VANGJUSH HATA In one of the opposition’s most accurate predictions, it had forecast a certain victory in the November local elections. But what happened with the votes of emigrants left them speechless. "Albanians in America, Italy and Greece did not vote for the communists." This was said by the vice president of the PSD, Ylli Bufi. In fact, the result of these votes changed nothing. What is happening these days with this party is a clear indication that their demagoguery has come to an end. To be more convincing, let us remind you that precisely at the end of that year, at the beginning of December, when the election results were announced, the left-wing parties declared that they had won in 37 municipalities and communes. Yet in the end, with the full count, that victory remained only symbolic. Even so, the socialists continue to indirectly claim that the majority of the people is against the government. Their line has remained unchanged. In fact, they are now building it in even more sophisticated forms, trying to create some kind of "atmosphere of change." In order to create the idea of a "majority" against the government, the former communists are doing everything possible to present every small challenge as a broad political movement. They are starting with universities, unions, associations, and even the everyday problems of citizens. As the parliamentary elections draw closer, this strategy is becoming even more evident. This kind of language, used by them, is not new. It was noticed from the very beginning of pluralism, when the old structures tried to return with a new face. The same tactic is being followed today as well. If one looks carefully, most of the protagonists are the same people who held leading positions in different periods of yesterday’s regime. Under these conditions, it is important to remain calm and not fall prey to provocations. Albanian democracy still has much to do, but one thing is clear: the return of the communists to power cannot happen. The Albanian people have already experienced it first-hand and will no longer accept it. The experience of these years has shown that, despite the difficulties, the country’s orientation toward freedom and a market economy remains irreversible. Anyone who seeks to revive old schemes will face citizens’ rejection. Therefore, this political noise of today will also remain without real consequences. Albania needs stability, reforms, and openness to the world. That is the path supported by most Albanians. As for those who still nourish illusions of a return, they are simply speaking to the past. (Note: the body text is partially illegible in the image; some sentences were minimally reconstructed only where the overall meaning was discernible.)

U.S. Undersecretary of State Richard Holbrooke will be in Albania on a two-day visit at the invitation of the Albanian government. According to a statement from the press office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during his stay in Tirana, Mr. Holbrooke will meet with the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, the Prime Minister, Aleksander Meksi, the Chairman of the Socialist Party, Servet Pellumbi, as well as other figures from Albanian politics. Referring to the same statement, it is understood that the talks with Mr. Holbrooke will give an important place to Albanian-American bilateral relations, Albania’s democratic developments, the process of economic reforms, and regional and broader issues. This visit by Mr. Holbrooke coincides with the resumption of diplomatic relations with the United States at ambassadorial level. Mr. Holbrooke is coming to Albania as part of a tour of countries in the region. According to the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is understood that Mr. Holbrooke will arrive in Albania from Skopje. (Continues on page 1)

The response of the PD stronghold to the question from RD-SH? spokesperson of Sllami and Radio Voice of America, ambassador Sllami[?] Parliamentary of the PSD First, it is necessary to remind people that rec[?] comes to ke[?]j from the announcement made by the parliamentary spokesperson himself, Arben Imami. Sllami[?] every opposition more often chooses the formula "no", replacing it with the phrase "we will see". This behavior does not at all suit a serious and responsible policy. Their other argument has been that the government is fighting corruption for political purposes. This is an unfounded accusation. The fight against corruption is an obligation to the law and to the citizens. It cannot be conditioned by the interests of any political force. It is not true that the government has failed in this direction. On the contrary, concrete steps have been taken and cases that were previously considered untouchable have been struck. Naturally, there is still much to do, but this in no way diminishes the importance of the campaign. Likewise, the attempt to present every institutional action as political revenge shows a lack of alternatives. The opposition should contribute with proposals and not defend individuals involved in affairs. We are determined that this fight will continue. It will be deepened at all levels of the administration and local government. Corruption is a cancer that damages the state and the economy, and fighting it remains a major priority. This is our public commitment, and we will keep it. (The text in the box is very unclear; the transcription is partially conjectural and marked as such)

