Interview with Dr. Pëllumb, Dr. Kastriot Islami and MP Vili Minarolli, regarding the meeting organized by the president on the problems of local government. LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNBLOCKING - THE KEY CONDITION OF DEMOCRACY Interview with Dr. Pëllumb, Dr. Kastriot Islami and MP Vili Minarolli, regarding the meeting organized by the president on the problems of local government. Question: In your opinion, will these issues be resolved after this meeting? More importantly, what guarantee is there that this government will take the issue of local government seriously? V. Minarolli: In fact, to call the Albanian government a "government" is an absurdity. It is a government without a program, without a term, without powers and without authority. Therefore, it handles issues case by case, without an overall vision. In this sense, the meeting organized by the president also has its value, but only if it serves as a push for a real reform of local government. K. Islami: The problem of local government has remained formal for a long time. Meanwhile, in Albania political and economic relations are changing, the legal and institutional basis of local government remains weak. It is necessary to define clearly the powers, financial resources and relations with the central government. Pëllumb: I think that democratization cannot be understood without decentralization. Local government is the first school of citizenship. If citizens do not feel that they can influence the decisions made near them, then democracy remains a hollow formula. Question: But is there political will to carry out this reform? V. Minarolli: Political will is proven with laws and with the budget. So far much has been said, but local government has been left without the minimum means. If the commune or municipality has no income, has no trained administration, has no legal clarity, it cannot meet its responsibilities. K. Islami: The way control over local government has been conceived also often creates dependence and not responsibility. The reform must avoid both local anarchy and excessive centralization. Pëllumb: It seems important to me that this issue should not remain a topic only of the capital. Local government is a problem of the village, of the small town and of every center where people expect services, investment and representation. (To be continued on page 7)

To Mr. Sali Berisha, President of the Republic of Albania I AM NOT TO BLAME IF I FIND THINGS AS IF A HEAVY HAND HAD FALLEN ON THEM... To Mr. Sali Berisha, President of the Republic of Albania On 20 January 1992 I sent this letter by post to the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha. I am now publishing it so that public opinion may become aware of my concerns and judge how the president acted in this case. On 25 December 1990 I went on a hunger strike to demand my rights as a former political prisoner and those of my family. Of the requests I had made, some were not taken into account at all. Later, in February 1991, I sent a series of letters and requests to the relevant institutions, but without obtaining any solution. In January 1992 I addressed the president. In the letter I explained in detail what injustices had been committed, how compensation had been delayed, how the recognition of my status had been dragged out, and how my right had been left unanswered. I asked for only one thing: that the law be applied. But once again, silence was the answer. This forced me today to make this letter public. I do not do it out of resentment, but out of the conviction that the citizen must be heard and that the office of the president cannot stand far from the concrete problems of people. I do not ask for mercy, but for justice. I hope that public opinion will understand that the silence of institutions is just as serious as injustice itself. Adem YOSHI (text published in abridged form)

Yesterday the Socialist parliamentary group held a pa- rlimentary meeting. The chairman of the National Assembly, Sabri Godo announced that the chairman of the Economic Commission, Neli Keta, with 9 signatories were being re-elected. The members for the rapporteurs have been detached from the people was discussed about the problems of our drafting. What was said in these official meetings is procedural in nature, but clearly has to do with the functioning of the institutions and with the relations between the majority and the opposition. (To be continued on page 4)

Yesterday, a peaceful rally organized by the local structures of the Socialist Party was held in the center of Korçë. At this gathering, many citizens peacefully expressed their dissatisfaction with the economic situation and the social difficulties the country is experiencing. Speakers called for a reduction in political tension, respect for democratic freedoms, and dialogue-based solutions to disagreements. It was stressed that poverty and unemployment are worsening families' conditions and that the government must take responsibility for unfulfilled promises. The rally took place without incidents and under the watch of the security forces. Participants dispersed calmly after the meeting ended.

Ministerial scandal, plagiarism or a fabrication by the Greek press Regarding the article published in MOS TITOFS, with the title “With Uncle Niko Agjepi, former chairman of the cooperative in the village of Gllava, on his side, Vangjel Nasi, The eyes of his chairman we do not have”, in the Athens newspaper dated 26.2.1993, I cannot help but stop with regret to say: “What is the real news?” In my comment I want to emphasize that, having known Mr. Aqif Shpataraku closely, it seems to me in no way believable that he would have said what is attributed to him. Known as a measured person with experience in administration, he would not have fallen into such an irresponsible wording. On the other hand, the possibility cannot be ruled out either that the interview was distorted or fabricated by the newspaper itself. If there really exists an authentic text, the Albanian institutions must clarify their position immediately. If not, then we are dealing with a fabrication of the Greek press that aims to create confusion and unnecessary tension. Public opinion needs facts, not speculation. (To be continued on page 7)

Is President Berisha in Havasan? According to sources from the League of Human Rights, chairman Adem Jashari has stated that President Berisha has not responded to the many complaints coming from various circles. In the material sent to the press, it is said that many citizens have asked the head of state to intervene on social problems, injustices and violations of the law, but have received no answer. It is also stated that the silence of institutions is pushing people into distrust and despair. The article calls on the Presidency to be closer to citizens and not to behave like a closed institution. (abridged text)

A government trick Right from the beginning I want to tell you that what seems to me to be 400 new lek that the government receives today with a bill.

1. S-5 [?] in Italy [?] our operating system. 2. The year, na maimontim ku steset eba, poplës ko- zau [?] and city [?]. systems of trivezo s [?] i writing and service [?] with pletesës [?] e j Shëndrë e p. pitalit. 3. Also in this system [?] of the numbers more service e p. piatli. 4. Interested parties can call on the phone no. 20-35.