EXCLUSIVE. Nano’s return causes concern in the parliamentary group. WHAT WAS SAID YESTERDAY, WHAT THE MPs SAID AND WHAT NANO SAID: PAGE 3

In Brussels, 80 million dollars for budget reimbursement In Brussels, Albania soon to become a “preferred trading partner” In Paris, Albania not to pay debts until 2000 BRUSSELS-PARIS—The EU confirmed its commitment to give Albania 62 million EUROS to reimburse its budget, in order to meet the needs of the refugees. The latest review of the framework by the European Parliament indicates the possibility of aid through a channel for disbursing a sum of 5 million EUROS to the Ministry of Agriculture. Participants welcomed the Commission’s intention to proceed as quickly as possible, within the framework of the regional programme, with an official proposal to grant Albania preferred trading status, with assistance from its neighbour, in the context of closer economic ties. In the context of Paris, this includes public support for accepting the extension of the deadline set for Albania’s external debt for the period from 2 April to 21 March 2000, the French Finance Ministry announced on Tuesday. France “welcomes this decision” and believes that this effort should continue after 31 March 2000, if the country’s financial situation justifies it. In an official announcement, the ministry said that this decision was taken “in accordance with the proposal initiated by French Finance Minister Dominique Strauss-Kahn,” who suggested to his Paris Club partners on 16 April a two-year moratorium on Albania’s debt. This measure is intended to help Albania devote all available financial resources to coping with the influx of hundreds of thousands of Kosovar refugees. Albania’s external debt is 900 million. In 1998, Albania obtained a rescheduling of its external debt, with 50% cancelled.

MEIDANI MEETS CHIRAC JOSPIN: THE FRENCH PRIME MINISTER COMES TO TIRANA ON FRIDAY . President Chirac and Meidani yesterday before journalists (REUTERS). MEIDANI MEETS CHIRAC. JOSPIN: THE FRENCH PRIME MINISTER COMES TO TIRANA ON FRIDAY. PAGE 3

. Procedures begin for Albania’s new agreement with the EU. BRUSSELS—Speaking about the European Commission’s vision yesterday during the Albania-EU dialogue, attended by Minister Milo, concerning the level of Albania-EU relations, the EU’s senior commissioner for foreign affairs, Hans Van Den Bruk, said that he was very pleased with the cooperation the European Commission had found with the Albanian government. “We are ready to cooperate closely with you,” Van den Bruk said, “and therefore we believe that the signing of an association agreement would include Albania in all areas of cooperation with the EU.” Van den Bruk said that officially launching the association process marks the taking of rapid and concrete steps in this direction. Participants welcomed the European Commission’s intention to urgently review the development of contractual relations between the EU and Albania towards an Association Agreement, within the framework of Regional Cooperation and the EU’s contribution to the establishment of a Stability Pact.

The Pentagon begins an investigation into the incident . AN APACHE CRASHES. In the photo: An Apache helicopter at Rinas Airport (REUTERS). No results concerning the pilots. Evacuated within 12 minutes. A day later, they returned to duty. PAGE 16

. WASHINGTON—US President Bill Clinton authorized the mobilization of more than 33,000 reservists to support the intervention of NATO forces in the conflict in Kosovo, he announced in a statement released by the White House. According to the statement, 2,000 of these 33,102 reservists will be mobilized “immediately” to take part in operations to refuel aircraft involved in NATO air strikes against Serbian targets in Yugoslavia.

Generals cooled [?] in irons? NATO troops begin “civilian” training in Albania. A month’s food for 350000 people. The World Food Programme, contract with 7 NGOs. Caution on Lake Shkodër. Following NATO’s decision on the fuel embargo.

Albania as the leading factor in the stability of the Balkans — by Musa Ulqini We are too few to be divided — by Arben Malaj The balance sheet of the war — by Hamdi Jup[e?] The idea extinguished in: Until yesterday you ate, today ... we will eat — by Neshat Tozaj . Albania as the leading factor in the stability of the Balkans — by Musa Ulqini. We are too few to be divided — by Arben Malaj. The balance sheet of the war — by Hamdi Jup[e?]. The idea extinguished in: Until yesterday you ate, today ... we will eat — by Neshat Tozaj

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