More than 25 thousand households in the capital have someone employed in private businesses - A year ago 321 million lek; in September 1993, 1.6 billion lek More than 25 thousand households in the capital have someone employed in private businesses - A year ago 321 million lek; in September 1993, 1.6 billion lek In a public hearing of several months, as the spokesperson of the Municipality of Tirana, Andon Daka, says, paradoxically, social problems are the most discussed. This is also because the interest of the opposition and of certain organs in relation to the municipal administration has focused attention in these directions. The same orientation also characterizes the 9-month revenue report, while the general directorates consider it necessary for this document to be known by the municipal councillors. According to the figures made public, for the first time in the financial history of Tirana, the municipality's foreign-currency funds exceed 200 thousand dollars. In addition to the growth of local production and revenues from privatization, more than 1.6 billion lek have been collected from tax sources in Tirana. The municipal spokesperson declared that the main payments were made for investments and for economic assistance, as well as for subsidies in several public service sectors. In this context, urban transport, green spaces, and communal services are mentioned. Alongside these, he singled out the reconstruction of several roads and interventions in buildings of public importance. According to the same source, the increase in private entities has directly influenced the easing of unemployment in the capital. More than 25 thousand families, according to the report, have someone employed in these entities. Whereas from 321 million lek collected in September of last year, in September 1993 revenues reached 1.6 billion lek. The municipal administration links this change to the economic reform, to the expansion of private activity, and to the disciplining of tax collection. Opposition representatives have challenged some of these conclusions, calling for greater transparency on how funds are distributed and on the municipality's social policies. (Continues on page 2)

“The Millionaire” Skëndo will face justice - A mountain of denunciatory notes. - The scenario of the criminologists of police station No. 3 and the AVA- riacna police foresees the surrender and murder of his girlfriend. A police denunciation sheet was found in the house[?] with the objective of “informing” the state police. This was announced yesterday by the Minister of Order, Mr. M. Sokolari, regarding his arrest. “This makes the case extremely interesting and sufficiently makes it clear that an entire network of intrigues may be hiding behind yesterday’s murder,” he said. According to preliminary data, the detained Skëndo has been involved in numerous financial transactions and in conflicting relations with various persons. Investigators suspect that he prepared a scenario to avoid criminal responsibility by implicating third parties. In the materials filed, a girl is also mentioned, described as his girlfriend, about whom it is said that she may have been used as a link in this scheme. Sources from police station No. 3 said that telephone calls, bank movements, and new testimonies are being investigated. The aviation police[?] and other special services are also cooperating to verify every lead. The minister underlined that no version is excluded and that those responsible will be brought before justice. As the investigation continued, several homes were searched and documents were seized which, according to the police, may shed light on the motives of the event. Relatives of the detained man have denied the accusations, but the law-enforcement bodies said that the evidence is being carefully examined. Despite the public uproar that accompanied the news, officials asked that sensationalism be avoided and that the conclusion of the investigation be awaited. The case has aroused great interest in the capital. (Article continues on page 2)

The Vice-President of the European Communities Commission, Leon Brittan, will speak in Albania Tomorrow, on 1 November, the Vice- President of the European Community Commission Leon Brittan will come for an official visit to Albania. Sources close to the Presidency state that during his stay in our country he will meet President Sali Berisha and Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi. Mr. Brittan will arrive in Tirana at 13:30 on a special aircraft. The next day he will give a press conference and will visit several economic institutions. The visit is assessed as part of efforts to strengthen relations between Albania and European structures. (Continues on page 3)

Democracy - a difficult test Albanian society has entered the phase of the pre- September solutions of its own, where with the newly arrived pluralism part of the post-communist class announced the end of totalitarian society. Far from triumph, the Albanian political reality is proving to be more difficult and more uncertain. Beyond the first democratic hopes, the implementation of the law, the separation of powers, and the respect for human rights are showing serious difficulties. In many cases the strong influence of political conflict on public life and on the functioning of institutions is observed. Part of public opinion sees this as a transitional period, while others fear that the lack of democratic tradition may prolong the crisis. In this framework the media play an important role, but they too face pressure and polarization. The authors of the analysis point out that democracy is not tested in words, but in stable institutions and in a political culture where the opponent is not seen as an enemy. This is the difficult test of Albanian transition. (Continues on page 3)

Trial for the executors. What about the order-givers? - Banët Alta, Hekuran Isai, Gramoz Ruçi and others - you began with deeds... The new secondary school of Totos, included in the 6-8-year ones, prepares that in 20 more days the file of the “genocide of 1990” will be examined. This is the title of the editorial of the daily “Rilindja Demo- kratike” of 30-31 October. It says that the trial of the “executors” of communist power reflects only part of the truth and cannot close the political responsibility of those who ordered the repression. According to the article, former high-ranking leaders such as Hekuran Isai and Gramoz Ruçi should account for the decisions and orders given in the final years of the regime. The editorial raises the question of whether justice will stop only at the implementers or will go as far as the order- givers. The article links the issue to the events of 1990 and to the demand for a moral and criminal punishment of the crimes of communism. In conclusion it says that without a full clarification of responsibilities, social reconciliation remains incomplete. (Continues on page 3)

IN THE TIRANA BRANCH OF THE PD, THE SECTION IS CONDEMNED; THESE DAYS 100 NEW MEMBERSHIPS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED, OF WHICH 200 ARE INTELLECTUALS.