EDI PALOKA We are not singling out threats of destruction and expropriation against anyone, nor violence in the name of political struggle, nor political murders and rapes, nor the most mafia-like criminal organizations in the press. We are simply asking for a few explanations about some statements publicly made by high-ranking opposition figures themselves. But as soon as this issue is mentioned, opposition leaders and their press react with aggression and hysteria, as if some serious wound had been touched. And instead of giving clear explanations for what they themselves have said, they try to avoid the debate by turning it into an attack on the government and the Democratic Party. This self-defensive reaction, as swift as it is coordinated, makes one think that we are dealing here not with mere words thrown into the air, but with something deeper. Only a few days ago one of the well-known figures of the Socialist Party, Spartak Braho, claimed in a television interview that the opposition possesses a complete “arsenal” and is able to organize and carry out destabilization of the country “both in Albania and in Kosovo.” Let us not forget that Braho is not an ordinary man, but the head of the Socialist Party’s legal commission and one of its main figures in Parliament. Then, with a surprising statement, Gramoz Ruçi spoke about the existence of a “revenge fund,” which means that, according to him, there are people who are financially maintained in order to carry out such actions. And instead of Albanian society being alarmed by such a statement, part of the opposition press busied itself with minimizing or hiding it. In this context, it becomes even more necessary that the justice authorities do not let this issue pass in silence. There cannot be two standards: one for ordinary citizens and another for opposition leaders. Anyone who publicly declares that there are structures, funds or capabilities for destabilizing acts must answer before the law. The Socialist Party cannot endlessly play with ambiguity: on the one hand presenting itself as a parliamentary political force and on the other hand implying that it possesses unlawful means of political pressure. This is not a democratic opposition, but a dangerous game with the constitutional order. Therefore, any attempt to hide behind accusations of “pressure” or “attack on free speech” is just another deception. No one is preventing them from speaking; on the contrary, they are being asked to take responsibility for what they say. And if we accept that such statements pass without investigation, then tomorrow any political threat can be presented as innocent rhetoric. Games and deceptions will never spare the Socialist Party from criminal and political responsibility for what it has said and for what it may have done.

In a few words, the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, informed the lady about the progress of the economic and social reforms being undertaken in our country and about the prospects for cooperation between this institution and Albania. Both interlocutors expressed their satisfaction with the current level of this cooperation and underlined its importance for the successful implementation of economic reforms in the country. Mrs. Miyo, in her remarks, thanked President Berisha for the warm welcome, which she valued as an honor and as an expression of mutual respect for a representative of an important international financial institution such as the World Bank. Mrs. Miyo praised the high pace of economic reforms in Albania, which are producing the first positive results within the framework of the country’s recovery and consolidation. She expressed interest in the further continuation of the World Bank’s cooperation with Albania in all areas of mutual interest.

According to information dated 18.05.1995, provided by the deputy president of IDH ad interim, Mr. Scocca, approval was granted for an additional 15 million dollars for the rural roads project.

Peliumi from deception to complaints Look, with lots more yesterday he sneaked into the offices of the independent trade union at the center of the Socialist Party. Did this first-rate bread-eater come to pity the Socialist Party’s pots?

Yesterday at the office headquarters, in the presence of the guests, the 100th anniversary of the proclamation [?] of the house of Our Lady of Good Counsel, a well-known spiritual figure of the Albanian people, was commemorated. (Continues on page 2)

Interview with the chairman of “BNJ” Mr. Vasil Bollano for our newspaper Among other things, Mr. Bollano says that cooperation with PBDNJ in local government is very good, and that during the elections of 26 May 1996 there will be a renewed agreement through the free vote. Thus, he expresses the view that in such a confrontation there is more room for understanding than for conflict. (Continues on page 2)

During his stay in Germany, the American Secretary of Defense W. Perry held talks with Chancellor Kohl, President von Weizsäcker and Defense Minister Rühe. At the center of the talks were security issues in Europe and in particular the situation in the Balkans. In an interview with the German press, Perry said that the United States considers the Kosovo issue to be one of the most important objectives for security and stability in the region. He underlined that American policy will support any peaceful solution, but will at the same time keep under observation any possible deterioration of the situation.

Notice More than 5 months after the local elections of 1 October 1995, representatives of local PS bodies continue to make one-sided interpretations of the law regarding the composition and decision-making of municipal councils. For this reason we are republishing an explanatory letter, previously published in “RD”, which clearly emphasizes the legal framework for the functioning of these bodies. (Continues on page 2)

Former owners of hidden houses: retired or engaged in business We pray against the word and free thought “ZP”; it has fallen into the hands of the Inquisition Valesa warns the Prime Minister of Poland and [?] The week’s encyclopedic page