Finance Minister Malaj opposes Berisha’s economic alternatives “To raise wages without having production means stealing from Albanians, not giving them money” Finance Minister Malaj opposes Berisha’s economic alternatives A THIEF’S MINDSET “To raise wages without having production means stealing from Albanians, not giving them money” PAGE 5

Prodi sends his best wishes to Nano “You will never feel alone in the efforts you have undertaken to overcome the economic and social crisis that your country went through,” Italian Prime Minister Mr. Romano Prodi told Albanian Prime Minister Mr. Fatos Nano yesterday afternoon during a telephone call to exchange holiday greetings. “Personally,” Italian Prime Minister Prodi said, “I offer you my best wishes for everything you have done for Albania and at the same time reaffirm my unwavering support for working together within the framework of European principles, as well as for advancing the joint commitments we have signed and which will be expanded during 1998.” For his part, while wishing Prodi a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 1998, Nano thanked the Italian Prime Minister for his unreserved solidarity and for its tangible expression in every field. “Your assistance and support,” the Albanian Prime Minister added, “are becoming more tangible every day, increasing the opportunities for highly fruitful Albanian-Italian cooperation, which is making the Albanian Government increasingly welcome in the European Union.”

SP of Albania — debate, transparency, understanding “With the seriousness of the Party leader, kept alive by your feelings of solidarity, I proposed that we move from the politics of change to a higher stage, the politics of integration. Come, let us integrate, bring our potential and abilities together, and stop wasting our energies on sensitivities and sterile polemics.” PAGE 3

Press conference of the Socialist Party ON PAGE 2

Italian Minister Turko in Albania: Meetings with President Meidani, Prime Minister Nano and other prominent figures PAGE 6