Draft law “On the Right to Assembly” approved European standard for local elections Draft law “On the Right to Assembly” approved One of the Most Liberal Laws in Europe European standard for local elections A draft law proposing several amendments to the existing law on elections to local government bodies is before the members of Parliament today for consideration and approval. These amendments to the law, which Parliament is to enact today, aim to create new democratic space in the electoral process; they aim to harmonize and consolidate electoral procedures in line with European and international standards, based on the recommendations of the Council of Europe’s AD-HOC Commission and the proposals put forward at the round table of political parties organized by President of the Republic Sali Berisha several days ago. These amendments bring about the harmonization of the substantive and procedural rules governing elections, with the aim of strengthening political and legal guarantees for the conduct of peaceful, free and democratic elections. The requirements of Albanian political parties have been organically and functionally incorporated into it. The amendments bring significant improvements to provisions concerning the formation, organization and powers of commissions; the preparation and signing of minutes; the commissions’ relations with police officers assigned to assist them; and the relationship of political parties with ... - The law is based on the legislation of countries such as France, Italy, Germany, etc. The law provides a more complete definition of the meaning and types of assemblies, distinguishing among gatherings, demonstrations, processions, rallies, meetings and parades; it differentiates between assemblies “in public places” and those “in places open to the public.” The law defines more precisely and comprehensively the conditions that must be met for a permit to be issued for public assemblies, the circumstances in which such a permit may be refused, etc. Under the law, it is no longer necessary to seek police permission for assemblies held indoors, nor is it necessary to specify in advance [unclear]—as is also the case for assemblies in public places. for assemblies in public places. Vejsiu and Krasniqi with PD’s allies in Italy …free and democratic. To be a [?] organizationally and functionally, the demands of the Albanian political parties. The amendments bring noticeable the commissions; the way minutes are drafted and signed; the commissions’ relations with the police officers who will be assigned to assist them; and the relations among political parties, especially with regard to electoral propaganda, television coverage and the financing of their campaigns from the state budget, etc. An important place among the changes reflected in this law has been given to the structure of the ballot papers and the way voting is carried out. New rules have therefore been introduced to simplify them and to include the necessary uniform legal elements for guaranteeing and properly assessing the will of the voters. Today is an opportunity for members of parliament from all political parties to reach a consensus on the adoption of this law, because the amendments set out in it enhance the role played by political party representatives in supervising voting procedures (commission members and observers), providing full legal guarantees for ensuring the full exercise of rights in this regard and, at the same time, increasing the importance of carrying them out within the mechanism for controlling and managing the voting process. Through these amendments, the protection of voters’ will is guaranteed in detail, shielding it from any possible abuse by members of the commissions. All this is achieved by establishing an accurate and detailed formula for allocating seats on local councils among electoral subjects, without changing the proportional nature of the electoral system in any way. The amendments reflected in this law also give particular attention to the legal time limits of the electoral process and harmonize them in order to ensure the continuity of the process, facilitate the work of the commissions, and prevent obstacles from being placed in the way of the various electoral subjects and state bodies tasked by this law with conducting the electoral process. The amendments have been made in accordance with the suggestions from the parties’ roundtable and the recommendations of the Council of Europe, so consensus should be readily achievable today. The blocking, boycott and nihilism of the extreme left no longer have any argument. The amendments to this law constitute a new and final challenge to them, while also demonstrating the consistency and willingness of the DP, the Government[?] and Parliament to improve and consolidate the electoral process in accordance with the legal standards applied by countries with developed democracies.

Yesterday in Parliament After discussions, Parliament approved the revised version by 83 votes in favor, 2 against and 1 abstention, according to which, “A Member of Parliament can also be elected to local government bodies at the same time.” After discussions, Parliament approved the revised version by 83 votes in favor, 2 against and 1 abstention, according to which, government bodies at the same time.” Precedents in France, Germany and Ireland were also cited in support. PAGE 2

Vejsiu and Krasniqi with PD’s allies in Italy Taiani, speaking on behalf of his party and congratulating PD on its victory in the May 26 elections, expressed his party’s interest and readiness to continue cooperation with PDSH. - Taiani, speaking on behalf of his party and congratulating PD on its victory in the May 26 elections, expressed his party’s interest and readiness to continue cooperation with PDSH The senior leaders of the Democratic Party, Ylli Vejsiu and Afrim Krasniqi, received assurances yesterday from their allies in Italy that political cooperation would continue in support of the Democrats’ victory in the local elections on October 20. During a visit to Italy, the PDSH delegation, consisting of Mr. Ylli Vejsiu and Mr. Afrim Krasniqi, was received yesterday by Antonio Tajani, a member of the Presidency of “Forza Italia.” At the meeting, Tajani, interest and readiness to continue cooperation with PDSH for Albania’s full integration into the EU and Mediterranean institutions, for the expansion of economic and trade exchanges, and on various matters of bilateral interest. Recognizing the importance of the local government elections in Albania, Mr. Tajani underlined the necessity of a PD victory and expressed his full readiness to contribute to that victory. The PDSH representatives also received similar assurances in meetings with Senator Anxhelo Bernasole, the Christian Democratic Union Party of Rocco Butiglione, and Alessandro Forlani, head of Foreign Policy for the Christian Democratic Centre, led by Casini. The PDSH delegation is continuing its visit to Italy, which is regarded as an important contribution to strengthening the Democratic Party’s relations with political forces and powerful allies in Italy.

The PS’s propaganda is attacked by Mejdani - So far, PS sources have floated as possible candidates for the “ZP” newspaper the deputy editor-in-chief of “Koha Jonë,” Martin Leka; former member of the presidential council Kiço Blushi; Alia’s former press adviser, Guro Zeneli; and the current deputy editor-in-chief of “ZP,” Luan Rama. - Which of the four is best able to absorb the political shifts within the PS leadership? Which of them is best placed to support Mejdani later, should he need to support him alone and no one else in the top leadership? It is striking that in their test articles, when the points are tallied at the end, the Nano factor is marked down while the Mejdani factor rises—meaning that the time has come for the “Shqip” newspaper to return and powder all of “ZP.” PAGE 3

After the “reform” of the SP - From now on, the SP’s organ will operate only according to the orders of the leadership - Islami will tell the “ZP” journalists even whom they should have coffee with and how many times they should go to the bathroom PAGE 3

One billion lek for housing -Initially, families living in former owners’ houses and those in emigrants’ homes will benefit. -The latest package provided by the government consists of a 25 percent subsidy—that is, free financial assistance for citizens—and a 75 percent interest-free loan. PAGE 2

At the conclusion of the party meetings - PD has the most realistic and forward-looking program for rapid regional development. Its determination to win stems from its organizational strength, its keeping of promises, as well as its most prominent candidates at every level of local government PAGE 3

Today in Tirana Today, the beauties of Europe will “arrive.” From midday, the Miss contestants from all European countries who will compete for Miss Europa 1996 will begin arriving at Rinas Airport.