Interview with PSSH deputy chairman and MEP Meta, given to editor Lulzim Çota Question: You were part of the Albanian Parliament delegation at the interparliamentary meeting with the European Parliament delegation for Southeastern Europe. What was the meeting about, and what was discussed? Answer: On February 23–24, the first interparliamentary meeting between the European Parliament delegation for Southeastern Europe and the delegation of the People’s Assembly was held at the European Parliament. The agenda included discussions on the political situation in Albania, the progress of economic reforms, the situation of the Greek minority, the situation in the region, etc. Representatives of the European Commission responsible for political, economic and financial relations with Albania took part in the meeting. The main political groups in the European Parliament were represented at the meeting. The political situation in Albania, and in particular the issue of the Constitution and the “Nano Affair,” became the subject of extensive discussions and debates. Question: Since you mentioned the Constitution, it would be interesting to know the position of the MEPs on this issue, as well as that of the Albanian delegation? Answer: After Mr. Arbnori’s presentation on the political situation, many MEPs expressed concern that the Constitution problem remained unresolved, about the reasons that led to the November 6 referendum, and about the failure to reach consensus among the political forces on the Constitution. Mr. Arbnori tried to justify the path of adopting the Constitution through a referendum and explain its failure. Regarding the failure to follow the constitutional route, namely the parliamentary one, he blamed the opposition, which, according to him, wanted this in order to block Parliament and bring about early elections. Together with Mr. Gjinushi, we explained the opposition’s position on the Constitution, expressing its willingness to respect the parliamentary route for adopting the Constitution and its openness to a referendum as well, but only after it had been discussed and approved in Parliament. We expressed the opposition’s desire to reach consensus on adopting the Constitution. The MEPs, for their part, said that a referendum is not an effective way to approve a constitution, even in countries with democratic traditions, let alone in countries at the beginning of democratic processes. They suggested that the best and most effective way is through Parliament. All the MEPs who spoke on this issue emphasized the need to reach consensus among the parliamentary parties on approving the Constitution, regardless of which party holds the majority. More specifically, the Vice-President of the European Parliament and of its delegation for Southeastern Europe, Mr. Renzo Imbeni, said: “When it comes to the Constitution, a majority is not enough to resolve this issue. The impossibility of using a political majority when establishing common frameworks must be understood. The fundamental acts of a new democratic system must be based on the unity of political forces, not on a political majority.” Question: And what role did the Nano affair play at this meeting? Answer: Along with the Constitution problem, the “Nano Affair” was also at the center of the questions, discussions and debates on the first day of the meeting. From the outset of the questions about the political situation in Albania, several MEPs focused on the “Nano Affair.” These included the Vice-Chairman of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Spanish MEP Mendel; the Vice-President of the European Parliament, MEP Imbeni; Greek MEPs Rubatis and Sarlis; and others. They asked about the latest developments in the Nano case and the prospects for resolving it, clearly expressing their concern about the case and about the Albanian authorities’ failure to respond to the need to resolve it. Mr. Arbnori replied, trying to convince the MEPs that this was not a political issue and that the courts in Albania are independent. In my discussion of this issue, I unfortunately presented ...

German President Herzog’s visit concluded Yesterday morning, German President Herzog began his program with a meeting with Albanian intellectuals invited by the German Embassy in Tirana. Afterwards, accompanied by President Berisha, he visited Kavajë, where he was declared an “Honorary Citizen.” A joint press conference by the two presidents was held in Currus. In his remarks, Albanian President Sali Berisha described President Herzog’s visit as major support for Albania’s efforts to build a state governed by the rule of law, a market economy and integration into Europe, as well as support for Albania’s stabilizing role in the Balkans. He also said that the visit was growing evidence of bilateral cooperation. In his view, Germany’s role in the Balkans as an EU leader must necessarily increase so that the Balkan crises can be resolved more quickly. In his remarks, President Herzog noted, among other things, that his country’s experience of helping create unity, which existed 40 years ago, could be experienced by the countries of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe that had been freed from dictatorship. For now, Albania has only half of its people within its borders, but it does not challenge the existence of its borders, he said. It seeks only appropriate autonomy and an appropriate minority status for Albanians living outside their homeland. In our Western experience, this should be the most reasonable course. This in fact connects us with Albania’s policy over the past three years. Albania will also take the final step by joining the Council of Europe. We will continue to work for Albania’s association with the EU; we Germans are Albania’s strongest supporters, but we do not want to take a leading role. For Europe’s population, we have achieved more for Albania than for other countries in the world. Over the past few years we have given Albania a quarter of a billion DM, in addition to assistance through the EU, which we finance at 28 percent. I am told that the funds have been well invested here in Albania. Germany and Europe will continue to support Albania. The two presidents then answered journalists’ questions. Regarding Germany’s growing role in the world and in the Balkans, President Herzog said, among other things, that if one speaks of greater German engagement in the world, it should be political. Germany must help prevent conflicts before they break out. Asked about describing Germany as a great and natural friend of Albania and of Albania, President Berisha explained that friendship and cooperation with Italy are very good and provide an example of how brief tensions and historical misunderstandings can be overcome, looking toward the future, friendship and cooperation. We are very grateful to the Italian government and the Italian ... for the great and generous assistance they gave us during ... (Continued on page 4) Regarding the situation in the Balkans, President Herzog said, among other things, that after the release of the five minority members, confidence in Albania-Greece relations had improved. As for the situation, I do not want to speak openly, except to offer an impression. There will be no peace in the Balkans unless all minorities in the Balkans have equal status, a status based on mutual recognition of minorities and the creation of equal relations. It does not matter whether the minorities are large or small, or whether the arrangements are bilateral or multilateral. Without fair treatment in this matter, nothing can be achieved. At this point, President Berisha stressed that it is true that there is a Slavic minority of ... (Continued on page 4)

