The police state and neo-dictatorship are being put under control From the speech of MP Gramoz Ruçi. They keep a dog guarded home, but in Albania the opposite happens! The functioning of the constitution is suspended, and the individual is denigrated. The investigative authorities act in violation of the law and, moreover, convict and accuse people without evidence. Innocent people are put in prison and later released quietly; there are also those who are held indefinitely and for no reason at all. There are hundreds of such cases, and yet the authorities remain silent. Pressure is being put on the press, journalists are threatened and prevented from working, while censorship is returning in new forms. The people are growing poorer, while official propaganda speaks of democracy. In the parliamentary chamber, MP Gramoz Ruçi denounced that police control over citizens’ lives is being strengthened and that a climate of fear is being created, one that runs counter to the standards of a rule-of-law state. He said that human rights are not defended with slogans, but with institutions that respect the law, with independent courts, with a depoliticized police force and with an administration that serves the citizen. According to him, unjustified arrests, illegal searches, pressure on political opponents and interference in private life are being practiced. The deputy stressed that Albania cannot build democracy by reviving methods of the past. He called for transparency, accountability and for the state to be returned to the service of the citizen. (To be continued on page 2)

Law and the person (humor of demagoguery) On March 20, 1993, they first locked us out of our own door. Later we learned that they acted on behalf of the “Commission for the Restitution and Compensation of Property.” When I went to complain, I was told that it is not the time of law, but of decisions. The next day they cut off the electricity. I went to the relevant offices and they explained to me that electric power is a democratic freedom and that freedom may be restricted as needed. When I asked for the official report, they told me that the report is a formal document and formalities hinder reforms. In the afternoon they came and searched the house. I asked for a warrant. They said: the warrant is with us, our presence is enough for you. My wife was frightened. The children started to cry. The neighbors closed their doors. In the evening, a lawyer friend told me that I should trust the state. I told him that the state had taken my sleep, closed my door, cut my lights and put fear into my house. He smiled bitterly: “That is called transition.” (To be continued on page 4)

Meeting with the Italian delegation . The Italians emphasized that this area, and especially the south, needs a capable government that can successfully tackle the most pressing problems. They pointed out that a more functional, more honest and more accountable administration is needed in relation to citizens. The members of the delegation underlined the need for political dialogue, for strengthening public order and for the fight against corruption. It was said that the country cannot move forward with improvisation, administrative pressure or temporary solutions. One of the representatives said that Albania needs strong institutions and a government that can win the trust of its citizens. The meeting took place in an open atmosphere and with mutual interest. (To be continued on page 4)

Today the reply to the invitation from the U.S. ambassador will also be sent. There is still little information available about the details of the visit. The notices released so far state that the president will meet high-ranking officials and will hold talks on matters of mutual interest. Official circles say that the visit comes at an important time for the country’s international relations and for the government’s efforts to secure political and economic support. It is not ruled out that security and bilateral cooperation issues will also be discussed. SMALL NOTE

From the speech of MP Vili Minarolli. The deliberate destruction of parliament and the opposition is being done to the detriment of pluralism. MP Vili Minarolli declared that pressure methods, labels and exclusionary language are being used to silence every critical voice. He stressed that there can be no democracy without an opposition and without free debate. According to him, invoking dark figures from history and using them as a propaganda tool aims to intimidate political opponents and create artificial divisions in society. Minarolli said that the country needs reconciliation, tolerance and a focus on the real problems of citizens. He warned that a climate of political tension could damage institutions and weaken public trust in democratic processes. (To be continued on page 2)

From the speech of MP Ilir Mela The hopelessness of this people [?] is being used for narrow political gain. MP Ilir Mela said that citizens are tired of poverty, insecurity and the language of hate that is taking hold in public life. He called for politics to return to the problems of ordinary people and to the need for work, bread and dignity. According to him, it is not enough to speak of order and stability if people feel unprotected and trampled upon. Mela pointed out that democracy is not built on fear, but on respect for the individual and for different opinions. He called for more public responsibility, for lowering tensions and for a political culture that unites rather than divides. (To be continued on page 2)

How will it continue to be for March 27, 28, 29 [?] The weather forecast for the coming days predicts clear skies and passing clouds. In mountainous areas, light rain and a drop in temperatures are expected during the night. In the lowlands the weather will be milder, with light to moderate wind. Temperatures will fluctuate according to the region. The sea is forecast to have low to moderate waves. DAY - NIGHT max 03-17°