Why does Fatos Nano continue to be accused? - The trial continues under the roar of fighter jets flying over Tirana - The trial continues under the roar of fighter jets flying over Tirana. - The trial continues under the roar of fighter jets flying over Tirana [?] THE ACCUSERS THEMSELVES PRESENT THE ACCUSATION - The trial continues under the roar of fighter jets flying over Tirana - The trial continues under the roar of fighter jets flying over Tirana. Yesterday’s hearing in the trial against the chairman of the Socialist Party, Mr. Fatos Nano, resumed at around 9:30 and began with the questions that defense attorney Mr. Maks Haxhia put to witness Shaban Gjinushi. As we made clear yesterday on the newspaper pages, the attorney’s first questions concerned Fatos Nano’s addresses, the so-called expenses he incurred with his family abroad, as well as the period when Nano served as chairman of the Council of Ministers. The attorney then asked the witness whether Mr. Nano’s name had been mentioned in the government meeting where the KLSH report on the economic and financial activity of the Albanian government with charitable agencies was presented. The witness replied that Mr. Nano’s name had not been mentioned. The attorney also asked the witness about irregularities noted during the inspections, whether they had caused economic damage and to what extent. The witness said he had no full knowledge of these matters. The attorney then asked questions regarding the role of state institutions and the functioning of financial control during that period. Parts of the minutes were also read during the session, and references were made to the inspection reports. It was noted that many of the prosecution’s earlier claims found no direct support in the testimony given in the courtroom. This was also pointed out by the defense, which insisted that the witnesses themselves were undermining the basis of the accusation. Other witnesses were then questioned, and they spoke about the procedures followed in granting aid and about the way expenses were approved. According to them, the decisions were taken by the relevant bodies and not on a personal basis. At times the sound of military aircraft flying over Tirana could be heard in the hall, creating a heavy atmosphere. (Continued on page 5)

The party that once misunderstood international cooperation and obsessively identified everything coming from the right in the country’s governance with “successes” is now making noticeable efforts to present itself as a moderate and democratic force. The way the proceedings of the trial against Fatos Nano are being presented, especially by state television, has increased the concern of public opinion and foreign representatives. Within this context, the secretary for external relations of the Socialist Party, Mr. Luan Hajdaraga, held a meeting with Ambassador Bayerson. During the conversation, issues related to political developments in the country, the climate created around the trial, and the need to respect democratic standards were discussed. The interlocutors expressed interest in preserving political calm and in ensuring a fair and transparent process. (Continued on page 2)

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Interview with Dr. Servet Pëllumbi, deputy chairman of the PSSH and our editor Today political forces must be able to understand and be convinced that change is necessary, that without a reformed government and without political dialogue the country cannot move forward. In Mr. Servet Pëllumbi’s analysis it is emphasized that democracy is not doomed to remain without prospects in Albania, but requires responsibility, functioning institutions, and respect for the opposition. On the other hand, according to him, recent developments show that using judicial processes for political purposes only harms the democratic climate and increases tensions in the country. (Continued on page 5)

Press conference of professional journalists Representatives of professional journalists denounced the climate of pressure and violence against the media, stressing that the use of handcuffs, clubs and irons against free speech is unacceptable. At the press conference, respect for the law, the guarantee of freedom of information, and the protection of the dignity of the journalism profession were called for. It was emphasized that Albanian society cannot move forward by intimidating the media and that any obstacle to the free ممارسة of the profession seriously undermines democracy. (Continued on page 2)