- Azem Hajdari and the director of police at the Ministry of Public Order, Agim Shehu, intercept 2,500 pages of archival material at Rinas, but the archive thieves Luan Malltezi and Nevila Nika “escape” and leave the country!... - - The state authorities remain silent?! The Director General of the State Archives, Mr. Luan Malltezi, appointed to this post solely for his distinguished contribution to the Democratic Party as one of its fervent representatives, together with the daughter of the professor in the presidential cabinet and the henchman who attacked Rexhep Qosja, Mrs. Nevila Nika, were caught a few days ago at Rinas Airport with 2,500 pages of stolen archival material. They were about to leave the country, but thanks to the skills of Azem Hajdari and Agim Shehu, they were caught like fish in a net, together with the evidence of the theft. But only for one day. The day after the incident, both archive thieves left, and are now outside Albania, calm, happy and cheerful. Because they could very well have been under arrest and made to account for and explain everything that happened and what needed to happen. Much as curiosity may be natural, we are not very interested in the information channel that alerted Mr. Hajdari. What matters is that the latter took the information seriously and took the necessary measures to prevent the thieves from completing their illegal act. The documents were intercepted, but not Luan Malltezi and Nevila Nika, who under no circumstances should have been allowed to leave for their destination without explaining everything in detail. Did Mr. Hajdari, and with him Agim Shehu, who is a specialist, not know this? Surely they did, just as they know that under the law anyone who attempts to steal (that is, attempts it without yet having completed the theft) 200 or 300 lekë from a citizen’s pockets must be detained and handed over to the investigators. We are not calling for their return to Albania, especially since it is known where they are. This is only the first step. After what happened, it is right to ask: Is this the first time the archive has been robbed? Who can guarantee that he did not act in the same way before Luan Malltezi and his associates were caught? So far we know that he has stolen, and this is no small matter; from what is known, we can move on to what is unknown. We also know that he is on the National Council of the DP. Just imagine if he had been a member of the SP and this had happened! It was said that the documents were taken to be sent to France under an agreement signed earlier. Very well. Where is the agreement? What does it say? If an agreement had been reached to transfer archival documents (which I do not think is true), why was proper documentation not kept? Why were all departures not recorded? We all know that to borrow a book from a school or workplace library (let alone the National Library), you have to present your identity card, record all the book’s details and, finally, sign. Do Mr. Malltezi and those who sent them abroad not know this? Have these gentlemen never had occasion to borrow a book from a library? There has been much talk, in an accusatory tone, about the theft of gold. There has been, and continues to be, talk of red corruption and other such things; but while all this amounts only to words, when it comes to what we are calling blue corruption, where there are [unclear] and exact names, there is silence; people play the fool and pretend they know nothing!... A case of archive theft has been made public, and it is not one bit less serious than the theft of gold, yet the state authorities remain silent. The Government, Parliament and President, who made Luan Malltezi a director, instead of sounding the alarm and bringing him back to Albania overnight, let the newspapers [unclear]. Why this attitude? What was hidden in those documents? Who benefits from their disappearance? And who benefits from the silence of those in power? Could it be that Luan Malltezi took on this mission on his own? Who is his patron? As can be seen, there are a host of problems awaiting resolution. There are dozens of questions that demand answers, many enigmas that point only to Luan Malltezi, who apparently has been chosen as the scapegoat—but what of those behind him, wherever they may be. Didn’t Mr. Hajdari know this, and Agim Shehu along with him, as a specialist? Surely they knew, attempts to steal—even a person who tries, without yet completing the theft, to take 200 or 300 lek from a citizen’s pocket—must be detained and handed over to the investigators. So why did they not act? Why was “vigilance relaxed”? Why were their eyes closed and the aircraft doors opened? And worse still, why was the incident not made public on the very evening it happened? So the issue is not as simple as the author—who, on orders from above, puts forward the false notification in order to exonerate the SH—may make it seem; nor is it as simple as the gentlemen of the Democratic Party in power want to portray it. It is not known why they are keeping silent… The case of Luan Malltezi and Nevila Nika is unique in the entire history of the world’s archives. Their act is blatant and unlawful. It was carried out with full awareness and complete composure, not “with indirect intent.” Therefore, if Azem Hajdari and Agim Shehu, through their inaction, helped them escape the following day, that does not mean that the state and its specialized agencies should remain silent, and

Yesterday afternoon, the president of the European Parliament, Dr. Egon Klepsh, arrived in Albania for a three-day visit. His visit will be marked [?] by a packed schedule of various meetings and visits. Yesterday he met and held talks with the Speaker of the People’s Assembly, Pjetër Arbnori, with the chairmen of the parliamentary groups, etc. Today he will hold a series of meetings with President Borisha, Prime Minister Meksi, Foreign Minister Serreqi, the heads of religious committees in Albania, etc. Among today’s events, his address to the People’s Assembly at ten o’clock stands out. Tomorrow, according to the program, he will visit the city of Shkodër and Ishull Lezhë.

