In Europe, although facile thinking about the socialist party was discussed, no independent analyst can be found to give meaning to the term KSBE. This illustration seemed to come with the conviction that Albanian society is finally rising on its democratic foundation. The parliamentary forces of the old lands of evil (the social-communists) seemed to have “taken soap for cheese,” since they had found for our country the proper group to spin it again into the red vortex. From this democratic viewpoint was seen the successful progress of the recent days of the European Parliament and the relevant staffs that are preparing Albania for the status of membership in the Council of Europe. From the very beginning, during their stay in Tirana, the officials of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe were convinced that our country is moving at a fast pace in consolidating democracy, despite some residue left from the past. Speaking about elections, pluralism, the opposition and the functioning of the law, they underlined that Albania has entered a stage where European standards are taking real shape. This was also noticed in meetings with jurists, deputies, heads of institutions and journalists. For the democrats this is an important moment: membership in the Council of Europe is not only a matter of prestige, but a guarantee for the irreversible progress of reforms. In this sense, every attempt to bring back the syndromes of the past, artificial conflicts and the old schemes of political trade-unionism runs counter to the national interest. ENGLISH: Albania on the threshold of the Council of Europe A clear promise by the democrats that the country will not recognize the syndromes of the old union In Europe, although facile thinking about the socialist party was discussed, no independent analyst can be found to give meaning to the term KSBE. This illustration seemed to come with the conviction that Albanian society is finally rising on its democratic foundation. The parliamentary forces of the old lands of evil (the social-communists) seemed to have “taken soap for cheese,” since they had found for our country the proper group to spin it again into the red vortex. From this democratic viewpoint was seen the successful progress of the recent days of the European Parliament and the relevant staffs that are preparing Albania for the status of membership in the Council of Europe. From the very beginning, during their stay in Tirana, the officials of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe were convinced that our country is moving at a fast pace in consolidating democracy, despite some residue left from the past. Speaking about elections, pluralism, the opposition and the functioning of the law, they underlined that Albania has entered a stage where European standards are taking real shape. This was also noticed in meetings with jurists, deputies, heads of institutions and journalists. For the democrats this is an important moment: membership in the Council of Europe is not only a matter of prestige, but a guarantee for the irreversible progress of reforms. In this sense, every attempt to bring back the syndromes of the past, artificial conflicts and the old schemes of political trade-unionism runs counter to the national interest. ITALIANO: L’Albania alla soglia del Consiglio d’Europa Una chiara promessa dei democratici che il paese non conoscerà le sindromi del vecchio sindacato In Europa, benché sia stata discussa una facile mentalità riguardo al partito socialista, non si trova alcun analista indipendente che dia significato al termine KSBE. Questa immagine sembrava accompagnata dalla convinzione che la società albanese si stia finalmente sollevando sulla sua base democratica. Le forze parlamentari delle antiche terre del male (i social-comunisti) sembravano aver “scambiato il sapone per formaggio”, poiché avevano trovato per il nostro paese il gruppo adatto a farlo ruotare di nuovo nel vortice rosso. Da questo punto di vista democratico si è vista la positiva evoluzione degli ultimi giorni del Parlamento europeo e degli staff competenti che stanno preparando l’Albania allo status di adesione al Consiglio d’Europa. Fin dall’inizio, durante il soggiorno a Tirana, i funzionari dell’Assemblea parlamentare del Consiglio d’Europa si sono convinti che il nostro paese sta avanzando rapidamente nel consolidamento della democrazia, nonostante qualche scoria rimasta dal passato. Parlando di elezioni, pluralismo, opposizione e funzionamento della legge, essi hanno sottolineato che l’Albania è entrata in una fase in cui gli standard europei stanno assumendo forma reale. Ciò è stato notato anche negli incontri con giuristi, deputati, dirigenti di istituzioni e giornalisti. Per i democratici questo è un momento importante: l’adesione al Consiglio d’Europa non è solo una questione di prestigio, ma una garanzia per il progresso irreversibile delle riforme. In questo senso, ogni tentativo di far tornare le sindromi del passato, i conflitti artificiali e i vecchi schemi del sindacalismo politico contrasta con l’interesse nazionale.

