BUJAR ÇELA R.D correspondent in Pukë A representative of the National Democratic Party of Albania accuses the Socialist Party of having used at will the 400 thousand dollars of the “Okles” foundation, which were given to it to support the election campaign ahead of the elections of 26 May 1991. We are talking about a sum of 400 thousand dollars for the election campaign of the Socialist Party, provided by the German foundation “Okles” with the aim of increasing its influence in Albania. This substantial amount was officially given to the chairman of the Socialist Party, Fatos Nano, in March 1991. Our newspaper has recently had in its hands documents proving that the P.S. strongly wanted this staggering sum because of the serious lack of money in its election campaign. Fatos Nano himself explains and defends the position of the P.S. in a letter sent to the head of the “Okles” foundation, Horst Wesse, on 17 May 1991. There, this foundation is described as “one of the most important organizations for supplying Albania with social-economic and material aid, etc., etc.”, implying that the P.S. wanted this sum at all costs. In the letter dated 18.4.1993, Mr. Nano informs Mr. Horst Wesse that the party leadership had decided that this sum of 400 thousand dollars would be used for the objectives set out in the decision of 28.2.1993 according to the special plan. On this occasion, the secretary-general of the “Okles” foundation, Mr. Rainer Eppelmann, writes a letter to Mr. Nano asking him to explain what the P.S. used this sum for. On the other hand, the documents available show that this sum was granted for a specific purpose and not for free use. The letter emphasizes that the foundation had drawn attention to the way it was being used and to the necessity of transparency. The issue raises serious doubts about how this money was administered and about its real beneficiaries.

While “ZP” devotes considerable attention to the cigarette and milk smuggling affair and labels the “dollar” affair as a source of corruption, it cynically turned the 400 thousand dollar issue into a boomerang. Instead of clarifying public opinion, “ZP” tries to evade political responsibility by suggesting that the matter is closed. In this context, the publication also attacks specific individuals, among them Dokle, who is presented as a compromised figure. This way of handling the issue does not provide full information, but serves to cover up internal contradictions and divert the reader's attention. Inside The right of the immoral pragmatism is not the basis of the career Lefter from Kulesi The deputy must justify the vote he received

According to news agencies, after initial work by the United Nations Security Council for the implementation of sanctions against Yugoslavia (Serbia-Montenegro), the governing council of the body, made up of representatives of 28 ministries and central institutions, has completed the process of its work to date. At the end of its proceedings, the governing council of the sanctions implementation structure assessed all the problems it encountered during this period, especially emphasizing the fact that this process has been carried out correctly, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and Albanian legislation. It was noted that during this time a series of administrative and legal measures had been taken to control the borders, prevent smuggling, monitor the circulation of goods, and punish violations. In this context, cooperation with international structures and with the authorities of neighboring countries was also highlighted. (To be continued on page 2)

“Powerless jaw” - ZP From a recently published article dealing with the activity of well-known political figures and their attitudes toward public opinion, it emerges that Dokle is portrayed as a wavering person who fails to give convincing answers on important issues. The criticism stresses that the arguments he uses are weak and often contradict his earlier statements. According to the author of the article, this leaves his figure exposed to criticism and weakens his political authority. Instead of confronting the facts, he appears inclined to avoid the heart of the problem, which gives rise to the ironic label “powerless jaw.”

From the press conference [?] of the Albanian Sanctions Coordinator The Albanian government reiterates that it has scrupulously implemented international decisions and the measures taken within the framework of the embargo against Yugoslavia. According to the statement, state structures have worked to prevent illegal trafficking, control borders, and stop violations that undermine the effectiveness of the sanctions. The text emphasizes that Albania has cooperated with foreign organizations and monitoring missions, regularly reporting on the progress of the measures. It also stresses that every violation detected has been dealt with under the legislation in force and that Albanian institutions remain committed to the full implementation of international obligations.

The issue of the “400 thousand dollars” also remains in focus, and the author argues that the way this sum was used reveals the corruption of individuals and party structures. According to this view, public statements have been contradictory and were made to avoid responsibility. It is further said that the controversy concerns not only the individual, but also the way a political force has handled funds in a shadowy manner. This is presented as proof of a political culture that does not submit to transparency and accountability.

Will Nano throw “ZP” into the jaws? According to the quoted officials and comments, the leaders of the P.S. view the publication of the documents and the demands for clarification with concern. Against this backdrop, the question arises whether Nano will take further steps against “ZP” or will instead adopt a reserved stance. On the other hand, the political debate continues to be fueled by mutual accusations, while public opinion calls for greater clarity about the flow of money and the concrete responsibilities. Yesterday in the People's Assembly SENAD FARFATI A group of Social Democratic deputies led by their vice-chairman, Esref Ymeri, submitted to the People's Assembly the draft decision “On changes in the permanent composition of the parliamentary committees”. The above-mentioned draft decision, dated 5 April 1995, states that “Pursuant to Article 74 of the Rules of Procedure of the People's Assembly, we propose that the composition of the parliamentary Committee on Economy and Finance be as follows: 1. Lefter Kopnari (PKD) chairman; 2. Aleksandër Biberaj (PDS) vice-chairman; 3. Nikollë Lesi (PSD) secretary. Meanwhile, the composition of the parliamentary Committee on Laws should be as follows: 1. Pjetër Arbnori (PD) chairman; 2. Sabit Brokaj (PS) vice-chairman; 3. Skënder Gjinushi (PSD) secretary”. Among other things, the draft decision says that since Decision No. 62 of 23.7.1992 of the People's Assembly “On the establishment of the parliamentary committees of the People's Assembly” established that the parliamentary Committee on Economy and Finance should have 15 members and the parliamentary Committee on Laws 13 members, the People's Assembly decided to increase both of the above-mentioned committees by one member, and this additional member should be transferred to the parliamentary Committee on Economy and Finance. As for the composition of the Committee on Laws, the draft decision proposes the PBDNJ deputy, Vasil Melo. According to the above draft decision, the Democratic deputy from the Shkodër district, Mr. Simon Miriqi, will be removed from the Committee on Laws. To implement this change, the deputy from Berat, Mr. Spartak Braho, will move from the Committee on Economy and Finance to the Committee on Laws. In addition, the Democratic deputy from Shkodër, Mr. Engjëll Sokol, is proposed to be removed from the Committee on Economy and Finance. These changes were opposed by the parliamentary group of the Democratic Party. On behalf of the parliamentary group of the P.D., deputy Ylli Bufi said that “the proposal does not respect the principle of proportionality in the allocation of seats according to the balance of forces in Parliament”. (To be continued on page 2)