Yesterday, a long meeting of the PS Presidency after Nano’s message The Executive Committee of the Albanian Republican Party, on 20 July 1996, through its chairman Mr. Sali Berisha, addressed the President, with whom an agreement had been reached. On 22 July 1996 at 18:00, it was stated that Chairman Nano would present the individual report at the congress. The PS Presidency met yesterday, and in the meeting the issue of the PS members in prison was discussed. Everyone spoke about the important arrival of the PS Presidency at the prison meeting. The last message from Chairman Nano caused deep dissatisfaction in the leadership of the Socialist Party. On the other hand, the future majority had not received any clear signal about the people who should be represented in the future Assembly. All appointments in the PS parliamentary group were made by Chairman Nano, while his latest message called for the names of other people to be presented as well. This caused people close to him to be somewhat sidelined at yesterday’s meeting. The former PS Council, dealing with the matter of the leadership and the parliamentary group, stated that Nano should be there. Some members of the Presidency demanded that Nano not be allowed to present his individual report at the congress, since, according to them, he had changed his stance and committed serious violations of political norms. All the decisions by which the candidates were chosen and the electoral lists prepared were made by the PS chairman in 1995. This means that today the new Presidency should appear and receive the chairman’s report at the congress. Another issue discussed yesterday was the possibility of changes in the leadership of the parliamentary group. Some members of the Presidency spoke about the need for a new era and for the inclusion of younger people in the leadership structures. At the end of the meeting, according to party sources, it was implied that Nano’s individual report at the congress might not be allowed, while a more collegial stance from the party leadership would be sought.

The chairman is not allowed to present the individual report at the congress Strong shocks yesterday in the Socialist Party as well. A recent message from Nano caused strong dissatisfaction. The last message from Chairman Nano caused deep dissatisfaction in the Socialist Party leadership. On the other hand, the future majority had not received any clear signal about the people who should be represented in the future Assembly. All appointments in the PS parliamentary group were made by Chairman Nano, while his latest message called for the names of other people to be presented as well. This caused people close to him to be somewhat sidelined at yesterday’s meeting. The former PS Council, dealing with the matter of the leadership and the parliamentary group, stated that Nano should be there. Some members of the Presidency demanded that Nano not be allowed to present his individual report at the congress, since, according to them, he had changed his stance and committed serious violations of political norms. All the decisions by which the candidates were chosen and the electoral lists prepared were made by the PS chairman in 1995. This means that today the new Presidency should appear and receive the chairman’s report at the congress. Another issue discussed yesterday was the possibility of changes in the leadership of the parliamentary group. Some members of the Presidency spoke about the need for a new era and for the inclusion of younger people in the leadership structures. At the end of the meeting, according to party sources, it was implied that Nano’s individual report at the congress might not be allowed, while a more collegial stance from the party leadership would be sought. The speech of PR deputy Mr. Markagjoni yesterday in Parliament during the debate on the ratification of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, Good Neighbourliness and Security with Greece

At the meeting of the parliamentary group and the committee, it was said that relations with Greece should also be viewed in the broader context of developments in the Balkans. In this context, it was emphasized that the government should proceed cautiously and avoid creating unnecessary tensions. The deputies assessed that the treaty is important, but asked that before its ratification full clarifications be secured on several articles, especially those related to practical implementation. The discussion also addressed the role of public opinion and the impact this process might have on the country’s political climate. It was also mentioned that relations with Greece should be based on good neighbourliness, mutual respect, and national interest. Respectfully, The PRSH Executive Committee

An important statement from the Republican Party, Mr. Cifodhe, at their meeting yesterday in Ballkan. We do not oppose the new treaty. In all likelihood, the international community will be involved in this matter. The government, after examining this problem from a regional perspective and while taking account of nationalist sensitivities, has decided not to take steps that may be hasty. But we need fuller clarifications and guarantees on certain issues related to the implementation of this treaty. Good cooperation with Greece is in the interest of both countries and will contribute to stability in the region. But before the treaty is approved, some issues related to its implementation must be clarified. While all sides agree on the importance of dialogue, care must be taken not to create political or diplomatic misunderstandings. Respectfully, The PRSH Executive Committee