Statement by former Minister of Defense, Safet Zhulali The newspaper “Zëri i Popullit” of Wednesday, 26 August 1998, is making real what yesterday the chairman of the Socialist Party, Fatos Nano, was telling foreign journalists: that “there will be no rest until Berisha is thrown in prison.” Such a Stalinist order, which strikes not only the opposition as a whole but all Albanian citizens who think differently from Nano, is being carried out as part of a scenario prepared long in advance. As former Minister of Defense, I consider the criminal charge process against me completely absurd and ridiculous, according to which I supposedly caused economic damage to the state by failing to supply food to the military unit “Labiot”. This is part of the same scenario that seeks to divert public attention from the government’s failures and strike political opponents with fabricated accusations. The proceedings brought against me have no legal basis and no evidence whatsoever. They aim to use justice as a political instrument. I have acted in accordance with the laws and regulations in force and am ready to face any honest and impartial investigation. ON PAGE 2

PD protests against the police violence used last night against protesters Yesterday, in the late afternoon, police and SHIK forces used brutal violence against peaceful protesters gathered in the center of Tirana. Reacting to this event, the Democratic Party strongly condemns this repressive act and considers it evidence of the authorities’ fear in the face of civic protest. According to the PD, the violence used is intended to frighten citizens and prevent participation in the announced demonstration. The Democratic Party calls on all state structures to renounce the use of force and respect citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly. It also asks public opinion and international actors to closely follow developments and condemn human rights violations. This reaction comes after several repeated episodes of police violence during the last few days in Tirana. ON PAGE 2

The chairman of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, together with the secretary for external relations, Genc Pollo, left yesterday for a working visit to Germany. According to the announcement, during this visit meetings will be held with important German political and institutional representatives. The visit is considered part of the PD’s efforts to strengthen international relations and to inform Western partners about political developments in Albania. From the PRESS HEAD

PD deputy meets Italian representative[?] and the government’s foreign minister The chairman of the Democratic Party branch in Italy, Mr. Visar Hoda[?], met with the Italian MP Melo, who expressed concern about the arrests and the escalation of political tension in Albania. According to the announcement, Melo stated that Nano must not imprison political opponents and that respect for democratic rights is a necessary condition for stability. The meeting also discussed the situation of Albanian emigrants in Italy and the need for international support for the Albanian opposition.

Anonymous phone call plots the attack against democrats In another episode of political tension, a telephone threat was reported against a venue linked to opposition supporters. According to the newspaper’s sources, the anonymous phone call warned of acts of violence and aimed to spread panic. The article connects this event with the climate of incitement and political intimidation that, according to it, is fueled by Fatos Nano’s power. The incident is presented as further proof of psychological terrorism against democrats. ON PAGE 6

Telefoni i panon projektit të rrëzuar kundër demokratëve Telefoni anonim projekton[?] rrëzimin kundër demokratëve Në një tjetër episod të tensionit politik, një kërcënim me telefon është raportuar ndaj një lokali të lidhur me mbështetës të opozitës. Sipas burimeve të gazetës, telefonata anonime paralajmëronte akte dhune dhe synonte të përhapte panik. Shkrimi e lidh këtë ngjarje me klimën e nxitjes dhe frikësimit politik që, sipas tij, ushqehet nga pushteti i Fatos Nanos. Ngjarja paraqitet si një tjetër provë e terrorizmit psikologjik ndaj demokratëve. NE FAQEN 6

The US is seriously examining Berisha’s accusations American expert rejects Akçin The US is seriously examining Berisha’s accusations ON PAGE 3

Money “laundering” threatens banks Bank of Albania sounds the alarm Money “laundering” threatens banks ON PAGE 5

Powerful protest by the capital’s democrats: Tens of thousands of demonstrators demand the removal of Fatos Nano and the release of political prisoners Police stop, mistreat and bloody peaceful protesters. More than twenty people were arrested, three of them in a coma and dozens injured as a result of police violence. SHIK and special forces are ordered to load their weapons. Troops from the Greek complex recruit are put in by Nano Nano is seeking destabilization Among those arrested, some are undergoing an operation at the military hospital because of the wounds they received. Gangs, police officers and soldiers in uniform held yesterday’s demonstration. SHIK special forces, military police and civilians armed with helmets and rubber sticks prevented the development of a peaceful demonstration in support of the release of political prisoners. According to the Democratic Party press release, Tirana police had taken measures to ensure that no gathering would take place in “Skanderbeg” Square. All people heading toward that square were followed by secret service agents, police officers and infiltrated thugs so as not to allow them to join the square. Police stopped and beat many protesters with rubber sticks as soon as they gathered in front of the National Historical Museum. The arrested were taken away their identity cards and warned not to take part in the protest. These arbitrary acts provoked the reaction of the protesters, who stood firm in the square and blocked traffic. At first, the police stood by and watched the protesters sitting cross-legged in the middle of the square. Then the SHIK helmets, special police, military police and civilians armed with rubber sticks attacked the protesters with brutality. At least 20 protesters have been arrested, some of them were taken to the Tirana Police Directorate, while the police prevented family members and lawyers from finding out what had happened to them. Among those arrested is also the leader of the Youth Forum of the Democratic Party, Belind Këlliçi[?]. According to Democratic Party sources, the injured were taken to the military hospital, where they were kept under supervision. Some of them are in serious condition and three are in a coma. The press and independent media were prevented from filming and photographing the police violence. Yesterday’s protest is a warning for the big demonstration of 31 August. Facing and photographs the peaceful protesters.