- Press conference by Mr. Marten Van Traa, Chairman of the Ministerial Committee on Human Rights in the House and member of parliament - The only person who can judge and decide about the past is the one who suffers the consequences of what has happened, since in such a light the merit of society in cleansing itself must also be assessed. These views were expressed at a press conference held yesterday morning at the PD headquarters, where Mr. Marten Van Traa, Dutch member of parliament and member of the Ministerial Committee on Human Rights, said that Albania's name has never been used within the framework of the Council of Europe as a model of what a dictatorship has been. Speaking about one of the features of this transition, he said that the transition to democracy is not an easy process but a long one. Mr. Van Traa said that he had noticed the progress made in the field of legislation and the efforts to implement the laws. Since after the proclamation of pluralism in Albania such a study of human rights was carried out for the first time, this report was prepared for the Dutch government for use by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by parliament itself. This report, based on articles of the European Convention on Human Rights, contains details on human rights in Albania and the positive changes that have occurred, but also the concerns noted. In the report, in addition to Mr. Van Traa's observations, many views of Albanian personalities met during the visit, as well as those of various organizations, are also quoted. The report says that the fall of the communist regime in Albania gave rise to the idea that people would immediately gain all freedoms. In fact, Albania continues to be in a period of transition, with major economic and social difficulties, but with important steps toward building the rule of law. In this context he mentioned that economic difficulties, the lack of democratic experience and the legacy of the past make it understandable why democratization cannot advance at a rapid pace. (Continued on page 4 )

On 10.10.1992, at the PD conference of the Tirana district, the new Council and chairman were elected. Mr. Tritan Shehu was elected chairman and Mr. Biberaj secretary. It is worth noting that in the composition of the new council, and especially of the leadership, noticeable improvements were observed. New cadres were also brought in, with experience and well-known figures of the Democratic Party. In their speeches, many delegates pointed out the need for more organized work, for strengthening the structures and increasing internal party discipline. It was emphasized that the Democratic Party must be closer to its membership and to its problems. The importance of cooperation with other leadership forums and the activation of the sections at the grassroots level was also discussed. (Continued on page 7 )

Invited by the “Interpress Service” agency and the “Mujahid” organization, the delegation of the Albanian Democratic Party, headed by Mr. Eduard Selami, took part in the international conference held in Saudi Arabia. The delegation was received by high-ranking state personalities and held meetings with political and religious leaders. OUR VOICES PRESS AND INFORMATION OF THE PD

The Institute of Local Government Studies at the Center for Legal Studies and Consultancy in Tirana will organize on 12 and 13 November 1992 the seminar on the theme “Local government and economic reform”. The seminar will be held at Hotel “Tirana”, at 9:00 a.m. Participants will include representatives of local government, MPs, heads of institutions and specialists in the field. Foreign experts and representatives of international organizations supporting reform processes in Albania will also take part. The purpose of the seminar is the exchange of views and experiences on the role of local government in the context of economic and administrative reforms. RESA AGO

Mërguli is only watching... - “The police accuses those in power of wanting communism? yes...” - Following the complaint made yesterday in the newspaper “RD” by Bujar Koxhani about the seizure of goods and the sum of 222 thousand lek by officers of the DP in Velipojë, yesterday the special edition of “RD” also published several other complaints. According to them, in the commune of Topojë in the Fier district, in the village of Daullas, the police of Teta Mërguli seized goods without a report and without proper documentation. According to the complainants, various goods and money were taken by force, leaving the traders with no protection whatsoever. It is also said that similar cases have occurred in other areas, where the police behaved arbitrarily. The complainants are asking the competent authorities to take measures and investigate the cases thoroughly. In his response, one of the victims states that it cannot be accepted that unlawful and abusive acts are carried out in the name of the rule of law. (Continued on page 3 )

Such a framework, for a relatively short period of time, implies a denser presence of institutional contacts and political exchanges. Official spokespeople said that the delegation will hold meetings with German parliamentarians and institutions, and will become acquainted with their experience in the field of legislation and administration. (ATSH)

Tirana this week agreement of cooperation with Ndsyen As part of contacts with foreign political and economic circles, representatives from Tirana have held talks on cooperation with a foreign city or region. At the center of these contacts has been the possibility of concrete aid for Albania in various fields. It was emphasized that the aid should be unconditional and direct, aiming to improve citizens' lives and economic development. (ATSH)

For the second time and perhaps not the last, families and individuals in need have benefited from aid in food and clothing items. According to the notice, the distribution was carried out in an organized manner and with the participation of local structures. The aid is considered an important support for the most affected layers of the population. ZËR LISENI

Wednesday, 4 November 1992 Wednesday, 4 November 1992 Price 3 lek

Newspaper of the Albanian Democratic Party

In a country where there is no press freedom, we would not be sitting here for a press conference.