Manzola and Furer before journalists The Council of Europe, following the signing of the agreement with Albania for “Partnership for Peace,” has decided to devote special importance to the state of democracy in our country. Thus, the delegation of the Council of Europe that has arrived in Tirana, to take part in the judicial seminar “On the independence of justice and its role in the rule of law,” held yesterday its first press conference. Today, two days before the arrival in Albania of the high official of the Council of Europe, the Council of Europe’s general official for legal affairs, accompanied by 9 experts, next week in Tirana there will be held the “Exchange meeting of European officials.” During yesterday at the hotel “Tirana” in the hall “Balsha” a press conference was held on the upcoming meeting. In this meeting will take part specialists in codes and comparative law, as well as the president of the Court of Cassation, Mr. P. Truche and the deputy member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Mr. [?.] Morel. In this special meeting with Albanian and foreign journalists, the Minister of Justice, Mr. Spartak Ngjela, and the president of the Court of Cassation, Mr. Zef Brozi, informed them of the difficulties Albanian justice is facing on the road to creating and consolidating the rule of law. First of all, according to Mr. Brozi, the main duty of Albanian judges and prosecutors is the creation of an independent mentality in order to be worthy of protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. Mentioning how many consequences from yesterday’s totalitarian regime have remained in the conscience of jurists, Mr. Brozi emphasized that “changes require not only new laws, but also new people with a new mentality.” Minister of Justice Mr. Spartak Ngjela focused on the need for a deep reform of the Albanian judicial system and assessed that the assistance of the Council of Europe is very important for the training of cadres, for drafting legislation, and for creating democratic institutions. He also emphasized that Albanian justice needs European experience and closer ties with counterpart institutions of Western countries. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has placed the Albanian judiciary at the center of attention as one of the main indicators of the level of democracy. This visit and the expected seminar are considered an important step toward the integration of Albania into European institutions. ENGLISH: The Tirana Court in the focus of the week The work of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe began “Albanians have been far from Europe because they have suffered despotic rulers, a group of people in power” Manzola and Furer before journalists The Council of Europe, following the signing of the agreement with Albania for “Partnership for Peace,” has decided to devote special importance to the state of democracy in our country. Thus, the delegation of the Council of Europe that has arrived in Tirana, to take part in the judicial seminar “On the independence of justice and its role in the rule of law,” held yesterday its first press conference. Today, two days before the arrival in Albania of the high official of the Council of Europe, the Council of Europe’s general official for legal affairs, accompanied by 9 experts, next week in Tirana there will be held the “Exchange meeting of European officials.” During yesterday at the hotel “Tirana” in the hall “Balsha” a press conference was held on the upcoming meeting. In this meeting will take part specialists in codes and comparative law, as well as the president of the Court of Cassation, Mr. P. Truche and the deputy member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Mr. [?.] Morel. In this special meeting with Albanian and foreign journalists, the Minister of Justice, Mr. Spartak Ngjela and the president of the Court of Cassation, Mr. Zef Brozi, informed them of the difficulties Albanian justice is facing on the road to creating and consolidating the rule of law. First of all, according to Mr. Brozi, the main duty of Albanian judges and prosecutors is the creation of an independent mentality in order to be worthy of protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. Mentioning how many consequences from yesterday’s totalitarian regime have remained in the conscience of jurists, Mr. Brozi emphasized that “changes require not only new laws, but also new people with a new mentality.” Minister of Justice Mr. Spartak Ngjela focused on the need for a deep reform of the Albanian judicial system and assessed that the assistance of the Council of Europe is very important for the training of cadres, for drafting legislation, and for creating democratic institutions. He also emphasized that Albanian justice needs European experience and closer ties with counterpart institutions of Western countries. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has placed the Albanian judiciary at the center of attention as one of the main indicators of the level of democracy. This visit and the expected seminar are considered an important step toward the integration of Albania into European institutions. ITALIANO: Il Tribunale di Tirana al centro della settimana Sono iniziati i lavori dell’Assemblea parlamentare del Consiglio d’Europa “Gli albanesi sono stati lontani dall’Europa perché hanno sofferto governanti dispotici, un gruppo di persone al potere” Manzola e Furer davanti ai giornalisti Il Consiglio d’Europa, a seguito della firma dell’accordo con l’Albania per il “Partenariato per la Pace”, ha deciso di dedicare particolare importanza allo stato della democrazia nel nostro paese. Così la delegazione del Consiglio d’Europa giunta a Tirana per partecipare al seminario giudiziario “Sull’indipendenza della giustizia e sul suo ruolo nello stato di diritto” ha tenuto ieri la sua prima conferenza