Prof. Dr. Tritan Shehu, Secretary General of the Democratic Party of Albania In recent times the communist opposition has been trying to create a climate of confusion, uncertainty and insecurity by continuously attacking the government and the Democratic Party of Albania over various social issues and everyday problems in people’s lives. All this is part of their plan to deceive people, to create pessimism, despair and even revolt among them. Their aim is clear: to discredit the government and the Democratic Party of Albania by making them responsible for the country’s economic and social difficulties, which in fact are fully explained by the heavy legacy left by communism and by the inevitable hardships of the transition. All this is part of an old communist game, a well-known tactic for coming to power through lies, deception and manipulation. It is precisely this present-day opposition, emerging from the former structures of the Party of Labour of Albania, that for 45 years sought to create a society without freedom, without rights, without property and without human dignity. Today, the very same people, with the very same mentality, present themselves as defenders of the poor, the unemployed, pensioners, peasants and the needy. This is nothing other than political hypocrisy. In this sense, our responsibility is to clarify public opinion, not to allow deceit to triumph, and to defend the truth. We must never forget that democracy in Albania was won through great sacrifices and remains fragile. Therefore, we must remain vigilant against any attempt to turn back, against any force that, with a soft language and democratic masks, seeks to restore the spirit and practices of the past. The communist threat is real not merely as a name or a party, but as a way of thinking, as a political culture, as a method of rule. And this threat is fought not only with slogans, but with reforms, with institutions, with the rule of law and with a new democratic culture.

Announcement by the President’s Spokeswoman The spokeswoman of the President of the Republic of Albania, regarding the publication made in the newspaper "Koha Jone" on 20 February, which referred to the name of the President’s son in connection with the payment of an apartment and some unpaid debts, clarifies that these do not concern the President’s family. In this context, any attempt to link the President’s family name to such matters is untrue and tendentious. The President of the Republic has not changed his views regarding the major problems of the country, but has maintained clear and responsible positions in accordance with his constitutional duty. Such a publication is seen as part of a denigrating campaign aimed at damaging the image of the Head of State. (Continued on page 6)

Behdel cimi said that he had had the opportunity to speak and had prepared a press statement from the Party of Labour of Skopje. "Macedonia is very close to a peaceful solution of the name issue thanks to greater international engagement," said the Prime Minister of Greece, Andreas Papandreou, in an interview with the newspaper "Ta Nea". According to him, the time for a solution is approaching and the world is understanding that the Greek position is correct. The Austrian Chancellor Franz Vranicki, in a statement made in Vienna, said that the European Union should contribute more to the stabilization of the Balkans and to the normalization of relations among the countries of the region. In a meeting held in Skopje, representatives of Albanian parties called for greater respect for the rights of Albanians in Macedonia and for a more active role by the international factor. The conflict over the name of the Macedonian state continues to remain a delicate diplomatic issue. The Greek Foreign Minister stressed that Athens would not accept a name implying territorial claims. On the other hand, the authorities in Skopje insist on their right to self-determination. PHOTO: View from a protest in Skopje

The Minister of Defence of the Republic of Albania, Safet Zhulali, received the military attaché of Greece in our country at a meeting. During the discussion, issues of bilateral cooperation in the military field were addressed, as well as matters of mutual interest within the framework of relations between the two countries. Minister Zhulali appreciated the importance of developing these contacts and expressed readiness for further strengthening of institutional dialogue. The Greek military attaché, for his part, expressed satisfaction with the climate of cooperation and praised Albania’s stabilizing role in the region.

Interview with the Chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Laws, Mr. Halit Shamata, given to journalist Ndreke Gjini It is known that the opinion circulating with constitutional shortcomings is that the accused is nobody? the code of criminal procedure contains a set of provisions that define the procedures for investigation, trial and execution of decisions in accordance with the standards of a democratic state. This code aims to guarantee human rights, increase the role of the lawyer, strengthen the position of the prosecutor and ensure due legal process. In this context, its approval constitutes an important step in reforming the justice system and bringing our legislation closer to the European one. Mr. Shamata stressed that this code eliminates procedural abuses and establishes more efficient control mechanisms over the activity of investigative bodies. He also underlined the importance of transparency and impartiality in criminal proceedings. (Continued on page 2)

Xherdan Haxhirexha: there is no doubt that in the exaggeration of the application of enrichment laws and in police matters in suspension and suspension the PS colonial officials in at least part of the state and local structures have used everything against Albanians. The chairman of the PDS in Gostivar, Ismet Ramadani, in a press statement denounced the harsh behaviour of the Macedonian authorities toward Albanians. According to him, the Macedonian Minister of the Interior, Ljubomir Frckovski, and other leaders in power are pursuing discriminatory and repressive policies. The statement says that arrests, administrative pressure and police control have created a climate of fear in areas with Albanian populations. Ramadani has called for the intervention of the international factor and respect for the fundamental rights of Albanians in Macedonia. PHOTO: E. PALOKA

Korçë: The district prosecutor of Korçë has requested 10 years in prison for Arben Like, accused of the criminal offense of theft with serious consequences. According to the prosecution, the defendant took part in several thefts in the city and its outskirts, causing considerable damage. During the court hearing, the defense partially challenged the charge, but the prosecutor insisted on the requested sentence. The verdict is expected in the coming days.

Disinformation by the Vorio-Epirote agencies in Piraeus, Athens, is rejected The school of the Greek minority in the city of Delvinë, which had temporarily interrupted lessons due to some technical difficulties, is expected to resume its activity normally. Official sources stated that all measures have been taken to ensure the continuation of the teaching process and that the claims spread in some Vorio-Epirote circles in Piraeus, Athens, are false. According to these sources, the Albanian government has consistently shown care for respecting the educational rights of the Greek minority. Any attempt to present the situation differently is seen as part of a disinformation campaign.

(Page 2) AZEM HAJDARI The Socialist Party sets conditions for an alliance with the Democratic Party!!! (Page 2)