The European troika rebukes the government for the situation in Albania: severe political, economic and social conditions, and lack of security Berisha values the European trio's package. It should not compromise the independence of the courts. Administration, ten noes in the offices of the Socialist Party. The return of Sigurimi men to the armed forces must stop The European troika rebukes the government for the situation in Albania: severe political, economic and social conditions, and lack of security Berisha values the European trio's package. It should not compromise the independence of the courts. Administration, ten noes in the offices of the Socialist Party. The return of Sigurimi men to the armed forces must stop Iron advice After making a brief analysis of the situation in Albania, including a comparison with the previous period, the European troika presents a series of strong demands to the government, especially regarding the return of calm and security in the country, the re-establishment of the rule of law, respect for the independence of the powers and particularly the judiciary. In the document made public and distributed yesterday, the statement by the mission of the governments of Luxembourg, Great Britain and Austria on behalf of the European Union calls on the Albanian government to take the necessary steps to build, improve and strengthen its structures. According to the troika, the main challenges facing the Albanian government today are public order, the economy and national reconciliation, but priority must be given to guaranteeing security, social peace, the efficiency of the administration, judicial reform and respect for human rights and freedoms. At the same time, it considers that efforts to resolve the crisis in Kosovo by political means must be accelerated. In practical terms, the government in Tirana is asked to urgently focus its efforts on strengthening security and public order in the country, as well as guaranteeing citizens protection from ongoing criminal threats. According to the troika, such a step first and foremost requires the security and impartiality of the police, which must serve the law and the respect of human rights rather than play an aggressive, arbitrary and political role, as it has been used until now. 29 June and the referendum The European troika has asked the Albanian authorities to strictly respect the mandates arising from the elections of 29 June and the referendum of 29 November on the constitution. This is truly an important and necessary step for preserving and developing the pluralist constitutional state in Albania, the document notes. This is why the mission places special emphasis on the need to strengthen Parliament, the legislative body, as an independent institution representing the votes of the people. It also recommends increasing Parliament's oversight role, as well as strengthening the independence of the judiciary. Purging the administration Special priority should also be given to creating a professional, impartial and efficient public administration. According to the troika, this means a civil service free from party influence, purging the administration of incompetent and corrupt officials, and replacing them with capable and honest people. The European mission stresses that Albanian institutions must act transparently and in accordance with the law. Sheh: The independence of the courts must not be undermined Former British Prime Minister Sheh, who heads the European troika, stated yesterday that any judicial reform must be in line with European standards and must in no way undermine the independence of the courts. He stressed that citizens' trust in justice can only be restored if judges are free from political pressure and executive interference. Administration, ten noes in the offices of the Socialist Party In comments made after the meetings in Tirana, former Austrian president Klestil criticized the fact that the Albanian public administration is being used as a party instrument rather than as a service to citizens. According to him, the offices of the Socialist Party cannot serve as a filter for appointments and dismissals in the state sector. The return of Sigurimi men to the armed forces must stop The troika also expressed concern about the return of former State Security officials to important posts in the armed forces and security services. According to the statement, such a practice undermines public trust and runs counter to efforts to democratize the institutions. Sam NEZA OSCE Mr. Michael OSCI Mr. Alois Mock [?] A. Klestil [?]

"Bashkimi per Demokraci" supports the demands of the striking jurists and former persecuted persons The Democratic Party and its allies are the organizers and leaders of the hunger strike in defense of Albanian democracy NOTICE Today, 24 January 1998 at 12:00, as a sign of disagreement with police terror, the district branches of the Democratic Party, the leaderships of the democracy sections and the youth clubs of the entire "Bashkimi per Demokraci" will take part in the rally organized in the square in front of the Prime Minister's Office, in support of the hunger strike. All democrats and members of "Bashkimi per Demokraci" must gather in front of the PD central headquarters at 11:00. They will then proceed together to the rally site. "Bashkimi per Demokraci" calls on all the people of Tirana and all Albanian citizens to come out in protest against police violence and terror, in defense of Albanian democracy

Shvelen: Constitution only by referendum Foreign representatives strongly criticized the government, but yesterday there was no official communiqué about the results of the meetings. At the end of the many meetings with figures from Albanian politics, the Austrian ambassador in Tirana, Wolfgang Petritsch, said that a constitutional process cannot move forward without the participation of the opposition. According to him, the constitution must be submitted to a referendum and not be the product of a temporary parliamentary majority. He stressed that political consensus remains a fundamental condition for the country's long-term stability.

Shkodër accuses Nano and Çeka. Deputies from Shkodër demand the dismissal of Çeka and criminal prosecution for defamation The government and the President are closing the doors to Shkodër ON PAGE 3

Berisha's speech and the State Department statement are censored The authorities are preventing, by every possible means, the country's deep political crisis and insecurity from being reported Free information according to the standards of the troika, “Voice of America” broadcast yesterday and, according to its usual practice, published the themes and questions of the interview with Sali Berisha about the latest political developments in the country. It also published yesterday the statement of the U.S. State Department on Albania. However, this could not be followed normally in Albania, because the frequencies of this station were jammed. This method, which resembles the censorship practices of the dictatorship era, has been used to prevent Albanian listeners from receiving independent information. According to initial reactions, this action shows the authorities' fear of free speech and of the coverage of the country's political and security crisis by the international media.

Another attack on the security forces His blood and rage have recorded 74 policemen killed and over 100 wounded Another attack on the security forces Since the beginning of this year, firearms have been used against the security forces in the area, while in Lushnje another police officer was injured. According to preliminary data, the incidents are part of a new wave of violence against the police. His blood and rage have recorded 74 policemen killed and over 100 wounded ON PAGE 4

Striking judges sign Nonon The strikers welcome the troika's statements on the judiciary issue the troika on the judiciary issue to the troika and the troika to the jurists for offering a compromise ON PAGE 5

It is learned that in Parisé Socialiste, the president of the USA, European president, vice-president of the USA, president of the Socialist Party, will carry out a private-official visit. This visit of theirs comes after... [?] ON PAGE 4