The draft Constitution is completed - The DP deputy Genc Puli explains the reasons - Last night’s suggestion by Mr Aleksandër Meksi, a member of the commission for drafting the main constitutional provisions, takes both of these problems currently present in Albania into account. As has been made known, we are facing major legal gaps because the constitution of the former regime is no longer acceptable and a new constitution has not yet been drafted. It is therefore clear that the country needs a new temporary legal framework. For this reason, the opposition has tried to present a realistic and pragmatic solution. Yesterday’s assessment by Mr Meksi of the need for a package of constitutional laws became the subject of lively discussion. On this matter our journalist had a conversation with the Democratic deputy Genc Puli. Question: What does a package of constitutional laws mean to you? Answer: We are of the opinion that, until a final constitution is drafted and approved, the country should be governed through a package of key laws that will play the role of fundamental provisions. This is a transitional but necessary solution, because we can no longer rely on a constitution belonging to a fallen system. Question: Why not proceed immediately with drafting the new constitution? Answer: A constitution takes time, broad consultation, and as wide a political base as possible. Haste must be avoided, because a constitution made in a rush can have serious consequences in the future. Meanwhile, the state cannot remain without clear rules. That is why we propose an intermediate path. Question: What would these laws be? Answer: The law on fundamental human rights and freedoms, the law on the organization of powers, the electoral law, the law on property, the law on local governance, and other basic acts. These would ensure the normal functioning of the state in this transitional period. Question: Is this a political compromise? Answer: More than a compromise, it is a practical necessity. Of course, any such solution requires understanding among the political forces, but first and foremost it is a matter of responsibility toward the country. The people expect results and a clear legal framework. Question: And what stage has the Constitution draft reached? Answer: Work has begun and there are preliminary materials. There are lawyers and specialists who are giving their opinions. But I believe that for such a document it is essential to hear as many voices as possible. The Constitution must be as representative and long-lasting as possible. Question: How do you see the role of the opposition in this process? Answer: The opposition has the duty to offer alternatives and to contribute seriously. We do not simply want to oppose, but to help create a new democratic order. This is in everyone’s interest. Question: What do you expect from the majority? Answer: Willingness for dialogue and rational solutions. If we proceed wisely, the country gains time and stability. Otherwise, we risk entering a period of legal and political uncertainty. Question: Can it be said that the package of laws will replace the constitution? Answer: No, certainly not. It will serve only as a temporary solution until the new constitution is approved. The ultimate goal remains the democratic constitution of Albania.

All the procedures and the temporary adviser Adnan Masuri, who heads the working group, said that the work is being carried out with great intensity. Among the commission’s priorities has been the drafting of the act establishing the Constitutional Court and the Court of Cassation. Work is also under way on the law on local government. On 25 April 1991, 100 days of this government’s term have elapsed and the results should be tangible. In its work plan, the government has focused entirely on the land law, the legal acts on property privatization, and the law on the independent press. Further on, in the work on reforming the law-enforcement bodies, the views of specialists from the parties are being sought. One of the most pressing problems, said Mr Adnan Masuri, is the work of securing the legal framework for the technical assistance contract. This includes acts for the transfer of technology and advanced equipment from abroad. This work is not disconnected from the study of other countries’ legislation either. Specialists from various fields are working on this and studying it carefully. The special commission on this matter is also preparing the legal framework for the establishment of the private sector. It has now completed the draft decision on reactivating private commercial activity, also drawing on the experience of the legislation on trade, services and crafts that Albania had before liberation. In an interview they gave to journalists in the full presence of the government, the commission representatives said that the law on the privatization of trade should be simple, without restrictions, and should create opportunities for free initiative. On Sunday, the economic law service will prepare the draft for the privatization of small enterprises. The commission will also continue with the other drafts. On the agenda are also the law on labour, the law on foreign investment, the law on banks, the law on tax procedures and others. These laws will form the basis of the rule of law, which must be built on well-thought-out and workable laws.

Conditions of the internal work bodies around Shko- (continued on page 6)

DAY NOTE For 4-5 days now the government, so to speak, has been being “cleaned up” by purification. Since this Thursday afternoon, a decision taken at Thursday morning’s Assembly meeting has surprised not only public opinion but also the ministers themselves. It concerns the so-called decision to restrict the circulation of official cars. The decision is right in principle, but in the way it was taken, in its scope, and in the lack of public explanation, it gave the impression of an immature move. Was it a savings measure? Was it a political signal? Or an attempt to create the idea that privileges are being fought? These questions arose immediately. What was most surprising was that there was no single explanation in the government offices. Some called it an Assembly decision, others a proposal made in haste, while others said they still did not know the details. This shows that at the top of public affairs there continue to appear signs of an old style of leadership, where decisions come from the “cupola” and then even those who are supposed to implement them remain unclear. Instead of institutions communicating openly and responsibly, fog, rumours and guesses are created. Our country needs an administration that takes well-considered decisions, argues them, and announces them clearly. Otherwise, there can be neither public trust nor governing efficiency. (Continued on page 6)

“From the Initiating Commission of the Association of Political Prisoners” Honourable deputies! The Initiating Commission of the Association of Albanian Political Prisoners, representing a considerable part of former political persecuted and political prisoners, addresses the People's Assembly with this petition to raise several issues that require a prompt and fair solution. 1 - We demand full legal and moral rehabilitation of all political prisoners and persecuted persons, with the annulment of the unjust decisions that struck them for political reasons. 2 - We demand the restoration of civil and political rights, as well as recognition of the right to compensation for the suffering, internment, confiscations and consequences suffered by their families. 3 - Concrete measures must be taken to find burial sites and to shed light on the fate of those who were executed or lost their lives in prisons and camps. 4 - It must be made possible for our representatives to participate in the relevant commissions and in the discussions related to the country’s political past, so that the reassessment process is as complete and honest as possible. 5 - The severe economic situation of many families of the persecuted must be taken into account and real opportunities must be created for housing, employment and social assistance. We believe that the People's Assembly will treat these demands seriously, as they do not arise from a spirit of revenge, but from the need for justice, social reconciliation and the restoration of human dignity. (Continued on page 6)