On 9 April, after a severe illness, veteran of the Anti-Fascist National Liberation War and First Secretary of the Central Committee of the PLA, Ramiz Alia, died at the age of 54. For nearly three decades, he held high offices in the Albanian state and party, being a member of the Political Bureau and the successor to Enver Hoxha at the head of state. In recent years he led the process of political opening and pluralism, in an effort to avoid the deep crisis the country is experiencing. Tributes will be held at the Palace of Brigades. The funeral ceremony will take place with honors. At this difficult moment, we extend our condolences to the Alia family. (Continued on page 3)

Parliamentary health, being a solution reached by agreement, in the present case has had a special value, since its aim was to include in the government all parties and political forces that would ensure a stable parliamentary majority. Since the work of the Presidential Council will continue with the new government as well, it is essential to exercise care in drafting the new cabinet. A technical government, which would replace the current government and be composed of specialists from all parties, would be more suitable for our conditions. This would largely avoid disagreements that could arise among the various political forces and would give the government more time to deal with emergency situations. Nevertheless, any solution must be made in compliance with the rules of the rule of law and while preserving institutional continuity. Only in this way can the creation of precedents be avoided that tomorrow could be used in the wrong way. (Continued on page 3)

Aleksandër Meksi was born on 8 March 1949 in Tirana and graduated from the Higher Institute of Construction. He has worked as a lecturer and as a specialist in the field of restoration of cultural monuments. He has been involved in scientific activities and professional publications. After political pluralism, he became one of the leading figures of the Democratic Party and was elected deputy. In this capacity, he took an active part in the preparation of programs and in leading the parliamentary activity of this political force. Today he is assigned the duty of prime minister at a difficult moment for the country. (Continued on page 3)

The song of the star will remain forever... Eternal tribute to the “Artist of the People”, Avni Xhemali The beautiful spring bloomed in color, but it cannot save us from the pain of parting with another great figure of our stage art. Albanian art has lost a distinctive voice, a rare performer and a man beloved by the public. Avni Xhemali will remain in the memory of generations as a singer with a great soul, a distinctive timbre and a high artistic culture. He performed on the country's main stages and left indelible marks on Albanian musical creativity. Today, colleagues, friends and art lovers bid him a final farewell. (Continued on page 3) House of Gjeza (Photo: N. Xhuxha)

MR. ALEKSANDËR MEKSI APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC SALI BERISHA ADDRESSED TO THE PEOPLE Tirana, 10.4.1992 Today at 11:00 a.m., in accordance with article 28, point b, Aleksandër Meksi, on the proposal of the Democratic Party, was appointed PRIME MINISTER and tasked with presenting the program of the new government for approval in the People's Assembly. PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC

Will work be rewarded? For a society in transition, the question of rewarding work is fundamental. The value of work cannot be measured only by market norms, but also by social justice and by the possibility for everyone to live with dignity from their own work. If economic reforms are not accompanied by social protection, then people's fatigue and dissatisfaction will increase. Work must be honored, not devalued. (Continued on page 2)

What can we gain from defeat An electoral or political defeat does not mean the end, if it serves reflection and reorganization. Political forces must draw lessons from mistakes, listen to society, and rebuild lost trust. In this sense, defeat can be a new starting point, not only for parties, but also for citizens who are waiting for more credible alternatives. (Continued on page 2)

Agency (DPA) — Great Britain has held parliamentary elections in a harsh political climate. Preliminary results show a close race between Conservatives and Labour, while attention is focused on the decisive electoral constituencies. Analysts note that the economy and unemployment were the main themes of the campaign. In some constituencies the margins have been very small. (Continued on page 2)

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