The prime minister is heading for the chair. The prison cells of political prisoners, the first target, but not for the democrats. Friday, the hour of the great test

On Thursday, large protests in Durrës and Elbasan On Tuesday (03.09.1998) at 18:00, rallies are being organized in the cities of Durrës and Elbasan against the Nano government, against the political programs of the opposition. Against the Nano government, against the police chief, against the violence, repression, and political persecution being exercised against the opposition political forces. According to the notice from the chairs of the PD in Durrës and Elbasan, the rallies will also be followed by other protests. At the end of the Elbasan rally, the call for support of the large protest on Friday in Tirana will be signed. According to the notice, the people of Durrës and Elbasan are determined to protest against the government that has lost legitimacy and to demand the release of political prisoners. Durrës and Elbasan are expected to become two important centers of civic resistance in the coming days.

“Union for Democracy”, with all its strength and determination, as it demonstrates every day from Albania, aware that the Albanian democratic cause is a national cause of all Albanians, just as it fulfilled its duty on 31 August, will once again be in “Skënderbej” Square for the protest rally on Friday, 4 September, at 18:00. “Union for Democracy” calls on all Albanians to take massive and determined part in the protest, the national mission to overthrow the anti-Albanian clique and bring Albania back onto the road of freedom and democracy. Law and order! Respect civic peace! Protect public and private property! Everyone to the protest, to “Skënderbej” to restore freedom! Together to triumph! ON PAGE 7

From Austria NITOLI The last chance he had been given to restore normality to the political situation after 31 August is now coming to an end. Prime Minister Fatos Nano himself, through his behavior and his stance, is rapidly consuming this chance. All the actions of recent times show that he is bringing about not only his removal from power, but also the end of his rule. The situation created after the events of 31 August is extremely grave and complicated. The civic and political reaction after the killing of Azem Hajdari and the popular uprising that followed has clearly shown that the country is in a deep crisis of trust in the government. Instead of lowering tensions and seeking a political way out, Fatos Nano has chosen the path of confrontation, accusations, and empty propaganda. He has behaved like a party leader and not like the prime minister of all Albanians. Instead of a platform of national reconciliation, he has offered only rhetoric against the opposition and excuses for the failures of his government. This is why public trust in him is in free fall. Recent events have also shown that the opposition and citizens are not simply demanding formal concessions, but real change. Political arrests, police violence, control of institutions, and the lack of transparency have turned discontent into an organized protest movement. If Nano continues to think that he can ride out this crisis with time, maneuvers, or police pressure, he is gravely mistaken. His political chances have been used up. Every passing day makes it clearer that he is no longer the solution, but part of the problem. Therefore, the question is no longer whether he will leave, but how and when. Faced with an outraged public opinion and a mobilized opposition, Nano’s end now seems only a matter of time.

ON PAGE 7

They accuse, they will never leave the duties of Nano’s government ON PAGE 7

The Ministry of the Interior’s model, the Albanian Constitution, and a living plea asks the Albanian Police for construction and maintenance ON PAGE 4

Berisha receives the Turkish Minister of State, Yücel Seckiner In yesterday’s press statement, PDSH President Berisha, on the occasion of receiving the Turkish Minister of State, Yücel Seckiner, said that Turkey, as an important country in the region, is greatly concerned about the wave of political arrests in Albania in recent days. According to him, the Turkish government and Turkish public opinion are following developments in the country with concern and are calling for respect for democratic standards. Berisha emphasized that during the meeting, the situation in Albania, the political crisis, the punishment of political opponents, and the need to restore constitutional order were discussed at length. He said that Turkish partners have expressed particular interest in the country’s stability and in the smooth running of democratic processes. For his part, the Turkish minister praised relations between the two countries and underlined the importance of preserving social and political peace. The meeting was presented as a sign of international support for respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. In the end, Berisha declared that international public opinion is becoming more and more sensitive every day to what is happening in Albania and that political arrests cannot serve as a solution to the crisis.

Chaos reigns in detentions and government promises to other political centres ON PAGE 7

Police were chasing PD members who were on their way to the 31 August podium ON PAGE 7

The special representative of the Cooperation Council with NATO points the finger at Major Salihu ON PAGE 7