Request for an interpellation with the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, A. Meksi Under Article 89 of the Rules of Procedure of the People's Assembly, I request that the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Mr. Aleksandër Meksi, appear before the People's Assembly for an interpellation to provide explanations on the following questions: 1. Does the head of government believe that we are facing a highly aggravated situation involving several social wounds linked to clandestine emigration, such as: clandestine trafficking in emigrants, child selling, the export of prostitution, and the spread of drugs? What is the official position of the Albanian Government in this situation? 2. Does the head of government believe that the work of the specialized bodies (Public Order, the Army, etc.) has been effective in stopping clandestine emigration? How can the lack of determination in taking measures on the ground be explained so that we do not have tragic crises like the one of 1 December 1993, while the Government has in principle stated that it would take the relevant measures? 3. Does the Albanian Government recognize the need for synergistic action, and for the determination of concrete responsibilities for those who organized clandestine emigration and for those who tolerated its implementation? How does it see the prospective way out? Do these people, who risk their lives for a better economic level, not deserve a better fate and real care from the Albanian state? 4. Taking into account that the solution to the emigration issue is closely linked to several government ministries, does the Head of Government believe that an ad hoc Intergovernmental Commission could be created, with all the extraordinary powers required by the extraordinary situation in which we find ourselves. What has been done for an official agreement regarding emigration, also facilitating clandestine emigration? How can the fact be commented on by the Head of Government that the official statements of the Albanian Government have not been at the same level of concern and commitment, or have been completely absent? 6. The selling of Albanian children in Italy must no longer exist. What drastic measures against this selling does the Albanian Government propose, who will have the authority to take these measures, is there cooperation with the Italian side? The interpellation and when will the Public Order organs be in a state of high readiness in pursuing this crime with incalculable consequences? Provide data on the measures taken in the cases identified. Are they considering a harsh response from the judicial authorities, even to the point of sentencing child kidnappers to death? Deputy MEHMET CELIKU We hope that the Presidium of the Assembly will examine this matter of special importance at the first session. According to still unverified reports, from Vlora there have for days been no news about the fate of several other boats.

Things expected from the southern border Yesterday another 1,100 emigrants returned, among them many who were badly mistreated and one unidentified child who is still reported to have come from the island of Crete. Thus, according to Republika's sources, Operation “Broom” is being put into action. Besides the 800 police officers and the Janina division, which cover 85% of the border line with Albania, the Greek government will increase the number of forces to make it possible to cover 100% of the border line. Estimates this week have gathered more than 8,000 emigrants who are expected to be repatriated in these days. On the Albanian side too, measures have been taken to strengthen the border and, in particular, police forces have been sent to ensure the normal repatriation of Albanians. To avoid a repeat of last year’s situation, when many emigrants were robbed as soon as they entered Albanian territory, and especially to prevent weapons bought in Greek shops from being brought in, the police have organized a thorough inspection. Also, during the autumn return, a large quantity of the plant “Canobis Sativa” was brought in, and for this the police have taken strict measures to prevent repeated cases. Controls have been strengthened in particular to prevent clandestine crossing not only in the Korçë border region, but also in the Saranda border region. In any case, the Government must insist with the Greek authorities that the return of emigrants be stopped, especially those with families and documents, whose returns in recent days have been considerable. ... with many transit visas and a legalized seasonal processing for them, it would not only cost much less than an electronic system for sealing the borders, but would also bring mutual economic, social and political benefits... Page 5 B. Poroell [?]

The left also agreed that Prime Minister Meksi should be interpellated in Parliament. The submission of the request by Republican deputy Celiku at the Assembly protocol office has been examined and has also received support from the Albanian left. “Undoubtedly, with this article, says deputy and PRS secretary Ilir Meta, regarding emigration as an acute problem, we have the signatures of Socialist deputy Skënder Gjinushi. He may add his concerns if he wants to sign it.” The initiative began a few weeks ago. Last Saturday night, several boats departed from Vlora toward the Strait of Otranto. Within two days, many of them were lost at sea. The Republican Party is the first to have institutionalized its concern over this tragedy, and at the meeting of its Council it decided to ask Meksi, through deputy Celiku, to come and explain the events. “He will answer, so that such things do not happen again later, as well as on the legalization of emigration. “Clandestinity is a problem with many consequences,” thinks Socialist Meta. “The Government must plan all the routes for dealing with legal emigration.” In the Government, there is still Gjinushi, who says that an agreement should be drafted with the Italian side. “For this our Government, he says, shows greater tolerance toward clandestinity, because there has been too much private betrayal. It is the Albanian authorities who are blocking an agreement with the Italians.” Gjinushi also agrees with the reaction to emigration, but says that the emigration problem interests left-wing parties more. Meanwhile, Ilir Meta thinks differently: “The emigration problem should simply be exploited for party purposes,” he says. A. S.

The Socialists who graduated from Enver's school cannot take exams in democracy P2

Letter to the editor I am writing to you about a family concern of mine. My name is Asllan Imer Eterni, and I live in Fier. On 25 November 1995, my brother Ahmet Imer Eterni and my brother-in-law Qerim Hoxha from Mitrovica in Kosovo set off for Italy using the now well-known method, by speedboat from Vlora. Together with them, 14 other people set out, including 2 from Llovani in Fier, 2 from Kosovo, 1 from SMT in Fier and 3 from Vlora, and others whom I do not know. Until today, 2 December 1995, we have had no news about their lives. Nor has the speedboat with its crew returned. The departure was made from Seman in Fier. Starting from the fact that your newspaper is very close to the people on such issues, we ask for your help in raising awareness of this event among public opinion and in the embassies of neighboring countries. I hope that the help I am asking from you is not too much. With much respect to all of you Asllan Imer, Fierni [?]