PRESS RELEASE From January 29 to February 2, 1995, a high-level delegation of the PSSH, headed by its deputy chairman, Dr. Servet Pellumbi, made an official visit to the European Parliament and the European Commission, where it held meetings with senior figures from these institutions. At these meetings, discussions were held on the political and economic situation in Albania; standards of human rights and of the opposition; the “Nano Issue”; the constitutional crisis and the independence of the justice institutions; Albania’s integration into Europe and ways to intensify this process; the situation in the Balkans, and in particular resolving the Kosovo problem; as well as relations with neighboring countries. The PS representatives presented the PS’s alternatives for overcoming the constitutional and political crisis and expressed the Socialist Party’s determination to continue the reforms as the only way to consolidate democracy. At these meetings, they sought greater support from the European Community and its institutions for democratic processes in Albania, for consolidating the new institutions of Albanian democracy, completing the legal framework, and respecting human rights. In particular, they called for the “Nano Issue” to be reactivated in the European Parliament and for its contribution to a just resolution of this issue, which would not only redress an injustice but also help create a new political climate conducive to understanding and social peace. Likewise, the PSSH delegation, after expressing its thanks for the assistance, requested an increase in economic aid and European Community programs to develop market-economy reforms in Albania. To raise relations between the European Union and Albania to a new level, the PS delegation stated, at its meeting with the senior European Commission commissioner, Mr. Van De Broek, and at other meetings, that every opportunity should be created to begin dialogue and gradually achieve an association agreement between the European Union and Albania in the near future. Likewise, the PSSH representatives called for Euro-Atlantic expansion. Recognizing the great importance that the European Commission and the European Parliament attach to the development of democratic processes in our country, we were informed that in the coming months several delegations from the European Commission and the European Parliament will visit Albania to intensify political and economic support, depending on the progress of reforms. We believe that the Albanian authorities should respond to this interest from the European Community with a more active and transparent policy, so that the results of cooperation between the European Union and Albania are more effective. We regard the concern expressed by many figures in the European Parliament and the European Commission regarding the standards of human rights and the opposition in Albania, as well as their willingness to reactivate the “Nano Issue” in the European Parliament, as a contribution to stabilizing democracy in Albania. Also important is their appreciation of the opposition’s constructive efforts to build the rule of law and resolve the constitutional crisis. We regard the European Union’s concern and efforts to prevent conflict in Kosovo and achieve a solution acceptable to all parties, while increasing pressure on the Serbian authorities, as an investment the European Union is making and will continue to make in establishing peace in our region. The numerous meetings and the open, friendly exchange of views during this visit helped provide a fuller understanding of the political and economic problems our country is going through, of the achievements to date, but also of the many difficulties and obstacles facing the further development of democratic processes in Albania as a result of the authoritarian tendencies of the DP government, the corruption and incompetence of the administration, and helped directly assess the PS’s strengths and alternatives for the future. During this visit, the PSSH once again demonstrated that it is a constructive opposition that can look beyond party interests when the interests of the country and democracy are at stake. This also explains the favorable assessment of the PSSH delegation and the open, non-prejudicial manner in which it was received by the European Parliament and the European Commission. The delegation considers that this intensive working visit by a PSSH delegation will contribute to increasing cooperation between the European Union and Albania, in support of the development of reforms, today and in the future. (Continued on page 2)

Yesterday at midday, the leadership of the Socialist Party of Albania held a press conference for journalists and representatives of the diplomatic corps concerning the visit made a few days ago by a delegation of this Party to the European Parliament and the European Commission.

