NAMIK DOKLE: “I told E Selami: the PD will leave the Nano case lost as long as it proceeds with logic and a prison-cell mentality.” ILAN HAJDARAGA: Fatos Nano is the leader of the main opposition party, and at that moment in Albania a dangerous precedent for democracy was being set. In the lawsuit that the chairman of the Socialist Party, comrade Fatos Nano, has brought against investigator Kosova, we are clarifying yesterday’s press conference. The subject of the lawsuit focuses on the arrest of Fatos Nano. At the court session held yesterday, the main discussion was about the grounds for the arrest ordered by investigator Kosova. On behalf of the leadership of the Socialist Party, the press secretary, comrade Namik Dokle, and the secretary of the Tirana Steering Committee, comrade Ilan Hajraga, took part in this proceeding. At the beginning, the press secretary, comrade Namik Dokle, gave the following information. For well-known reasons, since the middle of last year there has been no theft of Italian food aid in Albania. This food aid had been brought in as trade goods. Fatos Nano, as chairman of the Socialist Party and chairman of the PS parliamentary group, has repeatedly and publicly denounced the presence of a mafia-style economy, inseparably linked to power. He has denounced the illegal trafficking of fuel, the manipulation of food aid, the misuse of public funds, abuse in tenders and customs, as well as smuggling of other materials. These statements and political positions have triggered political and investigative counterattacks. The PS considers the proceedings against Fatos Nano to be politically motivated. The Socialist Party does not prejudge the court’s ruling in the case, but it demands that Fatos Nano be taken to the courtroom free. Mr. Dokle also stressed that the arrest of the leader of the largest opposition party creates a dangerous precedent for the country’s political life and for democratic standards. In his view, public opinion is increasingly convinced that this case has been built on political, not legal, motives. Then comrade Ilan Hajraga spoke, noting that Fatos Nano is the leader of the main opposition party and that, at that moment, a harmful precedent for democracy was being created in Albania. He said that no one can demand political normality while the leader of the opposition is held in pretrial detention on questionable grounds. In conclusion, it was reiterated that the Socialist Party will calmly and firmly pursue all legal and political avenues, defending the principle of the presumption of innocence and the right to due legal process.

DURRËS THE POWER DOMINANCE OF SOME PEOPLE MUST END From this Saturday, farmers in the Durrës district are addressing the local authorities with petitions and requests for the protection of production, for improved supplies of chemical fertilizers, fuel, and credit. At meetings with representatives of peasant associations and agricultural specialists, it was emphasized that the lack of state support is weighing heavily on the agricultural economy. It was pointed out that the monopolization of certain links in the marketing of produce and the presence of narrow local interests are harming farmers. They asked that the local administration be at the service of citizens and not of a few influential individuals. Representatives of the area said that the dominance of a few people in power must come to an end and that equal conditions for work and competition must be created.

Three traders from the coastal city state that certain groups are being favored in the distribution of imported goods and that this is affecting market prices. They call for greater transparency and control in customs and warehouses. According to them, unfair competition is weakening honest business and creating major inequalities. Addressing state institutions, they say that for these phenomena it is now not only the country that knows, but Europe as well.

SHKODËR A delegation visited a production center and took an interest in the condition of equipment, raw materials, and the labor market. It was said that the aid would be used to improve working conditions and increase production capacity. Local representatives expressed their appreciation for this support, underlining that it would have a positive impact on vocational training and youth employment. (Continues on page 3)

ZËS BËZOI: we are asking for a European order? Eku- rojmë to place in Albanian justice Other participants in the discussion raised issues of respect for the law, the independence of the courts, and the need for European standards in justice. It was said that political statements should not replace legal procedures and that Albanian justice must gain full credibility. (Continues on page 3)

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