The authority of the new government, which is to be formed, must be recognized Brussels: The Council of Ministers of the EU presents the long-term framework for relations with Albania A nine-point Resolution was adopted yesterday by the 18 EU foreign ministers, just 24 hours before the new Parliament convenes. The EU foreign ministers yesterday expressed their satisfaction at Parliament’s meeting today. In their Resolution, they said that “the EU welcomed with satisfaction the general assessment that the legislative elections held in Albania on 29 June and 6 July were conducted in an acceptable manner. They emphasize in the Resolution the necessity that their results be accepted by all

Today, the first day of the new People’s Assembly This is a momentous day for all Albanians. It is a long-awaited day, more so than ever before in the case of elections for members of the People’s Assembly. The situation that has taken shape in Albania over the past few months, and the need to emerge from it as quickly as possible, make this day what it is. For this reason, the day the new Albanian Parliament convenes can rightly be called a day of hope for Albanians. The elections of 29 June were the only opportunity and chance for Albanians to put an end to one of the darkest periods in the history of the Albanian people. — Page 2

OSCE representative for Albania Franc Vranicki: Has the political process in Albania been fully put back on track after the victory of left-wing political forces in the elections of 29 June? First of all, I would like to express my satisfaction that the Albanian Parliament can now convene. Secondly, I think it is time to form the new government, which must take responsibility and be recognized by the Albanian people and the international community. I very much hope this will happen soon. I would like to remind you that in these Western countries, when a new government is formed, the party that won the elections is entrusted with forming the government. And there should be no doubt about this. On the other hand, Mr. Vranicki, will the new government focus on public order, the army or finance? I think it will have a free hand in all these areas. I have said that the international community will support the new Albanian government in every possible way. We should not focus only on restoring order, or only on the economy, or only on social structures. I think all these issues must be addressed in a balanced way. If the government takes care only of finances, people will complain about insecurity. If all efforts are focused on organizing and strengthening the police, there will be voices saying that a police state is being created. This is one of the main reasons why the international community is proposing that a major conference on Albania be held to address all these issues. Mr. Vranicki, you chair the working group that will examine Albania’s needs in the post-election period. How far has this group progressed in its assigned mission? I was assigned to lead this working group and coordinate the various measures. We have made progress. Last week in Vienna we held a meeting at the level of ... [Continued on page 5]

The World Bank unfreezes funds for Albania and promises other projects Page 5

Yesterday, PSSH chairman Fatos Nano met with the representative of the World Bank’s Permanent Mission in Albania, Mr. Karlos Elbirt. At the meeting, which was also attended by Finance Minister Arben Malaj and Shefqet Cani, views were exchanged on the situation in Albania and ways of cooperating in the future. PSSH chairman Fatos Nano once again reaffirmed his full readiness to cooperate with the World Bank, beginning with the drafting of the new government’s Program and continuing through all the commitments and further steps to lead the country out of the crisis, rebuild institutions and revive the economy. Mr. Nano assured the World Bank representative of the PSSH’s readiness to create a public administration based solely on professional and technical criteria, without any prejudice, and to put all intellectual potential back to work. Meanwhile, the World Bank was asked to review the possibility of restarting all World Bank projects that had been left unfinished because of the situation that arose in Albania, to cooperate with the Albanian government in attracting all possible donors who would take part in the program for the recovery of the Albanian economy, and to draw up new projects for the future. Mr. Elbirt, having praised the presentation made and the readiness for cooperation shown by the Socialist leader, emphasized that the World Bank would continue to help Albania on the basis of concrete programs, not only to enable a rapid recovery from the situation that had arisen, but also to create conditions for attracting investment. The meeting took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. PSSH Spokesperson

Day in Brussels: Italy's Foreign Minister Dini, Greece's Foreign Minister Pangalos, Secretaries of State Fasino and Papandreu

TODAY AT PSSH HEADQUARTERS: KPD members are hereby notified that on ... at 10:00 a.m. a meeting of the General Governing Committee of the PSSH will be held at PSSH headquarters. All Socialist Party deputies are also hereby notified to attend the meeting with them that will be held at PSSH headquarters after the KPD meeting. PSSH PRESIDIUM

It is a particular pleasure for me, on behalf of the Socialist Party, to extend my wishes to all Muslim believers on the happy occasion of the celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. On this occasion, I wish you prosperity, good health and unwavering faith in the development of a free, prosperous and truly democratic Albania. FATOS NANO Chairman of the PSSH Tirana, 21.07.1997

On Saturday, 26.07.1997, at 10:00, a meeting of the National Governing Council of the Social Democratic Party of Albania is being convened at the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party. THE PRESIDENCY OF THE SDP