Starting from the concerns and recent incidents on the Albanian-Greek border and the way this issue has been handled in some Greek press organs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania clarifies the following: The recent event that took place on the Albanian-Greek border on the 26th of this month, in which one Greek soldier was killed and another wounded, is a criminal act that seriously damages the relations of good neighborliness between our two countries and their European future. The Albanian government firmly condemns this incident and expresses deep indignation over the loss of the Greek soldier’s life. The competent Albanian authorities are seriously investigating the circumstances of the event and are determined to uncover the perpetrators and motives in full. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes with regret that in some Greek circles and press organs efforts are being made to use this incident to incite anti-Albanian feelings and to present Albania as an unsafe country. These positions are unacceptable and go against the spirit of cooperation and understanding that our two peoples must build. Albania is interested in good relations with Greece, on the basis of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and European standards. It cannot accept any kind of pressure, insinuation, or defamatory campaign aimed at damaging its international image. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania calls on all political forces, media outlets, and relevant institutions in Greece to show restraint, responsibility, and respect for the truth, so that such incidents are not exploited against the interests of peace and stability in the region.

In Tirana, it appears, a new kind of propaganda has begun to be organized, aimed at rehabilitating the figures and schemes of the old dictatorship. In some circles, voices are heard trying to present the past as a period of order, calm, and equality, while forgetting repression, internment, the lack of freedoms, and extreme isolation. This nostalgia, even when disguised as social memory, is dangerous for the democratic conscience of society. It is fueled by the economic difficulties of the transition and by everyday disappointments, but it cannot become a reason to relativize the crimes of the communist system. The citizens of Tirana and of the whole country must remember that democracy is not built by bringing back the symbols of the past, but by strengthening institutions, justice, and individual freedoms. Any attempt to revive the spirit of dictatorship runs counter to the sacrifices made for pluralism.

U kthye njeriu që e gazllavì e të skopërise

Ylli Telhami | column from Tirana AL-HILAL Sclerosis of the state apparatus. The government led by N. Meksi is openly defending an administration that is incompetent and burdened with clientelism. Delays in reforms and a lack of responsibility are producing new dissatisfaction in public opinion. What has been repeating in routine for several months now could soon turn into a heavy electoral cost. It seems that some decisions taken without consultation and some unexpected moves are affecting the behavior of the electorate [illegible text]. 9000 tons of powdered milk expires in the brain of the pantry [?] Ze u mur [?] Some surprises determine the vote These and several other issues are being reflected in chronicle pieces and analyses that point out that the voter has become more demanding and more critical of governance. Last year may be remembered as a year in which not only campaigns, but also administrative mistakes, irresponsibility, and incompetence left their mark on citizens’ decision-making.

Pjetër Arbnori Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly — I am authorized to inform you as follows: Today, on 28 January 1993, the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, after examining Mr. Azem Hajdari’s request to be stripped of parliamentary immunity, decided to refer it to the Committee on Mandates and to submit it for consideration to the first session of the People’s Assembly! PJETËR ARBNORI Chairman of the Presidium Of the People’s Assembly