Socialists against taking power through institutional means Socialists attempt to seize the Ministry of the Interior. Fino, protagonist of the scandal over the escalation of terror against democrats Socialist Skënder Gjinushi was proposed on Saturday in the election presidium on 29 March as a candidate for the post of speaker of the future parliament, thus implying that in the governing left-wing coalition he would be part of the division of posts, according to the meeting on 3 June of several members of the Forum for Democracy, together with the Socialist leader Nano, the chairman of the Democratic Alliance Ceka and the chairman of the PSD Gjinushi. The three of them together gave the order to seize the Ministry of the Interior. There, this institution was trying to manage the chaos created throughout the country on the basis of orders from the armed forces of the left-wing parties that had lost last May's elections. In the current conditions of an election campaign dominated by weapons and psychological terror against the electorate and the use of the state to obstruct free voting, the attack on the Ministry of the Interior constitutes a serious destabilizing and unconstitutional act. Sources close to this ministry said that persons linked to Socialist leaders sought to take control of the public order structures, exerting pressure on officials and attempting immediate changes in the police and administration. This move is seen as part of a scenario to seize power outside institutional channels, with the aim of controlling the electoral process and intimidating political opponents. According to the same sources, Fatos Nano's name is mentioned as the political leader of this operation, while Fino appears as one of the key protagonists on the ground. In some diplomatic circles, concern has been expressed that such developments could undermine any effort to stabilize the country and to organize free and fair elections.

President Berisha's press conference. The elections worse than in 1991 President Berisha's press conference. The elections worse than in 1991 The elections were very far from normal Meanwhile, strong and burdened with continuing and containing the events of the situation. The difficulties will be faced. I do not think you say for this extension of the difficulties how they should be faced. ON PAGE 3

PP protests against red terror Stories of violence, kidnapping, handcuffs, punishments against governments and the national public PP protests against red terror Physical violence against PD members Stories of violence, kidnapping, handcuffs, punishments against governments and the national public Before the ambassador appeared before the demonstrators, he appeared before socialist demonstrators who were overturning government offices from Elbasan to Ersekë, outside their stated and declared criteria. The People's Party had issued a strongly worded statement against the terror being exercised against members and supporters of the Democratic Party and its allies. The statement said that people were being beaten, kidnapped and mistreated simply for their political beliefs, while state structures did not intervene to protect them. PP called on domestic and international public opinion to condemn these acts and to help bring back order and the rule of law.

Fino: I am determined to destroy the Government of National Reconciliation Fino: I am determined to destroy the Government of National Reconciliation Albania, close to a coup d'état ON PAGE 3

Fino accepts the Democratic Party's proposal Ali Kazazi, Minister of the Interior On page 3 On the basis of the agreement between the force of the socialist Prime Minister, he accepted the appointment of Ali Kazazi to the post of Minister of the Interior. The text emphasizes that his name was proposed as a man capable of handling the situation and guaranteeing public order in the conditions of the unrest that was engulfing the country.

Hajdari: PD stronger and more democratic after the rebellion The socialist gang has decided to manipulate even the second count of the elections Hajdari: PD stronger and more democratic after the rebellion Çelo's escape, Fino's scenario The socialist gang has decided to manipulate even the second count of the elections At present in Tirana, Lezhë, Mamurras, Shkodër, Fier, Lushnjë, Laç and even in Burrel, on the side of the Nano-Ministry, led in every precinct, socialist gangs are trying to manipulate not only the counting, but also the process of sending the ballot boxes. This is the warning of Democratic MP Azem Hajdari, who in a statement to the media accused Fatos Nano and Bashkim Fino of being responsible for creating a climate of terror and for organizing manipulation schemes. According to him, Çelo's escape is part of a scenario prepared to distract public opinion and to justify other political moves. Hajdari said that the Democratic Party will emerge stronger after the rebellion and that democrats must keep calm and defend their vote.

Fino took responsibility for his pardons Fino took responsibility for his pardons ON PAGE 5

Around 6,000 forces do not allow manipulation of surnames The referendum arms the North Around 6,000 forces do not allow manipulation of surnames ON PAGE 4

Rauli gives it endangers the lack of observers The OSCE has no helicopter Rauli gives it endangers the lack of observers ON PAGE 4

ENGLISH RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE - Democratic Rebirth Newspaper of the Democratic Party of Albania Thursday, 3 July 1997 Price 20 lekë Main headline: Nano directs the communist coup Socialists against taking power through institutional means Socialists attempt to seize the Ministry of the Interior. Fino, protagonist of the scandal of unleashing terror against democrats. Other headlines: Voting was far from normal Violence against PD members Albania close to a coup d'état Ali Kazazi, Minister of the Interior The escape of Çelo, Fino's scenario The voting was very far from being normal ITALIANO RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE - Rinascita Democratica Giornale del Partito Democratico d'Albania Giovedì 3 luglio 1997 Prezzo 20 lekë Titolo principale: Nano dirige il colpo di stato comunista I socialisti contro la presa del potere per via istituzionale I socialisti tentano di occupare il Ministero degli Interni. Fino, protagonista dello scandalo dello scatenamento del terrore contro i democratici. Altri titoli: Le votazioni erano molto lontane dall'essere normali Violenza fisica contro i membri del PD L'Albania vicina a un colpo di stato Ali Kazazi, ministro degli Interni La fuga di Çelo, scenario di Fino