Security forces were mobilized on the ground in response to the organizers of meetings and rallies set up by fanatical and nationalist Greeks (TO) The Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to comments by the Greek press and officials about the actions of the security forces to prevent an activity by the Omonia group and fanatical Greek Orthodox believers on the anniversary of the death of a Greek soldier in southern Albania. In its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says: “Given the events of recent days, the security forces intervened to stop unlawful gatherings and demonstrations, which constituted clear provocations to public order and to good-neighbourly relations.” On the same matter, the statement condemns extremist circles in Greece and stresses that the Albanian government remains determined to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. The spokesperson for the World Bank announced yesterday that Albania will benefit from a $25 million grant for the repayment of part of its foreign debt. According to the announcement, the fund is provided within the framework of support programmes for countries in transition.

Response to the branch conferences of the LDKSH The LDKSH held a one-day meeting for the election of the Women’s Forum (Page 7) From the central hall of the Parliament of Albania, Dr. Alfred Serreqi greeted the proceedings of the Democratic Women’s Forum, attended by members of the women’s departments in the PDSh branches in the districts. Participants in the LDKSH branch conferences assessed that the left-wing forces had tried to speculate on the economic situation and on temporary difficulties in order to destabilize Albania. They expressed their determination to defend democratic achievements and to increase women’s participation in political and social life. The leaders of this movement stressed the role of Albanian women in the democratization processes and in strengthening the family, civil society, and the rule of law. LDKSH distributed the tribunal; a full forum, LDKSH Conference, Tirana

- Was the trap that democracy came without blood? -Was the trap that democracy came without blood? It was 16 June 1990 when hundreds of residents of Shkodër gathered in front of the grave of the martyr Arben Broci to commemorate his death and that of others who were killed in the events of pluralism. Since that day, 16 June has become a symbol of civic resistance and of the difficult road toward democracy. At the commemorative ceremonies it was stressed that Shkodër has carried a special weight in the anti-communist movement and in the efforts for political pluralism. (continued on page 2)

Main article - Introduction to the branch conferences of PDSh in the districts Two hours before the president of PDSh and Prime Minister Meksi arrived at the premises of the Palace of Congresses, where the 6th conference of the party’s capital branch was taking place, the corridors and rows of the halls were packed with party activists and supporters. Present were intellectuals, professionals, and hundreds of young men and women. At the forum, the achievements of the democratic government and the tasks for the upcoming elections were discussed. The speakers underlined the need for more direct communication with the electorate and for transparency in governance. Koresp. RD

DR ALEKSANDËR KOCANI

If the socialists of the world need a leader from the Latin American continent to admire as a “saviour” and “father of socialism,” that would undoubtedly remain Fidel Castro. But at the Socialist International summit currently taking place in Halifax, Canada, the chairman of the Albanian PS, Fatos Nano, failed to take part. According to the latest reports, he did not receive a visa from the Canadian authorities and other representatives appeared in his place in the delegation. The absence of the voice of the Albanian socialists at this meeting has been commented on in the press as a political and diplomatic failure.

PK, PP, PS support in Albania for 54 consecutive years PS, the closing force of political and social crime and destructiveness Let us think about the fate of the nation LULEZIM GAZELLI, candidate of the Sciences Does the blow against the patriarchal and Albanian family represent a process of Westernization?

LULEZIM GAZELLI, Candidate of Sciences