Italy gives Albania 200 million dollars for the 1997–1999 period

Prime Minister Nano declares to the BBC I have had the opportunity to develop a new culture in relations between the two countries with Mr. Prodi, thanks to his personality; and, modestly, he has found in me a sufficiently reliable partner to continue working together at the head of our respective governments, so that the future of Albanian-Italian relations may not only turn the Adriatic into a river that unites us, but also into a bridge to Europe, through which we may be strong and respected by all European institutions. Therefore, if anyone—of course not Mr. Prodi, but perhaps a representative of the Italian media—were to think that Albanians could become a commodity, we would immediately reply that Albanians are not a unit of enemies, with all the respect I have for enemies. Albanians, who know the Italian language so well, will very quickly learn the languages of the European civilizations that live both in Italy and in Albania, and not the language of refugees. —So, Mr. Nano, are you saying that there is no kind of dispute between Tirana and Rome? There are contrived disputes of the “Xanoni” type, in the singular words, whom I respect for his ability and the reputation he has in Italy. In Albania, they are taken up and turned into heated debate, but there is no dispute between the governments and officials of the two countries. —Mr. Nano, in Italy the disputes of recent days between Tirana and Rome have been described as blackmail, ultimatum-like demands, as though Italy had obligations toward Albania, as it might, for example, toward Naples. Do you think there are specific obligations, or is Italy simply showing generosity? Together we are developing the concept of duties and obligations between partners, so that in relations between the two countries, in the fields and through the shared will and duties that unite us, neither side is overwhelmed nor exploited, but that our concrete developments expand mutually and bring corresponding benefits, which the two countries owe one another as Europeans. —Mr. Nano, you denied the first alleged remark by Prodi about you as a trafficker in human beings. Meanwhile, he has said that Albanians themselves are writing, themselves are sitting down, and perhaps he had in mind your Minister of Labour and Emigration, Mr. Sherifi, who stated that Albanian emigrants in Italy make up only 3 percent of foreigners and that even if this were 7 percent, it would not be a big deal for Italy, whereas it would be a great favor to us Albanians. And apparently this obliged Mr. Prodi to make such a statement. —If we are talking in good faith, we are writing and sitting down together in Rome today to sign cooperation agreements so that the problem of emigrants—which concerns Italy in the thousands, while Albania in recent years has integrated on a large scale—can be normalized. Albania will also work to harmonize rules in all fields, ensuring economic integration and opportunities for international business, especially for its citizens who have been forced to leave the country precisely because of the mindsets, policies and actions that still keep Albania and the Balkans poor, making this a problem for Europe itself. —Mr. Nano, the Italian side, through the voice of Defence Minister Andreatta, said until recently that there would be an “ALBA 2” operation in Albania with 700 troops, if I am not mistaken. Why was it not carried out? What happened? Because, naturally, after the Alps a new day comes, and that day has begun. This new day is a true springtime of European development, of Albania’s future and of its relations with its European neighbours. —Do you mean that this time the sun has risen in the West? Why not? —In Italy there is a fear that after Operation ALBA the same old story will be repeated, with the Italians apparently providing aid while the Americans and others sit at the head of the table. I would say, alternatively, that we have had a warm discussion with representatives of the State Department and the institutions of the US government, which has brought the two governments together in Rome today.

Customs section serving the Democratic Party ALBANIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY Office of the Chairman No. 5703 Prot. Tirana, 22.8.1996 The leadership of the ADP has recently been following with concern the procedure used to date regarding proposals made by DP branches for changes and appointments of personnel at various levels of the state administration. In light of these observations, the attached directive has been sent to the DP branches in the districts. For the institution under your responsibility, we suggest proceeding as follows: - A person (a Director or a Personnel Specialist) is to be appointed to maintain regular contact with the Organization Department at the ADP leadership. - This person will receive all ADP proposals and suggestions, process them and, after confirming the response with the minister, forward them as quickly as possible. They are also required to inform the ADP leadership of vacancies or changes planned within the institution, so that the most suitable candidates can be proposed in accordance with the quotas established. - Proposals from the branches will be considered only when endorsed by representatives of the ADP Organization Department and bearing the signature of the relevant department head. - Proposals for changes or appointments to positions from Director of Directorate downwards must be approved by the Chairman or the Secretary-General of the ADP. The Chairman Prof. Dr. Tritan [?] The above letter is just one piece of evidence showing what is being administered by the Democratic Party, whose town criers shout about “the politicization of the state administration.” Meanwhile, the leaders of the new state administration should not hesitate to clean out the structures of the incompetent and of the corrupt people recommended by DP offices. Pages 4–5

Prime Minister Nano received the EC Deputy Political Director Separate meetings between President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani and PSSH Chairman Fatos Nano and the Chairman of Greece’s Coalition of the Left and Progress Let us work together to Europeanize the Balkans Defence Minister Sabit Brokaj in Italy Protocol agreement signed Page 2

In the People’s Assembly: The political agreement of Rome is formalized, under ... signed by the leaders of the PS, PD and PSD before the June 29 elections Page 3

All candidates who applied to the editorial office of the newspaper “Zëri i Popullit” and registered to take part in the selection competition for journalists are hereby informed to report to the editorial office on the following dates: 1. Candidates who have completed or are pursuing studies in the departments of Language and Literature, History and Geography should report on Monday, September 1, 1997, at 10:00. 2. Candidates who have completed or are pursuing studies in the departments of Journalism, Law, Philosophy, Sociology and Economics should report on Tuesday, September 2, 1997, at 10:00. 3. Candidates who have completed or are pursuing studies in the Department of Foreign Languages and in departments of other faculties should report to the editorial office on Wednesday, September 3, 1997, at 10:00. NOTE: Candidates reporting to the editorial office should bring their Curriculum Vitae, their diploma or a photocopy of it (those who have completed their studies), and relevant certificates (if they have them) for foreign languages and computer skills. THE EDITORIAL OFFICE