- Thousands in Dibër and Bulqizë support, without any reservation, the Socialist Party in protest in defense against the rule of the Democratic Party - Participating are the chairman of the Socialist Party Fatos Nano and deputies Namik Dokle, Kastriot Islami, Luan Hajdaraga, Femi Abdiu, Halil Lalaj, Et’hem Ruka and Ndre Legisi For how many moments has the entire Albanian nation been shaken by the grim news of the railway disaster at Qafë-Thanë? On the eve of the Congress, our official gaze was directed toward the celebration, but our hearts remained in Dibër and Bulqizë, where popular protests against injustice and violations of democratic rights were taking on broad dimensions. In this heavy and dramatic setting, the major protest meeting of the socialists in Bulqizë took place, attended by the chairman of the Socialist Party Fatos Nano and the deputies Namik Dokle, Kastriot Islami, Luan Hajdaraga, Femi Abdiu, Halil Lalaj, Et’hem Ruka and Ndre Legisi. ... [?] ... Around 2 p.m., large crowds of citizens gathered in the main square of the city. Cheers and continuous applause welcomed the arrival of the Socialist delegation. Fatos Nano was received enthusiastically. In his speech he emphasized that the Socialist Party is determined to defend democracy at any cost, to defend political pluralism, freedoms and human rights. He denounced police violence, the arbitrariness of power and efforts to crush the opposition voice. Speaking about the grave economic and social situation, Nano stressed that the Democratic government has failed to provide solutions for unemployment, poverty and insecurity. The people can no longer remain silent in the face of injustice. The meeting turned into a powerful civic demonstration in support of the Socialist Party and democracy. (Continued on page 6)

Statement by the leadership of the Socialist Party and of the parliamentarian Faced with the appetites of power and the clear signs of a political crisis, the leadership of the Socialist Party expresses its alarm over the dangerous path on which the current government is taking the country. The violation of the law, arbitrariness and pressure on the opposition are deepening the national division. Albania cannot be held hostage by a vengeful and anti-democratic policy. We call on all citizens, political forces, intellectuals and civil society to unite in defense of democratic institutions and the rule of law. The Socialist Party will not allow the country to slip toward authoritarianism and chaos. (Continued on page 6)

Thousands of citizens at the protest rally in Bulqizë.

Regarding the date on which the protest in Peshkopi will be held, we inform citizens that the start time of the rally will be at 3:30 in the afternoon (15:30). The rally will take place in the square in front of the executive committee. Participants are informed that, for its proper conduct and the normal course of the protest, they must strictly respect order, calm, non-provocation and civic discipline. It is the duty of citizens to respond with civility and determination to the provocations of power in defense of their democratic and political rights. FOR THE LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE P. M. KROJI

- Six thousand unemployed and four thousand on assistance, together with their families, have been left to the mercy of fate, - Exemplary and correct attitude in defense of freedom and the workplace It was, they suggested, a meeting of the entire human crowd that filled the city square. After cries and cheers were heard, representatives of the socialists took the floor. The grave social situation was discussed, the unemployed miners, the families living on assistance and the uncertain future of the city. The residents asked for the support of the Socialist Party and declared that they see themselves united in facing the difficult situation. The citizens’ correct stance in defense of freedom and the workplace was praised. (Continued on page 4)

Statement by the Presidency of the Socialist Party of the Tirana district and of the socialist advisory group The announcement released by the media and the formulation circulated with pressure in certain circles, but especially in the Tirana Police Directorate, has turned the situation into an unacceptable and dangerous one. It concerns the distorted announcements and comments that portray the activities of the Socialist Party as a call for violence and destabilization. We reject these slanders and denounce the attempts to intimidate citizens and to hinder peaceful protests. We call on all state structures not to fall prey to manipulation and to respect the constitutional right to assembly and free expression. (Continued on page 6)