Today the voters in the communes of Libofshë, Zagori, Zall-Herr, Farkë e Poshtme, Picar and Hasan will go to vote for the candidates for mayors of their communes. The elections are being held because the heads of these communes, elected in the elections of 22 March 1992, have left their posts due to appointments to other positions. We have called on the voters of these communes to vote for the candidates of the Democratic Party, because they are candidates of a political force that has demonstrated through deeds not only respect for the promises made before the elections, but also concrete work to improve the lives of the people of this country. Until 22 March 1992, all of Albania, just like the communes that will vote today, lived in the darkness of ignorance, poverty and extreme misery. During the rule of the PPSh, these communes, although they were the birthplace of a number of high-ranking figures of the communist nomenklatura, had remained without roads, without water, without electricity and without schools. Only after the citizens of this country voted for change, for the Democratic Party and its candidates, did the situation in these communes begin to change. As throughout Albania, the inhabitants of these communes are also dissatisfied with the present situation. And this is quite natural if we consider what heavy legacy the democratic government took upon itself, as well as the objective crises through which the Albanian economy passed. But dissatisfaction with the present should not blind anyone or make them unable to see the future. Because, if we compare today’s achievements with the situation two years ago, the difference is clear. In these communes, as throughout Albania, roads have been opened, schools have been reconstructed, trading points have been established, electricity is increasing, communication links are increasing, and so on. For some time now, our opponents, with unmatched demagoguery, have been promising Albanians paradise on earth. They called the elections of 22 March 1992 a chance victory, accused everything good done in this country of being accidental, promised work and immediate prosperity, and even the return of a peaceful life as if we had passed through four decades of happiness. But Albanians know very well who once promised to “make Albania like all of Europe” and turned it into the poorest and most isolated country on the continent. They also know who today promises without any responsibility. Today, as Albanians head to the ballot boxes, they must remember that democracy is sustained not by empty words, but by work, honesty and respect for the vote. Therefore, votes should be given to those who have shown that they know how to honor the trust of citizens, and not to those who make promises in the wind.

Statement by the U.S. State Department State Department spokesman Mike McCurry was asked at the press conference in Washington on 26 May about the statements made by Greek President Karolos Papoulias and about the state of Greek-Albanian relations. In his response, Mr. McCurry stated that the United States has not seen evidence supporting claims that the Albanian government is pursuing repressive policies against the Greek minority in Albania. He said that the American government continues to encourage dialogue between Athens and Tirana and considers it important for both sides to avoid rhetoric that could damage bilateral relations. According to him, respect for human rights and minority rights should remain an important issue for all governments in the region. The statement by the American spokesman comes at a time of increased tensions following events linked to the OMONIA organization and the trial of some of its members in Albania. In this context, Washington has called for calm, respect for legal procedures and the preservation of stability in the region.

It is reported that the Greek Foreign Minister took part in a European Union conference in Paris, where issues related to the Balkans, regional relations and developments in Albania were discussed. In his speech, he presented Athens’ views on the situation in the region and on the issue of the Greek minority in Albania. The participants in the conference emphasized the importance of dialogue, cooperation and respect for European standards in human rights. According to diplomatic sources, there was a call for tensions to be resolved by peaceful means and in accordance with international law.

Defense Minister Fehmi Abdiu, during his visit to Brussels and his contacts with NATO representatives and partner countries, stressed that Albania remains determined to contribute as a factor of peace and stability in the region and in Europe. He praised cooperation with Euro-Atlantic structures and underlined the need to modernize the Albanian armed forces. The discussions addressed regional security, military reform and Albania’s involvement in cooperation programs. The Albanian side expressed readiness to move forward on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration and to maintain good relations with all neighbors.

-No facts, no evidence to refute the accusations against Nano -At the PS press conference it was confirmed that the “Nano file” has been closed -No facts, no evidence to refute the accusations against Nano -At the PS press conference it was confirmed that the “Nano file” has been closed There are no proofs or arguments to declare Nano innocent. At the latest press conference of the Socialist Party, it was noted that its spokespersons, instead of bringing new facts, were content with political statements and accusations against their opponents. This, according to the commentary, shows that they themselves admit that the case known as the “Nano file” has nothing more to add. In this context, public opinion is interested not in slogans, but in the truth. If the PS had convincing evidence, it would have presented it. But their absence, according to the article, makes it clear that the political and moral process against Fatos Nano has reached its conclusion.

-5 hours of waiting and interviews with three-way clashes over the words of the spokespersons Journalists from various media also took part in the press conference of the Socialist Party, asking questions about the most controversial issues of the day. According to the article, the PS spokespersons avoided direct answers and gave contradictory statements, prolonging the event for several hours. The article ironically describes the way the conference was conducted, stressing that the journalists’ questions remained without full answers. This, according to the commentary, demonstrated a lack of transparency and an inability to clarify the problems raised before the public. (To be continued on page 4)

Report from the courtroom Yesterday’s hearing in the trial against Nazim Bllacë and eight high-ranking officials of the communist dictatorship was also marked by numerous testimonies and confrontations. New documents were presented in the courtroom which, according to the prosecution, shed light on the mechanisms of political repression and on the role of the state structures of that time. The charges are related to acts committed during the years of the communist regime, including serious violations of human rights. The defendants have denied responsibility, while the court has continued questioning witnesses. The trial, which is being followed closely by public opinion, is considered one of the most important cases of the Albanian transition. (To be continued on page 4)

(Italian journalist, 20-year-old Carlo Viganza, who followed Nano’s trials and other court proceedings in the courtroom, reported to “La Repubblica” [?]) The article deals with the way foreign newspapers have covered the Nano case and other political developments in Albania. It mentions an Italian journalist, Carlo Viganza, who closely followed the court proceedings and reported on them in the Italian press. According to the article, foreign coverage has often relied on one-sided or incomplete sources. The author criticizes the way the facts have been handled and seeks to show that some comments published abroad do not accurately reflect Albanian reality. (To be continued on page 4)

The President of the Republic also watched the match from the stands Mr. Sali Berisha and presented the Cup to the winning team