— Albania heading toward wholly unpredictable developments — After a reasonable silence, which implied “time to reflect” on the European Parliament resolution, the authorities of all branches of power in Albania have, in recent days, issued their first public statements. Given the level of the institutions making them and the quality of the statements, everyone asks the simple question: how far will the Albanian state of today continue to discredit the judicial institutions of European democracy; how long will the Albanian state of today continue to attack this institution without the slightest restraint, even the European Parliament, in whose chamber Albania seeks its place? Ultimately, from what political position are the European stances prejudged by the officials of the PD? Do they know that to enter the European family, serious attention must be paid to these matters? The first two statements are plainly intended as bad propaganda, even leaving a bitter taste through their vulgar wording; the third—the arrogant and overbearing stance toward the “observations” and recommendations of the European Parliament concerning the state of today—is reminiscent of the constant surveillance methods of the totalitarian system. Furthermore, Mr Brozi’s statement, given the position in which he has been placed, is such that even a simple employee of the current Albanian state administration would not dare to formulate it in that way. In any case, ultimately, Mr Brozi’s statement and Mr Arbnori’s letter apparently aim to test Europe’s reaction before President Berisha arrives in Europe. It is understandable: this time, not … the High Forum of Europe, its Parliament, and judge after this moment how credible the objections of the Socialist Party and other opposition forces to this regime have been. Everyone understands that these positions do not lead to a table where arguments can be confronted; on the contrary, they will very quickly lead to a further increase in police repression, psychological terror, and the closing of democratic space. In other words, for now the PD gives no sign that it can improve its opposition to the opposition, and that it is more inclined to disregard or reject any observation or recommendation from Europe! Has President Berisha, perhaps, heard about these statements? Do such positions concern him? Why does he not speak out, since they have been made public and have caused so much concern? Who … needs this silence, not to mention who this “indifference” serves? He knows that the “battle” that seemed to challenge Europe has been lost once and for all. We live in a new era, and more than anyone else, it is up to him to construct a policy of relations stripped entirely of the activism of the past 50 years, particularly of unjustified arrogance and overbearingness, and of the ruler’s repulsive megalomania. Such a policy would serve Albania and Albania itself well, even if he had to sacrifice something of his own ego. A statesman is distinguished by the courage to reflect with prudence and wisdom; by forbearance in particular situations created either by himself or in a given political process; he is not distinguished by a black suit or a fig leaf, but by the ability to look ahead and see what will happen tomorrow and the day after. EVA JULI to attack the Albanians and to continue, so much so that even a simple employee of today’s Albanian state administration does not dare to put it that way. Be that as it may, in the final analysis, judging from Mr. Brozi’s statement and Mr. Arbnori’s letter, it seems that the aim is to test Europe’s reaction before President Berisha sets off for Europe. It is understandable: this time is not like the others. Instead of taking a tolerant position, in which reason rather than passion takes center stage, instead of choosing paths leading toward Europe, today’s statesmen are overturning even the paths; so what political objectives are we talking about?! In any case, today it is clear to every reasonable person that the “Nano Affair” is a central problem, unleashing major social and political tensions in Albanian life. It is understandable that without the immediate release of the Chairman of the Socialist Party, the situation cannot be unblocked. It is difficult to say what will happen if we continue to take such absurd positions, just as it is quite easy to say that, with these statements by Socialist Party politicians, Albanian politics is “moving” culturally, in completely uncontrolled steps, toward unpredictable governance. To insist before the European Parliament and to say, as Mr. Brozi does, “If they are interested in defending crime, we will not ask them”—what a disgrace. Consequently, judge for yourselves how the Berisha regime is treating the resolution of

— STATEMENT OF THE PS PARLIAMENTARY GROUP ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY, MR PJETER ARBNORI — Mr Chairman, We are addressing you publicly with this statement concerning the following issues: Mr Chairman, We are addressing you publicly with this statement concerning the following issues: 1. As you know, the content of the European Parliament Resolution is addressed, among others, to the Albanian parliament. In accordance with parliamentary ethics and the rules of parliament, this Resolution should have been made available to every MP at their desk. The fact that our parliamentarians have not been informed of this resolution is a violation of parliamentary norms and procedure. 2. On behalf of the Presidium of the Socialist Parliamentary Group, we requested a meeting to discuss the issues raised in three important international documents that directly concern you as the Presidium and us as a parliamentary group. Having informed you in advance, as you requested, of the agenda for this meeting, we are confident that you had a full week to prepare for a free exchange of thoughts and opinions on these matters. I wish to inform you that none of these documents calls for discussion to be avoided; on the contrary, they emphatically stress the need for broad reflection on them. for every individual. I would add: all the more so for a parliamentarian, a presidium and a chairman. In full respect for the institution of the Albanian parliament, we request your response to our request for a meeting. Otherwise, your refusal will be considered a flagrant act contrary to the parliament’s rules and to the ethics of parliamentary democracy, and will also be understood as disregard for the request of these prestigious international institutions that we respond to and comment on their decisions. Your refusal of this meeting compels us to state publicly your inability to face a free exchange of thoughts on several issues that have now placed the Albanian parliament and the “Nano case” on the agendas of three parliamentary institutions: 1. The Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union 2. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. 3. The European Parliament. 3. While the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group awaits a meeting with you, we have been informed by the media of a letter from you addressed to Mr Egon Klepsch, President of the European Parliament. Without commenting on what you write to Mr Klepsch, about which we have serious reservations concerning the content, the accuracy of the figures, and the laughable labels you apply to the domestic opposition and foreign dignitaries, we are astonished that you signed it as chairman on behalf of the Albanian parliament without first making the letter an object of discussion in parliament and without obtaining the approval of the Socialist parliamentary groups. We believe you have the legal right to express your personal opinions on matters that concern you, but you do not have the right to speak on behalf of the Albanian parliament about issues that have not been discussed in parliament and have not received the approval of the parliamentary groups. Mr Chairman, The foregoing statement does not conflict with our willingness and desire to discuss at a meeting the issues we raised in our request several days ago. Note: It was requested that the text of the above statement be read in parliament during last night’s plenary session. But, as “regularly” happens in such cases, the PT parliamentary group requested a half-hour recess; the session was then not held, with no explanation given. The next session will open on Wednesday at 10 a.m. This was the announcement that MPs heard in the corridors.

