- The fact that Nano’s trial would begin in early February was reported in RD more than two months ago. - Nano’s lawyers continue to invent procedural violations. - The file was returned for further investigation, but to add a new charge: “embezzlement.” - ZP has forgotten the saying: “Let the dogs bark...” More than two months ago, RD published the statement of Mr. Fatos Dervishi, the investigator in the Nano case, in which, among other things, it was made clear that the investigation file would be ready in early February ’94. During this period, several changes took place, and it so happened that the European Parliament’s resolution, which mentioned the “Nano case,” arrived precisely at the beginning of February. The closing of the file at that time was exploited by Nanoist propaganda to claim that the justice authorities act on the basis of party orders: “As soon as the resolution arrived, the trial date was set.” The truth, as can clearly be seen, is quite different, because the closing of the file in early February had been planned by the competent persons before there was any talk of the European Parliament’s resolution. Meanwhile, Nano’s lawyers continue to invent “procedural violations.” Some time ago, after Nano’s arrest, he was sent the document acknowledging the charge for signature, and, as ZP reported, he refused to sign it. This was precisely what enabled ZP journalists to write shamelessly that “procedures had been violated,” because Nano had not been informed of the indictment—a violation by the justice authorities. It seems the lawyers are more interested in inventing “procedural violations” than in undertaking the legal defense of their client. It seems that the obsession with fabricating procedural violations or violations of F. Nano’s rights does not even allow the Nanoists to see that they are making themselves ridiculous with the absurd logic they use. Thus, in an “uncommented” article with no byline entitled “Is Mr. Arborni lying?”, the hand of an “expert” uncovers “serious violations.” Here is what X claims to have discovered as a violation concerning the request made by Nano’s lawyers to change the arrest measure: The request was made on 6 October 1993 and filed with the court at 9 in the morning... On that same day, the judicial panel was also formed... “On that same day” the case was reviewed by the court, an entirely unlawful action because Article 15 of the law... says that these requests must be tried within 7 days.” So Article 15 says they must be tried within 7 days, not on the seventh day. Under this article, there would have been a violation if the request had been reviewed after 7 days, not—as happened in the Nano case—promptly, precisely so that no one could write or say that justice was dragging its feet. Another “powerful” argument used by the Nanoists to show that they are right is that the Nano file was returned “for further investigation.” The court’s decision clearly stated that investigations should be conducted to verify whether there had been a more serious offense, but this does not interest PFN. In any case, the fact is that the file was returned and accepted by the Court with an additional charge: “embezzlement.” It seems Nano’s friends in the SP and ZP will keep inflating their balloon until justice delivers its decision, because apparently they still do not know what happens to a balloon that is inflated too much. At the same time, they are playing their last cards, trying to put justice before two alternatives: “If you release Nano, you are free and fair; if you convict him, you are controlled by the DP.” The thing is, they do not even know how to play cards, and instead of saving their jokers, they played them at the beginning because they seemed worthless; now, besides possibly being left without a chairman, they may also be left without PFN. Nevertheless, I am convinced that the group that began Nano’s defense will continue it... receipt of the charge to sign, did not stop the “ZP” journalists from shamelessly writing that “procedures were violated” because Nano had not been informed of the indictment. Something similar is being done now. Nano’s lawyer, P. Sanxhaku, declares in “KJ”: “We were summoned to the Court to examine the case file, but we did not appear...” and again calls this unlawful, must be adjudicated adjudicated had been examined after 7 days, and not given priority, as the Nano case was, precisely so that it could not be said and written that justice was dragging out the case. Author X also presents as a violation the fact that the case was heard by someone with “a year and a half of work.” I know that “ZP” would have preferred Aranit Çela, but “unfortunately,” for objective reasons this ...

