GRAMOZ PASHKO RESPONDS: For explanations and evidence about drug smuggling, ask Mehmet Elezi, not me Asked by our editor-in-chief Aleksandër Frangaj about the accusation made against him by Mehmet Elezi—the former secretary of the Central Committee of the Youth, editor-in-chief of Zëri i Popullit, head of the press office of the Central Committee of the PPSH, member of the Central Committee of the PPSH, and secretary of the Elbasan Party Committee—that he was involved in drug smuggling, Mr. Gramoz Pashko replied: It has now become customary for my opponents to speak without evidence. It is a pity they still have not come to understand that every word they utter and put before the general public makes them responsible and obliges them to provide explanations, not me. I do not intend to analyze this latest accusation, which is just one among many. Still less do I intend to concern myself with the person making the accusation or explain why he is making it. Entire pages could be filled on that subject, but that would be unnecessary at a time when our public has other, much greater concerns for which it is demanding answers today. But I wanted to address public opinion and ask it to consider for itself, if only briefly, the simple facts: why is this accusation being made against me not in Albania but in America; why is it being made specifically by Mehmet Elezi, the permanent nominee of all the presidents of Albania; and why is it being made at precisely this time? To establish the truth of this public accusation, and perhaps something more, our journalist will meet with Mr. Mehmet Elezi this week and inform you in the coming days.

«RATHER THAN DIE WITH HONOR AND GLORY, I CHOSE TO SURVIVE IN SHAME» This is a statement by DOM SIMON JUBANI in an interview in the first issue of Shkodër’s independent newspaper «Lajmëtari». In response to the question: «You said that our parliament has no dissidents. I would like to remind you of the dissident who served 28 years in prison, the speaker of the Albanian Parliament, Mr. Pjetër Arbnori», Dom Simon Jubani replies: «Ah, no, absolutely not. It is said that Pjetër Arbnori is a dissident, whereas in fact he signed a cooperation agreement with the State Security service immediately after being sentenced to death. Let them prove it and open the files. Mr. Arbnori himself told me, when we were together in prison, that rather than die with honor and glory, he had chosen to survive in shame. Pjetër Arbnori represents neither the Catholic nor the Muslim dissidents of Shkodër. He represents his own personal interests and those of the clan he belongs to. This is not how democracy is built in Albania». We think this statement needs no comment, but we would like to ask just one question: Will the files of politicians ever be opened by this Albanian parliament?

According to well-informed sources, William Rajerson, the US ambassador, may leave Albania. It is not easy for Albanians; Rajerson himself is the one making this decision. The ambassador has always expressed [his views] in Tirana, and many memories bind him [to the country]. For Albanians, Rajerson’s arrival brings to mind Sali Berisha’s right-hand man at the rallies of 22 March. It seems that the ambassador’s departure is welcomed by supporters of the course of American policy toward Albania and by the possible victory of Democrat Klinton.

— «LA GRANDE EUROPE» in Paris. — — Yes to diversity, no to nationalism By PREÇ ZOGAJ IN SEARCH OF THE TRUTH ABOUT THE DIASPORA — Travel notes from the USA — — BY NIKOLLË LESI — — Among other things, you will read: — The Albanian-American diaspora is in opposition to today’s Albanian government. — How Albanian Americans know Mr. Abdi Baleta, from the time he served in the diplomacy of Enver’s era in New York. — Which restaurants our officials eat at when they go to New York, and who pays. Who hosts them, and what Albania gains from them. — What insurance policies the newspaper «Koha Jonë» received from representatives of the UN. — Why Mr. Blerim Cela traveled to the USA.