THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE DEMANDS THAT, ALONGSIDE THE NANO CASE, ALL VIOLATIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS IN ALBANIA BE EXAMINED
As has been reported in the Italian press, Mrs. Holand, rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and Chancellor of the Netherlands for Human Rights, arrived in Tirana on Friday. She met with senior Albanian state officials, as well as with opposition representatives. Yesterday she held meetings with Messrs. Fatos Nano, Sali Berisha, Sabit Brokaj, Alfred Serreqi and Mr. Teodor Keko.
On the afternoon of 4 February 1994, a notice was issued concerning the above news. In a decision of that day, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, on the basis of an amendment, stated: “The Council is concerned about the serious health condition of Mr. Fatos Nano and other violations of human rights and freedoms in Albania,” and calls on the Albanian government “to urgently take the necessary measures to transfer Mr. Nano to hospital facilities, allowing access to and treatment by doctors chosen by him, and to stop abuse of solitary confinement cells.”
The decision emphasizes that “Bearing in mind the principles of the Council of Europe concerning respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the Parliamentary Assembly invites the Albanian government to allow its rapporteurs to visit Mr. Nano and verify the conditions of his imprisonment.”
The decision also expresses concern about the political climate in Albania and the manner in which the opposition is being treated.
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Meeting with compatriots in Vienna
A few days ago, the representative of the Socialist Party, Mr. Rexhep Meidani, upon returning from Vienna, made the following remarks about the meeting with our compatriots in Austria.
The meeting took place on Wednesday before around 75 compatriots, who followed with great seriousness my nearly two-hour presentation on the country’s economic, political, social, educational and cultural situation, as well as on the alternative and the Socialist Party’s short- and long-term objectives.
Most of them expressed concerns related to the economic and political situation in the country. Strong emphasis was placed on human rights violations, on the lack of normal functioning of the rule of law, on the lack of transparency in privatizations and in the democratization processes. Some of the questions concerned the role of the opposition, relations with the authorities, and the real possibilities for improving the situation.
The meeting took place in a warm and understanding atmosphere.
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Resolution on the case of Fatos Nano, member of the Parliament of the Republic of Albania
Council of Europe
Parliamentary Assembly
1. On 30 July 2 [?] followed the decision of the Parliament of the Republic of Albania, headed by the democratic majority, to lift the immunity of Deputy Fatos Nano, a member of the leadership of the Socialist Party.
2. His arrest was carried out without respect for Article 17 of the European Convention on Human Rights [?] Jurisdict [?] directs the judge of the arr [?] and by 2. In the cell personally. The arrest was carried out incorrectly.
3. The new executive has used the police forces and the enemy for political expansion. In addition to Mr. Nano, many other opposition politicians are under pressure.
4. The Assembly believes that the transfer of Mr. Nano to hospital conditions is necessary and urgent.
5. The Assembly invites the Albanian government to allow independent visits and to provide full clarifications.
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Europe is asking for the answer from you...
gentlemen in power
... from the highest offices of the Council of Europe, a clear signal has been sent about the situation in Albania. The publicly expressed concern over the Nano case and other human rights violations is not only a political appeal, but a serious warning of our country’s isolation if the same course is continued.
In all contacts held in recent days with senior European representatives, it has been emphasized that responsibility lies with the authorities, with those who today lead the institutions and hold back democratic normalization.
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Rally in the capital in tribute to those who fell on 4 and 28 February 1994
On the occasion of the 3rd anniversary of the democratic protests and the armed clash of 4 February, as well as the events of 28 February, various organizations have called for participation in a commemorative rally in the capital.
The notice emphasizes that the rally will take place in a peaceful and civic atmosphere.
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With the slogan we want good neighborliness, cooperation, understanding
Based on articles 28 and 46 of the rules of the European People's Council, the Assembly has appointed the legal committee and the committee on political issues and democracy to examine the Albanian issue. This issue will be submitted for discussion at the Assembly’s next session. As emphasized by various officials, this decision is a consequence of the political climate in Albania and of the failure to respect democratic standards.
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Tomorrow: The Second National Conference of the SP
SOCIALISTS GUARANTEE: TRUE FREEDOM, REAL RIGHTS AND FRIENDSHIP
ZËRI I POPULLIT
ORGAN OF THE SOCIALIST PARTY OF ALBANIA
Sunday, 6 February 1994
No. 25 (8156)
For Greece 150 DP
NATIONAL LIBRARY
