Since yesterday, Nano has grown and ruled out the possibility of any understanding with this force, and with his statement he has made it clear that there is a real rift with the Socialist leader. "The Socialist Party is under the constant pressure of Nano’s wish, depending on the moment’s conjunctures and appetites, to find himself either with the social-democratic and Marxist left, or with NATO’s and the USA’s right." These words were, presumably, spoken by the spokesperson of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Servet Pëllumbi, to the newspaper "Koha Jonë", while commenting on the recent moves by the chairman of the Socialist Party regarding the arrest of Fatos Nano. In Mr. Pëllumbi’s statement, it seems, there is a branching of confrontation, overflowing with the monocratic regime, but not opposition to disagreement with the idea of opposing the country’s Western orientation. The Socialist Party, as a political force oriented toward European social democrats, cannot reconcile itself with anti-integration orientation, with a pointless clash with the USA, with a feigned anti-Marxism in declarations and with an inexplicable revanchism toward yesterday’s figures. The Presidency said the previous day that it could reveal sources for what purpose the opposition’s monocolored word was invented and what it represented. Moreover, according to the Presidency’s statement, there were even telephone conversations as information that showed foreign interference aimed at distorting the Albanian political scene. On Friday evening, the opposition newspaper "Populli Po" had written that the American Ambassador in Tirana, William Ryerson, had asked senior US officials to prevent Nano’s arrest. The request was immediately denied by the American diplomat, who said it was an invented slander. Mr. André Villand, spokesperson for the French embassy in Tirana, told the newspaper "Koha Jonë" that the report according to which France’s ambassador, Mr. de Lavernée, had told Servet Pëllumbi that "Albanian justice is taking orders from foreign services," is inaccurate. The French spokesperson clarified that the ambassador had not made such a statement and that France respects the independence of Albanian justice. The Socialist Party may enter the path of an opposition with clear ideas, if it abandons personal protagonism and the spirals of a leader who wants to have the party at his disposal. Not obeying this spirit means being hostage to the crisis imposed by a single man.

DECREE ON THE DISMISSAL AND APPOINTMENT OF A MINISTER In support of Article 28, paragraph 7 and 16, paragraph 1, dated 29.4.1991, "On the main constitutional provisions", proposed by the Council of Ministers I DECREE: Article 1 Mr. Shkëlqim Cani, from his duties as Minister of Health and Environmental Protection, is assigned another duty. Article 2 Mr. Tritan Shehu is appointed Minister of Health and Environmental Protection. Article 3 This decree enters into force immediately. President of the Republic Sali Berisha Tirana, 14.1.1994 Decree number 755

Well-informed sources confirmed yesterday to our correspondent that the General Prosecutor’s Office has asked the Court of Cassation to return the case to the Korçë Prosecutor’s Office for the appellate stage of the criminal case against MP Gamoz Pashko and former MP Sabit Brokaj. The Prosecutor’s request considers the investigation by the Korçë Prosecutor’s Office incomplete with regard to some expert reports, the questioning of certain persons, as well as the full documentation of the charge. According to this source, the Prosecutor’s request is based on several procedural arguments which, in its view, make it impossible to fully examine the case at this stage. Earlier, the Court of Cassation had upheld the decision to return the case file for supplementary investigation. This case is linked to a road accident resulting in the deaths of two Italian citizens. The relatives of the victims have requested that the circumstances and responsibilities be fully clarified. On Saturday, 15 January 1994, this case returned to the attention of public opinion because of the political and legal implications it contains. (to be continued on page 5)

Meeting of AD leaders in Shkodër In the new year, the foreign policy of AD- AD ve në m[?]tje politkën agresive të regjion. The leaders of AD have made accusations against President Berisha Taulant Balla? [?] Nikollas Mjuzage AD AD stands in defense of the aggressive policy of the region. Meeting of AD leaders in Shkodër In the new year, the foreign policy of AD- AD ve në m[?]tje politkën agresive të regjion. The leaders of AD have made accusations against President Berisha "The leaders of AD, as is known, are members of the so-called 'Force of Independent Intellectuals,' which presents itself as an open forum, but in reality has been used as a tribune for an unclear political opposition. In their meeting held yesterday in Shkodër, they tried to criticize Albania’s foreign policy and cast doubt on its strategic orientation. Known for sensational and irresponsible statements, the participants in this meeting used harsh language against President Berisha and state institutions. According to them, relations with neighbors and positions regarding the conflict in the former Yugoslavia are being badly managed. But instead of real arguments, they offered labels, insinuations, and slogans. At its core, this stance constitutes an indirect defense of Belgrade’s aggressive policies, because it relativizes the clear responsibilities of the Serbian regime in the region. Any attempt to portray the aggressor as the victim and the victims as provocateurs is nothing other than a propaganda service to the circles that want the destabilization of the Balkans. PDI VALONA

The two fronts of anti-presidential social democracy and the editor-in-chief of the Greek far-left newspaper before Saturday the 14th are bringing back to the table the thesis of destabilizing the country. According to them, this comes through the denigration of government and presidential figures, with the aim of creating an atmosphere of tension and insecurity. Coordinated with certain circles abroad, this propaganda line seeks to damage Albania’s image and its democratic process. In their comments, allusions are made to ties between power and old structures or to alleged violations of the law. However, the arguments appear unstable, unsupported, and often contradictory. These positions are used to revive nostalgia for a past order and openly attack the country’s pro-Western orientation. In this context, the voices that speak of "borders," "provocations," "agencies" and "state terrorism" provide no facts, but only try to influence public opinion. These political phantoms cannot replace the real debate on reforms, political responsibility, and the functioning of the rule of law.

(Continues on page 8) Tirana, 14 January. This morning the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, held a meeting with Ilir Jano. This morning the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, held a meeting with the leadership of the Nationwide Association of Politically Persecuted People, headed by Mr. Kurt Kola. During this meeting, President Berisha stated that the condemnation of communism must continue and deepen, while the importance of justice and the moral and social rehabilitation of this group was emphasized. The meeting also discussed the social and economic problems of former politically persecuted people.