Since the first human being appeared and acquired the ability to transform his brain from instinct into thought, the question of what tomorrow holds for him should, above all, be this: will I have a state? Although this question has not always been asked so directly, it has been present in all societies. A people without a state is like a body without a head, a community without the will or strength to defend itself and regulate its own life. The state is the means by which a nation organizes its life, protects its borders, guarantees freedoms and establishes justice. Without it, chaos, arbitrariness, fear and insecurity prevail. That is why today the question "Will we have a state?" takes on special importance for Albanians. In these turbulent circumstances, as the old orders are collapsing and nations are seeking their place in Europe, we cannot remain hostage to insecurity. We must build our state on the foundations of freedom, pluralism, law and national dignity. Such a state cannot belong to a party, nor be a tool of a dictatorship. It must be the state of the citizens, of all Albanians, without exception. Only in this way can social peace, economic development and the dignified representation of the nation be ensured. We need strong institutions, an honest administration, independent courts and a police force in the service of the law. We need schools that educate, not propaganda that deceives. We need an economy that encourages work, not privileges that reward servility. No one will give us the state as a gift. It is built with effort, sacrifice and responsibility. Therefore the question "Will we have a state?" is also a question for each of us: are we ready to deserve it? If so, then we must begin immediately: with law, order, self-restraint, courage and faith. Only then will today's question receive tomorrow the answer we expect.

After the political earthquake caused by the decision of the European Parliament regarding our country, the chairman of the Democratic Party, Dr. Sali Berisha, has been invited by the British Conservative Party to take part in a special conference. The invitation comes at a moment when Albania is trying to emerge from its long isolation and establish new ties with the democratic world. In this context, the visit is seen as an important step for the international affirmation of the Albanian opposition and for presenting the new political reality in the country. During his stay, Mr. Berisha is expected to hold meetings with high-ranking political figures, members of parliament and leaders of British institutions. The British Conservative Party, one of the largest political forces in Europe, has expressed interest in democratic developments in Albania and in the progress of political pluralism. It is believed that the talks will focus on political support for democratic reforms, economic assistance and future institutional contacts. This visit also provides an opportunity to present to Western public opinion the country's difficult economic and social situation, as well as to seek understanding and support for the democratization processes. On a broader level, this is a sign that Albania is gradually entering the normal currents of European political relations.

After lengthy discussions on the draft laws and on the economic situation, the People's Assembly continued its work in a session filled with debate. The deputies addressed issues related to economic reform, market supply, the role of local government and the constitutional changes demanded by the times. In the speeches delivered by various representatives, it was emphasized that the country is in a serious state and that reforms can no longer be postponed. Greater responsibility was demanded from the government, transparency in decision-making and faster action on measures related to the transition to a market economy. Some deputies raised concerns about the widespread shortages in towns and villages, about the state of energy, transport and the supply of bread and essential goods. Others stressed the need for political dialogue and for the inclusion of opposition views in solving the crisis. The session was accompanied by exchanges and concrete proposals, while the leadership called for calm and efficiency in the continuation of the discussions. (Continued on page 6)

Since the carrying out of this operation against intellectuals and participants in the hunger strike, public opinion has been waiting for an explanation from the President. But the silence has continued. Meanwhile, the facts have multiplied and the evidence is weighing more and more heavily every day. In interviews and in various accounts, orders, threats, pressure and violations of fundamental rights have been mentioned. No one has given a convincing explanation for the way the protesters were treated, for the real those responsible, and for the chain of command. This is not just a question of an isolated event. This issue brings together the relationship between power and the citizen, the use of force, respect for the law and the moral and political responsibility of the state leaders. Therefore the question remains open: who gave the orders, who carried them out, and who will bear responsibility? As long as there are no clear answers, a mountain of facts weighs upon you, Mr. President. (Continued on page 2)

Report by Mr. Genc Ruli to the Parliamentary Commission for the scrutiny of figures and verification of the assets of former leaders. The material presented contains serious accusations of unlawful privileges, abuses of state funds, appropriation of housing, special treatment, use of public resources for private purposes and a system built on injustice. According to the report, while the people were facing shortages and poverty, a privileged caste lived in luxury, with special supplies, special services and incomes that were not justified. These abuses are presented as part of the very nature of the former system. In the discussion it was said that the issue is not only criminal in nature, but also moral and political, since society must know the truth and those responsible must be held to account. It was requested that the documents be examined carefully and made public to the extent allowed by law. The text stresses the need for the new democratic state to build new relations with public property and with the official’s responsibility toward the citizen.

MOTHER VOGLI In Shkodër the court session began for one of the gravest events that shook public opinion. Those present expected the proceedings to shed light on the perpetrators, the motives and the responsibilities for the incident, but from the very beginning it seemed that the road to the truth would be difficult. The session was held under heavy security measures. Family members of the victims, citizens and representatives of the press closely followed the testimonies and the positions of the parties. The lawyers requested clarification about the way the investigation was conducted, about the material evidence and about the inconsistencies in the statements. In the courtroom, the need for a full and impartial investigation was mentioned, while the public expects the trial not to end with ready-made formulas. The main question remains: will the murderers be uncovered? (Continued on page 6)