SHKODRA/ASTER HAXHIA On 17 November, in the “Migjeni” Palace of Culture, the third conference of the Democratic Party for the Shkodër district was held. Its proceedings were led by the chairman of the temporary district committee of the PD, Bardhyl Xhama. In his opening remarks, the chairman of the temporary committee, Mr. Pashk Uçi, thanked the delegates for the smooth running of the first phase of the elections for the party forums. Meanwhile, the deputy chairman of this PD branch, Mr. Kolë Ashta, presented the report on the progress of PD activity in the Shkodër district, saying among other things that “from the organizational side of the activity of the members of the PD branch in Shkodër, 101 sections have been formed with more than 15,000 party members. It should be emphasized that not only members but also sympathizers of this party in this district have been and are active in all political and social activities. However, despite a rather heavy legacy from the past, the PD in Shkodër has played and continues to play a positive role in maintaining the state of order and peace. As in the whole country, in Shkodër too this party branch is trying to carry out its duties with dedication, aiming to increase its influence among the broad masses.” Then Mr. Agim Ujqi delivered the main report, “On some aspects of the progress and activity of the PD in the Shkodër district and the issues arising for the further strengthening of its role,” in which he emphasized among other things: “This conference is of particular importance not only to analyze the work done so far, but also to draw conclusions for increasing the effectiveness of the role and work of the PD, as the country’s leading political force. We express our conviction that the mass of party members, sensitized in a significant way to the country’s grave economic and political situation, will give this party event the necessary strength, courage and enthusiasm. Just as in the recent past, but also in the period we are going through, the Shkodër branch has been at the forefront of coping with difficult situations and deserves congratulations.” On behalf of the center, the proceedings were greeted by the member of the leadership of the PDSH and chairman of the temporary committee of Tirana, Mr. Tritan Shehu. He regarded this conference as the first after the elections of 22 March, precisely because it dealt with important problems in the role of the party sections and leaders. “Albania has won the challenge of difficulties and now our goal is its European integration. For this, all PD members must have a clean moral and intellectual profile. This must also be understood by those who join the party for personal interests,” said Mr. Tritan Shehu. Also, the chairman of the parliamentary group of the PD, Mr. Astrit Patozi [?], present at the conference, emphasized that “this is not the place to talk about politics at this conference, but I want to add that democracy is not simply free voting, but also the rule of law, a market economy, separation of powers, alternation, and for this great commitment is required.” In the afternoon session, the conference delegates discussed the main report and approved the conference resolution. At the end of the proceedings, the branch committee and its chairman were elected. KUKËS On 17 November, in the “Kosova” cinema-theater in the town of Kukës, the third conference of the Democratic Party branch for the Kukës district was held. The proceedings were opened by the chairman of the branch’s initiative committee, Mr. Zenel Niko, who, after greeting the delegates and guests, presented the activity carried out by this branch as well as the results of the elections in the party sections. Then, the chairman of the PD parliamentary group, Mr. Tritan Shehu, greeted the delegates and the other attendees, underlining the commitment and duties that this party has in dealing with the crisis and strengthening democratic reforms. In the discussions that followed, the importance of increasing the role of the party base, cooperation with local government and the preservation of political unity was emphasized. The conference elected its governing bodies and approved the further work program.

As announced in this brief statement, the investigation into the criminal case of deputy Xhemal Haxhia has been closed and sent to the prosecutor’s office for trial. According to the announcement, the file has been reviewed and the relevant measures have been taken for the continuation of legal proceedings. The press release says that the actions were carried out in accordance with the law and that the competent bodies will continue their work to fully clarify the circumstances. It concludes by stressing that the public opinion will be informed of the final decisions as soon as they become final.

At the latest meeting of the Council of Ministers, several new priorities of the economic and social program were reviewed and approved. The decisions aim to speed up reforms, strengthen the public administration and support disadvantaged groups. According to official sources, special emphasis was placed on investments in infrastructure, energy supply and the guarantee of public order. Measures to be taken in the education and health sectors were also discussed. The government declared that the implementation of these priorities will be monitored by the relevant ministries and will be followed by other secondary legal acts.

A 15-day campaign by the deputies - aid for flood-hit areas A 15-day campaign by the deputies - aid for flood-hit areas The district People's Assembly, from 15 to 30 November, is organizing a public-awareness campaign and material aid for families affected by the floods. The deputies will move through the affected areas to identify the most urgent needs and coordinate the distribution of aid. In this framework, institutions, enterprises, organizations and citizens are called upon to contribute according to their means with food, clothing, medicines and other necessary supplies. The Assembly Presidency thanks all those who have shown solidarity with the affected people and expresses its conviction that this initiative will ease their difficulties, at least to some extent.

(ATSH) On a cold autumn afternoon, a special ceremony took place in the port of Durrës on the occasion of the visit of a ship of the English navy. Representatives of the local authorities and the Albanian naval forces met with its crew and command. The ship’s commander expressed satisfaction with this visit and stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation in the field of maritime security and professional training. On the Albanian side, the value of these contacts for strengthening relations with Western partners was underlined. During the stay in Durrës, visits, meetings and exchanges of experience between Albanian and British officers are planned.

Based on the announced date for the start of registration and payment of subscription obligations for newspapers and magazines for the year 1993, and due to the creation of certain unforeseen circumstances, the deadline for registration as well as for payment of the obligations is extended until the 10th. By a special decision, payment of the obligations for new subscriptions for the year 1993 will be made at the old prices, approved by the Ministry of Finance. RD SUBSCRIPTION SEDRASI