The Constitutional Court and the fact that it does not, 2/97 be so, rightly the high values and the penal code of the Albanian parliament. In yesterday's plenary parliamentary session, the chairman of the Committee on Legal Affairs, Mr. Spartak Ngjela, on behalf of the PD parliamentary group, presented the report and the second version of the draft penal code. According to the committee's report, this project was drafted with broad consensus, reflecting European standards and the needs of the new democratic order. At the end of the discussions, deputies praised the work of the experts and called for the further refinement of some provisions. This bill aims to better protect citizens, fight crime, and guarantee fundamental freedoms. It constitutes a new basis for the functioning of the rule of law in Albania.

The DP has presented its draft constitution, a document that marks a highly important new stage in the progress of Albanian democracy. The new draft Constitution, with its projects, shows that the democratic transformation will find its qualitative legal embodiment in a completely new constitution. This constitution would represent a basic document for Albania's economic and political reforms and would serve as the instrument for institutionalizing and guaranteeing the fundamental rights and freedoms of the human being and citizen, the balance in the functioning of the powers, as well as the strengthening of the independence and democracy of the judicial power. It would institutionalize local government as a power and third tier of governance, and would preserve harmony among state powers and their mutual control. The new constitutional project, based on the best European norms, constitutes a major contribution to completing the legal framework of Albania's democratization process. It has been conceived in the most modern and dynamic way. In its view, the country's bold economic reforms find legal support through the creation of new mechanisms and institutions. These institutions, in the conditions of the creation of a market economy, such as the banking institution, the fiscal system, etc., take on first-rate importance. Being a realistic project, it has also been based on the best Albanian and foreign constitutional tradition. Those who have come closest in time to our people more than anyone else, that is, the Italians. According to all indications, the most typical representatives of the Albanian far left have stood by and watched again in this case. They have remained silent and have whispered. And they could not do otherwise, because the democratic draft constitution ultimately rips off the clownish mask of the Albanian left-wing opposition. These people, who claim to have democratic culture and to know Western constitutions, even those of England or Belgium, are repeatedly showing that politically they are at the same level as the fanatic mullahs of Khomeini's Iran. If we take into account their political engagement, this behavior and their mentality, it is not hard to understand that the project for the new constitution has caused them a great deal of trouble. Since this document guarantees fundamental freedoms and rights, political and economic pluralism, the peaceful alternation of power, these opponents of democracy feel threatened. As usual, their attacks against the draft constitution are not based on principle, but are inspired by narrow political interests. They cannot accept a constitution that places Albania on the secure path of European integration.

Yesterday in the People’s Assembly The penal code draft of the Republic of Albania approved in principle In yesterday's plenary session, the People's Assembly approved in principle the penal code draft of the Republic of Albania. In yesterday's parliamentary meeting, which lasted until late in the evening, after numerous debates, the majority of deputies voted in favor of this draft code. During the discussions, various remarks and proposals were made regarding its articles, which will be examined in future sessions. The draft penal code aims to adapt Albanian legislation to modern legal standards and to the requirements of the rule of law. It provides for new provisions to fight crime, protect the constitutional order, property, and citizens' rights. Opposition deputies expressed reservations about some formulations, while representatives of the majority emphasized the importance of approving it as soon as possible. The session took place in a tense but generally constructive atmosphere.

Report of the Committee on Legal Affairs on the draft Penal Code (Continues on page 2) The Committee on Legal Affairs, in its capacity as the committee responsible for examining the draft penal code, has followed with particular attention the work of the group of experts who drafted this project. In the discussions held, the fundamental principles that the new penal code should contain, its contemporary character, and its compatibility with European legislation have been addressed. The members of the committee have assessed that the draft code constitutes an important step in legal reform and in strengthening the rule of law. A number of suggestions have also been made for improving certain articles, with the aim of increasing its effectiveness and avoiding interpretative ambiguities. In conclusion, the Committee on Legal Affairs recommended the approval in principle of the draft penal code.

Meeting of the expanded activity of FRPDSh After the meeting of the National Council of FRPDSh, an expanded activity was held with the participation of leaders from the districts and local structures. At this meeting, discussion focused on strengthening the forum organizationally, expanding youth activities, and engagement in support of democratic reforms. Those present emphasized the importance of young people's participation in political life and the need to increase their role in the country's integration processes. At the end of the meeting, several guidelines were approved for the forum's future work.

Again the newspaper "Populli Po" In yesterday's issue, this newspaper once again returned to its attacks against the reforms and democratic institutions. In the main editorial article it uses harsh political language and accuses the government of incompetence, corruption, and violation of the law. According to it, the economic situation in the country is worsening and citizens are losing trust in power. On the other hand, authors of public reactions consider that this newspaper is trying to create an atmosphere of tension and distrust, distorting the facts and denying the achievements of democratic reforms. In this context, the need is emphasized for political debate to be conducted responsibly and in respect of the truth.

The chief editor of the PD, through an article, polemicized with some of the claims made by the newspaper "Populli Po", describing them as untrue and politically motivated. The response states that the opposition is seeking to hinder the reform process and damage Albania's image abroad. According to this position, the newspaper in question is not contributing to civic debate, but is serving as a propaganda tool. In conclusion, readers are urged to judge calmly and not fall victim to media manipulation.

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