS ONLY LINKED TO THE DECISION OF THE PEOPLE. We continue by publishing excerpts from the interview concerning political developments, Albanian-European relations and the future of the country within the framework of integration processes. The interview touches on issues of sovereignty, national identity and Albania’s role in Europe. (continued on page 4)

On the 62nd anniversary of the League of Prizren, Minister Mehmeti [?] Zego, a member of the Presidency of Yugoslavia and the Albanian representative in this federal body, spoke about the serious situation in Kosovo and interethnic relations. In his speech he emphasized the need to respect the rights of Albanians and for political dialogue to resolve the crisis. (continued on page 4)