FULL SOLIDARITY WITH OUR COMRADES BEHIND BARS At yesterday's meeting of the leadership of Albanian journalists for the printed press and RTV, the following positions were approved: 1. The Association of Professional Journalists of Albania expresses its deepest indignation over the arrest of the editor of the newspaper "Koha Jonë", Aleksandër Frangaj, and its editor-in-chief, Martin Leka, by decision of 31 January 1994, on the ridiculous charge of defamation of the President of the Republic. 2. Such arbitrary and anti-democratic acts, which seriously violate freedom of speech, press, and the free expression of thought, cannot be justified in any way. Such measures are in complete contradiction with the democratic laws in force, with the international conventions signed by the Albanian state, and with the professional ethics of the journalist. 3. The Association demands the immediate release of our colleagues and the dismissal of the criminal case against them. 4. In defense of press freedom, our profession, and the dignity of the Albanian journalist, we call on all creative associations, intellectuals, jurists, non-governmental organizations, and the entire public opinion to stand in solidarity with this protest. 5. We ask the justice authorities not to become an instrument of political pressure against the free press. 6. The leadership of the association decided to maintain permanent contacts with international press organizations and to inform them about this serious event. 7. The Association will continue to follow with great concern the development of this case and will react to any attempt to intimidate the independent press in Albania.

BBC Radio mercenary Aircraft of two foreign powers have recently carried out flights over Albanian territory, and this fact has caused concern in public opinion. Sources close to military circles indicate that these are reconnaissance missions, which have no connection to the national interests of our country. According to observers, accepting these aircraft would create a dangerous precedent and would place Albania at the center of a major geopolitical game. Various commentators have called on the government to publicly clarify the nature of these contacts and to guarantee that Albanian territory will not be used for foreign military purposes.

The International Federation of Journalists has strongly protested against the arrest of the two leaders of the newspaper "Koha Jonë", describing it as an unacceptable act for a country that claims to be moving toward European democratic standards. In its statement, the federation calls for the immediate release of Aleksandër Frangaj and Martin Leka and expresses solidarity with their Albanian colleagues. It stresses that imprisoning journalists because of their articles is unacceptable and seriously undermines press freedom.

The organization «Reporters Without Borders» has called on the Albanian authorities to immediately release the arrested leaders of the newspaper "Koha Jonë". In its reaction, this organization considers the use of criminal prosecution against journalists for reasons related to the exercise of their profession unacceptable. It calls for full respect for press freedom and international human rights standards.

On 23 January, President Berisha, by decision No. 21.00, decreed the termination of the duty of the acting head of KESH, Simon Golemi, and the appointment of Kujtim Myftari to that post. On 25 January, the newspaper "Koha Jonë" published an article titled "The Dossier of Farmer Simon" which dealt with Simon Golemi's actions at the head of this institution. After this publication, on 31 January, Aleksandër Frangaj and Martin Leka, the newspaper's leaders, were arrested. The event has caused numerous reactions in the country and abroad.

On Saturday around 7 p.m., the police in Korçë found a dead man near the stadium. His identity has not yet been made public. According to sources, the victim showed signs of violence and murder is suspected. The police are investigating the circumstances of the event.

SHKODER Out of 6 communes, out of 18 communes, with 50,000 inhabitants, receive economic assistance. Under these conditions, the problems in implementing this scheme remain numerous. Residents are asking for the assistance to be distributed more fairly and not delayed.

Residents' voices raise questions regarding the funds allocated for several local projects. According to them, part of the promised investments have not been implemented and there is a lack of transparency about how the sums were used. Residents are asking for clarification from the relevant authorities.

NATIONAL LIBRARY TIRANË