PPSH’s money to PS? The mysteries of a secret fund Previously checked by: State Audit, now the Prosecutor’s Office intervenes Hall of the Investigative Committee TIRANA — It has just been announced in parliament by the chairman of the special commission for the control of state accounts, Sali Shehu, that the audit of the deposit worth 6 million dollars belonging to the PPSH will be referred to the prosecutor’s office. It has also become clear that in 1990 the minister of finance belonging to the second stability government had ordered the transfer of 2 million dollars for the army, while no trace has yet been found of the other 4 million. According to Mr. Shehu, PPSH had received this money since 1987 as profit from the sale of vehicles in one of its branches in Vienna. It is now up to the prosecutor’s office to determine once and for all whether this money really passed into the hands of the Socialist Party, as the opposition claims. In fact, the debate on this matter began in September 1990, when, shortly before PPSH became the Socialist Party, in the midst of the wave of anti-communist protests, the then-government ordered that this sum be transferred to the Albanian Commercial Bank. According to a letter from the State Bank, this sum was then moved into government accounts, which has today given rise to new doubts and inquiries. According to documents cited in parliament, part of the money was used for the needs of the army, but the remaining part has no clear destination. The case is now in the hands of the prosecutor’s office and it is expected to be clarified whether this involved administrative violations, embezzlement, or lawful transfers. Albania, (s.z.) The figures will be checked by the courts. In the parliamentary debate it emerged that the fund in question may have been managed by former senior officials of the previous system. Albanian TV reported that the file will be pursued by the competent authorities until full clarification of every transaction carried out at that time. Continuation on page 6 [?]

It has just been approved by Parliament A package of bureaucratic procedures and extensive guarantees for foreigners will be provided TIRANA — (An. Si.) The new law on foreign investment in Albania has just been approved by parliament. According to the new draft, foreign investors will enjoy a series of rights and guarantees more clearly defined than before. This is intended to attract new capital and create a more favorable climate for the entry of investment from abroad. Among other things, the law more clearly defines ownership, profit repatriation, ways of registering companies, as well as protection against nationalization without compensation. Simpler administrative procedures are also envisaged for projects approved in priority sectors. At the same time, experts believe that the law’s effect will also depend on political stability, the state of public order, and the functioning of justice. Foreign business seeks not only legal texts, but also practical security in their implementation. Continues on page 4 [?]

Live from Shkodra... A local television station will be born Broadcasting begins in the first week of 1994 A type in Albania SHKODËR — (Sa.Gj.) Recently, at last, very soon Shkodra will have its own local television station — the first in Albania. Shkodra TV, besides being a modern means of communication, will also have the function of stimulating cultural and social life in the city. The project is being followed by the local government and specialists in the field. According to the first information, the station will be located in the center of the city and the main equipment has already been ordered. It is thought that experimental broadcasts will begin before the end of the year, while regular transmission will start during the first weeks of 1994. Local TV is expected to provide news, cultural programs, sports broadcasts, and features about civic life. For the residents of Shkodra, this will be an important step toward a medium closer to their interests. Continues on page 2 [?]

The Youth Federation program Fashion, from Tirana to Paris 15 photo models will be selected IN THE MIDDLE Now, the first information on the resumption of the first about the rhythm of Cnaixit 15 photo models will be selected ON PAGE 3

A few days ago in Tirana, the private hotel "Diplomat" was inaugurated Comfort, elegance, and lots of water; here is the most "three-star" hotel in Albania A few days ago in Tirana, the private hotel “Diplomat” was inaugurated VROMO LLAÇ TIRANA — Before I had even opened the door of the apartment where I have been assigned to sleep, the hotel manager informs me that if I wish, I can keep the boiler on all night, so that I will have hot water. And after that I would like to take a shower, but I remember that in Albania I have found such luxury very rarely. Just a few days ago, in Tirana, the private hotel “Diplomat” was inaugurated, which aims to be the first modern hotel of this category in the country. According to the owner and the managers, the hotel has 14 rooms, continuous hot and cold water service, a restaurant, and reception areas. Its location in the center of the capital is seen as an advantage for foreign and local clients. Continues on page 4 [?]

From today, only the truth in newspapers and nothing but the truth TIRANA, (o. Ço.) The news has already been circulating for some time, but at last the President’s signature has arrived, apparently at the very last breath of February. From today onward, journalists in the written press can sleep peacefully. At least as far as what they publish is concerned. Whether they are convinced, rightly or wrongly, that they are telling the truth. Even if they are wrong, it will be a matter for gods, not men. In short: defamation by the press is being decriminalized. It was enough for the infamous article of the penal code, which provided for up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to 50,000 Albanian lek for those journalists or publishers who insulted a person or public dignity, to be marked with the note that this penalty does not apply to publications made in the press. At least until the new penal code is adopted. Article 40 has now received the approval of the President of the Republic, and so, starting from today, the only legal responsibility that journalists will face will be civil responsibility. The change is a major one. At the very least, the newspapers we have become used to seeing over these years will no longer disappear from the face of the earth. At the very least, officials, businessmen, or anyone else who sees themselves criticized inappropriately in the Albanian newspapers will now have only the means to seek financial compensation, but no longer imprisonment or a criminal complaint. This is certainly good news for the press. At the same time, it must be said, in our opinion, that it does not mean the impossibility of a serious criminal responsibility against a journalist who insults without cause, slanders, etc. It is clear that we are talking about harm and therefore it belongs to civil responsibility if a specific person is damaged. This choice was made, apparently, because of the inadequate functioning of Albanian justice, which does not provide the necessary guarantees to handle such a delicate matter. It would not be surprising if such a mechanism were used for undeserved revenge against troublesome newspapers or even as a political pretext to silence opposing voices. This is for economic reasons and in defense of press freedom. Did it eat a spaghetti? No, but the conscientious citizen also has the right to know. Now, if we mention the neighborhood, they say it is a matter of the center. This idea of decriminalizing defamation in the press has been fully developed in the most influential jurisdictions on the European continent and in the USA. It seems that Albania is thus taking a good step toward the civilized world. Now, it remains to be seen whether the solution of civil compensation issues will be equally progressive. On this occasion, we recall that an excessively heavy civil compensation can easily turn into a prison term just as harmful as a criminal one. The best thing that could be proposed to Albanian justice would be to set a not-too-high ceiling. For example, a maximum of 50 or 100 million lire in compensation, as has been done in France. The amount is enough to compensate the damage, but not so high as to bury a newspaper. CARLO BOLLINO

A gift from Parliament What it was 1) Special broadcast dedicated to the information center for the foreign press and our country. General panoramic overview. Foreign Minister Muhamet Kapllani opens the conference. The delegation tours the capital and made informational visits. 2) Spending with expense allowances for lunch and dinner. Special gyms with armed bodyguards. Evenings with classical music and recitals. 3) The organizers of the Albanian parliament (sic) take care to keep every detail in order, even down to the key to a door. Carefully selected cuisine and rich menus. What it is 1) Special broadcast dedicated to the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister, Professor Vitalone. Short meetings, short speeches, simple receptions. 2) Modest working lunch. Cars available only for official travel. No separate salon for gala dinners. 3) The organizers of the Albanian parliament take care only of the agenda. Each person arranges the hospitality details according to their means.

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