For months the Socialist opposition has been trying in every possible way to rephrase and recycle the slander against Prime Minister Meksi over the improper matter of the "coffee" that, it is alleged, he took to Fatos Nano in his cell, as if he were the only one who could communicate with the detainee from the Block. In fact, this is part of a series of similar crude slanders aimed at portraying the government and the prime minister as the political authors of Fatos Nano's arrest. Accusing the government of political and retaliatory action through independent criminal proceedings is intended to hide the shocking truth about Fatos Nano's economic crime. He is specifically accused of abuse of office, theft of funds from Italian aid to Albania, and illegal gains, mainly through the non-governmental association "Adriatiko". As has become clear from the material submitted so far to the prosecution and the court, this involves staggering sums and acts of fraud, abuse and forgery, unheard of and unimaginable in civilized countries. If the Socialist opposition truly wanted to defend the law, the rule of law and justice, it should not only refrain from blocking the investigations, but on the contrary help to fully uncover the truth. But apparently it is afraid of the truth and is trying to relativize the crime by presenting it as a political conflict. Instead of answering for his actions, Fatos Nano is trying to present himself as a political victim. In reality, he is under investigation for a specific criminal case and, like any other citizen, will be subject to the law and justice. In Albania there can no longer be people above the law, even if they are former prime ministers or party chairmen.

The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, considers that Mr. Veliu's interview with the newspaper NANO, described as sensational and scandalous, is entirely false and has been fabricated in a vile manner. The President of the Republic's assessment of Mr. Veliu remains unchanged. "Unfaithful, a newcomer and Milosevic's Kosovo Albanian." In this interview, Mr. Veliu is presented as having met with the President of the Republic and as being informed about confidential conversations between President Berisha and the American ambassador Rajerson. All of this is pure invention. President Berisha has not met Mr. Veliu for a year and a half, since he was dismissed from the positions he held. Likewise, Mr. Veliu has no official function and cannot possess information about the President's activities. President Berisha's assessment of him remains unchanged. ATSH

(read yesterday's press conference by the vice chairman of the PD, Orestes Trebicka, in the "Current Affairs" section on page 2) ATSH In a recent analysis in university circles and within the senior administration, discussions have resurfaced about leadership style and the relations between high political offices. According to comments made yesterday, the label of a gentleman is not enough to cover a de facto chairman role when political responsibilities are exercised on the ground and in the media with full intensity. Observers stress that this duality between the formal title and real action creates confusion for the public and for the leadership structures.

Aden Demaj, a well-known name in the Kosovar diaspora and political activity, has been proposed for the 1994 "Nobel" Peace Prize. Yugoslav sources cited by the Bulgarian agency "Andier Sharlo" report that the candidacy was submitted to the relevant committee in Oslo on 28 October 1993. According to this notice, the supporting document emphasizes Demaj's work in defending national rights and his commitment to peaceful solutions. The announcement has attracted particular attention in Albanian circles and in Yugoslavia, where Demaj's name is linked to efforts to raise international awareness of the Albanian issue in Kosovo.

The way property was hidden by means of payment of 20 thousand dollars with personal checks, the so-called "gifts" for painters and restorers, is also made public On Thursday, at a press conference, the American Secretary of State for civil justice, accompanied by a group of officials, announced that the court had ruled illegal the detention of a 98-year-old painter by the local police of Baker, California. According to the statement, the case involved suspicions of property concealment and payments disguised as art expenses. The investigative material mentions 20 thousand dollars paid with personal checks, called "gifts" for painters and restorers. The decision has been regarded as a precedent for respect for procedures and civil rights.

"The Almighty Allah has the humanitarian association 'Al Haramain' has the pleasure of extending its greetings to all Albanian Muslim sisters and brothers wherever they may be. -HAPPY HOLIDAY OF THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN! -WE PRAY TO ALLAH (J. S.) TO ENABLE YOU TO FAST EASILY AND ACCEPTABLY! -MAY YOU BE KEPT BLESSED AND SAVED FROM HELL!"

In response to Saturday's contest from the newspaper "RD" 500,000 (five hundred thousand) for today's winners "Find the figure for the photo" The contest is played every day until 8:00. The phone number is 42-? [?] Our operators will be at your service every day for the winner. We wish you success. The contest continues.

TIRANA - ALBANIA tel/fax: 00355 42 44357