Interview with Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi PS does not exist PS has long been completely absorbed in the election preparations for the twentieth anniversary of the same party. The press close to its structures has been alarmed by the statements of its representatives, with a barrage of accusations. But it does so with falsehoods. Behind this lie either a lack of arguments or a lack of professional competence and, in other cases, an attempt merely to be as sensational as possible. This has often made its daily paper take on the character of a shameless organ of denunciation. Likewise, the press close to the left has this week targeted the country's prime minister, denying that he had made, even privately, a trip to Italy. Investigations have shown that this is an invention, a vile and disgusting slander. A slander that goes so far as to accuse the prime minister's family members as well, labeling them as market manipulators, even of oil. It is known that this kind of writing seeks to create in public opinion the idea of a mafia network, but in the meantime it provides no facts. These repeated allusions and accusations have a clearly electoral and propagandistic spirit. They aim to create the impression of a country in crisis and a government that has been delegitimized. But the truth is that the government has undertaken important reforms and the country has entered a new phase of institutional consolidation. Question: Do you think the government is also very shaky? Why, perhaps, yes? Answer: First, the government is legitimate, having come to office through the vote, and second, it has achieved a series of results that cannot be denied. Despite the difficulties of the transition, progress is evident in several areas. Question: Let us not forget that the local elections will be an important test. Answer: Exactly. Without local democracy there is no real democracy. Local government elected by citizens and with real powers is fundamental to the democratic state. We are determined to move forward with decentralization, with the strengthening of municipalities and communes, and with guaranteeing fair electoral competition. PAGE 3

The speech of writer Ismail Kadare at the ceremony of admission to the French Academy of Moral and Political Sciences I have accepted to share the destiny of the people I belong to The speech of writer Ismail Kadare at the ceremony of admission to the French Academy of Moral and Political Sciences PAGE 5

The seminar defines development strategies The seminar on Albanian energy policy for a shared future has concluded PAGE 2

PAGE 3 The Durrës Committee of the socialists dismisses the PS leadership “de facto” Top leaders punish the socialist base Meta, Haljaçaga and two others demand the resignation of the leadership -Jupa, Braci, and the delegates? free local and regional elections possible and PS in annihilates the defeat of PS Nano and the new leadership of the socialists -Doke ready to resign too if followed also by Hajdari and others

Cultural Panorama PAGE 2 The underground university, in 100 buildings Cultural Panorama PAGES 5-7

Stoyanov opinion Mr. Chairman of the center of decision, empty PAGE 10