A magnificent rally in the capital. Skanderbeg Square belongs to free citizens

Press conference by Prime Minister Fino The Guard must not interfere in matters that do not concern it Page 4

Socialist leader Fatos Nano speaks to the press The presence of Mr. Fatos Nano, chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania, at Prime Minister Bashkim Fino’s press conference drew the attention of the many journalists present. At the end, he answered numerous questions about developments in Albania in recent days. Among other things, he said he had not held any meeting with President Berisha throughout the night on Tuesday. “I continue to stand firmly by my statement that I will meet Berisha as a citizen and not as President,” he said. (Continued on page 5)

Dear Chairman, I warmly congratulate you on the important electoral victory achieved by the centre-left coalition and your party in the Albanian elections. A new phase is opening for Albania thanks to the orderly conduct of the political elections. Italy’s commitment, that of the multinational civil and military mission, together with the efforts and sense of responsibility of Albania’s political forces, now enable your country to continue the process of democratic reconstruction and to bring the period of chaos and head-on confrontation to a close. We are confident that the new Albanian government and the political forces will not disregard the experience accumulated over these months and will together steer the process of national reconstruction, seeking mutual understanding and respect between the parties, which are essential for the country’s rebirth. As the PSD, you will work to strengthen cooperation between the Italian and Albanian democratic left, to reinforce the bonds of friendship between our two countries, and to give Albania and its people the place they deserve among Europe’s democratic states. I am convinced that Italy and the International Community will not retreat in the face of the new responsibilities that lie ahead of us with regard to your country. Yours sincerely, Masimo D’Alema Rome, 1 July 1997