Zef Brozi for “Zërin e Popullit” after the conclusion of the hearing at the Constitutional Court It is extremely significant that in the Clinton-Berisha talks, one of the points was also the independence of the Albanian courts. This shows that Clinton and the American state now know what is happening in Albania. The opinion is that the country is being rushed headlong toward the installation of a neo-dictatorship under the guise of democracy in Albania. Page 3

Pëllumbi comments on Berisha Placing such agreements on a legal basis would not only dispel any suspicion at home and abroad, but would also make them more lasting because they would no longer be just a “gentlemen's agreement.” Page 2

18 workers from the metal construction enterprise in Elbasan write to “Zerit te Popullit” Page 4

Commentary Among the pointed questions that the CNN journalist asked President Berisha was the concern about disagreements with the Supreme Court (read: Cassation), relating to Fatos Nano. President Berisha replied that Fatos Nano was convicted “because of the loss of millions in Italian humanitarian aid.” Was the journalist convinced by Berisha's wording, when everyone knows that Fatos Nano was not convicted for the loss of this amount, but for its embezzlement in favor of other persons?! We believe the President knows how to distinguish between loss and theft. He knows very well that Fatos Nano did not steal, but in front of the journalist from such a serious network he had used the word theft very much. We do not believe that Berisha's words were mistranslated. We have taken his expressions from RD dated 14 September 1995. Why was Fatos Nano convicted in those three trials: for the loss of the property or for embezzlement? Berisha's conversation with the CNN network journalist was not confidential. It was broadcast on TV. Everyone found out about it. Why did the President lose his bearings? Vëzhguesi

We underline On page two of the newspaper is published the statement by the White House press secretary regarding the Clinton-Berisha meeting. In it, in clear language, emphasis is placed on the fundamental moments that marked the talks. First, the support of the United States for a fair solution to the Albanian national question. In this statement, the idea is formulated that the USA “strongly supported autonomy for the people of Kosovo and will continue to work toward this goal.” This is powerful support that comes at a time when the overall solution to the crisis in the former Yugoslavia dictates the need to assess the Albanian factor. Second, President Clinton praised “the necessary steps toward the realization of genuine market reforms in Albania,” expressing “satisfaction at the rapid growth of the Albanian economy.” In this context, assurances were given about the continuation of American economic aid with new and more targeted projects. While welcoming Albania's participation in the Partnership for Peace program, as emerges from the Statement, American objectives are limited. Third, the position expressed in the Statement regarding democratic developments in Albania is marked by hope, but also by the reservations that the American administration has in this field. Indeed, these are stated clearly in the formulation that President Clinton “expressed the hope that Albania... will take further steps to guarantee the rule of law.” Important in this context for the head of the American administration is “the strengthening of the institutional and political independence of the Albanian legal system.” The language spoken in the USA regarding political and institutional developments in Albania is far from the euphoria of our rulers. The realism shown by the American administration regarding developments in Albania shows that there the situation in our country is felt and followed step by step. This is natural in open democratic societies, from which clear messages come that there are reservations about the abuse of political power to the detriment of democracy and Albanian state institutions, especially regarding the pressure exerted toward subjugating the judiciary. In this way, one can understand the hope Clinton himself expresses for the continuation of reforms or the demand he puts forward for further steps to guarantee the rule of law, through strengthening the independence of the Albanian legal system. However much the statement of the White House press secretary concerning the Clinton-Berisha meeting retains the elements of diplomatic language, everyone understands that the Albanian President received a lesson in democracy at the right moment in the White House. It is too early to express an opinion on how seriously the observations of the American administration will be implemented by our rulers. But one thing is known for sure: in Washington they are interested in an Albania where there is no political tension or violence against the opposition, where there is independence of powers and trust in building democracy, the market economy and the rule of law.

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Hope for peace in Bosnia Gorbachev criticizes NATO actions and “Russia's emotions” Page 9