- The agriculture law without the approval of the Minister of Agriculture - Ahnori “argues” that if the law is not approved the budget will not be filled, so deputies’ salaries will be reduced Have I spoken to you at all? Yesterday was so noisy in Parliament that it was hard for anyone to follow the chronology of the discussions on the draft law on agriculture proposed by the government. The PD’s arguments on this law are being replaced by emotion, irony, and obvious attempts to present the issue differently from what it is. In this situation, opposition deputies have spent years saying and hearing in Parliament, almost to the point of exhaustion, that this is a bill of the majority government, that the Minister of Agriculture drafted and supported it, and therefore if it is rejected, the minister should resign. But that is not happening. In fact, the opposite occurred. In his speech in Parliament yesterday, the Minister of Agriculture did not defend the bill; instead, he stated that he had many objections and had not approved it. The minister said that the draft submitted does not bear his responsibility and that many articles have not been worked over according to the suggestions of the department he heads. This caused surprise and many reactions in the chamber. Subsequently, deputies of the majority tried to defend the government by presenting the situation as a technical disagreement, but the opposition called it a serious case of disregard for Parliament and legal procedures. It was said that a law that has not been approved by the responsible minister cannot be brought to a vote. In this atmosphere, Ahnori intervened and “argued” that if the law were not approved, the budget would not be filled and as a result deputies’ salaries would be cut. This statement was met with irony and protests. The debate continued in a harsh tone and with frequent interruptions. Opposition representatives stressed that the government is treating Parliament as a notary for its decisions rather than as a decision-making institution. They demanded that the bill be withdrawn and brought back only after it has been examined and approved according to the rules. On the other hand, the majority insisted that the law is necessary for the sector and for budget revenues. The session was accompanied by tension and mutual accusations of manipulation and political pressure. (continues on page 3)

European platform for relations with Albania A. CALL FOR REALISM From street politics to the road of politics Skewed observations about yesterday and today as experienced by Albanian society and especially Albanian politics. There are plenty of arguments and indicators to understand that avoiding organized dialogue and shifting energy into the streets, into demonstrations, into tensions and clashes, harms the political process itself. This is an invitation to realism, to understand that Albanian society needs strong institutions and not constant improvisation. From this perspective, Albania’s relations with Europe cannot be built on empty rhetoric. They require standards, responsibility, respect for the law, and a culture of compromise. Street politics may produce noise and momentary emotion, but it does not build a state. The road of politics runs through Parliament, through the parties, through the media, and through responsible citizenship. Only there can a serious platform for relations with Albania be created. If political forces do not reflect, the country risks remaining hostage to repeated crises. But if they choose dialogue, Albania can break out of the cycle of conflict and gain more trust on the European stage. (continues on page 3)

The hunger strike ended thanks to the intervention of the Chairman of the Order Commission in the People's Assembly. In support of our request for the enforcement of the law, several deputies spoke clearly and expressed the view that the state must take under its protection those who demand that it be applied. Only in this way can citizens’ trust in the state and in justice be preserved. The protesters stressed that the strike was not their first choice, but a forced measure in the face of institutional neglect. They demanded that the competent bodies act without delay and guarantee their rights. According to them, no one should be punished for demanding the enforcement of the law. In yesterday’s statements, emphasis was placed on the need for institutional responsibility and on avoiding any form of pressure. The issue has attracted public interest and is expected to be followed further. (continues on page 3)

The news of the arrest of Mr. Agim Dema became known on 11.2.1994 from the press center. After denunciations and public debate, this arrest was widely commented on as part of a tense political climate. In the first reactions, it was requested that the relevant authorities immediately clarify the legal basis for the arrest and avoid any arbitrary action. According to the statements made, the issue has attracted the attention of public opinion and political forces, which have called for transparency and respect for procedures. It was stressed that justice must act on evidence and not on political motives. Otherwise, arrests of this kind only deepen mistrust and polarization. Clarifications are expected in the coming days regarding this case. (continues on page 3)

After the Second Conference ON THE ACTIVITY OF THE PARTY - At first glance, yesterday’s conference had a harsh tone, but it also revealed the need for a deeper analysis of the party’s activity. The discussions focused on organization, relations with the grassroots, and the role of the leading structures. The need to strengthen internal debate, avoid formalism, and draw closer to the interests of the membership was discussed. Some speakers raised concerns about the lack of clarity in guidance and weaknesses in communication. Others emphasized that the party must be more active in public life and more sensitive to social problems. The conference is expected to be followed by organizational steps and a reassessment of priorities. (continues on page 3)

RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS SECTION 1 - RESPECT FOR THE INTEGRITY OF THE PERSON, INCLUDING FREEDOM A. From political killings or other (extrajudicial) killings The last painful image? was naturally that of Lajbal’s guilt for the killing of the Movement worker... [?] in the summer of 1993. This brutal act, which took place on 6 August 1993, shocked public opinion. The report says that the case continues to raise questions about the responsibility of state bodies and the level of protection of the right to life. The report also mentions other episodes of violence, the lack of full investigations, and the climate of fear surrounding political opponents. It also points out that respect for the integrity of the person remains a severe test for Albanian institutions. The text underlines that the freedom and security of citizens cannot be guaranteed without a functioning justice system and political accountability. (continues on page 3)