Greetings from Fatos Nano Today, after discussing with the people of Tirana the problems of the capital and popularizing his candidacy and that of his comrades, the general secretary of the Socialist Party, Fatos Nano, held a rally last night with the residents of the “Ali Demi” neighborhood. Speaking before hundreds gathered there, comrade Fatos Nano said that everyone has now clearly understood that Albania’s work is not done with hatred and resentment, but with prudence and wisdom, with work and with a sense of patriotism. Democracy, he continued, can win only by respecting itself and by respecting every progressive political force. We, he said, are facing today a bleak reality, which is the result of a voluntarist policy implemented for half a century. Therefore, the Socialist Party should not be blamed for the evil that has befallen the country. Continuing his remarks, Mr. Nano said that the measures being taken against the Socialist Party to block its electoral activities speak for themselves about the fear and insecurity of its opponents regarding their own victory. Mr. Nano cited as an example the slanders published against him and his family in the newspaper “Republika”. He pointed out that the face of the Socialist Party’s opponents is now being openly displayed, for whom democracy and fair competition represent only a means of striving for power. Criticizing the stance of political opponents, Mr. Nano emphasized that “victory is so certain that they can touch it with their hands, but they use freedom to distort it.” Turning to the economy, he said that the greatest challenge for the country today is the fight against poverty and unemployment, and that an Albanian family cannot be sustained by demagogic propaganda. In the end he asked the citizens of Tirana to cast their vote for the Socialist Party with prudence and determination. (Continues on page 3)

From the statement of the Presidium Ramiz Alia at the Press Conference Briefly from the statement of the Presidium Ramiz Alia during the press conference. (Continues on page 3)

Interview with Mr. Gani Ayseni, a political persecuted person who served a 26-year sentence in the “Armësimi” prison in Burrel Interview with Mr. Gani Ayseni, a political persecuted person who served 26 years in the prison of “Armësimi” in Burrel. May this democracy never come! — Did they organize the rallies for the celebration for us, or did people who signed and seemed like communists do it? They would put even socialists among the people. The interview with Mr. Gani Ayseni, a political persecuted person who served 26 years in the prison of Burrel and known for his anti-communist stance, has not spared criticism of the Democratic Party and its methods. Mr. Ayseni speaks about personal experiences, about pressures, manipulations, and a political climate that in his view has nothing to do with democracy. He states that many of those who today speak in the name of freedom are using violent and blackmailing methods. (Continues on page 3)

Letter to the editor What has been happening to our newspaper for several hours now is a shameful act. This refers to the blocking of its distribution in certain cities and to pressure on its circulation. Such actions run counter to press freedom and the public’s right to be informed. They show political nervousness and an inability to face different opinions. In a democratic society, no one should fear the free word. (Continues on page 3)

Yesterday, a promotional event was organized in the city library hall, attracting the attention of the public. The participants praised the work and dedication of the authors and organizers. The meeting took place in a warm and interested atmosphere. (Continues on page 3)

Yesterday, at the press conference, the chairman of the judges’ assembly at the Supreme Court, Mr. Zef Brozi, made known that, thanks to article 1900, the People’s Assembly is still continuing to keep senior judges in office without a decree. Speaking in tones of protest and dissatisfaction, Brozi said that “it is immoral to promise the public that justice will be reformed while, on the other hand, judges who more than anyone else are themselves deeply implicated are left in office”. (Continues on page 6)