Joint meeting of the PS KPD and the parliamentary group Last night, not even the revocation of immunity or the unlawful arrest can strip Fatos Nano, the chairman of the Socialist Party elected by the Congress, of his role CHRONICLE The destabilizing situation is not created by peaceful demonstrations but by the political provocations of the state of violence The General Executive Committee of the Socialist Party held an extraordinary open-door meeting last night. It began after the conclusion of yesterday’s protest rally against the imprisonment of the chairman of this party, Mr. Fatos Nano, and before this meeting ended, the news that the presidium of the assembly had decided to arrest Mr. Fatos Nano caused an outburst of anger from all those present, and the hall was filled with the chant “Freedom.” On behalf of the social democrats, Mr. Skënder Gjinushi declared that his party would do everything possible to bring about the solidarity of all opposition parties and of Albanian democracy in order to stop the march of dictatorship. On behalf of the Republican Party, Mr. Sabri Godo expressed his indignation at this arbitrary act and said that the Albanian political scene risks being seriously distorted. He emphasized the need to immediately establish a common platform for saving democracy. On behalf of the Association of politically persecuted people, Mr. Fatmir Gjata called this blow against the opposition and democracy a barbaric act. A special place in the discussion was occupied by the report of Mr. Gramoz Ruçi, who spoke of a dangerous political tension created in the country. He stated that the Council of Ministers and the presidium of the People’s Assembly have turned into executors of political orders for the strike against the opposition. He stressed that the actions taken against Mr. Fatos Nano, from the lifting of parliamentary immunity to his arrest, have no connection whatsoever with justice, but rather with clear political aims. The debate in the meeting focused on the need to preserve civic calm, strengthen opposition unity, and organize a democratic resistance against state violence. The destabilizing situation is not created by peaceful demonstrations but by the political provocations of the state of violence.

The Department of International Relations of the Socialist Party of Albania, through a protest statement, denounces all conservative and reactionary circles in the Albanian political and state scene, which are trying to overturn the country’s democratization process. Through this act, the statement says, a heavy blow is being dealt to the forces working for social peace and for the democratic solution of the crisis developing in Albanian society. According to this statement, the arrest of the chairman of the Socialist Party, Fatos Nano, is a threatening warning to the entire pluralist political spectrum, especially to the opposition. For this event, the national and international public opinion is called upon to be mobilized, in order to exert pressure for the restoration of democratic norms and the rule of law. Finally, the statement says that this unacceptable political act seriously harms Albania’s image in the world and hinders its path toward democratic integration.

The General Executive Committee of the Socialist Party of Albania, after a thorough analysis of the political situation created in the country and of the latest developments, declares that the actions taken against its chairman, Fatos Nano, constitute a frontal attack against the political opposition and pluralism. The Socialist Party considers that the lifting of immunity and the arrest of Fatos Nano were carried out in violation of the democratic spirit and the standards of a rule-of-law state. These actions, the statement says, are not based on convincing legal evidence, but have a clearly political character. The statement notes that the use of state structures to exert pressure on the opposition and to create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity is unacceptable and severely undermines the political rights of citizens. The General Executive Committee calls on all democratic forces, civil society, and public opinion to react firmly in defense of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms. In conclusion, the statement calls for the immediate release of Fatos Nano and the cessation of any repressive action against the opposition.

Socialist of the KP Delija Bashami? Buni, artist Shkodër [?] Shpëtim Sejku, economist Vlorë 10. Alush Cedari, economist Vlorë 11. Sazan Shehu, doctor-???? 12. Ylber Mufti, sub? economist Sarandë Members of the Presidium of the PS 1. Ilir Meta 2. Ferit Hoxha, medicine 3. Spartak Koçi 4. Nikua Ujka Members of the PS 1. Kiço Hoxha, sociology 2. Tanke Exhko? judge? mathematician? 3. Tare (?) 4. Mira Kala, chemist 5. Lushnja There are [?] asimtar Vlorë We single out: Irkz? Basha explains for “gazeta Qiria Information” They announce: many [?] are signed, from musicians up to the forum. Dëvoli People demanded the government’s resignation