Like the three governments of last year, the government that has today won the vote of confidence has, in drafting its program, discarded the concept of the totalitarian state, in which nothing can be done outside the sphere and jurisdiction of the government. This is very important. However, in the material presented in the form of a program, the current government has also eliminated the state’s corrective and mitigating role and function in the face of the aggressiveness of the market economy. The program sets out the main directions for developments concerning health issues. I think these have been properly envisaged, but time has also brought many problems before the health sector which, given their scale and urgent nature, should have had a place in the program and require urgent practical solutions. The program says that efforts will be made to narrow the rural–urban divide. This is the right objective, and there is no reason why it should not be, as it has been, at the heart of the programs of previous governments as well. But the situation in recent months and the current state of affairs have deteriorated considerably. The countryside is almost being abandoned by the health service in terms of medical care and its efficiency or effectiveness. At this moment, in many areas, the issue of providing the population with health services is arising. The damage to health institutions in the countryside, its worsening economic situation, and changes in the organization of social life there have worsened—and in some villages and regions have obstructed—the monitoring of health conditions and the proper growth of children. As a result, infant mortality is continually increasing. These problems, along with many others, will find their ultimate solution through the implementation of health-care reform. By supplementing and correcting the material with comments received from the health and international legal bodies with which it has been discussed, it will be possible for the reform to begin soon. From the answers to the questions given by the prime minister, I got the impression that privatization in medicine is the solution to health problems, and that this is also the view of international health organizations. I want to clarify that the main factor— (Continued on page 3)

On the occasion of his departure from Albania, yesterday the Ambassador of the Republic of Greece in Tirana, Mr. Spiros Mallakouris, received the chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania, Fatos Nano, at the Ambassador’s residence and held a warm and friendly conversation with him. For his part, Fatos Nano today praised Mr. Mallakouris’s contribution as Greece’s ambassador to Albania, for his concrete initiatives and comprehensive commitment to ensuring the continuation of relations of understanding between the two countries and advancing them further in the future, in the interest of the Greek ambassador thanked Fatos Nano for the understanding and readiness shown by the Socialist Party of Albania in expressing its views, for its realistic positions in advancing democratic processes in Albania and for its concrete integration, and for strengthening cooperation and friendship between our two peoples and countries. For his part, Fatos Nano praised Mr. Mallakourtis’s the future, in the interest of strengthening friendship between the Albanian and Greek peoples, as well as understanding on the Balkan Peninsula. The meeting was also attended by the Socialist Party’s Secretary for Foreign Relations, Bashkim Zeneli, and member of the PSSH Steering Committee, Anastas Angjeli. Correspondent of “Zëri i popullit”

On the Eve of the Elections A few days ago, the steering committee of the Socialist Party in the Korçë district met and discussed the new elections in the Socialist Party organizations and preparations for its first congress. At the meeting, concern was expressed about the functioning of the party’s grassroots organizations in many enterprises, villages, and neighborhoods in the district. It was also emphasized that a state of apathy and lethargy is evident among some socialists, which is also a consequence of the pressure exerted by those in power on members and sympathizers of the Socialist Party. Thus, it was no coincidence that many Socialist Party members in enterprises and institutions are being put on assistance. This is causing concern, since over the last two years people, having been part of the democratic relations that have developed, have become more conscious of social justice and of making way for, and creating working conditions for, capable people and competent cadres. The Socialist Party must take a clearer stand on every issue. To achieve this, it must be better organized and stronger. In his speech, Raif Hyska stressed that the new election campaign in the Party’s grassroots organizations should not be a repetition of actions from previous election campaigns. The time has come, he continued, for honest socialists who are respected by the wider public to cast out from the ranks of the Socialist Party those corrupt people who are trying to use their membership in the party as a protective umbrella. Meanwhile, Petrit Kupe, in his discussion—people, to advance further under the leadership of the President, the writer and bishop Fan Noli made the first attempt to give Albania a democratic Constitution, but that attempt ended in a new bondage, which ultimately, after thirteen years of the Second World War, ended in communist dictatorship and the country’s complete isolation. The revolutionary transformation process that radically changed the whole of Eastern Europe found in that the Albanians’ love of freedom was on well-prepared ground. Now democracy, respect for the rights of...

