— Interview with the chairman of the Socialist Party and deputy of the People’s Assembly FATOS NANO, given in the courtroom to the deputy editor of the newspaper Luon M. Rama — — “MY HANDCUFFS ARE NO HEAVIER THAN THE DECORATION OF SHAME THAT PRESIDENT BERISHA WEARS AROUND HIS NECK...”” The most precious flower will be our strong, thoroughly presidential party [?] — Zëri i Popullit: For 30 years you would have been working for nothing. It is difficult for us to make it clear. Please, Mr. Nano, explain precisely whether you really intended to escape, as has been declared. — — Fatos Nano: We understand that I am very clear. I was convinced that if I wanted to leave, I would never choose the wrong path they tried to pin on me in order to strike me politically. Nor could it be believed that I would set off without taking my family and without securing at least some human support in the country where I would go. The fact that I am today in political prison speaks to the contrary. — — Zëri i Popullit: It has been said that you had contacts with foreigners and that this is linked to the accusation of collaboration with foreign services. — — Fatos Nano: These are fabrications and part of a political scenario. I have met people, diplomats, journalists, friends of Albania, as befits a party chairman and deputy. Anyone can verify that there was nothing secret in these meetings. Using these contacts to bring charges is merely an attempt to frighten the opposition. — — Zëri i Popullit: Do you consider the proceedings against you to be political? — — Fatos Nano: Without any doubt. This is a proceeding initiated not to uncover the truth, but to strike the Socialist Party and intimidate any dissenting voice. I was arrested as the leader of the opposition. If I were an ordinary citizen, no one would bother with these slanders. — — Zëri i Popullit: What do you have to say to your supporters? — — Fatos Nano: Calm, courage and confidence. I am convinced that the truth will prevail. My handcuffs are no heavier than the badge of shame that President Berisha wears around his neck. The most precious flower will be our strong party. (To be continued on page 2)

At the conclusion of the visit to Albania, the secretary for foreign policy and the peace process for the people’s deputies Fatos Nano, and the chairman of the Council of the Socialist International for the Balkans and Southeast Europe, Mr. Serwer [?], were received in a special meeting by the leadership of the Socialist Party of Albania. During this meeting, the political developments in the country and the role of the Socialist Party in parliamentary and public life were discussed. The importance of strengthening relations with the European socialist movement and the need for support for democratic processes in Albania were emphasized. A. I.

We will familiarize you tomorrow with some of the arguments of the Socialist deputies From the People’s Assembly 37 million dollars in taxes from the countryside Continuing the irresponsibility in filling the budget late, Prime Minister Meksi once again, with falsehoods coming from the mouths of the agricultural ministers, calls on the deputies of the People’s Assembly to further burden the peasantry with taxes. Since 25 June 1992, the right-wing government of our country has cared more about squandering than about effectively managing the country’s assets. We recall only two cases: 5 joint agricultural companies created by government decisions, instead of helping agricultural development, were turned into a base for abuse and plunder. Likewise, for 4 super-enterprises, the government gave 900 million lek from the state budget without presenting any serious project. On the other hand, the fiscal burden is being shifted onto the countryside. An estimated 37 million dollars in taxes and duties are being extracted from agriculture and the peasantry. This policy weighs not only on the producer, but also on the ordinary consumer. Tomorrow we will present the arguments of the Socialist deputies concerning this issue. (To be continued on page 2)

A week ago we spoke with two deputies of the Assembly of Albania regarding a scandal that had occurred in the premises of parliament. Deputy Pirro Kondi was threatened and beaten by elements who came from outside the chamber, while the public order bodies did not take the necessary measures. The event raises serious questions about the safety of the people’s representatives and about the authority of the Assembly itself. If a deputy cannot be protected in the place where popular sovereignty is exercised, how can the safety of ordinary citizens be guaranteed? This situation requires a full investigation and institutional accountability. (To be continued on page 2)

Statement by deputy Molton Zego [?] The sudden violent incident against deputy Pirro Kondi we regard as a warning sign of the degradation of parliamentary life. Such acts have nothing to do with democratic debate, but rather with attempts to frighten the political opponent. Violence against a deputy is the harbinger of broader political violence. State institutions must react immediately to identify the perpetrators and to ensure that such events do not happen again. (To be continued on page 4)

Testimony explanations during a court hearing From yesterday’s hearing it emerged that the procedures were not fully respected and that the defense had difficulty becoming acquainted with the materials. The witness stated that only during the judicial investigation hearings was there an opportunity to read the documents and understand the nature of the charges. The defense emphasized that this fact infringes the right to due legal process. (To be continued on page 2)

In an official meeting, the political and institutional developments in the country were discussed. The participants emphasized the need to preserve stability, respect pluralism, and strengthen the rule of law. Views were also exchanged on relations with international partners and on the role of institutions in overcoming the crises of the time.

Why on our agenda: “Politics in the foreground”! These days the opposition press and especially the media outlets close to the government are trying to present every public debate as a blind political clash. In reality, many of the issues raised today concern people’s daily lives, the economy, order, rights, and the functioning of the state. When politics is placed in the foreground, not as a solution but as a cover for real problems, then the citizen loses. This is the concern that must be raised forcefully. (To be continued on page 1)