-Rapporteurs are appointed to come to Albania- The P-rapport, the Committee on Relations with non-member countries of the Council of Europe, of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which makes the recommendation of the Strasbourg Parliament. On the basis of this report, the Council of Europe, at its first upcoming meeting in February, will decide on Albania’s admission to the Council. A. Arifi emphasized in his speech that Albania is a small country with limited territory, a small area and a small population, but with a great history. In these recent years Albania has lived through freedom and the difficulties of democracy. This path has not been easy nor without mistakes, but it is the path chosen by the Albanian people. He underlined that, despite the difficulties, Albania has made important steps forward in building democratic institutions, in respecting human rights and in European integration. He said that our country wishes to become part of the European family and that, for this purpose, it has undertaken many reforms. The committee assessed the progress made and appointed the rapporteurs who will visit Albania to become directly acquainted with the political, economic and social situation. Their visit is expected to influence the preparation of the final report. (The names in the text are difficult to read)[?]

-Interview of observer Evelina Canale given to BBC- Question: Were you the only observer in the room during the trial? Answer: No, because there were other representatives there as well. There was great interest in the room in the trial and in the way it was being conducted. Question: What did you observe? Answer: I observed numerous procedural violations and restrictions on the exercise of the defense’s rights. In some cases, it was clear that the standards required for due legal process were not being respected. Question: Do you think the trial was political? Answer: I do not want to prejudge, but the overall climate and some observed actions leave room for serious doubt. Question: What do you expect now? Answer: I expect international institutions to follow developments closely and to demand full respect for fundamental rights. (BBC)[?]

Lifting immunity is a legal requirement A reply to the group of deputies of PDNJ from two officials, saying that Parliament supposedly had "fear": Tedor Keko, Piroli Teta and Gramoz Pashko. Honourable deputies, I was in the chamber. The positions of the opposition deputies and especially of Mr. Gramoz Pashko were clear. They were expressed in such a way as to allow for different interpretations. We believe that the lifting of Mr. Fatos Nano’s immunity has nothing to do with his political convictions, but with matters related to the enforcement of the law. No one should be above the law, and no public official can avoid responsibility if they have broken the law. This is not about political revenge, but about a procedure provided for by the constitution and the law. The deputy does not lose his political rights because of an investigation or trial; he simply becomes subject to the ordinary procedures that apply to every citizen. Any attempt to present this as political persecution is inaccurate and aims to confuse public opinion. Democracy is not built on personal privileges, but on equality before the law. EDI MALOKA

-continues to "display" himself, and S. Broka also brings in his interview in "KJ". Was S. Broka really persecuted? Are his accusations justified? In the interview published recently he presents a distorted picture of the past and the present. Instead of arguments, Mr. Broka uses political labels and tries to create the idea of an unending pursuit. But the facts show otherwise. He has had full opportunities to speak out and take part in public life. If he were truly persecuted, how would his many engagements and contacts be explained? Why does he now seek to present himself as a victim? These questions remain unanswered. The debate on dissent cannot be conducted on the basis of personal myths. History requires accuracy and moral responsibility. (The title of the newspaper KJ is partially unreadable)[?]

The public announcement by the chairman of PDS Arben Imami that he and his traditional microforum Artur Xhufi will organize a "Democratic Forum" based in PD was a surprise for many. Instead of contributing to internal debates, the initiators present themselves as the only reformers. The combination of the so-called center with extreme political figures strips this initiative of any seriousness. The announced forum cannot be a real alternative as long as it is based on personal ambitions and not on a clear platform. If PDS wants to play a constructive role in political life, it must respect pluralism and existing institutions. Otherwise, it will remain a movement without direction. OUR NOTE

Chronicle from the People’s Assembly -The amount of economic assistance is set at no less than 40% and no more than 100% -Incomes up to 4 thousand lek per month are exempt from personal profit tax- The Kosovo government [?], discussed yesterday in parliament the proposal to gradually reduce the personal tax on monthly income up to 4 thousand lek, starting from 1 March 1994. For incomes above 4 thousand up to 10 thousand lek, a progressive tax will be proposed. The issue of economic assistance for families in need was also addressed. At the general session, the SP requested postponement of the consideration of the draft law, while representatives of the majority argued that the draft law aims to protect low-income strata. The special committee presented amendments concerning the method of calculating economic assistance. According to the proposal, economic assistance for families with no income will be no less than 40% and no more than 100% of the minimum wage. The deputies also discussed the eligibility criteria and verification mechanisms to prevent abuse. The session will continue with article-by-article consideration of the draft law. OUR CORRESP. "RD"

-Relations in a conditional liberty villa In the naming of the lie there is also Enur Gjylfi Faik Ministri e Mojbojës [?] In a public response, the author says that calls for revenge against former officers are a mistake and that the country needs social reconciliation. He criticizes harsh language and the political use of the past. According to him, no one benefits from inciting hatred and dividing citizens into hostile camps. Albanian society must build fair institutions and guarantee fundamental freedoms for everyone. He adds that debates about the responsibilities of the past must be conducted on the basis of law and truth, not passion. Only in this way can new injustices be avoided. (Continues on page 7)[?]

NATIONAL LIBRARY TIRANA