ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER DENIES NEWSPAPERS’ “PROTECTORATE” CLAIM Based on the way the statements by Prime Minister Fatos Nano in an interview with the Italian newspaper “La Repubblica” were interpreted, the prime minister’s spokesperson clarified yesterday that in this interview the Albanian prime minister did not speak of any “Italian protectorate” or of any other kind of protectorate. This concept was used by the press, and the response is a denial of this claim. Specifically, in response to the question, “Such a dense Italian presence that one might think of a return of the Kingdom of Italy and Albania, or of a genuine and proper Italian protectorate...”, Nano replied: “Italy is a European country. And Albania needs a European protectorate in order to rebuild its institutions. If Italian penetration into our ministries is extensive, this means it is effective. We will show that we are capable of accepting protection in order to become a European Union country very soon.” On this occasion, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson states that the Government of the Republic of Albania, in accordance with its foreign-policy philosophy, seeks to build an effective partnership with all countries that wish to do so. Italy is included in this context, as are all the other countries of the European Union and the United States of America. In Prime Minister Fatos Nano’s concept of governance, the use of the term “protectorate” in the interview does not imply submission or the subordination of the national interests of all Albanian citizens. This can be seen in the monitoring of the elections by the International Community, during both Donors’ Conferences in Rome and Brussels, and will be seen further during the implementation of the projects and programmes that Albania will benefit from through the International Community. Once again, the Albanian government declares that Albania, having just emerged from one of the most serious crises in its history, needs international aid, cooperation and a lasting partnership in order to attain stability, normality and the prospects of sovereign, civilized and democratic development.

POPE JOHN PAUL II THANKS MEIDANI The tribute of the Albanian people and state is addressed once again today to the former students and progressive intellectuals who, in our imagination, stand united in the “Student City” with their political motto of a European Albania — Page 3 President Meidani, Lago and Ndreu at last night’s reception The President of the Republic has received a message of thanks from Pope John Paul II for the greeting Mr. Meidani had sent him on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of his pontificate at the head of the Holy See. On this occasion, His Holiness assures President Meidani and the Albanian people “of the Vatican’s continued support in overcoming difficulties and in the country’s prosperity.”

Meeting of Prime Minister Fatos Nano with representatives of the World Bank Albanians must understand that there is no future without paying contributions and taxes for the services provided by enterprises that are still state-owned Meeting of Prime Minister Fatos Nano with representatives of the World Bank We will continue privatization and administrative reform Albanians must understand that there is no future without paying contributions and taxes for the services provided by enterprises that are still state-owned

U.S. Ambassador Mariza Lino in the city of Elbasan

Lamberto Dini on Italian policy in Albania — Page 2

Milo-Shysel meeting VRANICKI NOMINATED FOR THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE Milo-Shysel meeting The Albanian government enjoys Austria’s full support VRANICKI NOMINATED FOR THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE