Zef Brozi for “Zërin e Popullit” after the end of the trial at the Constitutional Court It is highly 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 rushing headlong toward the installation of a neo-dictatorship under the guise of democracy in Albania. Page 3

Pëllumbi comments on Berisha Putting such agreements on a legal basis would not only remove any suspicion at home and abroad, but would also make them more stable because they would no longer be like a “gentlemen’s handshake.” Page 2

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

Observation Among the sharp questions the CNN journalist asked President Berisha was the concern over disputes with the Supreme Court (read: Cassation), concerning 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 statement, when everyone knows that Fatos Nano was not convicted for the loss of this amount, but for having appropriated it in favor of other persons?! We believe the President can tell the difference between loss and theft. He knows very well that Fatos Nano did not steal, but in front of the journalist of such a serious network he used the word theft. We do not believe Berisha’s words were mistranslated. We took his statements from RD of 14 September 1995. Why was Fatos Nano sentenced in those three trials: for the loss of the goods or for embezzlement? Berisha’s conversation with the CNN journalist was not confidential. It was broadcast on TV. Everyone heard it. Why did the President lose his head? The Observer

We underline On page two of the newspaper is published the statement of the White House press secretary regarding the Clinton-Berisha meeting. In it, in clear language, the fundamental moments that defined the talks are emphasized. First, the support of the United States for a fair solution to the Albanian national question. In this statement one finds the idea formulated that the US “have strongly supported autonomy for the people of Kosovo and will continue to work toward this goal.” This is strong support that comes at a time when the overall crisis in the former Yugoslavia dictates the need to assess the Albanian factor. Second, President Clinton praised “the necessary steps for the realization of true market reforms in Albania” while expressing “satisfaction at the rapid growth of the Albanian economy.” In this framework, assurances were given for the continuation of American economic aid with specific projects. By welcoming Albania’s participation in the Partnership for Peace program, as emerges from the Statement, American goals are limited. Third, the position expressed in the Statement on democratic developments in Albania is marked by hope, but also by the reservations of the American administration in this field. These are even 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 used in the US regarding political and institutional developments in Albania is far from the euphoria of our rulers. The realism shown by the American administration about developments in Albania shows that the situation in our country is known and followed there step by step. This is natural in open democratic societies, from which come the clear messages that there are reservations about the abuse of political power in fragile Albanian democracy, particularly about the pressure exerted to subjugate judicial power. In this way one can understand the hope expressed by Mr. Clinton for the continuation of reforms or the demand he makes for further steps to guarantee the rule of law, through the strengthening of the independence of the Albanian legal system. However much the statement of the White House press secretary regarding the Clinton-Berisha meeting retains the elements of diplomatic language, everyone understands that the Albanian President received a lesson in democracy at the right time at the White House. It is too early to express opinions about how seriously the remarks of the American administration will be implemented by our rulers. But one thing is known for certain: in Washington they are interested in an Albania where there is no tension or political violence against the opposition, where there is independence of the branches of power and confidence in building democracy, a market economy and the rule of law.

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Hope for the establishment of peace in Bosnia Gorbachev criticizes NATO actions and “Russia’s emotions” Page 9