PRESIDENT RAMIZ ALIA RECEIVED MR. JAMES BAKER Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of State James Baker arrived in our country. He was welcomed at Rinas by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Muhamet Kapllani, the chairman of the Foreign Relations Commission of the People's Assembly, deputy Servet Pëllumbi, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Yesterday morning Mr. Baker was received by the President of the Republic, Ramiz Alia, with whom he held a warm and friendly conversation. During the meeting it was noted that Albanian-American relations are at a satisfactory stage of development and that there are possibilities for their further expansion in all fields of mutual interest. President Ramiz Alia gave an account of the democratic processes taking place in Albania, the progress of economic reforms, and our country's foreign policy. He pointed out that the changes that have occurred and are occurring in Albania are irreversible, because they stem from the objective needs of the country’s democratic development. Mr. James Baker praised the positive developments in Albania and expressed the readiness of the United States to help the democratic and economic processes in our country. He stressed the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation and integrating Albania into European processes. Also taking part in the meeting were Mr. Muhamet Kapllani, Mr. Bashkim Gazidede [?], Mr. Servet Pëllumbi and other officials. (Photo: ATSH)

[?] From the early hours of yesterday morning, hundreds of residents of Tirana, gathered along the “Dëshmorët e Kombit” boulevard, greeted with applause the motorcade carrying the U.S. Secretary of State, Mr. James Baker. In the meetings held during the day, he held talks with leaders of the Albanian state and with representatives of political forces. The visit was followed with particular interest by public opinion. (To be continued on page 2)

Thank you very much for the kind and warm words, President Alia. We in America all know how much work you and your good people have done for your country. We know how much effort has been made in recent months to move toward democracy and a market economy. The American people congratulate you on your determination and courage. We also know that the road is not easy. But you are not alone. The United States wants to be friends with Albania and to help in whatever way it can. (To be continued on page 2)

Prime Minister Ylli Bufi received U.S. Secretary of State James Baker in a special meeting. The discussion addressed issues of economic cooperation, reforms, and the assistance that the United States can provide to Albania during this transitional period. Both sides expressed the view that the expansion of bilateral relations will serve the country's stability and democratic development. (To be continued on page 2)

In the premises of the People's Assembly, the U.S. Secretary of State, Mr. James Baker, met with deputies and representatives of the country's political life. In his speech he emphasized the importance of democratic institutions and political pluralism for the future of Albania. The deputies warmly greeted the American visitor. (To be continued on page 2)

— Kolegiumi i Bashkimit — The arrival in Tirana of Mr. James Baker was regarded as an event of particular importance for Albanian-American relations. It was welcomed with sympathy by public opinion and with hope for a greater opening of the country. (To be continued on page 2)

The development of Albania and the entire process of democratization of the country is irreversible, because this is an objective requirement.