SPEECH OF THE DISCUSSION OF PROF. DR. THE LAW “ON THE PRESS” We are writing to you, by Bujar Buca, deputy chair of the commission on laws, culture and public information media The draft law “On the Press”, submitted for examination and approval at today’s plenary session, has as its main purpose the consolidation of democracy in our country in one of its most delicate and most responsible fields: the field of the press. First of all, this draft law identifies those elements of a legal nature that were missing from the relevant 1947 law, also because of the historical conditions in which it was drafted. Thus, we have enshrined that the press is free. This means that it is subject only to the law. We have clearly defined that press freedom guarantees freedom of expression, the independence of the press, and its role in informing public opinion. It has been clearly established that the press must adhere to truth and objectivity. Its content must not infringe upon human dignity or upon his fundamental rights and freedoms. Attention has likewise been given to the legality of the means of collecting, preparing and distributing information. In our view, this draft lays the foundations of a democratic order for the press, in line with contemporary norms and standards. It recognizes freedom of publication as the right of every citizen to express his thoughts, convictions and opinions, while prohibiting prior censorship. At the same time, specific responsibilities are foreseen for violations of the law, especially in cases of defamation, insult, incitement to hatred, breach of the constitutional order or public morals. Obligations have been defined for the registration of press organs, for transparency of ownership, and for the responsibility of the publisher and the editor-in-chief. The draft clearly reflects that a free press cannot exist without social responsibility and without respect for the public interest. The law creates space for pluralism, but also legal limits for abuse of this freedom. In conclusion, I want to emphasize that this draft law does not seek to restrict the press, but rather to give it a modern legal framework that guarantees its free and independent development in the service of democracy, the citizen and the truth. (Continued on page 4)

(ATSH) The UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali received on 6 October in New York the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Albania, Alfred Serreqi. The discussion highlighted the overall spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding that has characterized Albania’s relations with the UN. The UN Secretary-General expressed satisfaction with the progress of democratic developments and the comprehensive reforms in Albania. He praised the measures being taken by the Albanian government to overcome the difficulties created because of the embargo against Yugoslavia, as well as its efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region. The Albanian Foreign Minister expressed the Albanian government’s determination to continue further along the path of democratic reforms and a market economy. While appreciating the assistance so far provided to Albania by UN bodies, he underlined the need to increase this aid, especially in the areas of economic development, social issues, and infrastructure. (Continued on page 4)

(ATSH) A high-ranking military delegation from Turkey, headed by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, General Veli Küçük, arrived in Tirana on Thursday for a two-day visit. The delegation was received at Rinas Airport by the Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Army, Brigadier General Aleks Andoni, and other military figures. During its stay in our country, the delegation will hold talks with high-ranking figures of the Albanian army, will visit various military units, and will be received by the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, the Minister of Defence Safet Zhulali, and Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi. (Continued on page 4)

— Instead of answers from Mr. Islami, let me note that at (Continued on page 9) Zhan-Dreze Cat for “The Nano Affair” — Instead of answers from Mr. Islami, let me note that at the top of the country he declared in large letters that “I have no connection with Rusko”. Separation. “At the end of January, the miners’ union of Orikum notified in writing that the mines could be made profitable and that ‘there is no reason to leave it in this condition.’ This statement came at a time when meetings and discussions were being held in all the oil and gas units about the privatization law coming from the government. At that time I attended several meetings of officials and I remember that the oil and gas issue was of particular importance. I had the impression that Mr. Islami, as a deputy and as a person with influence in that area, also had responsibility for what was happening. Later, after his removal from office, it emerged that certain actions and decisions taken had created a difficult situation. There is much that has not been said about this story, and I believe that the public has the right to know the truth. (Continued on page 9)

All Albanian and Italian private businesspeople and professionals, activity-related interested in the production associated with the future firm “CERIAL”, in Albania, have the opportunity to participate. For food consumption, the basis of consumers. For equipment and production lines. For telecommunications equipment and lines. They are required. 1993 will be the golden year of business in Albania 1994. If you are interested and can create successful participation in a profitable cooperation in Albania, please contact the Italian Consul General for Tirana, Dr. Enrico Santarelli, as well as Modis. (Continued on page 9)