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Albanian Times, April 3, 1996From: Albanian Times <AlbaTimes@aol.com>The Albanian Times (by AlbAmerica TRade & Consulting International) DirectoryCONTENTS[1] Perry Pledges $100 in Military Aid for Albania[2] Perry Given Albania's Highest Award[3] Berisha Calls to Prevent Communist Comeback[4] Belgrade Liberalizes Visa Regime With Albania[1] Perry Pledges $100 in Military Aid for AlbaniaTIRANA, April 2 - U.S. Defense Secretary William J. Perry who wrapped up a visit to Tirana, told reporters that Albania deserves the U.S. aid and is using it properly. ``I believe that Albania has shown great courage in taking this move toward a democratic, independent society,'' Perry told a news conference in Tirana. The U.S. military aid to Albania is estimated at $2 million. The U.S. army surplus materials that will be provided to the Albanian army maybe in excess of $100 million, Perry said. In talks with Mr. Perry, Albanian defense minister Safet Zhulali expressed the commitment of the Albanian side to construct a training center in Bize (central Albania) which will serve as training site for the Partnership For Peace program, of which Albania is a member. Mr. Perry said the U.S. military had no plans at this time to establish a base in Albania. He said the U.S. would consider that in the future if it becomes appropriate but "not without an invitation from the Albanian government. Perry this week attended a meeting in Tirana of south Balkan defense ministers from Albania, Bulgaria and Macedonia designed to bolster their young democracies and strengthen security ties within the region. (Albanian Times)
[2] Perry Given Albania's Highest AwardTIRANA, April 2 - U.S. Defense Secretary William J. Perry was presented with the Gjergj Kastrioti Scanderbeg order, Albania's highest award given to a foreigner. In presenting the award, President Sali Berisha cited Mr. Perry's "extraordinary contribution in strengthening the friendship between the Albanian and the American peoples, in helping reform the Albanian army and integrate it in the interatlantic structures." Mr. Berisha called Mr. Perry "a great and distinguished friend of Albania." Berisha, whose Democratis Party is facing a tough Socialist challenge in the upcoming elections, recalled the U.S. contribution for the overthrow of the dictatorship in Albania. Mr. Perry assured Mr. Berisha that the United States would remain Albania's great supporter and friend. (Albanian Times)
[3] Berisha Calls to Prevent Communist ComebackSHKODRA, April 2 - President Sali Berisha sent a harsh warning to his political enemies, calling on his citizens to prevent former communist from returning to power. In a rally held in the northern city of Shkodra to commemorate 4 youngsters slain by security forces in April 1991 when communist power was vanishing, Berisha told thousands of participants the communists have changed colour, but the Albanian people will never believe them any more. "Through free elections, the Albanian people will decide their final disintegration," Berisha said in his speech to the rally. Although authorities have promised to bring to justice the authors of the April 2 deadly shootings, the perpetrators were never identified. The opposition Socialists have charged that the ruling Democrats continue to use the Shkodra event for their political purposes. (Albanian Times)
[4] Belgrade Liberalizes Visa Regime With AlbaniaTIRANA, April 2 - Belgrade is liberalizing its visa regime with Albania, Radio Tirana said. For the first time in 15 years, Albanians from Kosova were able to cross border checkpoints to Albania without exit visas, the Radio said. Belgrade has promised to lift visa requirements for Kosova Albanians in all border checkpoints, a move the Radio described as surprising. The liberalization of the visa regime is expected to ecourage more Kosovars to visit Albania directly instead of having to travel there through neighboring Macedonia.
The material was reprinted with permission of AlbAmerica Trade & ConsultingInternational. For more information on ATCI and the Albanian Times, pleasewrite to AlbaTimes@aol.comCopyright (c) ATCI, 1996 |