The chairman of the PD, Eduard Selami, chairman Ali Spahia and secretary general Tritan Shehu, after meetings in Italy with the opposition: “A life-or-death struggle” must be respected by the government because a considerable part of our population still lives in poverty. The incomes of vulnerable groups, especially pensioners and families receiving social assistance, must be indexed to price increases. This year will be a challenge for economic growth and for reforms, but that does not mean that the country is threatened by chaos or destabilization. At a key moment in confronting the problems of the transition, it is unacceptable to use the political climate to spread panic and gain politically. We are clear that Albania needs dialogue, but dialogue that the country needs, not ultimatums or propaganda. What Albania needs is stability, responsibility, and institutional cooperation. Positions that speak of a 'life-or-death struggle' do not serve to solve problems, but only to needlessly heighten tensions. We are for dialogue with those who want what is best for Albania. Photo: Ylli Balla [?]

** Statement by the chairman of the PD parliamentary group, Mr. Ali Spahia, in the first session of the XIII legislature of the People’s Assembly We consider 1994 to be the beginning of credibility in the eyes of Albania, now a democracy; now, let us say, we are moving into a market economy; we are a parliamentary party; it will be a popular reform and not a destructive reform; this reform will be humane and will be a key year, and it will not be an exhausting reform. This warning by Mr. Nako, at the head of future reforms and the warnings directed toward anarchy because of the population’s dissatisfaction with prices, inflation, wages, unemployment, pensions, and nonpayment, has simply been, let us say, contradiction and manipulation. We cannot agree with such statements. If Nako means that the government has not proposed measures, then the issue stands differently. He must know that the governing majority has clearly expressed its commitment to reforms that will lead to a market economy. On the contrary, Mr. Nako has hinted at destabilization. Under these conditions, the language of alarm and political speculation must once and for all be stopped. If we were to listen to warnings of economic collapse, destabilization, social revolt, and overthrow of the constitutional order, then the entire climate of reforms would be called into question. In this framework we stress that the Democratic Party and its parliamentary group bear responsibility before the electorate for the continuation of reform and for the preservation of democratic order.

All deputies in the assembly. One minute of silence in honor of the memory of the late Gjovalin Çuli. - A parliamentary commission is created to investigate the events of 14 January in Shkoder - The work agenda of the Assembly body is set, including 20 January, 18 March, 29, as well as the president’s marathon for the increase and the taking over of the ministerial portfolio, dated 14.1.1994. All deputies in the assembly. One minute of silence in honor of the memory of the late Gjovalin Çuli. - A parliamentary commission is created to investigate the events of 14 January in Shkoder - The work agenda of the Assembly body is set, including 20 January, 18 March, 29, as well as the president’s marathon for the increase and the taking over of the ministerial portfolio, dated 14.1.1994. In yesterday’s plenary session of the People’s Assembly, a minute of silence was held in honor of the late deputy Gjovalin Çuli. The session continued with the approval of the agenda and with discussions on the organization of parliamentary work during the new session. It was decided to set up a parliamentary commission to investigate the events of 14 January in Shkoder. The deputies also discussed the Assembly’s work calendar and the draft laws to be examined in the coming weeks.

IMAMI DOES NOT START “TO MAKE A FOOL OF THE WOMAN” -The AID gathering, which brought the issue to the attention of Kendi on 14 January, must have told Kendi: “Parliament? You’ve got a problem” (?....) Practically, the road and the office have to ask for everything. With more rights on the roads, a lot [would be affected]. The functions of parliament were closing and many citizens would be put at risk. This, of course, did not please the author of such a process. In any case, as the people were made to doubt, all this frustration would be released. This should be done only by responsible people and not by political speculators. (to be continued on page 4)

THE PD PARLIAMENTARY GROUP DEMANDS THE VERDICT OF JUSTICE ** Statement by the chairman of the PD parliamentary group, Mr. Ali Spahia, in the first session of the XIII legislature of the People’s Assembly

After the return of the national branch, the branch of Fushë-Krujës continued it and also in the democracy branch of Hajdari. Sherif Merdani above [?]