TENDENCY TO BLOCK PARLIAMENT (In the wake of the suggestions and recommendations of the PPS and other former communist structures for denigrating and smearing the image and the institution of the President of the Republic and the activities of the democratic forces and the government, in the last two days efforts have been observed to block the work of the People's Assembly). Democrats, just like the majority of Albanians, are convinced that parliament has been and remains the most important institution of our democracy. It is the forum where all viewpoints can be freely expressed and where different opinions and positions confront one another. Parliament has been and must remain the place where the sharpest problems of the country’s political, economic and social life are discussed and resolved. It is precisely for this reason that efforts to block it, to turn it from a forum for discussion into an arena of artificial conflicts, and to prevent it from exercising its constitutional function, are condemnable. In these days, a clear tendency has been noted on the part of some opposition deputies to delay and hinder the normal conduct of plenary sessions. The methods used have been varied: discussions outside the agenda, endless rebuttals, unnecessary interventions, partial boycotts, as well as attempts to portray every parliamentary decision as prejudged or manipulated. These behaviors serve neither parliament, nor the opposition, and even less the interests of the country. The People's Assembly cannot be made hostage to narrow political interests. In a country facing major challenges of economic reform, privatization, institutional reconstruction and the consolidation of the rule of law, the work of parliament is vital. Any unnecessary obstacle to this work constitutes a direct harm to citizens and to the democratic transformation process. It is understandable that in a pluralist parliament there will be strong debates and disagreements. But these must remain within democratic rules, parliamentary ethics and political responsibility. When procedural means are used to create chaos, to postpone decision-making and to produce artificial tension, then we are dealing with a deviation from the mission of representation. Albanians expect from their deputies not spectacle, but work; not insults and blockages, but laws and solutions; not empty rhetoric, but seriousness and commitment. Instead of a obstructive opposition, the country needs a constructive opposition that monitors, criticizes and proposes, without falling into the trap of institutional sabotage. In this sense, every tendency to block parliament must be condemned and its normal functioning must be supported, as a condition for continuing reforms and strengthening democracy. Any political responsibility for the obstacles created rests on those who, consciously, choose to replace debate with obstruction. 96.06.93

MR. EDUARD SELAMI MEETS WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GERMAN CHRISTIAN SOCIAL PARTY, MR. TEO VAJGEL Today, 26.6.1993, Dr. Edouard Selami, together with the delegation of the Democratic Party, invited by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and the CSU party, as part of their visit to Germany, was received in Munich by Mr. Theodor Waigel, chairman of the CSU (the Christian Social Union in Bavaria), deputy chancellor and minister of Finance in the German government. The conversation with him, in the premises of the Bavarian Parliament where the congress of the Christian Social Party was taking place, was warm and friendly. Mr. Selami thanked him for the constant interest and appreciation that he and the German government have consistently shown toward Albania and Albanians. He stressed that a stable democracy is now rapidly being consolidated in Albania and that the path to prosperity necessarily passes through economic reforms and privatization. Mr. Selami informed Mr. Waigel of some of the major difficulties the Albanian government is facing on this path, as a result of a heavy totalitarian legacy, which is a serious obstacle in efforts to recover and develop the economy. He expressed the belief that their visit to Germany will help further intensify relations between the two parties and the two countries, as well as German assistance to Albania. Welcoming them, Mr. Theo Waigel pointed out that it is very important to precisely define the priorities on which German aid and investments in Albania should focus, and expressed his conviction that the Albanian government and people will successfully overcome the difficult period of transition. The discussion also noted the German support and assistance provided so far to Albania and also spoke about other programs in the future. This visit will create favorable conditions for increasing cooperation between the two political forces and for intensifying relations between the two countries. (Continues on p. 4)

On 24 June, five newspapers (in fact more) protested against the violence used against them in order to stop publication. While city and market life is normalizing, the latest news indicates that some of these newspapers may leave the Democratic Printing House. This decision is being commented on as a development linked to the political climate and the tensions created in recent days. According to the newspaper’s sources, owners and editorial teams are considering the possibility of publishing in other premises. The reasons given are related to security, technical conditions and guarantees for the continuation of regular publication. However, in media circles the question is being raised whether their departure means a political distancing or simply a practical choice. The issue has received particular attention, since at the center of the debate are freedom of the press and the right to publish without pressure or intimidation. Observers emphasize that a pluralist environment cannot function without full respect for media independence and free competition among publishers. If these newspapers leave, it remains to be seen how this will affect the overall climate of the Albanian press and the relations between publishers, the state and political forces. The event is expected to be followed by further public statements.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE Register of Decisions No. 1 prot 257573 STATEMENT I) To verify the matter on which the objection submitted by the Association of Private Creditors of the Press “Rilindja” is based, concerning the order to prohibit distribution of the 16 June 1993 issue of the newspaper “Rilindja”, and to assess the possibility of taking measures in accordance with the legislation of Kosovo and Yugoslavia, we were informed that the prohibition order was issued by the “Secretariat for Information” on the basis of Article 45 of the law on public order and peace. II) Based on the above information, we assess that the order in question is contrary to the basic principles of freedom of the press and public information, and constitutes an unjustified restriction on the right of publication. III) Taking into account the nature of the matter, it is recommended that the competent authorities immediately reconsider this measure and guarantee the continued publication of the newspaper. KORRESP. of “PD” Kosovo

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