Freedom is more precious than any fashion Supporters of the Democratic Party respond calmly to provocations and reject violence. Attention is focused on the elections of 1 October. JAZEXHI STANI Yesterday the Democratic Party described as inappropriate the initiative of the socialists for protests and other destabilizing actions. In a statement from the PD, it is said that Albanians have now understood that the dream of Ramiz Alia and the neo-communist gang of restoring the dictatorship has come to an end. “Albanian citizens, the statement says, respond calmly to provocations and reject violence.” The PD statement emphasizes that the leader of the opposition does not hope for the success of his protest initiatives, but rather incites his followers through psychological anti-terrorism and mediocrity. “He does not have even this chance. The people gave their answer on 22 March 1992, clearly defining their pro-European orientation,” the statement says. The Democratic Party stresses that the PD and the government that emerged from it are not threatened by anything or anyone, and on the contrary they are calling especially on the leaders of the PS to pull themselves together and avoid any attempt to escalate the anti-citizen, anti-national and anti-institutional climate. “The Albanian people and their future are in safe hands,” the statement says. Meanwhile, the focus of the democrats remains on the elections of 1 October. In yesterday’s statement the PD emphasizes that the next ten days will be decisive for the successful completion of its political and organizational campaign. Referring to yesterday’s statements by the PS that 27 years of democracy are being endangered by the government’s authoritarianism and the president’s hatred, PD sources dismissed these accusations as unfounded. “Freedom is not being threatened; only the privileges of the former nomenklatura are being threatened,” said PD sources. In Tirana’s political circles it was commented yesterday that the next clash between the two main camps is taking place on the eve of the start of the local election campaign and amid the tense atmosphere of debate over the protests announced by the opposition.

Interview with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Hasan Halili Question: Mr. Minister, what has the ministry’s work and activity focused on during this year? Answer: In summary, I would say that during this year the activity of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food has focused on several key directions: first, on consolidating land reform and private production structures; second, on creating the conditions for increasing agricultural and livestock production; third, on encouraging investment and improving processing technologies; and fourth, on supporting farmers and the agricultural market. Question: What are the main results of this work? Answer: The results are tangible in many indicators. The growth of sown areas, cereal production, vegetables and fruit growing has continued. Steps have been taken to strengthen the veterinary system and to provide better inputs. Work has also been done to expand the collection and processing network. Question: What difficulties remain? Answer: Difficulties still exist, especially in infrastructure, irrigation-drainage, credit and the marketing of products. But we believe that with the continuation of reforms and with the support of government policies these obstacles will be overcome. Question: What message do you have for Albanian farmers? Answer: To have faith in their work and in the reforms. We are convinced that the road begun will improve the well-being of rural families and of the whole country. (To be continued on page 3) Minister Halili posing for an interview [?]

A step forward in political and economic cooperation between the two countries ALEKSANDËR MILO The visit of the Italian prime minister to Albania, according to the Italian press, has been commented on with particular interest in the context of bilateral relations. Newspapers note that it marks a new stage in the development of political and economic ties. According to media commentaries, the talks have focused on economic cooperation, aid for infrastructure, energy and transport, as well as support for democratic processes in our country. Published analyses emphasize that Italy considers Albania an important partner in the Adriatic and that its development matters for regional stability. It is also highlighted that political cooperation will be accompanied by concrete economic projects. Special comments have been devoted to the reception of the delegation and the atmosphere of the talks, which have been described as fruitful and useful for both sides. (To be continued on page 3)

The call for the Night of St. Bartholomew and the medieval oracle Starting from the latest article in “Zëri i Popullit”, “The Return of Organized Terror,” in which the left-wing publication refers to the “Night of St. Bartholomew” as a historical example, the polemic in the political press has sharply intensified. The author calls the use of such comparisons dangerous, noting that they fuel an atmosphere of political hatred and provide grounds for extremist interpretations. The “medieval oracle” is also mentioned, as a rhetorical figure used to frighten public opinion and legitimize scenarios of confrontation. According to the analysis, political forces should avoid language that leads to the demonization of the opponent and return to civic debate, since the country is facing important political and electoral processes. (To be continued on page 4)

The old collaborators of Brozi in new duties The chief editor of “Borba”, Nudo Markoviç, also Slobodan Millosheviç’s right-hand man after leaving this newspaper, has moved to a new position. Other figures from the earlier Yugoslav period have also been activated in state and media structures. The article deals with new appointments and the return of old cadres to influential posts, seeing them as part of a political continuity in the Serbian and Yugoslav space. (To be continued on page 3) The chief editor of “Borba”, Nudo Markoviç, releasing sparks [?]

The policy of the PS under the opinion of its friend Dr. Aleksandër Kocani Instead of a three-year passport of the PS A finish in the northern areas of the country Gjiniushti against its allies plus the sensationalism of “ZP” J. Spahiu [?] / L. Kola [?] Dr. Besnik Mustafaj Librazhd attack the correspondent of “RD” NCA EDI PLAKA FROM MIMO MYRO MENTOR SHERKU Ibrahim Kelmendi asks me: “Qemil, convince him that the road begun will increase well-being” Interview with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Hasan Halili

PENALLIA DIBRA