From President Berisha’s meetings in Brussels — Mr. Sali Berisha meets Mr. Egon Klepsh From President Berisha’s meetings in Brussels AID FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY HAS BEEN VITAL TO ALBANIA’S DEVELOPMENT — Mr. Sali Berisha meets Mr. Egon Klepsh On Wednesday, President Sali Berisha met with members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs. After opening remarks by the committee’s chairman, Baron Krestof, President Berisha spoke: “Twenty months ago, as a newly elected president, I was received in this building by the President of this Parliament, Mr. Egon Klepsh. At that time, after 45 years, Albania had elected a democratic government. The challenge it had to face was enormous. Mr. Klepsh assured me that the solidarity and support of the Parliament and the European Community would not be lacking. For the country that was Europe’s most isolated, this may seem excessive to many here today, but I can assure you that during this period my country has been a genuine success story. The main credit for this naturally belongs to the Albanians, who, despite facing more difficult conditions than everyone else, engaged courageously—I would say exceptionally so—in the most painful course of reforms. And so, after two years of great efforts and sacrifices, we succeeded in laying the foundations of a society based on the rule of law and free enterprise. But I would emphasize that the assistance we received from the EC has been vital to our achievements and to the development of democracy in Albania.” President Berisha then presented those present with an overview of Albania’s current situation and the progress of reforms in all areas, including the economy, institutions and legislation. The President briefly mentioned some figures and data. As for the economy: inflation has been brought fully under control. It has fallen from a monthly increase of 40 percent at the beginning of the reform to 33 percent in 1993. Our currency is stable under the free exchange rate and has even gained considerably in value. The budget deficit has been reduced from 60 percent to 10 percent. Prices have been completely liberalized. Almost all agricultural land and residential apartments have been privatized. More than 100,000 people are employed in the private sector. Meanwhile, the privatization of small and medium-sized enterprises is proceeding rapidly. Road transport has been privatized, and we are trying to privatize large enterprises, the railways, ports, hydroelectric power plants, etc. Albania ended 1993 with the fastest economic growth in Europe, reaching around 10 percent. There are also promising beginnings in foreign investment. Overall, institutional reform has been profound and, naturally, painful, but we can say that its first fruits are very positive. Of great importance is the fact that fundamental freedoms and human rights have now become an enduring reality. The right to private property is fully guaranteed. Individual rights and freedoms are guaranteed in Albania for all citizens, both those of Albanian origin and members of minorities. Albania is an example that, I believe, other countries can follow in their treatment of minorities. In conclusion, President Berisha thanked those present and expressed his gratitude for the encouragement they had given him and the Commission in their resolution of 9 February, urging them to bring before this Parliament as soon as possible the proposal to realize Albania’s associate membership in the European Union. “We consider your support for Albania’s aspirations for integration into Europe not only very important, but also a valuable contribution to peace in the Balkans, to encouraging the Europeanization of this troubled region between West and East, and to the stability of our continent itself.” * * * At 19:45 on 23 February, President Berisha met with the President of the European Parliament, Egon Klepsh. On behalf of the European Parliament, Egon Klepsh... In honor of President Berisha, after their meeting, Mr. Klepsh hosted a dinner attended, in addition to members of the Albanian delegation, by many members of the European Parliament. Yesterday morning, President Berisha was invited to an interview on CNN television, where he was open to the various and numerous questions put to him. By telephone from Brussels Aida Shehu 24 February 1994

— The intellectual’s dilemma: dependent or “independent” — Toward the creation of a club of democratic intellectuals Intellectuals take positions on political developments in accordance with their worldview and interests, and in principle this position is stable. The intellectual—the party’s lackey—is depoliticized, loses their identity in anonymity and, at best, becomes a blind, albeit qualified, tool. The first example. This idea demonstrates that, as in many other cases, extremist positions on this issue are unacceptable. example ... blind, albeit qualified, tool. The example

because it follows a deep analysis of reality and the processes unfolding within it. On the other hand, this position also implies a certain degree of independence, linked to intellectuals’ ability to correct their stance from time to time, which determines the evolution of their views, naturally without completely overturning the position previously adopted. positions on this issue are unacceptable. The intellectual—the party’s lackey—is depersonalized, loses themselves tool. The best example of this is our bitter past. An intellectual who declares themselves completely independent risks, even if they have made a name for themselves through their work, remaining a solitary voice, a “solo” that, in any case, does not attain its true value without the appropriate accompaniment—that is, without a community, specifically a political party, within which their thinking can find the support or opposition necessary to come as close as possible to the truth. Ultimately, even while remaining formally independent, if they speak publicly, the opinions they express will place them in a position. After that, their independence turns out to be truly only formal. The presence of a considerable number of outstanding intellectuals in the DP and the recent new memberships ... (Continued on page 2)

PRESIDENT’S DECREE “ON SPECIAL PROTECTION OF MILITARY PERSONNEL” APPROVED — Military personnel and their families are provided with material and financial support if they suffer harm in the line of duty as a result of criminal acts against them. — The decree will also apply to all military personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty since 3 July 1991. In the morning, during the final plenary session of the week, the People’s Assembly approved Presidential Decree No. 758, “On special protection of military personnel.” The decree in question aims to ... First, to punish as severely as possible the criminal elements who commit offenses against military personnel. Given that criminal punishment of the guilty is imposed under the provisions of the Criminal Code, Articles 31 and 84 specify the following: Thus, the commission of a criminal offense against military personnel because of their duties has been added as an aggravating circumstance (Article 31, letter “e”); and, in Article 84, which concerns aggravated murder, letter “e” has been added as a qualifying circumstance, referring to murder committed against military personnel because of their duties. Second, the decree aims to provide better assistance to the families of military personnel who lose their lives or become unable to work because of their duties, by granting them 100% of the military member’s salary, immediate compensation, scholarships for their children, etc. (Continued on page 4)

The assets of 1,327 former cooperatives, in 319 communes, are heading toward “the auction”: each to their rightful owner! The government must press harder— —Having observed the practical work of implementing this law at close quarters, I note that there are unjustifiable instances of negligence, particularly in ...

