Signals of destabilization, all measures are being taken to keep things calm Page 2-3 Merlani: Yes to the constitution in the referendum deja e Zazë BY GAVROSH LEVONJA For seven months now, as the representatives of Selitë Berisha have raised their voices, the staff at the office headquarters has also been stepping up its activity. In this context, urgent public appeals have been made to the institutions organizing the constitutional referendum. As many PD deputies have predicted, the vote on the constitution will take place under the pressure of weapons. In this framework, strict orders have also been issued to police representatives, service units and traffic police. In his statement, the Minister of Public Order makes it clear that the police have taken all necessary measures for the successful conduct of the referendum. The calls from the International Committee for the referendum continue. An increase in service is ordered for tomorrow’s referendum. It is requested that weapons in circulation be blocked. Measures have been taken in all police stations and units. Page 2-3

Tomorrow all journalists of “Koha Jonë” will be available to “Radio Koha” throughout the day during the referendum. Together with the director of this organ, they have stated that voting in the referendum is an obligation for every citizen and that a boycott brings nothing good for the country.

BY GAVROSH LEVONJA For seven months now, as the representatives of Selitë Berisha have raised their voices, the staff at the office headquarters has also been stepping up its activity. In this context, urgent public appeals have been made to the institutions organizing the constitutional referendum. As many PD deputies have predicted, the vote on the constitution will take place under the pressure of weapons. In this framework, strict orders have also been issued to police representatives, service units and traffic police. In his statement, the Minister of Public Order makes it clear that the police have taken all necessary measures for the successful conduct of the referendum. Suli Shqipar Bensha sounded the alarm, calling the referendum exaggerated again yesterday. Asked whether there were still tense situations in the country’s districts and whether the time had come to declare a state of emergency nationwide, he said that “we are not at that point.” He added, however, that additional measures had been taken. An undeclared point began to emerge yesterday from the police and the opposition: right-wing supporters could try to turn the vote into a test of force with weapons. That is why services have been increased and all structures put on alert. And while the head of the CEC still believed there was enough time to preserve calm, the strongest signal so far of possible tensions came from the right-wing opposition, which has announced a boycott. In another statement issued a day after yesterday’s demonstration, Sali Berisha called the government “occupying” and the decision on the referendum “anti-national.” No delay was observed in the state administration, which continues preparing the referendum, while President Meidani and Prime Minister Majko appealed to citizens to take part calmly in the vote.

President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani

The German deputy delivers a sharp warning “Even if I were to block the change of the party leader, I would not declare it” Page 7 Criticism from the international community of the referendum positions continues. Doris Pack, one of the leading figures of the Christian Democrats and conservatives in the European Union, appeared yesterday in Tirana and said very directly that all those who do not listen to their friends will gain nothing from such behavior. Her words were aimed at the leader of the right-wing opposition, Sali Berisha. The German deputy, also a member of the presidium of the European People’s Parties and responsible for relations with Albania, spoke very harshly against the referendum boycott. Describing this move as unproductive and harmful to Albania’s European future, Ms. Pack called on citizens to take part in the vote. She also made it clear that even changing the leader of the opposition is not something that can be publicly dictated by international friends.

During yesterday’s day, 465 people called, of whom 295 were for and 170 against The voting survey in “Koha” continued with intensity, and yesterday the calls received at the numbers 28781 and 28796 showed considerable participation. Out of 465 callers, 295 expressed support for the referendum and 170 were against. The newspaper’s editorial team publishes these figures as a reflection of public interest. Yesterday as well, from 16:00 to 18:00, the telephone poll continued and the results are summarized above. The public has been invited to take part in the coming days.

Commando brigades for terrorists ready even before the referendum Yesterday[?] the commandos and special units, which will ensure the vote, public order and tranquility, were placed on alert. Among them are also units that will protect key institutions and the most important sites. If there is any interference or attempt to block the vote, they will intervene immediately. Leaders of these structures have made it known that no one can undermine the electoral process. Tomorrow’s referendum will be held under strong security measures.