The spokesperson of the American State Department criticizes the PD's move to boycott Parliament Syneti, spokesperson for the American State Department, in response to a question from "Zëri i Popullit", has spoken out against the parliamentary boycott. The American government has made it clear its position on the Democratic Party's decision to boycott Parliament, but it is against such an action and calls for its return. OR- se and to advise the Security Council... The American government remains committed to helping Albania, based on democratic and economic reforms. The assessments in line with which former Prime Minister Berisha was sanctioned, his influence on the activity and unity of the Democratic Party, and the international community's commitment to resolving the Kosovo crisis are demonstrating a basis for democratic reforms in Albania. Concludes on page 2 Observers express dissatisfaction with the considerable number of women in governing bodies. The American government is working with other countries through constructive dialogue with representatives and strong participation in the necessary conditions for a national consensus. The American government also supports economic reforms. PAGE 2

through ongoing programs, places for political and economic reforms. Washington's recent remarks regarding the resolution of the Kosovo crisis and the improvement of political relations in the country show that the international community expects the Albanian political class to take part in democratic processes. This was also made clear by the statements about the parliamentary boycott. The American government, although it supports political forces and institutions, has made it known that constructive dialogue and participation in Parliament are the best way to achieve consensus. The OSCE and the Council of Europe are also asked to continuously assess developments. In this context, concludes the State Department spokesperson, it is important to preserve a climate of cooperation and move forward successfully in the relevant political and economic fields.

Statement by the parliamentary group of the Socialist Party Berisha's action and that of his followers, the most valuable service to Milošević, at this difficult moment for the Albanians of Kosovo the parties of the governing coalition invite PD to return to Parliament PAGE 4

Press conference of the Minister of Finance Arben Malaj PAGE 7

Germany, political support for Albania "It is a noisy bad thing, he declared, that he will abandon Parliament" PAGE 2

Ministers discuss corruption The government must increase its commitment to achieve concrete measures PAGE 3

Reaction, legitimate to protect the state from violence Declares the Albanian government PAGE 3 We are complicating the state [?] Fino and Rugi among the philosophers, Koçi in the weighing PAGE 4 LATEST COMMENTARY INTERNATIONAL CURRENCY- ON THE ALBANIAN ECONOMY Fight against crime - aid and corruption Quiet force of the pro-tracking of the under- covered economic pillar of Albania has successfully concluded PAGE 3 AFTER THE MEETING OF THE CONTACT GROUP

1993 20 million dollars 1996 50 million dollars 1994 45 million dollars 1997 42 million dollars 1995 63 million dollars 1998 92 million dollars PAGE 4