Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi received yesterday in his office the Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to our country, Mr. Vardini. The Prime Minister thanked his Italian counterpart, Amato, for the great and timely assistance that the Italian state has given and continues to give to our country. The Albanian Prime Minister stressed the need for cooperation and Italian investment in the Albanian economy. The conversation focused particularly on the great work the Albanian government is doing for the democratization and development of Albania. The importance of Italian assistance in many fields, and especially in public order, was noted. Italy's major role in European bodies and its positive influence in favor of Albania were underlined. (Continues on page 4)

(ATSH) PARIS, 24 October — The Albanian Ministry of Justice announces that the Minister of Justice, Mr. Kudret Çela, is in Paris at the invitation of the French Minister of Justice, Mr. Kudret Sapin.[?] Mr. Kudret Çela was accompanied by the Attorney General of Cassation, Mr. Bashkim Anastasi, and by the Director of Foreign Relations at the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Kuder Çela.[?] During this visit, the minister and the Albanian delegation were received by their French counterparts. Minister Çela's visit was marked by an atmosphere of understanding and a desire for legal cooperation between the two countries. During the various meetings, important issues of judicial reform, legislation, and the organization of judicial institutions were discussed. (Continues on page 4)

On 22 October, the party leadership met at the headquarters of the Democratic Party. The leadership of the Democratic Party reviewed organizational, political, and activity-related issues. The leadership examined the material prepared by the working group on the party's electoral strategy and the preparations for the upcoming local elections. Discussion also took place on the organization of the party's structures in the districts and on strengthening its grassroots base. The leadership stressed the importance of cooperation with the parliamentary group of the Democratic Party and with the government for the implementation of the reforms that have been launched. The meeting also addressed issues of relations with political allies and with other social organizations. (Continues on page 8)

Discussion on lifting the immunity of MP Ilir Meta A stone in PS's political board Dear Chairman, Dear fellow MPs, First of all, I must answer a question that surely has arisen in all of you, because when Mr. Meta's name came up after 6 years, given that in the pluralist Assembly we are 35–36 people who entered at the same time, there is a reason why Mr. Meta's name came up. In this case everyone thinks it is personal revenge. I would like to give a very clear answer to all opposition colleagues, but also to the majority. If a person who has done a certain job in the Albanian administration is suspected of breaking the law, then facing justice cannot be called revenge, but a normal procedure. In a state governed by the rule of law, no one should hide behind immunity. This matter must be seen calmly and without political prejudice. This is not about political war, but about clarifying a specific case. Under these conditions I think the debate should be calm and institutional. Parliament has the duty to hear the arguments and decide on the basis of the law. The opposition should not turn the issue into a political battle, while the majority should not use it for propaganda. Only in this way can the authority of the institutions and the public's trust in justice be preserved. ALIA HOXHA

In yesterday's plenary session, the People's Assembly discussed the prosecutor's request to lift the immunity of MP Ilir Meta. Various MPs expressed their views on the procedure that should be followed and on the arguments presented. The need to respect the law and the constitution, as well as the rights of the MP, was stressed. The debate took place in a calm atmosphere, but with great interest from the parliamentary groups. (Continues on page 4)

VASJENTI IRENEOVA