- The Chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania, FATOS NANO, told the Labour supporters in the town of Stanford that even in the days of the crisis the government has been and remains a model zone where Albanians who speak Albanian and people who speak Greek have known how to live and work together The clarifications and remarks of Mr. Bardhyl Ajeti regarding the vote on the Constitution in the referendum do not hold, because the deputies of the multiparty parliament who emerged from the first pluralist elections are more legitimate than the one-sided PD Constitution, approved without public debate and with prejudice and exclusion. The authorities and the people of every country must know that there is a great difference between the creation of terrorist parties, of a racist, xenophobic and fascist character, and that of political organizations and democratic forces. Naturally, this assessment does not concern the Labour Party, which is of left-wing and social-democratic conviction. What Mr. Ajeti says about his own death sentence is not true at all. His prison term was reduced by decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly. The fact is that under the previous regime, 739 people were sentenced to death by the Albanian justice system. Whereas today there are people who, by order of Mr. Berisha and his government, are being sentenced to hanging without trial in the middle of boulevards and squares. This has happened in the city of Shkodër, for example. We understand your dissatisfaction with what has happened in our country, also encouraged by a European press that is not inclined to notice and reflect the positive values that Albania has, but only the bad ones. It is equally fair to understand our concern about what is happening today in England, where events of this kind, God forbid, should not happen, because the entire world community is showing sensitivity toward them. Speaking about the wave of emigration, the chairman of the PS, Fatos Nano, said that the mass emigration of Albanians has been and is a serious wound for the country. Albania needs its children, their hands, minds and hearts. We understand the pain and revolt of those who were forced to leave because of misery and insecurity. Mr. Nano stressed that Albanian socialists stand for a democratic Albania, where the state does not rise above the citizen with a stick, but on law; where a person is not frightened by the police, but protected by it; where the opposition is not persecuted, but respected as a necessary part of pluralism. He said that this people no longer accepts being governed by violence and the fear of the stick. No one can impose submission on Albanians through police methods. The only path is dialogue, understanding and the free vote. In this spirit, Albanian socialists view with interest cooperation with progressive European forces and with the British Labour Party, as an important bridge for bringing Albania closer to the democratic standards of the continent. (Continues on page 7)

Why has the reform in public administration and in law-enforcement bodies still not been carried out? Why are there no concrete measures in the economy to encourage production and employment? Why do political appointments continue instead of professional criteria? These were some of the issues raised in the parliamentary debate, where opposition deputies pointed out that the government continues to govern through improvisation and propaganda. According to the speakers, citizens feel the burden of the crisis more than the fruits of reform. Salaries are not enough, prices are rising and insecurity is increasing. It was requested that the Assembly not limit itself to formal debates, but exercise full oversight over the executive. During the session it was emphasized that democracy cannot be consolidated without transparency, accountability and respect for institutions. Deputies called for decision-making not to remain hostage to party interests and the rhetoric of the day. (Continues on page 2)

A question for the head of SHIK, Bashkim Gazidede In the corridors of parliament and in other political circles, the question continues to circulate whether certain deputies are being kept under surveillance or wiretapped. This question is being publicly addressed to the head of SHIK, Mr. Bashkim Gazidede, with a request for a clear and public explanation. If such a practice exists, it runs contrary to the most basic norms of the rule of law and to the constitutional freedoms of the representatives of the people. Wiretapping deputies would be not only a political scandal, but also a threat to pluralism. Public opinion has the right to know whether security institutions are being used to protect the constitutional order or for the political persecution of the opposition. (Continues on page 2)

Pogradec — Representatives of local trade unions raised concerns about the difficult economic situation, delays in wage payments and the lack of social dialogue. According to them, workers are facing constant insecurity and a marked decline in living standards. At the meeting, it was requested that local authorities and the government listen to the voice of the unions and intervene with concrete measures to protect employment and avoid further bankruptcies. (Continues on page 7)

The Tirana Prosecutor’s Office imposes house arrest on the editor-in-chief of KOHA JONË, Aleksandër Frangaj Today, around 12:00, a summons from the prosecutor’s office arrived at the office of the editor-in-chief of the newspaper “KOHA JONË”, Mr. Aleksandër Frangaj, ordering him to appear before the judicial police after a few hours. After his appearance, the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office imposed house arrest on Mr. Frangaj until the case was clarified by the court. At the same time, it is reported that continuous institutional pressure is being exerted on the newspaper and its leaders. The case is regarded by the journalistic community as another blow to press freedom. According to the notice, the case is linked to articles published in the newspaper and to the authorities’ interpretations of editorial responsibilities. KOHA JONË, while constantly engaging in ordinary speculation, political adventures and anti-national propaganda, seriously endangers peace and stability in Albania. This sentence was used by its political opponents to justify the crackdown on the newsroom.[?] (Continues on page 3)

Discussions with friends and relatives, in cafés and on boulevards, are creating the conviction that the present time is like a dark tunnel. The meaning is that the end of this tunnel is either not visible, or very far away. As if in a wasteland, people ask what will become of them and their children. This is one of the consequences of an unacceptable economic and social situation, where hope is often replaced by daily anxiety. People want security, they want work, they want justice and a sense that the country is not sliding into an abyss. When the state fails to answer these questions, the moral foundations of society are shaken as well. (Continues on page 4)

The dilemma of transition: Shall we build this year? At the beginning of the recent past, not a few ideas circulated even in the PDS and other right-wing circles about establishing an authoritarian system under the pretext of restoring order. Today, as the transition drags on and social problems deepen, the question of the direction the country should take becomes even sharper. Albania cannot emerge from crisis through political improvisation and the sharpening of conflict. It needs functioning institutions, an economy that produces, and a culture of dialogue. (Continues on page 9)

The production plant is offering construction materials at these prices: 12 V-87 ........ 2300 12 V-84 ........ 2500 6 V-45 ......... 1400 6 V-35 ......... 650 Transport costs are not included in these prices. For wholesale or retail supply, interested parties may present themselves at the sales department. Sales are made against bank payment and with proper documentation. The plant reserves the right to change prices according to market conditions.