. Yesterday Dr. Egon Klepsh, president of the European Parliament, arrived in Tirana. The president of the European Parliament, Dr. Egon Klepsh, was born on January 30, 1930, in Bodenbach (Elbe). He studied history, political science and geography, in which fields he also earned a doctorate, and has been a member of the CDU (Christian Democratic Union) since 1951. In 1963–1969, he was Federal Chairman of the Young Christian Democrats; in 1964–1970, chairman of the European Union of Young Christian Democrats (EUYCD); from 1977 until January 1992, vice-president of the European People’s Party; and since June 1992, a member of the Bureau of the European People’s Party. He was a member of the Bundestag in 1965–1980, chairman of the CDU-CSU Parliamentary Group’s Working Party on Defence Policy in the Bundestag in 1978–1980, and a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and of the Western European Union in 1969–1980. He was a member of the European Parliament (not directly elected— (Continued on page 4)

- Excerpts from the statement by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Aleksandër Meksi, concerning the Greek government’s latest positions, announced by Prime Minister Micotaqis - The statement by Prime Minister Meksi says, among other things: The Albanian government, motivated by its desire to have good relations with neighboring Greece, made concrete efforts over the past week to resolve problems through negotiations. But, in open contradiction to this desire for dialogue and understanding, Prime Minister Micotaqis announced in his statements a platform for a new orientation of the Greek government’s policy toward our country, marked by the following. First, the sudden official endorsement of the “Northern Epirus” claim, which until yesterday was the policy of Greece’s ultranationalist circles, as the Greek government itself has repeatedly acknowledged. Second, the abuse of the issue of the rights of the Greek minority in Albania, with the unfounded claim that it is supposedly being oppressed, although until yesterday the Government of Albania expressed its firm protest against the Greek prime minister’s statements, in which ethnic, religious and border issues similar to those raised in the conflict-ridden regions of the former Yugoslavia are being raised in connection with Albanian-Greek relations. Contrary to his previous positions, Prime Minister Micotaqis speaks of “Northern Epirus,” which was annexed to Albania in 1913,” thereby elevating the positions of Greek ultranationalist circles to the level of official policy. This new position expresses claims to Albanian territory and is a blow to stability in the southern Balkans. We want to remind the Greek prime minister that 1913 was the year Albanian lands were partitioned on all sides; that there is no such problem in present-day Albania, because our country will not allow this from Greece [text unclear]. Besides violating its bilateral commitments, this also runs counter to the recognized principles of the CSCE and the Council of Europe, as well as the UN Charter. We also point out that 1913, which is mentioned in the Greek prime minister’s statement, was the year Greek irregulars invaded southern Albania. We believe that expansionist ambitions are extremely dangerous. Greece is one of the countries that has learned this lesson very well, not only in the first half of this century, but also in its final decades. Someone in Greece may even have thought that, just like his friends in Belgrade, he could write—and have written—history. But we warn that this dangerous game in the southern Balkans will exact a heavy price from everyone. History is there to teach lessons. Secondly, Greek minority in Albania, with the baseless claim that it is supposedly oppressed, even though until yesterday the Greek government and Prime Minister Micotaqis himself had expressed entirely different views about the freedoms and rights enjoyed by the Greek minority in Albania’s new democratic reality. Thirdly, the aim and determination to destabilize the Balkan region at all costs.

DIBËR The cashbox and documents of the Kastriot commune are stolen Numerous reports originating from Mr. Kandri, Kastrioti and other villages in the commune confirm the truth of the news spreading from house to house across Dibër that such an incident took place in the Kastriot commune. The commune’s cashbox was broken open. Along with the money (around 11 million old lekë, according to reports), various documents were also stolen, including the employees’ payroll records. Teachers, who make up most of the staff working in this commune, as well as other employees, are said not to have received their monthly salary. [The text is corrupted/unclear: “Neoklasic administratën e kësaj komune me 26 korrik pushtetin e mori pushteti, në ekuilibër e zyrtarëve, është në skandalin…”] No official account of this incident has so far been given, either by the district or by the village.

