Three failures of the Nano case -The Socialists failed in an extremely miserable way Yesterday’s developments marked another public failure, this time of the Socialist club and the Nanoist grouping. Although he emerged on the political scene thanks to an anti-state, an anti-democracy in action, now, without batting an eye and without blushing, before public opinion he has failed once again. The false myth of Mr. Fatos Nano’s innocence did not convince Albanians. On the contrary. Thousands upon thousands of Albanian citizens became aware of the sunk efforts of the neo-Enverist, Socialist and Nanoist leadership to exonerate a man who has committed embezzlement and has been sentenced by a court decision. The zealous defenders of Mr. Nano turned a public and political issue into a vulgar, ordinary backstage game, hoping to carve out a path from there toward victory. Pity for such political speculators! To say that, in this country, anti-communism and the desire for a Western future cannot triumph because in Albania there supposedly still remains an old Marxist-Leninist laboratory that can stage protests, rallies and ordered gatherings means showing the world your own inability in democracy. It means denying a nation the right to be normal in pluralism. At yesterday’s rallies in support of Mr. Nano, the Socialists were unable to provide a single argument for his innocence. They simply made noise. That noise resembles an old politics: when facts are lacking, emotions are invented; when morality is lacking, hysteria is manufactured. The Albanian public understands better than ever that this is not a responsible opposition, but a grouping that cannot free itself from the spirit of conflict and sabotage. Their first failure was political: they were unable to turn the Nano case into a civic cause. Their second failure was moral: they could not hide the true nature of abuse of power. Their third failure was social: Albanian society did not join their noisy call. Thus, the failure of the extreme left appeared as a failure of its destructiveness. Against this backdrop, yesterday’s event proved that the country is moving forward with difficulty, but it is moving. Albania cannot be held hostage by destructive politics. Citizens want order, law, statehood and a future. They do not want to go backward, nor to be deceived by rallies and empty rhetoric.

Talks in the PD, a delegitimization of the PD vote Interview with Mr. Blushi, chairman of the PD branch in Burrel, Korça "We are asking for a dignified association" The national issue in Albanian politics The "Socialist" should carry out its own duties Perhaps censored, I am leaving the PD, and I am convinced that official speculations are being brought to light. Such articles serve only one purpose: to present the elections in our party as a competition without principles and unnecessary, thus damaging the democratic spirit within the PD itself. In fact, elections are a test of political maturity and of each member’s responsibility. Whoever fears the vote fears democracy. The attempts to portray internal debates as division are deliberate. Debate in a democratic party is not a disease, but a sign of life. It brings ideas, clarifies alternatives and strengthens political institutions. Therefore, instead of manipulation, clarity is needed; instead of insinuations, facts are needed. It is not the first time that, on the eve of important political processes, voices emerge that seek to denigrate our party. But PD members know very well that legitimacy comes from the free vote and from respect for statutory rules. This is the only way to preserve the unity and seriousness of the organization. (continued on page 7)

-The work of the 4th conference of the PD branch was unveiled. Many militant members of the base, honor of the post Mar: News about the organization was obtained not only through the eye for the wiped-away that was ignited with zeal by 1,500 members at the beginning of this month. Serious work which asked and which brought care for the arrival of the post in the immediate involvement in civic activity. Meanwhile, a broad presence of Socialists, a window into their backwardness, is being described as a means to throw dust in the eyes of the electorate. At yesterday’s meeting with the branch structures, it was stressed that the expansion of membership must be accompanied by greater individual responsibility and by more direct communication with the citizen. Formal membership alone is not enough; daily work, commitment and personal example are required. The 4th conference of the PD branch put emphasis on the activation of young people and women, as well as on the need for the militant base to be better organized in every polling center. It was assessed that political victories do not come from words, but from concrete presence in the community. The branch representatives said that in the months ahead the network of contacts with citizens will be expanded, more meetings will be organized and the party’s political alternatives will be clarified. According to them, this is the only way to give real weight to political life in the country.

Bolino and his newspaper have taken it upon themselves to deliberately misinterpret the positions of the Albanian press, presenting them as a sign of intolerance or primitiveness. This is a usual manipulation that serves neither the truth nor normal relations between people and the media. Instead of entering into serious debate, this newspaper chooses slander and insinuation. Labelling Albanians with offensive stereotypes is neither journalism nor free thought; it is a deliberate distortion of reality and an anti-Albanian stance. The public opinion needs to be made clear that there is no misuse without intent. When a fact is deliberately twisted, when a people or a country is deliberately blackened, then we are not dealing with a mistake, but with intent. And the intent, in this case, is discrediting. Albanians do not need lectures from those who look at them through racist eyes. They need respect, equality and normal communication with the world. Any media outlet that gives up these principles loses the moral right to present itself as a defender of freedom of speech.

Yesterday at 9:45, at the Vjesti "Pjeter Sula" House of Culture, a meeting was held between the section chairs of the city and the leadership of the Democratic Party branch. The seminar was opened by the branch chairman, Mr. Ismail Mena, who gave an overview of the organizational tasks for the coming period. The discussion covered relations with the electorate, the strengthening of the role of the base and the need to correctly implement the decisions of the leading bodies. The participants stressed that the work in the sections must be more lively, more concrete and more oriented toward the real concerns of citizens. (continued on page 2) A.SH

-The work of the 4th conference of the PD branch was unveiled. Many militant members of the base, honor of the post Mar: Yesterday’s news left no room for doubt that grassroots organization remains the fundamental condition for the success of any political force. Branch activists stressed that militant work should not be seen as a ritual, but as a daily duty toward the member and the citizen. It was pointed out that engagement on the ground has brought increased trust and participation. According to the speakers, the expansion of membership is not merely a matter of numbers, but above all of the quality of representation. (continued on page 2)

From the near, inevitable activities, blessed jewels This article appears to deal with a public activity in which different political and organizational positions were presented. The text on the page is partially illegible, but it is clear that it concerns a press conference and assessments related to certain positions in public opinion. In the photograph, several people can be seen during a meeting. Photo: A. BRANI

Manipulation of the public or ruled democracy The victory of the newspaper "Koha Jone" a shameless swindle "It sought a dignified association" The national issue in Albanian politics The "Socialist" should carry out its own duties

USA Joint training maneuvers begin The Albanian-American joint exercise is being carried out within the framework of the new relations of military cooperation. The announcement stresses that various forces are participating and that the aim is to increase professional skills and coordination in emergency situations. The maneuvers are seen as an important step in bringing the Albanian army closer to contemporary standards.