Speech by Mr. Hans Dietrich Genscher in Parliament - Mr. Speaker, I greet the members of the Albanian parliament elected by free vote. I greet the freedom-loving men and women of Albania, who declared themselves in favor of freedom, democracy, and human dignity. I greet the distinguished figures who, through their courage and determination, showed the way to democracy. I thank you for the honor bestowed on me by being allowed to speak today before you, the freely elected representatives of your people. I bring with me the greetings and best wishes of the German people, who gained their freedom and unity less than two years ago. We, and surely you too, know very well what it means when democracy is destroyed and freedom trampled underfoot. What Albania has achieved now is directly connected to democratic traditions of which you can rightly be proud. Under many centuries of foreign rule, the Albanian people always preserved their free will. The Albanians’ indomitable will for freedom has become legendary throughout Europe. Your people have repeatedly had to fight for their national independence, against incursions from abroad. Nearly 100 years ago, Sami Frashëri, in his book “Albania: What It Was, What It Is, and What It Will Become,” drew up the outline of an independent Albanian state based on the Western model. In 1924, under the leadership of President, writer, and bishop Fan Noli, the first attempt was made in a new bondage which ultimately, after the horrors of the Second World War, culminated in a series of… Our countries’ relations have a very long history. More than 200 years ago, German scholars were pioneers in the scientific study of the Albanian language. Germans also contributed to the geographical and economic opening-up of your country, but no one in Germany will forget the dark pages of our shared history during the Second World War. The process of democratization and reform in your country is being followed in Germany with deep sympathy. We respect Albania as an important and equal partner in Europe, and you can be certain that you will have our full and active support in finding your place in the new, democratic Europe. From the very beginning, I have shown particular interest in the process of political reform in Albania. If the CSCE is to increase its capacity to act as quickly as possible, it must become a force through which, by means of political cooperation, we can prevent conflicts, manage crises and, where conflicts break out despite all preventive efforts, make a swift and effective contribution to finding solutions. The CSCE was founded as a community of shared values. It must now develop into a community of shared ideas and action. Today, security means that through cooperation (Continued on page 4) The Federal Republic of Germany is on the front line, helping Albania with advice and practical assistance. One third of the European Community’s aid to Albania is covered by Germany. Respect for the interests of others is a prerequisite for respect for one’s own interests. We hope that Albania, too, will find its place in the North Atlantic Cooperation Council. …and the rule of law are being restored. The elections of 22 March for members of the People’s Assembly represent a profound turning point in Albania’s history. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the members who won a mandate in these elections. A great responsibility now rests on your shoulders. The Albanian people have entrusted you with the country’s fate at a decisive stage of historical transition. The transition from a failed dictatorship is a heavy burden. But the chances for a more determined new beginning are greater, and they must be seized now with courage. Among the countries standing by Albania and helping it with advice and practical assistance, Germany provides almost one third of the aid made available by the European Community. We are ready to share the experience gained during the process of transformation in Germany’s new Länder with all countries facing similar tasks. As regards this decision, my efforts at that time were also of great importance, and I was able to gather support just days before the admission, during my visit to your country, by speaking about the prospects for democratization. I feel particularly pleased that Albania was admitted to the community of CSCE participating States precisely at the time when I chaired the meeting in Berlin. Albania has fulfilled the international expectations associated with its admission to the CSCE. During the preparation and conduct of the recent elections, your country cooperated in a sincere and trustworthy manner with the CSCE Office for Free Elections, based in Warsaw. The primacy of human rights and the rule of law must now also be upheld in those areas where the issue will be addressing the past. In this regard, I am referring above all to the review of the cases of, and reintegration of, those politically persecuted. We also hope that Albania will cooperate energetically in shaping our shared European continent, oriented toward the future. Through the CSCE, a common space for constructive cooperation and action was created, stretching from Vancouver to Vladivostok, from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. It is necessary for the CSCE and effective contribution to finding solutions.

