“Those who suffered some[?] without fulfilling their conditions” N. Viliman NOVRICA MUZON DYMATINEN With the public’s constant interest, as well as that of political persecuted persons, the debate in the Albanian Parliament regarding the annulment of the decision condemning the opposition deputies, known in history as the “Group of Deputies,” has been followed closely. After a request made by deputies of the Democratic Party, the Parliamentary Legal Committee reviewed the case file and submitted its report to the plenary session. As the Committee’s rapporteur, Mr. Spartak Ngjela, stated in his speech, the former Minister of Justice, Mr. Hektor Frashëri, gave an extensive presentation of the historical and legal circumstances of this trial. He pointed out that this decision, taken in a time of terror and dictatorship, in the absence of any legal standard, constitutes one of the gravest acts of political injustice in Albania. II THE GROUP OF DEPUTIES AND THE PURPOSE OF THIS STAGED TRIAL. As an example, though not the only one, of the persecutory method of destroying political opponents through prison and execution, this process is also worth recalling, one of the most infamous of the communist regime. This group of deputies and independent intellectuals was targeted not because of any real anti-state activity, but because of their political beliefs, their differing opinions, and their efforts to establish pluralism. The defendants were unjustly accused of “conspiracy,” “collaboration with foreigners,” and “activity against the people’s power,” typical accusations fabricated by the dictatorship. The parliamentary discussion stressed that their trial had been prearranged, by political decision, and that the investigative, prosecutorial and judicial bodies had acted as links in a repressive chain. It was recalled that many of them were tortured, held in inhuman conditions, and forced to sign false statements. It was also emphasized in the session that this process had been directly inspired by Enver Hoxha and the regime’s top leadership, with the aim of political and physical elimination of opponents. The final decision of that time, which imposed harsh sentences, long prison terms and executions, is a black stain on the history of the Albanian state. In his speech, Mr. Hektor Frashëri recalled that in the first years after the Second World War an entire system of “class justice” was established, in which the law was no longer a guarantee for the citizen, but a tool of terror. He mentioned that this trial and others like it were used to frighten the people, destroy the intellectual elite, and eliminate any opposition thought. At the end of the discussions, Parliament expressed the need for the moral and legal rehabilitation of the victims of this trial and of all the staged trials of the dictatorship. (To be continued on page 3)

– The President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, takes part – Bad weather, accompanied by the failed journey by means[?] this maneuvered[?] Yesterday, patrol speedboats of the naval unit of Vlora, acting on the orders of the Minister of Defense and the Commander of the Naval Forces, First Rank Captain Viktor Gjoka, and the Chief of Staff of the Naval Forces, First Rank Captain Agim Muca, set sail from the Vlora base toward the coast of Italy to take part in the celebrations to be organized on 18 October in the city of Lecce, as a sign of Albanian-Italian friendship and the solidarity of the Italian people with the Albanian refugees of 1991. But besides the very bad weather at sea, which made it completely impossible to continue the voyage, the Albanian team also faced improper and provocative behavior on the part of Italian military vessels. As the Chief of Staff of the Fleet, First Rank Captain Sulo Alizoti, states, several threatening low flights were carried out over the Albanian ships by Italian fighter jets, which not only hindered their mission but also created a tense and humiliating situation for the Albanian crews. Albanian officials described this behavior as unworthy of a friendly and neighboring country and requested official clarification. RD CORRESPONDENT

Speech by Mr. Pjetër Arbnori on the occasion of being awarded the Medal of Anti-Fascism, presented by the Italian Parliament and the President of the Italian Republic. In a major and rapid change taking place in the history of the countries of Eastern and Southeastern Europe, Albania too is moving along the path of democracy. In this process, the important role has also been played by the moral, political and economic support of friendly Western countries, among which Italy occupies a special place. The Albanian people preserve with gratitude the friendly feelings of the Italian people, the help given during the difficult years of transition, and the support that has been offered to our young democracy. The decoration I am being given today is an acknowledgment not only of my person, but also of all those who suffered in the prisons and camps of the dictatorship, of all those who believed in freedom and democracy. Albania can no longer go back. Democracy is now our only and irreversible path. The challenges are great, but with work, patience, and cooperation with our friends, we will succeed in building a state governed by law, a free society, and a better future for our children.

On 9 October 1992 the draw of the RD Lottery was held. 2% of the profit from this lottery will be used by Mr.[?]: 1. Luan Murrizi - Vaujes? Deflor before[?] Artis? Vet ë Sicilit 2. Mhedet Fejzo - naëtar[?] Qazaxha[?] përnë zate[?] bashkirisë 3. Bashkim Krovana - member, editor-in-chief of the newspaper RD. 4. Xhevahit Muksa - owner of veglir mut? in the newspaper. (RD) 5. Adem Duma - member 6. Halim Dauti - member, deputy director (Zë e Rep.) The commission was attended by: Pekuris? of the Q. commission. The lottery winners are these winning numbers: a) First prize no. 198 172 wins 6000 b) second no. 185 687 “ “ 4000 c) third no. 120 741 “ “ 3000 ç) fourth no. 475 258 “ “ 2000 d) fifth no. 208 201 “ “ 1000 5 other prizes: No. 176 742 “ “ 500 No. 205 645 “ “ 500 No. 178 777 “ “ 500 No. 246 483 “ “ 500 No. 236 920 “ “ 500 No. 231 741 “ “ 500 No. 247 412 “ “ 500 The lottery administration reminds the winners, on this occasion, that in order to collect the prizes they must present the winning ticket. The deadline for collecting the prizes is one month from the date of the draw. FROM THE LOTTERY COMMISSION, No. 2.

Society for the General Economic Development of Albania TIRANA 1 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER 1992 hours 10-14 17-19 MAJA S.P.A. - Representative Office for Albania Janon? Street, Lez Tirana - Tel/Fax (39 6) 3258364 MAJA S.p.A. - Viale G. Mazzini 86 - 00197 Rome - Italy Tel. - Fax (39 6) 3258364 - Telex 623470 Tel. (39 6) 3281001 - Fax (39 6) 3280515 - Telex 623470 At the central upper part of the exhibition and fair stand are the Italian and Albanian enterprises, with the participation of represented enterprises and agencies. In the open hall there is a mini-exhibition of Italian manufacturers: SCAFFAIR VENERI STIELLI PULZAN?ESCO KRUPP UNICHIMICA YAMAHA BREDIWA PPM Marmomax In cooperation with CATERPILLAR IN COOPERATION WITH