stampa. Oggi, due giorni prima dell’arrivo in Albania dell’alto funzionario del Consiglio d’Europa per gli affari giuridici, accompagnato da 9 esperti, la prossima settimana a Tirana si terrà l’“Incontro di scambio dei funzionari europei”. Durante la giornata di ieri, all’hotel “Tirana”, nella sala “Balsha”, si è svolta una conferenza stampa sull’imminente incontro. A questo incontro prenderanno parte specialisti dei codici e del diritto comparato, nonché il presidente della Corte di Cassazione, sig. P. Truche, e il deputato membro dell’Assemblea parlamentare del Consiglio d’Europa, sig. [?.] Morel. In questo incontro speciale con giornalisti albanesi e stranieri, il ministro della Giustizia, sig. Spartak Ngjela, e il presidente della Corte di Cassazione, sig. Zef Brozi, li hanno informati delle difficoltà che la giustizia albanese incontra sulla strada della creazione e del consolidamento dello stato di diritto. Prima di tutto, secondo il sig. Brozi, il compito principale di giudici e procuratori albanesi è la creazione di una mentalità indipendente per essere degni di difendere i diritti dell’uomo e le libertà fondamentali. Ricordando come molte conseguenze del regime totalitario di ieri siano rimaste nella coscienza dei giuristi, il sig. Brozi ha sottolineato che “i cambiamenti richiedono non solo nuove leggi, ma anche uomini nuovi con una nuova mentalità”. Il ministro della Giustizia, sig. Spartak Ngjela, si è soffermato sulla necessità di una profonda riforma del sistema giudiziario albanese e ha valutato che l’aiuto del Consiglio d’Europa è molto importante per la preparazione dei quadri, per la stesura della legislazione e per la creazione di istituzioni democratiche. Ha inoltre sottolineato che la giustizia albanese ha bisogno dell’esperienza europea e di legami più stretti con le istituzioni omologhe dei paesi occidentali. L’Assemblea parlamentare del Consiglio d’Europa ha posto il sistema giudiziario albanese al centro dell’attenzione come uno dei principali indicatori del livello di democrazia. Questa visita e il seminario previsto sono considerati un passo importante verso l’integrazione dell’Albania nelle istituzioni europee.

35 million ECU - Another EU aid for Albania Within the framework of the PHARE 1994-1995 Program, the agreement between the Albanian government and the European Community was signed yesterday The agreement signed yesterday between the Albanian government and the European Community provides for an amount of 35 million ECU. The press conference that followed the signing of this agreement was given special importance by the leaders of the Albanian government as well as by representatives of the delegation of the European Community. Prime Minister Mr. Aleksandër Meksi described this aid as another proof of the confidence of European institutions in the reforms being carried out in Albania. According to him, the funds will be used for priority projects in infrastructure, agriculture, public administration and other fields that support the country’s economic transformation. Representatives of the European Community emphasized that the PHARE program aims not only at financial support, but also at bringing Albanian standards closer to those of the countries of the European Union. They underlined that Albania has made progress and that this aid should be accompanied by an increase in the implementing capacities of the administration. ENGLISH: 35 million ECU - Another EU aid for Albania Within the framework of the PHARE 1994-1995 Program, the agreement between the Albanian government and the European Community was signed yesterday The agreement signed yesterday between the Albanian government and the European Community provides for an amount of 35 million ECU. The press conference that followed the signing of this agreement was given special importance by the leaders of the Albanian government as well as by representatives of the delegation of the European Community. Prime Minister Mr. Aleksandër Meksi described this aid as another proof of the confidence of European institutions in the reforms being carried out in Albania. According to him, the funds will be used for priority projects in infrastructure, agriculture, public administration and other fields that support the country’s economic transformation. Representatives of the European Community emphasized that the PHARE program aims not only at financial support, but also at bringing Albanian standards closer to those of the countries of the European Union. They underlined that Albania has made progress and that this aid should be accompanied by an increase in the implementing capacities of the administration. ITALIANO: 35 milioni di ECU - Un altro aiuto dell’UE per l’Albania Nel quadro del Programma PHARE 1994-1995 è stato firmato ieri l’accordo tra il governo albanese e la Comunità Europea L’accordo firmato ieri tra il governo albanese e la Comunità Europea prevede una somma di 35 milioni di ECU. Alla conferenza stampa che ha fatto seguito alla firma di questo accordo hanno dato particolare importanza i dirigenti del governo albanese e i rappresentanti della delegazione della Comunità Europea. Il primo ministro, sig. Aleksandër Meksi, ha definito questo aiuto un’ulteriore prova della fiducia delle istituzioni europee nelle riforme in corso in Albania. Secondo lui, i fondi saranno utilizzati per progetti prioritari nelle infrastrutture, nell’agricoltura, nell’amministrazione pubblica e in altri settori che sostengono la trasformazione economica del paese. I rappresentanti della Comunità Europea hanno sottolineato che il programma PHARE mira non solo al sostegno finanziario, ma anche ad avvicinare gli standard albanesi a quelli dei paesi dell’Unione Europea. Hanno evidenziato che l’Albania ha registrato progressi e che questo aiuto dovrebbe essere accompagnato da un aumento delle capacità attuative dell’amministrazione.