Dialogue in the Newsroom - Yesterday, the representative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Mr. Aleksandër Casella, who is also head of the migration information program for Albania, was a guest at the “Zëri i popullit” newsroom. The newspaper’s editor-in-chief, Përparim Xhaxha, spoke with him about migration issues today and in the future. Considering that our public is very interested in information about this issue, we decided to publish the text of the conversation: “Zëri i popullit”: We welcome you to our newsroom and congratulate you on the imminent opening of the IOM and UNHCR office in Tirana, Mr. Aleksandër Casella. These two organizations will open a joint office in Tirana in order to ease the migration problem. For this purpose, I will return to Albania in six weeks. We have established contacts with Western countries to understand this phenomenon as a whole, family reunification, training, etc. The main idea is to normalize the situation. If Albanians legally apply for political status, that does not mean they will be relocated from Italy; they will return, because that country will not be able to accommodate a large number of people. For this, the most appropriate course must be followed. Why do I say this? If you go to the hospital... [the text below is partly unclear/cut off] ... If you go to the morgue ... It is just like leaving your home, going out into the street, and entering someone else’s home without their permission. Those who do that give themselves a bad name. If there are attempts to move illegally, they also harm those who want to enter one European country or another legally. We will set up an office in Tirana and are getting in touch with Western European countries about temporary work and study, after which Albanian citizens will come to us for information. We hope that if this office functions well and the situation calms down, we will reach the level of Hungary and the Czech-Slovak Republic, where people do not need visas, but [can] work abroad. If they work in Italy, they need work permits. There is no unrestricted entry. In Europe, people in some countries will seek to move around more freely, but they will not manage to achieve everything. One day Albania, too, will join these countries. Our current objectives are legal migration and family reunification, because there are many Albanians in Italy and families want to go and meet them. Italians are tolerant about this. There are many Albanians in Italy who are not legal and are illegal. And so they can be legalized. Then tourism between the two countries will be facilitated. For the good of the people and Albania, say this? If you go to the hospital ... [text unclear in the photograph]. “Zëri i popullit”: These are encouraging figures, and every Albanian would thank you for the mission undertaken by IOM and UNHCR. However, it would be good for something to get started as soon as possible to prevent exoduses, while also explaining everything systematically through the media. We welcome cooperation with your office and are ready to open a special column. I repeat: something must be done as soon as possible. This need also arises from people’s lack of information and the problems they face, not only in the cities but also in the countryside, in remote areas. Over the last two or three years, initiatives for organized migration have been emerging; political parties make promises, promises appear in electoral programs... (Continued on page 2)

In his remarks, the Albanian president, Mr. Berisha, said: Ladies and gentlemen. First, I would like to thank Mr. Gensher once again for this visit, which is a visit of friendship and hope for us Albanians. It comes immediately after the victory of democracy. Mr. Gensher’s third visit shows his great interest in Albania, his friendly feelings toward Albania and the Albanian people. I would also like to assure you that none of his visits has been in vain, because on every visit the message has been significant: the message of democracy. In our talks with Mr. Gensher, we addressed our great concern about building a state governed by the rule of law and developing Albania’s economy. Our main obligations are to establish order in Albania through the functioning of the rule-of-law state and the creation of democratic institutions. I informed Mr. Gensher that our urgent economic priorities are assistance for agriculture, so that we can benefit from the existing conditions for agricultural production. Continuing economic reform is also a great imperative for us. I informed Mr. Gensher that I met the IMF director for Albania, who described the Albanian government’s program as excellent. This gives us hope that democratic countries will help us. Another area in which we need assistance is that of experts in [?] and industry. We also asked for help from «Hermes» and other banking institutions in the form of loans, so that our enterprises can resume work and be taken off the [?]. Transport is another area in which we need assistance and cooperation with Germany. In practice, the current state of transport is deepening the paralysis of our economy. In our talks, we requested Germany’s support with international institutions to help Albania join these institutions, particularly the Council of Europe, the G24, the EC and the IMF. The talks also addressed the situation in the region; the logic of war pursued by Milosheviçi to resolve the Yugoslav crisis; and the threatened situation of Albanians in Yugoslavia. We insisted, and continue to insist, on recognition of the right to self-determination and are not seeking changes to the borders. Mr. Gensher assured us that the state ... (Continued on page 4)

Yesterday at 8:00 a.m., the Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Hans Ditrih Gensher, arrived in our country for a working visit. At Rinas Airport, he and the people accompanying him were welcomed by Bashkim Kopliku, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Public Order, Foreign Minister Alfred Serreqi, and others. Also present was Klaus Foler, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Albania. A portion of the aid that the German government has allocated to Albania through the German Red Cross arrived on the aircraft carrying the German delegation. Yesterday at 9:00 a.m., Foreign Minister Alfred Serreqi received Republic of Germany, Hans Ditrih Gensher. Afterwards, talks were held between the delegations of the two countries. Two agreements were also signed: one on air transport and the other on assistance for the Ministry of Labour, Emigration, Social Support and the Persecuted. Also at 9:00 a.m., Foreign Minister Alfred Serreqi received the Persecuted. The Ambassador Albania, Klaus Foler, was also present. (ATSH)