To the misfortune of the Government and Albania, the opposition has done none of the things an opposition should do in a democracy Free people should think fairly about those who are in prison; they should be generous-hearted Interview with Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi, given to editor-in-chief Lorenc Ligori Mr Prime Minister, in the analysis by the National Council of the PDSH, there was unanimous agreement that the “no” vote on the draft Constitution was in part a protest against central and local government, as well as against the pace of reform and the hardships it brings. Did you receive this message from this proportion of the electorate? ANSWER: As I also said in my remarks to the National Council, the reasons for the referendum result must be sought in the campaign itself and in the draft Constitution itself, which did not take into account the interests of particular sections of the Albanian people; in the governance of the country, in the broad sense of the word—that is, in the shortcomings in privatization, corruption and nepotism, which were clearly criticized and identified as such—and certainly also in the need to restructure the PD, which did not carry out its duties as it should have during this campaign and did not work as a party does during a campaign. Corruption and the actual lack of visibility of particular individuals should be certain that there will be a turn, in which those who have compensated themselves will feel quite comfortable. As for restructuring the Government, I said that there are certainly shortcomings and that they must be corrected urgently. It is understood that the Government will take into account the message of the Referendum and all its aspects in its analysis, including corrupt practices and mistakes made in particular cases. Mr Meksi, without in any way denying the results achieved so far, which departments have not been functioning at full capacity, and which members of the Cabinet might be changed? ANSWER: First, as I have always said, changes in the Government are made known when they are announced. In our working practices, we must be more demanding in carrying out our duties. Certainly, we must also be assisted in this by the specific state bodies responsible for judging such cases, such as the justice system, in cases where the State Audit identifies shortcomings, as well as in cases involving errors by the authorities and the central administration. The Government will submit a law on the declaration of the assets of civil servants... ...interpellations, etc., which originate in the Socialist leadership’s demand, without any principle, on 23 March for early elections. What has been and what is the role of the opposition in relation to your Cabinet; what contribution does it make to governing the country? ANSWER: I think that the opposition has a very important role in a democracy. It should assess the work done, learn lessons from the mistakes of those who govern, and prepare for future government. The opposition has an important role because it has the right to amend the laws submitted by proposing amendments, and to make specific observations and proposals on laws which, even if rejected by the majority, influence the formation of public opinion and attitudes. To the misfortune of the Government and Albania, today’s opposition has done none of these things. Mr Prime Minister, 25 PD deputies have submitted a draft law granting an amnesty. What does the Prime Minister think of this? ANSWER: I think that ...defects in privatization, in corruption, in nepotism, which were criticized quite clearly and identified as such, and certainly also the need for a restructuring of the PD, which during this campaign did not properly carry out the tasks it was supposed to perform; it did not work as a party should work during an election campaign. When we speak of governance in the broad sense, we mean central government and local government. I say that there is room for criticism in both respects because, to some extent, the reform that is part of central government may certainly have created dissatisfaction among particular groups, especially, but I do not believe these are directly connected to the constitution, or that it would guarantee them a solution to the problems they face. I would say rather that corruption, glaring defects in privatization, and nepotism are issues that the people are right to condemn. I will not tolerate it if we do not fight for the need to establish fair terms for privatization, for transparency, for auctions and securities, so that each person receives their rightful share of the work and the property they are entitled to, and to eradicate nepotism by carrying out clear investigations into anyone who may be accused of nepotism, starting with the prime minister and others. And certainly, as for corruption, here I have a criticism: if we criticize corruption by passing over the name... ...that the PD has done is clear. What will change in the reforms being carried out? Will the approach and pace change, and will the social consequences be softened...? ANSWER: The point is that the Government will change the reforms precisely in those areas where there are problems; it will speed up the pace of implementing investments and improve privatization, using the two criteria I mentioned above: privatization by auction and through securities. Of course, where there have been mistakes, there is responsibility too; there may be people who have grown tired, who cannot deliver results, who are not capable; certainly there will be changes, but the aim will always be to improve things. I think there is no reason to change the approach and pace of the reform, which to date and according to the surveys conducted have been considered the best. But of course, perhaps we... been considered the best. But of course, perhaps we... On the other hand, we will be more persistent in the fight against corruption and illicit profits; we will insist that the laws currently in force be implemented, and I am by no means of the opinion that there should be no state, because things work better that way. I am convinced that without a state, profits would become even more attractive. more attractive. more attractive. Mr Prime Minister, you have successfully survived endless motions calling for your resignation, ... law for an amnesty. What does the Prime Minister think about this? ANSWER: I think the main message of the referendum vote is that Albanians are free and able to live without the government, and that the economic situation has changed for the better, in favor of well-being. And prison, about the fairness of the decisions against them; they should be generous. We know that in prison there are people who were convicted without a lawyer, who were convicted of many crimes that are viewed differently today. Certainly, the Criminal Code should also take these things into account. Therefore, I think an amnesty would help create an atmosphere of understanding among people, an atmosphere of national reconciliation in the positive sense of the word. Of course, imprisoned people who bear responsibility toward this people cannot benefit in the same way as others. The provisions of an amnesty determine the details, but I think that an amnesty on the occasion of the national celebration of the 50th anniversary of liberation and Flag Day would be necessary.