I feel almost terrified by the pressure being exerted on me by the authorities and the police. I feel almost terrified by the pressure being exerted on me by the authorities and the police, who want to force me out of my home. I am astonished; I do not know what to call such an action. The home is mine; the authorities gave it to me 10 years ago. Yet those in power are pressuring me to leave by force. How can you leave your own home? Or suppose I do leave—where would I go? Some of my neighbors who were forcibly evicted have been taken to places that are a disgrace to look at, given the conditions they live in. Representatives of the authorities come one after another. I show them the authorization, signed and stamped, and so they are forced to turn back. But they come again, carrying out the orders of those who sent them. What am I to do—can I withstand this daily pressure? I have gone to the neighborhood, to the Municipality and elsewhere, but no one has protected me. How much longer will this torture continue?

More than 200 workers of the former NB Uznovë came a few days ago (12.7) in front of the Berat Municipality and protested vehemently, first of all against the termination of social assistance, which has not been replaced by economic aid, which comes into effect on 1 July. Secondly, against the injustices caused by the land distribution commission. Thirdly, against the serious injustices committed in distributing the assets of the former NB, as well as the dismissal of all the workers of this former Uznovë who work at the combine and receive 245 m kartor of land, and the taking of 13 ha of wheat by the commission chairman, Muharrem Ago, and the destruction of Uznovë’s large greenhouses. For a few minutes the situation grew tense and the workers began cursing and venting their anger at the corrupt people encouraged by the DP. The workers demanded at all costs to meet the mayor, Mr. Ylli Ruli. The police also became involved in this tense situation. They arrived immediately and restored some calm without confronting the workers, explaining to them that the existing rules for mass complaints must also be followed for grievances of this kind. Meanwhile, the mayor, Mr. Ylli Ruli, received several of the workers, who later told us that the mayor acknowledged their concerns, saying that since worried workers had come all the way here asking for bread and their rights, it meant that something was wrong… Let us wait and see how soon the workers’ legitimate concerns will be resolved.

These days in the town of Kuçovë, deputies Ndre Legisi and Ilir Meta, together with Monika Kryemadhi, secretary of the Eurosocialist Youth Forum, held a meeting with young men and women Eurosocialists from the district. In response to participants’ questions, they presented the country’s domestic situation and its development prospects. As the country’s economic and political situation worsens, and as social conflicts also increase as a result of the anti-popular policies of today’s Democratic rulers, the importance of properly organizing every genuinely democratic structure grows further. In this context, the role of FRESSH becomes even greater in helping to promote the alternative of democratic socialism. They stressed that this can only be done effectively through good organization of FRESSH in the town of Kuçovë as well as in the district’s communes. Such work is being carried out throughout the country. The deputies then, in response to questions and issues raised by those present, also spoke about the need to block the local government. They also stressed that our Socialist representatives in local government bodies should be characterized by honesty in carrying out their duties, as well as by determination and commitment to safeguarding the people’s interests. Correspondent of “Zëri i popullit”

The evening before last, the Tirana branch of the Savings Bank held an interesting event: a cocktail reception to which it had invited representatives of the main press organizations published in our country. In addition, 15 newspapers gathered around a round table of journalists in the hall. With representatives of various organizations holding different political views, the journalists spoke freely with one another and with representatives of the Savings Bank. First, they listened to an address by the Bank’s Deputy General Director, Mr. Arjan Santi, who spoke about its activities and its ambitious plans for the future. The Bank operates with Albanian capital and for Albanian capitalists—this was an idea expressed in his address. Afterwards, the newspapers were given gifts by the Bank, which, as Arjan Santo put it, would help in some measure to restore the truth. Our journalists were given three tape recorders, much needed for their work. Correspondent of “Zëri i popullit”

Didn’t Mr. Hajdari know this, and Agim Shehu along with him, as a specialist?

Secondly, the abuse of the issue of the rights of the Greek minority in Albania, with the baseless claim that it is supposedly oppressed.

TOMORROW YOU WILL READ: “The deceptions of official propaganda aim to hide the truth in Albania” By NAMIK DOKLE Chairman of the PS Parliamentary Group