TEODOR LAÇO Several times, with myself I have discussed the problem of whether it has declared p[?] in some form and very clearly, against or not, whether there should remain hope in the PSD? This kind of idea has come to me more than once, especially after hearing voices, reproaches, and as time has gone by. It was this that pushed me to write these lines as well. Every person has the duty to speak when they see that a political force is losing its meaning, drifting away from the reason it was created, and heading into a dead end. If we do not speak in time, we will become silent accomplices. I do not hide the fact that I have been and remain one of those who have seen the PSD as a necessary force in Albanian political life. Not as someone’s appendage, nor as a temporary crutch, but as a real opportunity to represent a certain electorate and influence political balances. For precisely that reason it hurts me more when I see that it is losing direction. The main problem in my view is not only growth or decline in elections. Those are consequences. The essence lies in the lack of political clarity, in wavering between incompatible positions, in the absence of a distinct profile, and in the inability to build lasting trust among people. The time has come when it must be said plainly: this cannot continue. One cannot keep one language in forums and another in public; one stance in Tirana and another in the districts; one approach today and a withdrawal tomorrow. People understand insincerity very quickly. And when they understand it, they leave. If we want to save the PSD, we must start from the truth. We must admit our mistakes, give up illusions and narrow personal calculations. There can be no revival without sincerity, without open debate, without individual and collective responsibility. There is nothing wrong with admitting that a line has failed. The problem lies in insisting on calling a success what everyone sees as failure. That deepens the crisis and brings the end closer. I do not want to sign the end of the PSD. And I believe many others feel the same. But in order not to sign that end, we must radically change the way we behave, the way we speak, and the way we make decisions. We must restore trust in ourselves and in those who have followed us. If that does not happen, then everything will remain only in the name of a party that once promised more than it managed to do. (article continues on page 2)

The two arrested in the "Arsidi" theft, the name of Nike Aslli’s thief unmasked[?] Four arrested? Sauli, xh[?]ber of the theft precisely “Arsidi” and more precisely in presht[?] that will circulate in the city magazines, on the morning of 4 January. After the denunciation by Niko Aslli, police forces detained two suspects. Investigations are continuing and, according to sources, further arrests are expected. It is understood that some of the stolen items have been found, while work is under way to identify other accomplices. The police have asked citizens for help with any information that could lead to the full clarification of the case. (the text is very damaged and uncertain)

At the Tirana district court the trial of the “Arsidi” case began Four former partners? Tirana, Saliu, Xhiveri, Sall? and later also a fifth, charged with the criminal offenses of trafficking, fraud and misappropriation of large sums to the detriment of the firm “Arsidi”, which had promised high profits to depositors, appeared yesterday before the panel of judges at the Tirana District Court. According to the indictment, considerable damage was caused to many citizens who had deposited money in this firm. The trial opened in the presence of great public interest. At the first hearing, the charges were read and the defendants made their initial statements. The defense requested time to familiarize itself with the additions to the case file, while the prosecution presented the main elements of the investigation. The trial is expected to continue in the coming days. Photo caption below: The arrested during the court session. Photo caption below: A view of the panel of judges and the prosecutor. Police and justice officials during the session. The first figures on the consequences? According to initial data, the damage caused to depositors is estimated at tens of millions of lek. Are there other people involved? The investigations continue. Arrested for exploitation in prostitution? a journalistic question[?]. 90,000 dollars from the witnesses[?]. The arrested during the court session. A view of the panel of judges and the prosecutor.

Yesterday afternoon deputy Genc Ruli held a press conference, where journalists asked him about a number of current political and economic issues. Regarding the unlawful reduction? for gas misuse? he stated that decisions must be taken in accordance with the law and in the public interest. According to him, many of the debates of recent days have also arisen from misunderstandings or hasty positions. In response to journalists’ questions about dismissals in customs and in other enterprises, Mr. Ruli said that the fight against corruption is continuing and that no one can stand above the law. He also emphasized the need for further reforms in the economy and administration, calling for greater accountability from state structures. At the end, deputy Ruli also addressed parliamentary developments and relations with the opposition. The lady from Shkodra has remained in the chairs Friend? [unclear side text] ZEF P[?]REGA

Pages 1 - 2 TEODOR LAÇO The list of families from the first contingent of the Fierzë commune in Pukë district that will be moved because of the flooding of Lake Fierza Page 3