Today began, among others by Albania, the signing of the final act of the diplomatic convention in Rome Government bulletin no. 97 Minister of Culture Mr. Teodor Laço has signed in Rome the final act of the UNIDROIT diplomatic conference for the Convention on stolen or illegally exported cultural objects. This conference, which was held under the auspices of the Italian Government and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, aimed to create a common legal framework for the return of cultural objects. According to the official notice, the convention provides clear rules for the search, identification and return of works of art and other objects of cultural value that have been unlawfully removed from their countries of origin. For Albania, participation in this process constitutes an important step in protecting national heritage and in cooperation with international institutions. ENGLISH: The draft for the international convention on the return of cultural objects is approved Today began, among others by Albania, the signing of the final act of the diplomatic convention in Rome Government bulletin no. 97 Minister of Culture Mr. Teodor Laço has signed in Rome the final act of the UNIDROIT diplomatic conference for the Convention on stolen or illegally exported cultural objects. This conference, which was held under the auspices of the Italian Government and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, aimed to create a common legal framework for the return of cultural objects. According to the official notice, the convention provides clear rules for the search, identification and return of works of art and other objects of cultural value that have been unlawfully removed from their countries of origin. For Albania, participation in this process constitutes an important step in protecting national heritage and in cooperation with international institutions. ITALIANO: Approvato il progetto per la convenzione internazionale sul ritorno degli oggetti culturali Oggi è iniziata, tra gli altri anche da parte dell’Albania, la firma dell’atto finale della convenzione diplomatica a Roma Bollettino del governo n. 97 Il ministro della Cultura, sig. Teodor Laço, ha firmato a Roma l’atto finale della conferenza diplomatica UNIDROIT per la Convenzione sugli oggetti culturali rubati o esportati illegalmente. Questa conferenza, svoltasi sotto gli auspici del Governo italiano e dell’Istituto Internazionale per l’unificazione del diritto privato, aveva lo scopo di creare un quadro giuridico comune per il ritorno degli oggetti culturali. Secondo il comunicato ufficiale, la convenzione prevede regole chiare per la ricerca, l’identificazione e la restituzione di opere d’arte e di altri oggetti di valore culturale rimossi illegalmente dai paesi di origine. Per l’Albania, la partecipazione a questo processo costituisce un passo importante nella tutela del patrimonio nazionale e nella cooperazione con le istituzioni internazionali.

The newest movement for bringing the crimes of communism to trial on the Albanian scene is gaining broader moral and political support every day. It is turning into a civic demand that sees the condemnation of genocide not as revenge, but as a precondition for a healthy democratic order. The Albanian state, through its institutions, has entered a phase in which justice can no longer be postponed indefinitely. Confronting the files, the testimonies and individual responsibilities is an unavoidable process. Those who for decades ordered internments, executions, imprisonments and political persecutions cannot remain outside the attention of the law. Albanian society must understand that true reconciliation is not built on silence, but on truth. Without naming the crime and assigning responsibilities, democracy remains crippled and national memory wounded. ENGLISH: For the forgetting of the death-years, the disciples of the institute of genocide will mark the hour of justice DUNAGJIN HATA Letter from Tirana for the newspaper “Bujku” The newest movement for bringing the crimes of communism to trial on the Albanian scene is gaining broader moral and political support every day. It is turning into a civic demand that sees the condemnation of genocide not as revenge, but as a precondition for a healthy democratic order. The Albanian state, through its institutions, has entered a phase in which justice can no longer be postponed indefinitely. Confronting the files, the testimonies and individual responsibilities is an unavoidable process. Those who for decades ordered internments, executions, imprisonments and political persecutions cannot remain outside the attention of the law. Albanian society must understand that true reconciliation is not built on silence, but on truth. Without naming the crime and assigning responsibilities, democracy remains crippled and national memory wounded. ITALIANO: Per l’oblio degli anni di morte, i discepoli dell’istituto del genocidio segneranno l’ora della giustizia DUNAGJIN HATA Lettera da Tirana per il giornale “Bujku” Il più recente movimento per portare in giudizio i crimini del comunismo sulla scena albanese sta guadagnando ogni giorno un sostegno morale e politico più ampio. Si sta trasformando in una richiesta civica che vede la condanna del genocidio non come vendetta, ma come precondizione per un sano ordine democratico. Lo Stato albanese, attraverso le sue istituzioni, è entrato in una fase in cui la giustizia non può più essere rinviata indefinitamente. Il confronto con i fascicoli, con le testimonianze e con le responsabilità individuali è un processo inevitabile. Coloro che per decenni hanno ordinato internamenti, fucilazioni, incarcerazioni e persecuzioni politiche non possono restare fuori dall’attenzione della legge. La società albanese deve capire che la vera riconciliazione non si costruisce sul silenzio, ma sulla verità. Senza nominare il crimine e senza attribuire le responsabilità, la democrazia resta mutilata e la memoria nazionale ferita.

