President Berisha meets officials from Gjirokastra At an expanded PD meeting in the Gjirokastra district, attended by local leaders, representatives of local government and state structures, President of the Republic Sali Berisha spoke at length about the situation in the country and the necessity of preserving constitutional order. He stressed that Albania is going through a difficult moment, but that the solution must be sought through institutions and not through violence and political adventures. Referring to developments in the South, Berisha stated that the groups inciting unrest and attacks on institutions are harming the national interest and are trying to turn the country back. He called them “red falanx” and urged citizens not to fall prey to provocations. The President underlined that acts of violence, arson and looting cannot be presented as civic protest, but are actions that worsen the situation and threaten people’s safety. In his speech he also mentioned the support of the European Union, describing it as a historic appeal for Albanians to preserve calm, cooperate with institutions and not isolate Albania. According to him, European partners are ready to help the country, but this requires political and civic responsibility. Berisha said that the government and institutions will make every effort to restore order and ensure the normal functioning of public life. He called on honest citizens to distance themselves from extremist calls and support the path of legality. At the end of the meeting, he also held talks with local representatives on concrete measures for stabilizing the situation in the district.

PDSSH Chairman Prof. Tritan Shehu invites PS leaders to bilateral dialogue . Following yesterday’s invitation that Prof. Rexhep Mejdani, chairman of the PDSh, extended to Mr. Sabri Godo, chairman of the Republican Party, for the creation of a Round Table of parliamentary parties, as well as for drafting a technical government with a limited time mandate, Mr. Tritan Shehu, secretary general of the PDSh, has sent this letter to the chairman of the PS, Mr. Rexhep Mejdani, in which he proposes the holding of a meeting and constructive dialogue between the two parties in order to resolve the political crisis as quickly as possible. Dear Mr. Mejdani, We have followed with attention the situation created in our country and the positions of your political force. The serious situation that has arisen is becoming a cause for concern for economic and social life, and is also affecting Albania’s reputation in the world. These developments, if not addressed with great responsibility and political maturity by all political forces, government bodies and institutions, risk taking on serious dimensions and unpredictable consequences. In this context, it seems very appropriate to us to express the full and sincere willingness of the Democratic Party, in its position as the main governing force, to contribute without any prejudice and without imposing conditions to finding a solution acceptable to all. For these reasons, and understanding that the current crisis requires deep and responsible reflection, since it has affected not only the country’s stability but also the trust of citizens, we propose an early bilateral meeting between the Democratic Party and the Socialist Party to discuss ways of overcoming the situation and the possibilities for constructive dialogue. We believe that such a meeting would help reduce tensions, send signals of calm, and establish a necessary basis for political communication. In this context, we are ready to consider any proposal of yours and to contribute responsibly toward resolving the crisis. Dialogue is the most necessary and most realistic way to avoid any further escalation of the situation. Sincerely, Tritan Shehu

The Democratic Party is the only political force that has recognized the openings and the appropriate way to overcome it

The Japanese businessman said they will study all possibilities to invest in Albania President Berisha received a group of Japanese business representatives Yesterday morning, the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, received a group of representatives, senior officials and Japanese businessmen, well acquainted with Albanian economics and information technology, Mr. Jopoz, one of the best-known figures in business with Japan. President Berisha thanked the Japanese government and state for the interest they show in Albania and assessed that their assistance in recent years has been important for our country. He also said that Albania will continue to remain an open country for foreign businesses and investments. The Japanese representatives expressed their readiness to expand economic cooperation with Albania and stated that they will carefully study all possibilities to invest in various sectors of the economy, including infrastructure, energy and manufacturing. They valued the country’s potential and the importance of stability for encouraging investment. During the meeting, developments in the country’s political and economic life and the need to support reforms were also discussed. President Berisha informed the guests about the measures being taken to guarantee order and continue the reform processes.

In the representatives of the students of Shkodra state that: the Union on the other hand has also not given many opportunities... The “Luigj Gurakuqi” University of Shkodra, closed and interrupted for several hours In the representatives of the students of Shkodra state that: the Union on the other hand has also not given many opportunities for an agreement and has calmed academic life. They deny rumors that students have gone on strike and stress that most young people want classes to continue normally. According to them, the temporary suspension of university activity was the result of the circumstances created and not of an organized decision to strike. Student representatives expressed concern about the situation and called for the university not to be used for political purposes. They called for calm and for the resumption of academic life as soon as possible. In their statements they also underlined that students do not want to become part of clashes and that they only seek normal conditions for study. On the part of the university administration, it was said that efforts are being made to normalize the situation and to bring students back into lecture halls as soon as security conditions allow.

HYSEN PËRQ[?]ONI Chairman of the Cassation Commission at the Supreme Court