FROM THE WORLD It seems that the Polish president Lech Valensa, who belongs to the right wing, is trying by every means to prove his point in relation to the left-wing Polish government led by Prime Minister Pawlak, making use of the extensive constitutional powers granted to him by an article of Poland’s constitution. Last week, developments in Poland drew attention to the crisis that had arisen and to relations between the president, government, and parliament, with Valensa’s openly stated aim of dissolving parliament. Lech Valensa is heading toward elections, seeking to take Poland into another round of elections. Although a compromise was reached between the government and the president over the budget, the remarks of Minister Jantjen from Valensa’s circle last week did not rule out the possibility of a constitutional crisis, because Valensa has not signed the 1995 draft budget. He will try to use this as a pretext to dissolve parliament. Jun- (Continued on page 3)

KO journalists are doing their drill, defending Mr. Zh... While Zhulali and Teta continue their war of accusations against each other, neither side has yet taken the matter to the prosecutors. “Nobody” has submitted a criminal complaint to us, officials confirmed yesterday at the secretariats of the Tirana District Prosecutor’s Office and the Republic’s General Prosecutor’s Office. But while former minister Teta has contented himself with publishing materials and stating that we have the file on Defense Minister Zhulali ready and complete for trial, Minister Zhulali himself—or through some RD journalist who may perhaps be doing his drill at the minister’s cabinet during this period of conflict—continues every day to go on the offensive in the press, publishing further, even more serious accusations. Asked again about these repeated accusations and threats, MP Teta answers calmly: “I told you that I’m just waiting, and that what Zhulali will do is precisely what I would like him to do. On the other hand, Minister Zhulali, although he set an example of civility by making a statement to ‘Koha Jonë’, is still being polite. When asked by telephone about this matter, he tells the journalist’s secretary to ask ‘Koha Jonë’ about it—apparently leaving the continuation of the attack and accusations in the hands of the drill-doing journalist with the initials D. K., who, with his accusations, ...” Among his words, he says: set an example of civility by making a statement ...” This is not about a ... other texts ... Besides, the journalist calls the documents concerning “Sotirës” and “Vela Luka” fabricated documents by the Serbian secret services. But how does D. K. know how the major trade worth hundreds of thousands of dollars was conducted, when his colleagues know him as a small-time trader...?! A. MYSLIMI

Shkodër - The courts pass the cases back and forth to one another. -

The Property Restitution Commission, one day, the former landowners would prefer us to pay them whatever monthly rent they ask for the land. But what are we supposed to pay first?! [unclear] asks us to pay the taxes on its behalf. The former owners set the price of the land that we must pay them. So what is left for us?! One of the business owners, who seems quite concerned about this issue, says that we have taken the matter to court. In many of the cases heard in this court, neither party has been satisfied. This has led them to appeal to the Court of Appeal and even to the Court of Cassation. But as the courts in question keep passing decisions back and forth to one another, the disagreements continue to deepen. The failure of the laws on the recognition and restitution of property to function has become a source of conflict, the resolution of which is quite complicated given Shkodra’s circumstances, unless those responsible for interpreting and implementing these laws show prudence and responsibility. MUSA KURTULAJ

On March 1, 1.2 million people will pay for their healthcare Press conference with the Minister of Health, Mr. Maksim Cikuli STATE PHARMACIES [unclear] On March 1, 1.2 million people will pay for their healthcare Complete privatization of pharmaceutical services Press conference with the Minister of Health, Mr. Maksim Cikuli At the end of 1994, the private pharmaceutical sector was in crisis, and there were still 360 state pharmacies, all of which are not expected to remain. They will all be privatized. In fact, for now it is the service, not the buildings, because of problems with former owners; the privatization or opening of pharmacies, including the opening of some new pharmacies, will take place in the future. The start of privatization and the opening of pharmacies will take place in the future. (Continued on page 2)