At the invitation of the Secretary-General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), today the Chairman of the PDSH, Mr Eduard Selami, is leaving for Germany to take part in the proceedings of the party’s Congress. During his visit to Germany, Mr Eduard Selami will make contacts and hold talks with senior figures in German political life. Press and Information Department of the PDSH

Yesterday in the People’s Assembly - THE DRAFT LAW “PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE AND HUNTING” IS APPROVED - A SPECIAL COMMISSION IS ESTABLISHED TO REVIEW THE PROBLEMS ARISING AFTER THE INCIDENT BETWEEN THE ESCORT AND DRIVER OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COURT OF CASSATION, ZEF BROZI, AND THE ESCORTS OF DEPUTY PROSECUTOR GENERAL FATOS DERVISHI - Yesterday in the People’s Assembly The draft Amnesty Law will be discussed under an expedited procedure - THE DRAFT LAW “PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE AND HUNTING” IS APPROVED - A SPECIAL COMMISSION IS ESTABLISHED TO REVIEW THE PROBLEMS ARISING AFTER THE INCIDENT BETWEEN THE ESCORT AND DRIVER OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COURT OF CASSATION, ZEF BROZI, AND THE ESCORTS OF DEPUTY PROSECUTOR GENERAL FATOS DERVISHI - At the beginning of yesterday’s plenary session, the Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Pjeter Arbnori, announced proposals made by deputies of the Democratic Party and several deputies of other political parties to place discussion of the draft Amnesty Law on the agenda under an expedited procedure. The law had been announced on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Fatherland from the Nazi-fascist occupiers. By consensus, it was decided that this matter would be discussed at the next plenary session, together with the relevant draft law prepared by 25 deputies of the Democratic Party. After being discussed by the standing Laws Commission, the draft law will be brought before a plenary session of the People’s Assembly for debate. During yesterday’s session, it was also decided to establish a temporary parliamentary commission to examine the issues raised following the incident several days ago between the escorts Zef Brozi, and the escorts of the Deputy Prosecutor General, Fatos Dervishi. After the break, the session resumed its work with consideration of the draft law “On the Protection of Wildlife and Hunting,” which was approved in principle, article by article, and in its entirety by a majority of votes. Under this law, the General Directorate of Forests, in cooperation with other specialized institutions, determines the list of wildlife species that may be hunted, as well as the hunting calendar, which is binding on every hunter. Meanwhile, by a special order of the Minister of Agriculture and Food, hunting may be completely prohibited in specific areas or throughout the territory of the Republic of Albania for particular ecological or weather-related reasons. The amount of the fine for administrative violations of this law is also specified. Today in Parliament: the draft Amnesty Law will be discussed.

-Interview with the chairman of the PD parliamentary group, Mr Ali Spahia- QUESTION: Mr Ali, could you tell us something about the legislative initiative taken by 25 PD deputies concerning the amnesty? ANSWER: The 25 deputies of the PD parliamentary group took this legislative initiative for two reasons. First, significant changes have taken place in the country’s social and political life over the past two years. Democracy has been strengthened, and the rule of law has been strengthened. Under these circumstances, it is now appropriate to consider the problems of prisoners and the humane treatment of this category of people. The second reason: a large proportion of these prisoners were convicted under the Penal Code that was in force during the communist dictatorship, a code that is extremely harsh and inhumane in many of its articles. In addition, a considerable number of these prisoners were convicted without having the opportunity to benefit from the representation of a lawyer. For these reasons, we thought that, on the occasion of the Jubilee marking the Nazi-fascist occupiers, we should take this legislative initiative, drafting a law for a broad amnesty in favor of all convicted persons, with some exceptions, and submit it to Parliament for approval. QUESTION: What was achieved at the meeting of the chairmen of the parliamentary groups and the Presidium of the People’s Assembly regarding this issue? ANSWER: the People’s Assembly held a meeting this morning. At this meeting, we asked for our legislative initiative—that is, our request for an amnesty and the draft law we submitted—to be brought before Parliament for debate under the expedited procedure. The chairman of the PSD parliamentary group, supported by the chairman of the PS parliamentary group, asked that, alongside our request, the request of deputies from the PSD parliamentary group, together with that of several Socialist deputies and one PD deputy, also be brought before Parliament for debate on an amnesty, but that a commission first be established to draw up the criteria for the amnesty, after which a draft law would be prepared and subsequently brought before Parliament for debate. Bearing in mind that the celebration from the Nazi-fascist occupiers is very near, we considered it appropriate to proceed ... law, the Directorate ... the standing Laws Commission, this draft law will proceed ... law is also specified.