REUSCHENBACH: “The democratic government has secured visible progress” ON THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REFORMS IN ALBANIA —Seminar in the German city of Essen— Ministers Bashkim Kopliku and Selim Belortaja were invited to the seminar on the economic situation in the implementation of economic reforms, organized in the city of Essen on the initiative of our embassy in Bonn and with the support of the Ruhr Institute. Businesspeople, representatives of companies, as well as people from our country and members of the Bundestag also took part. In his opening remarks, the President of the Ruhr Institute, Meno Aden, among other things highlighted how important it is for Germany to know Albania, especially to know the current situation in the economic field. Despite the fact that history presents Albania as a poor country, he said, the present speaks not only of a good beginning, but also of hope. Deputy Reuschenbach, chairman of the Germany-Albania parliamentary group in the Bundestag, recalled the first day of the victory of democracy in Albania and outlined the Albanian people’s faith in democracy. Despite the difficulties, developments so far, he said, show that visible progress has been achieved, and the democratic Albanian government is working to continue it. Bashkim Kopliku familiarized the participants with the economic situation and its development prospects, focusing on the role that foreign investment, including German investment, would play in this context. Minister Belortaja presented the framework for supporting foreign investment. Then the two Albanian dignitaries answered the participants’ questions. Mr Aden, closing the meeting, said that it had been valuable for both sides and would serve to increase the German side’s commitment to investing in Albania. The Albanian Deputy Prime Minister,

According to a French encyclopedia In a recent article, the newspaper “KJ” promotes itself, claiming that, according to a survey (nobody knows who conducted it), “half of Albanian readers buy the newspaper ‘KJ.’” Such a claim is somewhat strange because it goes on to say that the other part of the readers (that is, the other half) buy the group, especially “Eros,” “Kunji,” “Playboy.” So, according to “KJ,” since the two halves make up a whole, nobody reads the other newspapers (including “KJ”’s ally, “Aleanca”). But the reason given in the article for this division into two halves is also amusing. According to “KJ,” the reason is that people have begun reading independent newspapers that write truthfully (like “KJ”). Since “KJ” talks about a phantom survey concerning its independence, we are publishing the information given by a French encyclopedia about newspapers in Albania. The “QUID” encyclopedia has set up a research group covering the entire world press. The research group is headed by Mr. Louis Claude and provides the encyclopedia with the names of newspapers and their launch dates, as well as their affiliations, if any. The countries are listed alphabetically, and after South Africa comes Albania. Here is the information provided about Albanian newspapers: Alongside are facsimiles from the encyclopedia. Quot. Tirana: “Zeri i Popullit” (La Voix du Peuple, Parti Socialiste) (25.8.1942). Rilindja Demokratike (Renaissance democratique). (Parti democr.) (5.1.1991) Koha Jone (Notre Temps). Parti Socialiste (mars 1989). Below are other newspapers and magazines, including “Tribuna ekonomike,” identified as independent. “It is not known how the French collected their information; apparently in France they understand the difference and independence, rather than writing on the page, ‘Free F. Eanon.’” Alongside are facsimiles from the encyclopedia. ENCYCLOPEDIA QUID; 199, boulevard Saint-Germain - 75007 PARIS; ALBANIA; ALGERIA; facsimile of the entry for Albania and Albanian newspapers

The Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Pjeter Arbnori, received yesterday afternoon the representative of the U.S. Congress’s Forst Task Force mission, Ms. Krist Uollsth, on the occasion of the arrival of the printing press for the Assembly, as part of the program approved by the U.S. Congress to assist the Assembly. The printing press consists of two offset printing machines, a complete bookbinding conveyor line and several pieces of equipment for specialized processes. Mr. Arbnori thanked the U.S. Congress, especially Congressman Forst, who conceived and implemented this program. “A true democracy cannot function without information,” said Miss Uollsth, “and for this reason we will continue to help in the future as well.” The U.S. ambassador in Tirana, W. Rajerson, also attended the meeting.

The Albanian Helsinki Committee protests against the newspaper “Zeri i Popullit” over the disinformation it gave the public on 24.02.1994 by publishing in large letters on the front page, under the sensational subheading “Why was the deputy chairman of the Albanian Helsinki Committee, Mr. Ilirian Zhupa, summoned to the prosecutor’s office?” We clarify for the public that Mr. Ilirian Zhupa was summoned to the prosecutor’s office in his capacity as director of the newspaper “Populli Po,” and not as deputy chairman of the ... Albanian Helsinki Committee. This is the second time our Committee has protested against disinformation published by the newspaper “ZP” concerning the Albanian Helsinki Committee. Our Committee asks you, as a newspaper, to take responsibility for the news you published. We are sending this protest to you for publication in your newspaper and to other Albanian press and media organizations. ALBANIAN HELSINKI COMMITTEE