EVERY ACCUSATION THAT IT IS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMUNIST-TYPE PARTIES IS A DECEPTION AND A HISTORICAL ABUSE

— we will try to serve as an example for a democratic coalition with the SP and with the other parties that share our ideals [? Question: How do you explain the heavy defeat of the social-democratic alternative in Tirana? Does this perhaps mean that the alliance of social-democratic parties has weakened the SP in these elections? FATOS NANO: Yes, that is the truth. We would not exaggerate this, nor will we turn it into a formula and an excuse for our defeat. This is a realistic assessment that in Albania, on the basis of a legacy of devaluations and distortions of terms, the term social democratic has been difficult to understand and to win trust. On the other hand, we have also paid a certain cost because of the fragmentation of the left vote. Nevertheless, we believe that the elections have shown that the SP remains a major political force with a stable electorate. Question: If that is the conclusion, should such an alliance not have been avoided? FATOS NANO: No. Because we have not built policies with a narrow electoralist eye. We wanted to give a civic and democratic signal for cooperation and openness. In the future, every progressive force that is ready to share with us the goals of reform, the rule of law, a market economy with social protection, and European integration will find in the SP a serious partner. Question: Do you think there will be agreements with other political forces for the creation of institutions? FATOS NANO: We are open to institutional and parliamentary dialogue. Albania needs stability, a state, and a culture of compromise. We will fight for a dignified representation in the People's Assembly and will contribute our part in every democratic process that serves the country. Question: What is your assessment of the campaign? FATOS NANO: The campaign was difficult and not always fair. There were tensions, distortions, dishonest propaganda, and attempts to identify the SP with the past in an unjust way. Every accusation that it is identified with communist-type parties is a deception and a historical abuse. We are a new political force, created on the basis of deep reform, pluralism, and democracy. Question: What do you expect after the elections? FATOS NANO: We expect the will of the people to be respected, for the institutions to function, and for the road to be opened toward economic and political stabilization. We will stand by the people, defend the interests of the needy strata, and continue to work for a democratic Albania. ( continues on page 3 )

... like one of Hitler's, which used trained and commanded gas? We do not agree with such judgments. For our force and that of any serious opposition, the free conduct of citizens is decisive, but this freedom cannot be abused to create panic, distort the voter's will, and seriously damage the moral climate of the country. If some people want to exploit the transition for revenge, for denigration, or for political exclusion, that would be a disaster for Albania. Beyond the emotions of a fierce electoral contest, our country needs calm, work, and prudence. Only in this way does democracy acquire real substance. We have said, and we repeat, that the SP is no one's enemy, but rather the opponent of anti-democratic practices. In these elections we present ourselves to the people with the balance sheet of our reform, with the clear program for the economy, property, freedoms, and the rule of law. Whoever reads this program objectively understands that it has nothing in common with the old dogmas. Albanian citizens will decide freely. ( continues on page 2 ) The journalist's question to Fatos Nano: Would the SP try to create governing coalitions with other democratic forces after the elections? FATOS NANO: We believe that Albania needs responsible governance, cooperation, and a clear sharing of responsibilities. We do not rule out cooperation with democratic forces that are ready to work for the country's stability, reforms, and integration. We do not see politics as a struggle to annihilate the opponent, but as competition between ideas and programs. In this sense, every dialogue that serves the national interest is welcome. ( continues on page 2 )

At the end of the press conference, a journalist asked this question: — What makes you so sure that the PSSH will come out victorious in these elections? Fatos Nano, among other things, replied: — Because we know very well that the SP has the future on its side and that, being closely linked to the people, it is capable of overcoming every difficulty and emerging victorious in every fair battle. ( continues on page 3 )