The protection by state forces over the people and the organizers of the protest, supposedly to punish the insult against state symbols and restore calm, are the very same forces that have provoked the situation in Përmet. Over the past 24 hours, gunfire has been heard in the town and part of the citizens have spent a terrible night. If 1,000 people have gathered in Përmet, then the fact that matters have reached this point speaks of police incompetence, but even more of a lack of willingness to resolve the conflict in time. PPD has never liked, nor supported, violence as a political tool, much less the use of weapons against protesters. If the protest had been declared illegal and its organizers warned, today we would not be facing the bloodshed of the town. If Përmet is now being bloodied, those guilty are the ones who gave the event a political character. Sali Berisha is not only the President of the Republic, but also the chairman of the Democratic Party, and this party is keeping Përmet tense. Përmet does not need to be held by hand, but to have calm, law and democracy. If the government and the police fail to control the situation, then responsibility falls on them. Meanwhile, the former communists, reemerged under new names in the institutions, are trying to shift attention away from the real causes of the conflict. The people of Përmet do not deserve to be treated as enemies, nor to be used for displays of force. In a democratic state, order is maintained by law, not by fear. The voice of reason calls for dialogue, responsibility and the political exploitation of an entire town not to be allowed.

It is time for the election of local government to take place with the same enthusiasm with which 22 March was won. Citizens should vote for candidates who represent change, law and democratic order. Only in this way can municipalities and communes be expected to be freed from the old mentality and from an incompetent administration. The ballot, unity and trust in the new democratic forces are the key to victory. If every activist and supporter of the Democratic Party works with dedication, 26 July can be turned into a victory just as meaningful as 22 March. From the praise[?] of the people’s chuckle, Ashti

(ATSH) Exhausted even by its own zeal to find “stains” and invent facts, “ZP” has finally torn off its mask. Its issue from yesterday is clear proof that the newspaper’s politics do not stem from a desire to inform, but from the low aim of fabricating conflicts, smearing others and creating confusion. This newspaper, which for a long time has become a tribune of slander and deceit, continues to use the same language of hatred and the same old methods. In its latest article, “ZP” tries to present an inverted reality. Knowing perfectly well what happened, it chooses to distort the facts, separate events from their context, and target those who do not follow its political tune. This is not journalism, but primitive propaganda. If you look at it calmly, nothing new comes from it. Accusations without evidence, insinuations without arguments, slander without limits. Instead of contributing to the resolution of crises and the building of a climate of understanding, “ZP” is pouring gasoline on the fire. And this is done not by chance, but with premeditated intent. The time has come for the public not to fall prey to these games. A newspaper that allows itself to slander without being punished will do the same to anyone tomorrow. Therefore the question is quite natural: is it worth dealing with “ZP”? Perhaps yes, only insofar as it is necessary to show readers what lies behind this sick zeal. (Continued on page 2)

Yesterday, a financial agreement was signed in Tirana between the Albanian government and the Swiss government. This agreement aims to ease some of the most acute financial difficulties and help the country’s economic recovery process. Senior officials from both sides emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation and expressed their readiness to deepen it further. According to the agreement, the funds will be used to support priority imports and to finance projects related to infrastructure, energy and basic supplies. It was stressed that Swiss assistance to Albania is part of a broader program of cooperation and support. Officials from the relevant ministries underlined that the agreement represents a positive step for stabilizing the Albanian economy and easing the difficulties of the transition period.

2 BUCHAREST MINISTRY OF UNIVERSITIES HOUSE OF THEIR OWN INSIDE: Edmond Kodra, from the jailer of the dean of law, remained "guilty" with prison and the executed, one in the bitterness of his own courtyard. INSIDE: Edmond Kodra, from the jailer of the dean of law, remained “guilty” with prison and the executed, one in the bitterness of his own courtyard. Today the government is trying to give explanations that are not convincing. The figures for unemployment, poverty and the difficulties of everyday life are far more stubborn than official statements. Over 80 percent of families face serious shortages and uncertainty about tomorrow. The market is unstable, wages are low, and hope that the situation will improve is fading. In both cities and villages, the consequences of the difficult transition are felt equally. The lack of investment, power cuts and the drop in production are weighing on the weakest layers of society. Under these conditions, clearer social and economic policies are needed, as well as greater transparency from the government. (Continued on page 2) XHEVAT MUSTAFA

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