Three months after the day when the chairman of the National Unity Party, lawyer Idajet Beqiri, went on hunger strike demanding that the newspaper “Koha Jonë” be shut down and one of its journalists persecuted, and two months after his famous statement that he would “show this newspaper its place” as soon as the referendum was won, Beqiri seems to be coming to understand the fact that such a thing cannot happen. The only way to put an end to the imagined defamations against him is to pursue the judicial path, not the path of violence. This was also confirmed by yesterday’s decision of the Tirana Court, which ordered the newspaper “Rilindja Demokratike” to publish Mr. Beqiri’s rebuttal to the article “Greek Spy”, which he claimed had defamed him. The decision is clear: in such cases, the legal route must be followed. [final text partly illegible][?]

Popular Yesterday in the People’s Assembly the government presented the draft law “On the prevention and control of contagious diseases.” This draft law, which was approved in principle and article by article, provides measures for the detection, isolation, and treatment of the sick, as well as the obligations of state bodies and citizens to prevent the spread of diseases. The draft law also defines the administrative and criminal responsibilities for those who violate its provisions. [part of text illegible][?]

Spartak Ngjela published an article in the daily “L’Association des Journalistes, Europe”, which was republished under the title “The truths and the truth”, denouncing several theses and political positions. [illegible introductory text][?] From the analysis of the text, it emerges that the author aims to present a complicated Albanian political situation, involving the names of Britan Ala, Spartak Ngjela, and Arben Imami in a game of Serbian politics. According to the article, these positions indirectly serve anti-Albanian circles and seek to strike at democratic institutions. [many parts of the text illegible][?] One paragraph also mentions the professor from Skopje, Sali [ ? ], as well as links to foreign organizations and publications. The article ends with a harsh stance against those considered an obstacle to Albanian national interests.

Did Nano accuse Panajot Dilo? Mrs. Panajot Dilo, wife of the secretary-general of the Social Democratic Party, continues to remain locked in her hunger-strike office and declares that she will continue the strike until she receives an answer regarding the accusations made against her family. According to her, an article published in “ZP” forced her to make this decision. She is asking for a public clarification and retraction. This time Mr. Dilo sent an open letter to President Sali Berisha to make him aware that something unusual is happening. “We do not understand, with this hunger strike that has been going on for days, where Mrs. Dilo wants to get to and by what mechanism she is changing her position?” it says, among other things. The article also mentions the names of Ylli Bufi, Kastriot Islami, Paskal Milo, and Servet Pëllumbi. [part of text illegible][?] PSSH corresponds – against written form

70th anniversary A few days ago the leadership of the Journalists’ Association of Albania met and examined some of the problems related to its activities, as well as preparations for the 70th anniversary of the Albanian press. The meeting discussed the organization of commemorative events, publications, and the state of the press in the country. The leadership assessed the need for closer cooperation between journalists and information institutions. In the end, several organizational decisions were taken. MUSA SUEÇPAJA

PRISTINA 17 October The Minister of Youth and Sports of Macedonia, [illegible name][?], stated that the Kosovo issue is being used politically and that tensions in the region require a measured solution. In his statement to the media, he spoke about relations between Macedonia, Kosovo, and neighboring countries, as well as the need for regional cooperation. [continuation text illegible][?] (AFSH)

Krasniqi against? [?] Rina [ ? ] the movements of [ ? ] … [the majority of this article is illegible in the image because of the orientation, shadow, and resolution][?]

20.10.93 This is another field in which we need tangible results for the Albanian citizen, who cannot understand how it is possible that in such a short period of time a press of this kind is created in hundreds and thousands of copies, one that stirs envy and hatred and defames and insults in such a low language, such as what is called the “independent press”. This statement yesterday by President Berisha at his customary press conference with foreign correspondents expressed a longstanding concern of his and of other people in the democratic state. At last, the movement to legally restrict the right to defame has begun. This is shown by the draft law submitted a few days ago by the Ministry of Justice and made public one day earlier through the press. This draft law establishes punishments for defamers and their publishers, including fines of up to one million lek, as well as prison terms. The same thing is stated in Article 286 of the Criminal Code under the name “Insult and defamation”. According to the draft law, defamation and insult through the press and other public information media, when committed for political purposes, to the detriment of the activities of institutions and persons performing state or public duties, when done premeditatedly and in collaboration with others, are punished with a fine, deprivation of the right to practice a profession, or imprisonment. Serious insults that affect a person's dignity, whether a private citizen or a public official, are also punished. (continues on the next page [?])