One of Greece’s largest newspapers, “Ethnos,” published a report on its second page on 13 November, with the headline: “In Athens, Berisha’s opponent is undercover.” Below, the article says: “The visit of the Socialist Party’s deputy chairman, Gramoz Pashko, took place away from all publicity. On Thursday (10 November, ed. note) he arrived and checked into a hotel near Parliament. The possibility of early elections in Albania (which could bring the PS to power), as well as the PS’s statements and positions regarding the five minorities from the head [text unclear], have created a very favorable climate for PS-PASOK-GR relations.” Photograph of Gramoz Pashko; the Greek headline shown on the newspaper page reads: «ΣΤΗΝ ΑΘΗΝΑ ΕΝ ΚΡΥΠΤΩ Ο ΑΝΤΙΠΑΛΟΣ ΤΟΥ ΜΠΕΡΙΣΑ»

Dear Mr Prime Minister! Since Mr President did not have the courage to accept the referendum’s defeat as an entirely personal defeat; since he was not asked to resign; since the Government, at my request, refused to conduct an analysis of the referendum results; since the PD parliamentary group also failed to conduct a genuine analysis; and since we members of the Government were not invited to give our opinions at the meeting of the PD National Council, an absurd and humiliating situation has been created, one that is completely incompatible with my vision of democracy. But the situation is boiling over, and somewhere my name is being used to strike a bargain, for which a number of my things have not been allowed. To show respect for myself and for democratic principles, and in view of the great moral, spiritual, intellectual and physical investment that my family and I have made in the duty entrusted to me, I hereby tender my resignation, Mr Prime Minister, from my post as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. Respectfully, DHIMITER ANAGNOSTI Asked by “RD” to comment on Anagnosti’s resignation, Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi said: The changes and restructuring being considered at the highest level of the PD are intended to improve the progress of reform in every area. Mr Anagnosti’s resignation is connected with his belief that his views have not been represented in the discussions he leads. EDITORIAL NOTE Discussions about dismissals from positions in the central bodies of the PD have been directly connected with serious weaknesses and shortcomings observed in the fields of culture and publishing, as well as with the many criticisms expressed by Albanian cultural circles regarding the activities of the Ministry of Culture.

Pursuant to Article 16, point 6, of Law No. 7491, dated 29.4.1991, “On the Main Constitutional Provisions,” on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Fatherland from the Nazi-fascist occupiers, and on the proposal of a group of deputies, the People’s Assembly of the Republic of Albania hereby decides: ARTICLE 1 1. All persons sentenced to imprisonment or lesser penalties before 1 November 1990 are granted amnesty (those tried without a lawyer). 2. All persons sentenced to imprisonment for up to 2 years, conditionally or by a fine, are granted amnesty. 3. All persons sentenced to imprisonment who, as of 11.1994, are under 18 years of age are granted amnesty. 4. All persons sentenced to imprisonment or lesser penalties who, as of 11.1994, have up to 1 year of their sentence left to serve are granted amnesty. 5. One third (for those serving [unclear: “pererisht”], one sixth) of the remaining sentence is deducted for all convicted persons who do not qualify under the preceding points of this article. 6. All persons who, as of 11.1994, have served two thirds of their sentence are granted amnesty. ARTICLE 2 Those convicted of intentional criminal offences resulting in death, as well as those convicted of sexual offences and violence (Article 97 of the Penal Code) and sexual relations with minors (Article 98 of the Penal Code), do not qualify for this amnesty. One quarter of the remaining sentence is deducted for women convicted of criminal offences provided for in Articles 83 and 84 of the Penal Code. ARTICLE 3 For the purposes of this law, the following are considered convicted persons: a) Persons sentenced by a court of first instance where no appeal or protest has been lodged with the Court of Appeal within the legal time limit. b) Persons sentenced by the Court of Appeal. ARTICLE 4 Criminal proceedings are discontinued in all investigative cases, all cases not examined by the courts, and all complaints held by these bodies, as well as those held by the Public Order authorities, concerning criminal offences committed up to 11.1994, for which the Penal Code provides for imprisonment of up to 3 years or any other lesser penalty. ARTICLE 5 The Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Public Order, the General Prosecutor’s Office and the Court of Cassation are charged with implementing this law. ARTICLE 6 This law enters into force on ... 11.1994