— Interview with comrade Agron Dibra, Mayor of Lezha, given to our newspaper’s correspondent Bektash Zeneli — Question: How do you feel as Mayor of Lezha after two and a half years leading this municipality? Answer: As head of this municipality, I feel that I have gained more experience in local government leadership under conditions of political and economic pluralism. Over this period, together with the staff and the institutions under our authority, we have now established a record of work. We have faced and are continuing to face a difficult democratic transition, with acute economic and social problems. This has been made possible, among other things, by the support that citizens have given and continue to give us; they have correctly understood the limits of the municipality’s capacity. I would like to thank them warmly for this. In response to this support, we have acted honestly, properly and with commitment to resolve some of the difficulties they face. Thus, we have provided social assistance to families without income and strongly supported people’s free movement. Today, the city has 19 private construction companies, 4 joint ventures, and 960 businesses and shops employing around 2,150 people. We have also provided seasonal employment, accompanied by food aid, with the help of the Italian association «LIVIA». In housing, all the apartment blocks have been completed, and four new blocks are also under construction with World Bank funds, which will ease the difficult housing situation somewhat. Some improvements have been made to the sewage system, as well as to the stormwater drainage system, which has recently caused flooding in the city. We have improved conditions in the nurseries and urban transport, and the hospital has been equipped with modern equipment. We have provided, and continue to provide, care for dozens of children with disabilities and medicines for dozens of residents. During this period, we have carried out several economic and social studies on the city’s development. During this period, the city of Lezha has been characterized by mutual understanding, tolerance and calm, reflecting its long-standing culture. What problems currently concern Lezha, and how do you intend to overcome them? Answer: Among the fundamental problems, I would single out housing, employment, development of … (Continued on page 2)

Yesterday at midday, the leadership of the Socialist Party of Albania held a press conference for journalists and representatives of the diplomatic corps concerning the visit made a few days ago by a delegation of this Party to the European Parliament and the European Commission. At the beginning, PSSH Vice-Chairman Ilir Meta read a press release about the visit. Then PSSH Deputy Chairman Dr. Servet Pellumbi and Vice-Chairman Ilir Meta answered journalists’ questions. According to the press, you stated in the European Parliament that Albania’s path to Europe does not pass through the Islamic Conferences. Is this true? If you come to power, what position will you take regarding Albania’s presence in the Islamic Conference? First, I would like to express—I wanted to express—on behalf of the Party leadership, our thanks to the Parliament and the European Union, as well as to the European Union’s embassy in Tirana, which made this successful visit to Brussels possible. Regarding the first question: In discussing the situation in the Balkans and Albania’s relations with Europe, we also touched on the issue of Albania’s accession to the Islamic Conference. We said nothing new, but repeated what we have said before on this issue. We consider alliances or conferences based on religious affiliation unsuitable for our country, for the simple reason that we have three main religions in the country and, if we were to follow the practice of alliances on religious or ideological grounds, this would carry the risk of national division, the risk of Albania being split away from its Euro-Atlantic orientation and from the European continent to which it historically belongs. That is why we have had and continue to have our objections. It is no coincidence that this agreement has still not been submitted for ratification to the Albanian parliament. If we come to power, we will discuss this issue precisely in line with the position I have just expressed. You also discussed the spectrum of Albanian political forces in Brussels. Please tell us how you presented the left-wing and center-left political forces in Albania there. What is your opinion of the danger of the far left in Albania? Likewise, the PSSH representatives called for a more active commitment by European and international institutions to a just and acceptable solution to the Kosovo problem and, more generally, the Albanian question. They assessed that the European Union should encourage longer-term plans to better connect and integrate Albania and the region into the Balkans with the continents, politically and economically, as well as into security structures. With our interlocutors, this issue was discussed from the perspective of possible future alliances, especially regarding the governance of the country. We expressed our views on the level of cooperation with political forces in Albania and on the new political phenomenon seen during the Referendum process, a phenomenon that opens the way to fruitful cooperation among Albanian political forces on a specific issue: the Constitution. We also defended the view that successful government coalitions are entirely possible on the basis of the political configuration that will emerge from the next elections. We mentioned the Democratic Alliance, the Social Democratic Party, and other political forces as possible partners. received by the European Parliament and the European Commission. We believe the future. Thank you. (Continued on page 2)