President Clinton announced on Tuesday the creation of a 30-million-dollar Albanian fund; President Clinton announced on Tuesday the creation of a 30-million-dollar Albanian fund, reported last night by radio “Voice of America.” The fund will serve to promote private business in Albania. It will operate in the areas of investment, credit and technical assistance. Emphasis will be placed on helping small and medium-sized enterprises and creating joint ventures between Albania and American investors. The creation of this fund follows the practices the U.S. government is adopting to help private businesses in Eastern European countries. The fund will operate as an independent private enterprise, separate from the U.S. government and the designated countries. The use of the fund will extend over a three-year period, “Voice of America” concludes.

The organizers of the crime in Libofshë dance for Selami Something stands out in a report that BD publishes from PD activists in Fier. After Selami, two delegates of the PD Council spoke, Mr. Vrioli and Kra-kalqi. Two bells at one door. It is not the first time that two delegates have spoken on behalf of the delegates at this activity. The report shows that they spoke more about the movement in the branch than about Selami’s ideas. But it highlights ideas and harsh statements directed precisely against the two organizers of the crime, against the MPs in Libofshë on May 29, 1994, V. Margjallaj and B. Plaka. “Selami must be their chief defender,” the report says. The involvement of such people, the Vefju-Selami incident at the German Embassy in the presence of the president and the honored guest Herzog, and many other things are preparing the atmosphere for March 5: Frost for Selami; “Carnations” for Berisha. B. SILLA

Taking care not to let the “advantages” be noticed that ... the meetings in Shkodër, in ... ... Selami ... active ... in the city of Shkodër ... (Continued on page 2)

- Petition calling for the use of Albanian in Parliament - Albanian MPs in Macedonia boycotted the local parliament. Albanian MPs in Macedonia boycotted the local parliament, submitting a petition to the Speaker of Parliament in which they set out several demands for their return to Parliament. Their demands for the start of serious dialogue on specific issues include: certain points are identified as the most important, etc. ... the boycott of the Macedonian Parliament ...

Yesterday, in the hall of the National Historical Museum, the PS Presidium organized a commemorative gathering on the 70th anniversary of the brutal murder of one of the most distinguished sons in the history of our people, Luigj Gurakuqi. It was attended by MPs, members of the PS Presidium, historians, intellectuals, politicians, writers, veterans, etc. The gathering was opened by PS deputy chairman Fatos Nano, who briefly recalled the main moments in the life of this tribune, who wrote his name in blood in the glorious history of our people. Luigj Gurakuqi was one of the ... of De Rada; and a member of the “Bashkimi” Association in Shkodër. Sentenced to life imprisonment by the Ottoman regime at the age of 23, he ... (Continued on page 3)

In the morning ... in Bari, Italy, the bullet sent by the royal catacombs of politics cut short the life of this tribune. He wrote his name in blood in the glorious history of our people. A pupil of De Rada, member of the “Bashkimi” Association in Shkodër, sentenced to life imprisonment by the Ottoman regime at the age of 23, delegate to the Congress of Manastir, director of the Elbasan Normal School; an insurgent in the Highlands above Shkodër, defender of the Albanian cause against Serbian and Montenegrin chauvinists, Ismail Qemali’s right-hand man in the glorious November of Vlora—these are points where ... —Opening address delivered by PS deputy chairman Dr. Servet Pëllumbi— We have gathered to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the murder of one of the most distinguished sons of our people, Luigj Gurakuqi. In the morning, in Bari, Italy, the bullet sent by the royal catacombs of politics cut short the life of this tribune. He wrote his name in blood in the glorious history of our people. A pupil of De Rada, member of the “Bashkimi” Association in Shkodër, sentenced to life imprisonment by the Ottoman regime at the age of 23, delegate to the Congress of Manastir, director of the Elbasan Normal School; an insurgent in the Highlands above Shkodër, defender of the Albanian cause against Serbian and Montenegrin chauvinists, Ismail Qemali’s right-hand man in the glorious November of Vlora—these are points where ... (Continued on page 3) Gurakuqi—one of the founders of the Albanian school of parliamentary opposition —Opening address delivered by PS deputy chairman Dr. Servet Pëllumbi— ... With the question: “Do you want to know, are these men here to defend the freedom of speech of the deputy, or to ...?” It was Gurakuqi who strongly supported Noli and became finance minister in his government. It was this powerful political life, this devotion to the cause of the people and Albania, that provoked Zog’s political revenge against him. We express our deepest respect for Luigj Gurakuqi, who, together with the great Noli and the other patriotic deputies, created the first Albanian school of parliamentary opposition, setting honesty, patriotism and foresight as its foundations. Glory to the great Gurakuqi.

The Adria Airlines air agency robbed The Adria Airlines agency robbed The “bad luck” continues for the Adria Airlines air transport company. After the Tiranë-Slovenia route lost its exclusive status ... “Tirana” became the target of a robbery by an armed gang. The “tightening” by the number-one gladiators of the security forces will not last more than 24 hours ... (Continued on page 3)

Moikom Zeqo A survey of informal movements, a bloody physical death. On the 70th calendar anniversary, we remember that there can be no epilogue, but once again a prologue, where death is conventional, while the reality we remember is thus unforgettable. ... as if Luigj Gurakuqi’s body struck the ground and at the same time rose/was raised from this atmosphere. ... (Continued on page 3)

HAPPY EID AL-FITR HOLIDAY