Before the Constitutional Court Of the 100,000 members of the Socialist Party of Albania who are waiting impatiently for the Constitutional Court’s decision to declare the arrest of MP Fatos Nano unconstitutional, there are also those who have lost faith in this court. Among most Socialist Party voters, the idea has taken root that it turns a blind eye to justice and reality and supports the political forces in power in all of its decisions and actions. Many people have expressed this at meetings with the Socialists of Tirana. A member of the PS presidency said last night that MP Fatos Nano is at the same time a member of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, and for that reason the prosecution and police authorities should have addressed themselves to the chairman of this committee, who is the Democratic Party deputy, Mr. Sabri Godo. According to legal specialists, Article 31 of the Code of Criminal Procedure forbids the arrest of MPs without the authorization of the People’s Assembly. This is clearly stated also in Article 9, paragraph 1. The 5 August decision of the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office to arrest Fatos Nano openly violated this article. On the other hand, the Tirana Court of Cassation has not yet legalized Mr. Nano’s arrest, because the decision has not been communicated to the defense lawyer. Other specialists believe that since Article 31 of the Code of Criminal Procedure was repealed by Presidential Decree no. 768 dated 29.7.1993, the constitutional article on the arrest of MPs must be suspended until parliament convenes. This explanation has caused broad reaction among legal experts and Socialists in the capital, stressing that suspension of a constitutional article cannot be done by presidential decree. In these circumstances, a group of PS representatives, among them deputies and jurists, have demanded that the Constitutional Court pronounce as soon as possible on the unconstitutionality of the Tirana prosecutor’s decision. Protests and other reactions are also expected in other cities of the country, while hundreds of telegrams and petitions have reached the central institutions. Correspondent of Zëri i popullit

Speech by the head of the PS parliamentary group, Namik Dokle, addressed to the participants in Qyteti Student Honourable Chairman Honourable delegates We are honored to have taken part in your ceremony and we bring you greetings from the Socialist Party and from our parliamentary group. Qyteti Student and the activity of the student youth have been at the center of the attention of the Albanian public opinion since the beginning of the democratic processes. Since then, student youth has had a prominent role in the political and social life of the country. Regardless of different political beliefs, we believe you can send messages of democratic emancipation, tolerance and understanding, so necessary for Albanian society. Students and young people must be promoters of progressive ideas, dialogue and democratic culture. For this reason, we wish you success in your work and hope that your voice will be heard with respect by all political forces. Correspondent of Zëri i popullit

Speech by the jurist Bashkim Gala 5 o’clock in the morning of July 30. Sleep comes late to the eyes. Nano, because he watched foreign television late. When he gets up outside his apartment he sees a car without license plates, with plainclothes people. He steps out from the stairs and asks: what do you want? The answer comes harshly: come with us! They ask him to get into a car without license plates. Under threat and violence, without showing any document, without informing him of the reason for the escort, they take him away. This serious event has shaken public opinion. According to Albanian legislation and international norms, no one can be detained or arrested without a decision by the competent authority and without being told the reason. The relevant article of the constitution and the code of criminal procedure clearly enshrine this. The arrest of MP Nano was carried out in violation of these provisions. Moreover, he enjoys parliamentary immunity and could not be arrested without the approval of the relevant body. All these violations show that we are dealing with an arbitrary act, with serious political and legal consequences. Not only our legislation, but also international law considers such a practice unacceptable. Democracy cannot be built on violence and the violation of the law. (To be continued on page 4)

The ideals of the people who supported the opposition forces and independent people with their free vote have been tarnished and distorted over the 3.2 years of right-wing rule. Instead of the rule of law, instead of respect for human rights, Albanian society is facing arbitrariness, political persecution and double standards. The arrest of Fatos Nano became a symbol of this situation. Many institutions remained silent for a long time, while now they speak of “concern.” But this concern is belated. Albanian justice must react in time, with courage and in accordance with the law, not only when public pressure becomes great. Only in this way can citizens’ trust in the rule of law be restored. (To be continued on page 2)

Drina calm in the middle of tears? [?] and in the name of the struggle for freedom, the Albanian people are facing a painful reality of violence and repression. In many areas arrests, mistreatment, house burnings and killings of civilians are being reported. These acts constitute monstrous Serbian crimes that have shaken the entire Albanian public. The testimonies collected from the field speak of an organized policy of terror against the Albanian population. The democratic world must not remain silent in the face of these events. (To be continued on page 2)

From the first information received from the north of the country, it is learned that interest is growing in supplying the market with “Koruna” beer. In Shkodër this brand is finding a good reception in the trade network and in the city’s bars. Traders link this to its quality and competitive price. According to local sources, distribution is expected to expand to other areas as well. (To be continued on page 4)

The second reason, add [?], will be that our politician is finding it difficult to face the new political climate. Instead of explaining his behavior, he seeks instant alibis and unfounded justifications. The public expects clear answers, not evasions. Perhaps for this reason some voices are trying to cover the debate with unnecessary noise. But political flu does not go away with silence. (To be continued on page 2)

At this festival represented by the Socialist International (USSY), Mr. V. Ivetic, a member of the presidium of the Socialist Youth Organization (USSY), who heads the sociology sector at its research center, follows for the social democrats the problems of understanding for themselves as: - Genocide? - IUSY. - The intervention of the EU. - Sanctions against Serbia. - The new Yugoslav Federation. - The Kosovo issue. - The future of Yugoslav youth. - Equality, prosperity and peace. According to the political and economic role in society, in administration and the parliamentary powers of those countries and the positions of our independent socialist and democratic movement, the problems of Yugoslav socialist youth are current and important. All its members have the right to take part in the main activities.