PSHDM delegation concludes visit to Greece According to an official statement, the delegation of the Social Democratic Party of Albania, led by chairman Mr. Skender Gjinushi, during its visit to Greece was received by Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou, Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias, PASOK chairman Aki Xohopulos, as well as other senior officials of the Greek government. The statement says that the talks were held in an atmosphere of complete understanding and mutual desire to further promote relations between the two countries and the two parties. The participants particularly valued the importance of Albanian-Greek relations, not only for our two countries, but also for the wider region. They emphasized that these relations should develop in the spirit of mutual understanding, respect for independence and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and in accordance with the norms of international law. The PSHDM delegation also held meetings with leaders of various Greek organizations and with representatives of the press.

"After ’96," writes "Il Giornale" Lexicon. Perhaps in less wealthy countries one should not use the word rich. The problem does not lie in the level of wealth, but in the ever-widening differences in lifestyles. After the restoration of political pluralism in Albania, a middle class has emerged, with people skilled in economics, business, and trade. But on the road to prosperity, the first victims of the transition have also appeared. Social down-classing knows no limits anymore. The difference between the monthly incomes of some people and of many families living on the edge of survival is very large. For its part, the government has not made forms of assistance available to help those in need. Today it is the people of these suburbs, where acts of vandalism or violent protests usually take place, who have lost more than any other social group because of the transition. For its part, the majority of Albanian society does not look favorably on these people, who can hardly be called poor, but are without hope. They are the people who have more or less always lived their future in a comfortable way. Their loneliness is troubling not only because on both sides a true economic and social abyss is opening up, but also because a category of people is taking shape who have lost every kind of faith in the future. On the other hand, the Albanian economy is experiencing a phase of growth and optimism. This is the side emphasized by the article in "Il Giornale".

A president confirms to the BBC Yesterday in Athens it was confirmed that the visit of the Greek president to Albania will take place in September of this year. The press office of the President of the Greek Republic, Stefanopoulos, said that the visit to Albania, planned for mid-September, had been scheduled earlier, but could not take place because of the sudden illness of the Albanian president, Sali Berisha. The same sources made known that Greek Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou will also pay a visit to Albania, but did not specify the exact period of the visit. Official sources state that President Stefanopoulos will discuss relations between the two countries as well as Balkan problems. According to these sources, he will meet with his Albanian counterpart, Sali Berisha, with Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi, as well as with other leaders of the Albanian government. The statement says that the visit of the Greek president will take place at the invitation of President Berisha.

EDI PALOKA Justice under pressure from threats by socialist leaders The courts’ "independence" through the red prism "These will protect the eyes with the whole family and up to the last generation." The infamous threat by some socialist leaders to all judges who dared to sentence former members of the infamous presidium made the front pages of several opposition and communist newspapers, but in reversed terms. In their view, the judges were the ones who exerted pressure on the socialists when they sentenced one of the top figures of the PPSH, Hekuran Isai, and another equally well-known figure, Sokrat Plaka. In fact, the pressure and threats were public, and although left-wing newspapers tried to portray them as spontaneous reactions, they were organized. The opposition newspapers presented it as a justified stance against "political revenge," but what happened in the courtroom and outside it was exactly the opposite. The Tirana court sentenced Hekuran Isai to 20 months in prison and Sokrat Plaka to 18 months, on charges of defamation and forgery. Immediately after the verdict, the socialists called it a political act, attacking the judges and openly threatening them. Even deputies and senior leaders of the PS declared that the judges would be held accountable. This is not only an attempt to intimidate justice, but also a clear signal of the inspiration that the left still draws from the communist past. In a legal state, the courts are independent and their decisions are respected or challenged through legal channels. This is the path followed by every democratic force. But when former persecutors and defenders of the dictatorship seek to present themselves as victims of justice, then it becomes clear how difficult the Albanian transition remains. Pressure on the courts cannot be justified by any pretext. It is a direct attack against the rule of law. (continued on page 2)

Ruçi at a communist rally! The Swiss lobbying newspaper "Le Point" notes that the PS, based on its own data, seems far from victory in the upcoming elections. It would welcome the withdrawal of some of its compromised figures, but unfortunately it still has them in leadership positions. Fatos Nano and Servet Pellumbi, together with some of their supporters, are trying to control the behavior of the electorate. At the rally held in Kamëz, it was seen that the PS continues to rely on segments of communist nostalgia. Recent developments show that former Interior Minister Gramoz Ruçi is being tested as a mobilizing figure for the more radical base of the left. According to the article, Ruçi’s participation in such a gathering aims to prove how ready the socialist base still is to line up behind names linked to the old regime. This interpretation is linked to the PS’s difficulties in creating a new democratic image. The author emphasizes that such displays do not help the Albanian opposition break away from its past. (continued on page 4)

Suspicious action by the Bulgarian colonel The Ministry of Defence has started legal proceedings to recover 300 thousand dollars, which it says were lost due to an action by the Bulgarian colonel Cvetan Atanasov. The Serbian lobbying newspaper "Bulgaria in Transition" writes that this concerns a conflict that began back in 1990, when the Albanian state military export-import company had signed a contract with a Bulgarian party. According to the article, the Albanian side had paid an advance, but the goods were not delivered in accordance with the terms of the contract. In 1991, the Albanian Ministry of Defence requested the return of the sum, but the matter remained pending for several years. Now it has turned to the court to formally seek compensation. The article says that Colonel Atanasov played a key role in blocking the execution of the agreement and avoiding financial responsibilities. If the claims are confirmed, this case could have consequences for military trade relations and raise questions about previous arms-supply partners. (continued on page 2)

Socialists in Kamëz[?] return to threats and accusations against PDS SPF[?] denounces old communist rhetoric. The speeches delivered at a rally held in recent days by PS leaders brought back onto the scene the figure of the political enemy and the language of threat. According to reactions from democratic circles, instead of alternatives and programs, vengeful calls and accusations against political opponents were heard from the podium. At the center of the criticism was the fact that the socialists are still using figures and symbols from the communist past, without distancing themselves from the crimes and practices of the regime. Analysts link this to an attempt to mobilize the electorate with ideological nostalgia. Xh.[?] lutesi[?] emphasizes that this development does not serve national reconciliation or the climate of free elections. (continued on page 2)

Person’s sequestration[?] Yesterday marked the end of the hostage-taking that took place in the Laknas area. According to preliminary data, the hostages were released after the intervention of the security forces and after negotiations with the hostage-takers. The incident caused shock in public opinion and mobilized local police structures. Official sources said that the full causes and circumstances of this incident, as well as the persons involved, are being investigated. No further details are yet given about the identity of the hostage-takers or their motives. (continued on page 2)

Over 200 million ECU by 1998 for roads and 85 million dollars allocated for 1994-’95 About the exhibition "The Democratic Party’s Contract with Albania" German tourists discover Albania The German Embassy informs