From the Socialist Party conference in the districts of Tiranë, Tepelenë, Mirditë, Vlorë Were there violations at the PS conference in the capital? Answered by the chairman of the PS in Tiranë, Musa Ulqini read on pages 2, 4

24 - 25 August 1996 - 2nd Congress of the Socialist Party of Albania Only a few days remain until the opening of the second congress of the Socialist Party, and precisely at this moment the PS is beginning vigorously and forcefully to complete an important process of strengthening its political profile and role, and not to present itself better. Naturally, the propagandists of this backward phase have stuck their necks out more than they should have. With ever-growing skill, they are capable of misleading and confusing some wavering or unclear minds among us, but we neither underestimate nor dramatize this phenomenon. Some analysts, suddenly or otherwise, are seeking recognition without the complete past of each one, but not necessarily in place and for that distinctive memory of missionaries and martyrs of the word and political thought. For to have this status, one must have passed the sieve of words to come to deeds and must have entered, step by step, to understand the new argument and to arrive at the proper position of values and convictions. There will be words, arguments and opinions, just as there have been other dim and true and sensitive ones. Not only the traces of the debates, discussions and exchanges of sharp opinions on important party issues remained behind, but, as is customary, they were intended for the members and sympathizers of the Party, and indeed for all true democrats, to see the Socialist Party stronger. The coolness will be forgotten quickly after the Congress, in a different way.

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Marisa Lino, the new U.S. ambassador in Tiranë, declared: in a meeting held in recent days with leaders of the Albanian community and American businessmen in New York, the main suggestions are the adoption of the constitution and then the holding of new parliamentary elections In a meeting held in recent days in New York with leaders of the Albanian community and American businessmen, the newly appointed U.S. ambassador to Albania and Mexico, Marisa Lino, said that the USA attach special importance to democratic processes in our country. Explaining that, after the conference of 28 May in Tiranë, things still have not been done as they should be, she does not underestimate the significance of organizing reform and functioning, especially the development of free markets. The objective of the USA, Ms. Lino added, is to see that our country has made positive progress, while also being clear that this is expressed in assessing the way it is moving along the right path. It remains clear that the institutions for which the government must prove it is capable of guaranteeing them are not yet functioning, being at the service of economic reform, state organization and privatization, as well as the smooth functioning of markets. Another objective, the U.S. ambassador recalled, is the growth that has already been achieved in Albania and the increase in opportunities for further improvement. Such a country will be able to withstand economic and social changes quite well. Lino also noted that the USA have an interest in the normal development of Albania as well as its institutions. She said that there is a presence in other countries of the former socialist camp. So far, this is post-communist. The American press also said that these views expressed by Ms. Lino are part of an analysis which stated that for the development of democracy in Albania, the adoption of the constitution and the holding of new parliamentary elections will be important. The press also considers that so far there has been a lack of support for the opposition parties. This is the case for the new U.S. ambassador, Marisa Lino, who will soon take up her post in Tiranë, to express this opinion publicly. The same assessment was made recently by analysts, wavering and suggestions in Albanian and in the countries where this is so. Page 3

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It is announced that the branch of the KPD of the PS will meet today, 20 August 1996, at 10:00, at the Agricultural Development House of the KPD of the PPPS, according to the material that will be presented to the KPD and the Development Council, in support of the property privatization process. The meeting is called KPD PPPS. Changes in the KPD program do not continue in the hall.