Illegal orders that violate every provision and the human rights of FATOS NANOS and other detainees MPs of the People’s Assembly and Chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania Fatos Nano has been enduring the conditions of psychological pressure and strict isolation for nearly seven months, in cell no. 47 of Tirana prison. His resilience and high morale … searches inside the cell and in the interrogation rooms. Fatos Nano’s isolation has been accompanied by the dismissal of several officers and police officers. “Vigilance” was doing its job. Those who have … know this better. The orders are blatantly contrary to the law, and the prosecutor, although informed, remains silent, thereby becoming an accomplice. Thus, at first, the time lawyers were allowed to meet Fatos Nano was reduced. He was allowed to meet with … (Continued on page 4)

WE EMPHASIZE: Based on what RTV said and what the various press outlets highlighted regarding the first press conference of the Chairman of the Court of Cassation, Mr Zef Brozi, one cannot help asking: What kind of… (Continued on page 3)

On Sunday, 20 February, in the hall of the League of Writers and Artists of Albania, a group of initiators organized a commemorative meeting on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the birth and the 25th anniversary of the death of People’s Hero Tuk Jakova. Comrades and fellow combatants, veterans of the LANÇ, political persecuted persons, intellectuals and employees of the capital took part. The meeting was led by the deceased’s wife, who … [partly illegible] The meeting was opened by the People’s Hero … [partly illegible]. Mr Sadik Bejko spoke … [partly illegible] … the distinguished fighter of the LANÇL and of the first period of liberation. He presented … magnificently and administratively to the detriment of the crime. He presented … [partly illegible] … their memories at the end … (Zëri i Popullit frame)

The 25-year-old police officer Sali Isufaj deserves the respect of the entire people for his extraordinary courage, courage that cost him his life. As has been reported, at 1:03 on Saturday, in the village of Dranovë in Malësia e Madhe, an incident involving two people sought by the police took place; police officer Sali Isufaj, a member of the rapid-response unit based in the city of Shkodër, was killed. This tragic event is immensely upsetting. A young man of 25 has been killed! He was killed while fighting crime, while engaged in that struggle which we all demand should be pursued more vigorously today, because crime has wounded our fragile democracy, because crime has set us against the people. With his youthful courage and the sound upbringing he received from his simple and honest highland family, Sali Isufaj joined the front line of this battle. He was well aware of the growing dangers, but he had not joined this front merely to say that he had a job and earn a salary. No, he had joined with the conviction and determination not to retreat, not to abandon his comrades, ever, and not to shirk any … Therefore, he deserves our respect as well. (Continued on page 3)

1) Chart: First-category museum and historical sites are deteriorating For four years, no funding has been provided for first-category museum and historical sites. What is to be done? Will the degradation of the city of Gjirokastra be allowed to continue? The Monuments Enterprise receives its salaries but undertakes no activity; the relevant directorate in the ministry provides funds only for wages. Gjirokastra is crumbling. Specialist Sotiraq Mantho put this fact before the political parties at their meeting that day. But neither they nor the local authorities made any effort to engage in dialogue and debate.

Gjeresa is ruined; the market goes too, unless the city’s outskirts are ruined. In the large and beautiful park of Viroi, all the trees have been cut down. This is not because the branch of the Ecological Party in this district is weak. The Municipality has problems, but no funds. For 04 months, it has received no investments. Last year they came in March, so we had three months to wait. The Municipality ... Viroi is being destroyed, as ... ... the damage to the walls of the castle is becoming visible. One sees it, but sometimes a notice is also issued. The municipal public-order authority, now called the Interior Branch, has itself sent such a notice concerning the surrounding walls of this ... decorative railings, but it is not known whether this authority has yet received the notice. [Signature partly illegible] DINO

Mr. PËRPARIM SANXHAKU, lawyer for the Chairman of the Socialist Party and member of the People’s Assembly, Fatos Nano, addresses a letter to Mr. EGON KLEPSCH, President of the European Parliament, Mr. MARTINEZ, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva, setting out some of the criminal-procedure violations committed by the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office in investigating the criminal case against Fatos Nano. You will learn more about its contents in tomorrow’s issue.