THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF FATOS NANO - THE FIRST STEP OF THE ALBANIAN STATE TOWARD THE DOORS OF EUROPE, WHICH HE HAS BEEN WAITING AT FOR 22 MONTHS...
The European Parliament calls on the Albanian government to explain why the leader of the largest opposition party was arrested and demands his immediate release. It also asks judges to render their verdict on the charges against him.
PS leaders yesterday made the most meaningful use of the weight that a responsible and accountability-demanding opposition now has vis-à-vis the executive. IV and apparently in the European Parliament, which adopted a resolution condemning the arrest of the opposition leader and calling for judicial justice. First of all, the resolution underlines the demand that the Albanian government explain why the leader of the largest opposition party in Albania was arrested and, together with this, that the courts deliver their judgment on the charges against him.
The leaders of the PSE feel that the serious economic situation and the high level of corruption can damage pluralist democracy. For this reason, they ask the Albanian government to take measures for an effective economic reform, fighting corruption first and foremost. They add that the implementation of economic reforms must also be accompanied by socio-economic programs for disadvantaged groups and the unemployed, especially pensioners. In this area, the high level of inflation, devaluation and the decline in production are highlighted.
The resolution of the European Parliament strongly condemns the Albanian government for attacks against the opposition and the independent press and for the government's authoritarianism. Along this path, strengthening the independence of the judiciary is demanded, while ensuring legal protection for those who denounce corruption and abuses of power. The resolution also criticizes the privatization process, especially in agriculture, without creating the possibility of securing farmers low-interest loans and sufficient technical support.
The European Parliament asks the Commission and the European Council to carefully examine the possibilities for an expanded EC presence in Albania. The Albanian authorities are also urged to respect human rights, release political prisoners and intervene to put an end to blood feuds, as one of the destructive phenomena of this changing society.
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To say that the European Parliament has been manipulated by the Socialists is a scandalous insult to this Parliament
Interview with the Deputy Chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania, Namik Dokle.
. You would think that for the MEPs the political situation in Albania does not exist in their assessment! No. They are well informed and understand, without needing to be influenced by the Albanian opposition, what can happen in Albania. This country cannot be an island outside international attention, especially after the heated debates in European forums and other continental bodies about the political climate in our country. The resolution of the European Parliament is a very important document, because it clearly expresses Europe's concern for the fate of democracy in Albania.
Its text says that the European Parliament feels alarmed by the serious economic situation and the high level of corruption in Albania, as well as by attacks on the free press and the government's authoritarianism. These are not random formulations, but direct assessments of Albanian reality. It is unacceptable to say that others have been manipulated simply because they say certain truths that power does not like.
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New accusation against the Chairman of the Socialist Party and MP Fatos Nano
"Today, [during] the meeting chaired by the deputy prosecutor general, members of the investigative group, the deputy minister of Internal Affairs and several specialists discussed the investigation of criminal file 04-1 against citizen Fatos Nano, member of the People's Assembly"
Following a discussion of the new accusation given today, the first stages of criminal case no. 04-13 and of the penal code, a citizen who was under investigation for the criminal offense of "abuse of office" provided for in article 248 of the penal code, as well as for the criminal offenses of smuggling, passive and active corruption of persons exercising public functions, it was decided to broaden the accusation. On the basis of the materials administered during the investigation, it was concluded that the person under investigation Fatos Nano, former Chairman of the Council of Ministers and member of the People's Assembly, had also committed the elements of the criminal offense of falsifying documents, provided for in article 186 of the penal code. This criminal offense committed by him stemmed from the fact that in an official document dated 6.7.1991, registered at the Prime Minister's Office, he signed something untrue, by which the Council of Ministers was asked to approve a loan in the amount of 450,000 dollars on behalf of the company "Ma-Alb". Since this loan had in fact not yet been taken out, the signing of this document constitutes the elements of the criminal offense of falsifying documents. [Continued on page 2]
The state does not understand that journalists want to serve the sickness
Then, he tried to contact an official. Again the same refusal: not before leaving the institution, not before the process was over. Then he called the newsroom. In the newsroom he was told that nothing could be published without asking the boss. Meanwhile, the issue deadline was approaching. Perhaps for this reason the boss refused to communicate. But the journalist insisted. He wanted to verify something important for the public.
In this climate of distrust and rigidity, the journalist feels not only obstructed, but also insulted. He is not asking for privilege, but for the right to obtain information. If the state sees the journalist as an enemy, it in fact closes off a necessary channel of correction for itself. Without criticism and without questions, the administration loses contact with reality.
This is why society must react. Journalism is not a luxury nor a peripheral concern. It is an instrument of transparency and civic oversight. In a democratic country, the official who hides behind procedures harms not only the press, but the state itself.
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TIRANA under PD rule
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Cuts expected at the Agricultural University - Tirana!
Press conference of the Socialist Party
At a press conference held yesterday by this forum, the latest concerns regarding the pedagogical and administrative actions being taken at the Agricultural University of Kamza were made known.
It is emphasized that the latest decision of the Council of Ministers to take away from this university 10.00 ha of land that had been given to it under a previous decision is a considerable damage to the higher education institution itself. According to the Socialist leaders, in this way the material base necessary for the development of teaching practice and scientific research is being seriously undermined.
Other concerns were also raised at the conference regarding the announced cuts in teaching and scientific staff. It was said that these measures are being implemented without full transparency and without respecting professional criteria. According to the speakers, this creates uncertainty and damages the institution's prospects.
Concern was also expressed about the worsening conditions in the dormitories and the lack of basic means for students. In the end, the relevant authorities were asked to review the decisions and intervene to stop further damage to the university.
A. M.
DHII - service in 220 countries of the world
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