EDI BLLAKA The PHSH programme is based on Marxist principles and on the legacy of the Albanian "socialists" Attempts to present the Socialist Party of Albania as a modern social-democratic party cannot hide its ideological and political roots. The programme documents, the statements of its leaders and the public positions of this political force show that it continues to remain tied to the old Marxist tradition and to the concepts of a command economy. New terms are used in its rhetoric, but the content remains the same. This is clearly seen in the way private property, the role of the state in the economy, and the relationship with the communist past are treated. Instead of a clear distancing from the crimes and failures of the former system, there is a tendency to relativize them and to rehabilitate figures and practices from the period of dictatorship. April martyrs? they are being read as a rebirth In the latest public debates on the financial programme and on the country's political orientation, representatives of this party have shown that in essence they remain the same as before. Every day, with their own mouths, they acknowledge this fact. (Continues on page 2)

Yesterday in the People's Assembly The examination and discussion of the state budget draft for 1995 began Yesterday morning, the People's Assembly began examining and discussing the state budget draft for 1995. The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Pjetër Arbnori, declared this parliamentary session open. The examination of the state budget draft for 1995 was carried out according to the usual procedure, through the report of the Minister of Finance, Mr. Genc Ruli, and the report of the Commission on Economy presented by Mr. Hasan Halili, vice-chairman of that commission. In this issue we are publishing the minister's speech and the commission's report. The People's Assembly will continue today with debates and approval of the state budget draft for 1995.

Madam Chairwoman, deputies, We now present before the People's Assembly the state budget draft and the government's financial programme for 1995, documents which reflect the economic policy objectives of the government for consolidating reforms and achieving the main macroeconomic stabilization goals during this year. The year 1995 is presented as an important year in the process of economic transformation in our country. It will be the year of consolidating structural reforms, deepening privatization policies, restructuring state enterprises and improving market mechanisms. The government's financial programme aims to maintain monetary stability, limit the budget deficit and encourage growth in production and investment. In drawing up this programme, account was taken of the experience of the previous year and the medium-term objectives of economic development. (Continues on page 2)

His smear and accusatory mission against Albania fails (Hysen B. Dule) The Greek deputy, known for his harsh positions against Albania and the Albanians, is carrying out another accusatory campaign in various political and media circles. In his statements he has repeated the old theses about the so-called "Vorio-Epir" and has attacked the policy of Tirana. This initiative has been regarded as an attempt to stir up tensions and damage Albania's image in international opinion. Various observers stress that his tour has not found broad support and that the claims made have been refuted by the facts. (Continues on page 7)

Albania with an observer in the Parliament delegation at the 93rd IPU Conference in Madrid, Mr. Ali Spahia The 93rd Conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held in Madrid, brought together representatives of parliaments from many countries around the world. This forum discussed important issues of interparliamentary cooperation, democracy and human rights. The Albanian delegation took part with observers, among them Mr. Ali Spahia, who held contacts and meetings with representatives of different countries. The conference also addressed political developments in the region and the role of parliaments in strengthening peace and international cooperation. (Continues on page 7)

This is the thesis developed in the main article on this page, polemicizing against attempts to present this political force as social-democratic. The analysis highlights programmatic formulations and ideological references which, according to the author, demonstrate continuity with the past. “socialists” Albanian In other lines it is emphasized that changing the name and the rhetoric is not enough to hide the true political nature. (Continues on page 2)

Yesterday, on 3 April 1995, the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic, visited the Defence College, where he met with trainees, lecturers and its leadership. In the speech he delivered on this occasion, the President praised the role of this institution in training high-level military personnel and in modernizing the country's defence thinking. He stressed the importance of integrating Western standards and cooperating with international partners in the field of defence.

From the organized manipulation in Shkoder with a line on 2 April He was professor 1. 2 In the analysis devoted to 2 April, the author dwells on the clashes of that time and on the significance they carry for the Albanian transition. He considers this event a powerful reminder of the consequences of a return of the communist spirit and of the need to defend pluralism, democratic institutions and political freedom. (Continues on page 2)

From the right side of the old guardianship of government The Financial, Customs and Tax Police are disbanded PAGE 2 Prophet of blood Bllokë warns of a new 2 April in the upcoming elections PAGE 2 Conditions and retirement of miners PAGE 7 Football Tirana, almost champion, continues to win PAGE 7 Poland Mazowiecki rules out any rapprochement with former communists PAGE 8