The killer of the guardsmen received Meidani during the election campaign. Cerimika-siti of Vlora? A rescue from the terror of criminals for the President and Ceka The killer of the guardsmen received Meidani during the election campaign. Cërrika-siti of Vlora? A rescue from the terror of criminals for the President and Ceka The insulted government builds servility The insulted government builds servility It has begun with many incapable political and government monsters. In circumstances where public opinion and the domestic public see the government as timid, the government? S. Troja? The outbreak of this situation has a clear reason: the swift solution to the country’s anxiety cannot come from a government that stems not from the free vote of Albanians, but from the cynical calculations of a left-wing alliance with the insurgents of the south. The very composition of the government, made with the open participation of persons with known records, proves its inability to bring order and calm. Instead of guaranteeing order and calm, the Nano government has turned into the customs office of “Take advantage as much as you can”. Government officials, former local commanders and people linked to criminal schemes are lining up in the administration. The people who once incited hatred against the state are now being embraced by the President and presented as a “stability factor”. That is why the families of the victims and honest citizens feel betrayed. The photo shows the meeting of President Meidani with one of the persons accused of killing guardsmen. This meeting, held during the election campaign, has become a symbol of a shameful coexistence between new politics and old violence. BY R.D. President Meidani’s meeting with an accused person [?]

It has begun with many incapable political and government monsters. In circumstances where public opinion notes that the government is willing to tolerate and use elements of armed schemes, every promise of restoring order sounds empty. Its representatives are appearing at meetings with individuals suspected of serious acts, while citizens remain without security. In many areas, commissioners and local administrators have been replaced by militants. On the one hand, reconciliation and dialogue are spoken of; on the other, people who have taken part in kidnappings, robberies and acts of terror are being favoured. This makes the government not a solution, but part of the crisis. Instead of distancing itself from the murderers of the guardsmen, the President and other leaders have legitimized them in public. This has angered not only the opposition, but also a broad segment of society. BY R.D.

Details on cigarette smuggling at Qafë Thanë. The Nano government at its head Cigarette smuggling, which for a period has been developing in the country under the names of anonymous suspects, has taken new forms. Anyone who asks how goods are moved across should carefully look at who commands the customs posts and police stations. In Qafë Thanë, under the shadow of new schemes, people linked to local leaders and political circles are suspected of operating. Shortly after the new appointment, in various circles it was said that the government had placed “partner” people in key positions, capable of turning a blind eye to smuggling. According to sources, this has led to an increase in the circulation of smuggled cigarettes and the profits of groups linked to power. In Elbasan, the police station and the customs office are mentioned as links in the same chain. Honest citizens and businesses pay the price of this alliance between the administration and illegal networks. ON PAGE 3

A bunch of people together? people in the leadership of the socialists The Socialist leader, Fatos Nano, is continuing the series of unwanted “purges”, appointing people close to him to important posts. As long as they are obedient and ready to defend every decision of the centre, even when it goes against the public interest. The inclusion in the leadership of figures with a suspicious past, who became well known during the crisis, is turning the party into a clientelist mechanism. According to critics, Nano no longer seeks representation, but submission. This has created tension among the socialists and fear among ordinary supporters, who see the leadership being monopolized by a handful of people. ON PAGE 3

The Alliance of Socialists of Albania protests against the dismissal of the Director General of RTSH The Alliance of Socialists expresses concern over political interference in Albanian Radio Television and over attempts to turn it into a mouthpiece of power. According to it, the recent dismissals and appointments have been made not on professional criteria, but on political loyalty. Representatives of this alliance warn that the independence of the institution is at risk and that the public media is losing its informational function. They call for respect for the law and an end to political pressure on RTSH. The protest comes at a time when the public opinion more than ever needs a reliable and independent media. ON PAGE 2

“Pafner” entered the customs office and the Elbasan police station! ! ON PAGE 4

Transparency blocks the lawsuits over clerical fraud? carries on from the Socialist Party ON PAGE 4

The 4 names are known, and 11 August 1997 is the deadline for the 11,000 decisions for Tirana and Qerret of the National Council of the Democratic Party. The agenda will be: - the political situation in the country and - the stance of the PDSH toward Parliament