TIRANA The traumas caused by the harsh communist dictatorship in Albania have left a heavy legacy to our society, which is still experiencing its consequences. Seeing that the genocide exercised for decades against the political, intellectual and economic elite of the country cannot remain unpunished, we as representatives of non-governmental organizations express our full support for the legal initiative aimed at condemning communist genocide. This initiative is a necessary step for establishing historical justice, for national reconciliation and for building a society where the crimes of the past are not relativized. We call on the Assembly, state institutions and public opinion to support this process with seriousness and responsibility. Through this declaration we reaffirm that without confronting the past there can be no sustainable democracy, rule of law and full respect for human dignity. ENGLISH: Solidarity with the initiative for condemning genocide DECLARATION OF NGOs DURRËS DECLARATION OF NGOs DURRËS TIRANA The traumas caused by the harsh communist dictatorship in Albania have left a heavy legacy to our society, which is still experiencing its consequences. Seeing that the genocide exercised for decades against the political, intellectual and economic elite of the country cannot remain unpunished, we as representatives of non-governmental organizations express our full support for the legal initiative aimed at condemning communist genocide. This initiative is a necessary step for establishing historical justice, for national reconciliation and for building a society where the crimes of the past are not relativized. We call on the Assembly, state institutions and public opinion to support this process with seriousness and responsibility. Through this declaration we reaffirm that without confronting the past there can be no sustainable democracy, rule of law and full respect for human dignity. ITALIANO: Solidarietà con l’iniziativa per la condanna del genocidio DICHIARAZIONE DELLE ONG DURAZZO DICHIARAZIONE DELLE ONG DURAZZO TIRANA I traumi causati dalla feroce dittatura comunista in Albania hanno lasciato una pesante eredità alla nostra società, che continua ancora a subirne le conseguenze. Considerando che il genocidio esercitato per decenni contro l’élite politica, intellettuale ed economica del paese non può rimanere impunito, noi come rappresentanti delle organizzazioni non governative esprimiamo il nostro pieno sostegno all’iniziativa legislativa volta alla condanna del genocidio comunista. Questa iniziativa è un passaggio necessario per l’affermazione della giustizia storica, per la riconciliazione nazionale e per la costruzione di una società in cui i crimini del passato non vengano relativizzati. Rivolgiamo un appello all’Assemblea, alle istituzioni statali e all’opinione pubblica affinché sostengano questo processo con serietà e responsabilità. Attraverso questa dichiarazione riaffermiamo che senza fare i conti con il passato non può esserci una democrazia stabile, uno stato di diritto e un pieno rispetto della dignità umana.

In democracy, deeds are the fruit of free labor Why persecutors and executioners cannot become our deputies The Tirana Court in the focus of the week 35 million ECU - Another EU aid for Albania

Here is why the waters of the genocide are never... “[unclear]” Here is why the waters [?] of genocide never [?] POSTER PS ENGLISH: The inquisitors refuse repentance “[unclear]” Here is why the waters [?] of genocide never [?] POSTER PS ITALIANO: Gli inquisitori rifiutano il pentimento “[non chiaro]” Ecco perché le acque [?] del genocidio mai [?] MANIFESTO PS