In the lengthy statement issued by the leadership of the association of political prisoners for the press, under the general title “The attitude of the politically persecuted toward the current situation in the country,” the newspaper “RD” is harshly attacked, this newspaper being the initiator, supporter, and defender of free press in Albania. In this document, the slanders and fabrications that the opponents of the Democratic Party have concocted and propagated against “RD” for years are repeated almost without any changes. It also seeks to tarnish the patriotic and democratic past of this newspaper, which came out in defense of pluralism and freedom at a time when the communist press was echoing censorship and the suffocation of truth. The newspaper “RD” has always reflected the country’s political and social life realistically, trying to tell the truth and defend democratic values. It has denounced abuses, violence, and manipulation, even though it has itself often been the target of attacks because of this. It is unjustifiable that such a newspaper should be subjected to harsh words and labels without any facts or proof. Such a stance serves neither Albanian society nor the cause of the politically persecuted themselves. The editorial staff of “RD” has respected and will respect the right of every citizen to express themselves freely, but it equally firmly defends its own right not to be smeared with false and denigrating accusations. If someone has remarks or objections to an article or a position taken by the newspaper, the democratic path is open and public debate, not slander and anathema. In these difficult moments for the country, when responsibility, self-restraint, and a spirit of cooperation are needed more than ever, unjust attacks on the democratic press are harmful and unacceptable. “RD” remains determined in its mission to serve truth, freedom, and democracy.

VATICAN CITY — [text partly illegible] Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi held a meeting with the Pope, during which issues of mutual interest, relations between Albania and the Holy See, as well as the democratic developments in the country, were discussed. The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere. [other parts of the text illegible]

[text of the article is very faint and partly illegible] ... democracy ... Albania ... [ ? ] ... (continued on page 8)

[text of the article is faint and difficult to read in this image; the discernible parts are not sufficient for a full transcription without conjecture]

Draft laws on the European package, child protection, taxation, administrative fines, etc. are approved. [long text in several columns, largely illegible due to image quality and page orientation]