D E C L A R A T I O N On behalf of 72 of the 75 deputies elected from the multi-name list of the Democratic Party, confirmed by the final decisions of the Central Election Commission, we present the following declaration: 1. While regarding the elections of 31 March, the first pluralist elections held in our country after 45 years of dictatorship, as a victory for democracy, we are aware that they cannot be called free and fair because of the lack of equal conditions for all competing political forces. The main reasons that lead us to this conclusion are: - the voting process took place under the extraordinary political and psychological pressure of the PPSH, especially in the countryside and in the northeastern areas; - numerous violations of electoral rules were observed, such as the use of the administration and the state apparatus in favor of the PPSH; - the organs of power and order did not guarantee the necessary impartiality; - propaganda and the mass media remained almost entirely under the control of the PPSH. 2. Nevertheless, respecting the will expressed by the Albanian electorate and taking into account the need for the country to have legitimate institutions in the face of the serious political, economic and social crisis, the Democratic Party deputies decided to take part in the People's Assembly. 3. Our participation in the Assembly does not mean recognition of the full regularity of the electoral process, but is an expression of our national responsibility not to leave the country without opposition political representation in this difficult phase of transition. 4. We will use every democratic and parliamentary means to defend the rights and freedoms of citizens, to denounce violations of the law, to demand true political pluralism, equality before the law, and free and fair elections. 5. We call on all democrats, our voters and Albanian citizens to remain calm, not to fall prey to provocations, and to continue steadfastly on the peaceful road of democracy. 6. The Democratic Party will remain faithful to its program, to the commitments made to the electorate, and to the nationwide aspiration for Albania to be like all of Europe. 7. This declaration is approved by the deputies of the Democratic Party on the eve of the first session of the People's Assembly.

PROTEST BY DEPUTIES TO THE PRESIDENTIAL COUNCIL AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKERS' GOVERNMENT [?] The sole aim of the organizers of the Shkodër university meeting, whose actions yesterday caused serious tragic incidents, is the physical and moral elimination of the democratic opposition through fear and terror. Yesterday, in the city of Shkodër, in the hall of the Migjeni Theatre, a meeting was held with the participation of representatives of democratic forces and citizens, where the acts of violence were condemned and the perpetrators were demanded to be held accountable. We demand from the state organs that urgent measures be taken to stop political terror, to guarantee public order and the lives of citizens. We also call for the immediate investigation of the killings and injuries, as well as the punishment of those who incite civil conflict. Only the establishment of the rule of law and respect for democratic freedoms can bring the country out of this grave situation.

The Union of Independent Trade Unions of Albania addresses the Council of Ministers with the following protest: BSPSH expresses deep concern about the economic and social situation of workers and about the lack of concrete measures to improve living conditions. The protest calls for wage increases, protection of labor rights, the securing of basic supplies, and an end to arbitrary decisions that weigh on vulnerable groups. BSPSH calls for open dialogue with the government and independent trade-union representation in decision-making processes. Failure to take these demands into account will deepen social dissatisfaction and further worsen the political climate in the country.

INTERVIEW WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE ALBANIAN INDEPENDENT TRADE UNIONS, ENG. GEZIM SHIMA Question: Mr. Shima, what is the current state of the independent trade-union movement in Albania? Answer: The independent trade-union movement is expanding day by day and is gaining the support of workers, intellectuals and employees throughout the country. Our demands are clear: the protection of workers' economic and social rights and the separation of the trade unions from the political control of the old unions. Question: What are the most urgent demands? Answer: We demand wage increases in line with prices, guarantees for jobs, normal supply of basic goods, freedom of trade-union organization and legal recognition of independent trade unions. Question: Do you think the government will take these demands into account? Answer: We hope for dialogue, but if our just demands are not taken into account, then workers will be forced to use democratic means of pressure, even including a general strike. Question: What is your message to members and citizens? Answer: To remain calm, united and determined. Only together can we defend the dignity of labor and the democratic future of the country. (Continues on page 2)

I fell silent as the true extent of my freedom is being examined, inside and outside the homeland, while I am being sentenced for a criminal offense of a political nature. For the anti-state criminal offense, I have been sentenced to 10 years in prison. I ask for the attention of public opinion and democratic institutions to my case. Korçovë, 1 RD