BERISHA DECLARES: “...” Kërkësi parimi lëseren e ndërtit nga armëqë ianë nga Partia Komuniste Shqiptare, nga ambasada italiane që u shndrrua në një seksion të Partisë Komuniste “La Stampa”, dt. 24 February 1994 MEKSI DECLARES: “I think that the real opposition in Albania does not exist. There are disagreements, there is hatred, and there are resentments.” (interview given to “Voice of America”, on 21.3.1994) After the statements by Sali Berisha and Aleksandër Meksi, in which opponents are labeled as enemies, the Tirana Prosecutor's Office is seeking 14 years in prison for the chairman of the Socialist Party and MP Fatos Nano. The main figures mentioned in their statements are Luan Hajdaraga, Nori[?]an Gala, Sabri Godo, Skënder Gjinushi and Idajet Beqiri. In yesterday's issue of this newspaper, on the day of the withdrawal of the charges, we underlined: “If this is innocence, what can guilt be?”, in connection with the position taken by the prosecutor in the case and her request for punishment. At the same time we raised the question of what would happen to the statements of senior state and Albanian political officials that incite political hatred and hostility and lead to a climate of persecution against political opponents. In recent weeks, foreign newspapers and diplomatic circles have been speaking with concern about the hardening political climate in Albania. What we are seeing today confirms that this concern was not unfounded. The statements by President Sali Berisha and Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi, which we quoted above, are the clearest example of an exclusionary and aggressive spirit toward the opposition. When the opposition is called an enemy, when the political opponent is equated with violence or anti-Albanianism, then the way is opened for actions that have nothing to do with the rule of law. The Tirana Prosecutor's Office's request for 14 years in prison for the chairman of the Socialist Party, Fatos Nano, appears to come in this political climate. This development raises serious questions about the independence of institutions and about the future of pluralism in the country. Albania needs dialogue, respect for different views, and democratic standards, not a language of hostility. Note: part of the text on the page is unclear in the image and has been transcribed with uncertainty.

Contract with BBC in Albanian and Vde te mësme to be renewed Representatives of the Socialist Party of Albania and the Republican Party met with BBC representatives and discussed the possibility of renewing the contract for broadcasts in the Albanian language and for English lessons. The British representative emphasized the importance of continuing informational and educational programs for the Albanian public. (Continued on page 4)

— Hunger strikes continue — This situation has been created by the annulment of the acts of the Property Return and Compensation Commission in Lezhë. The protesters are demanding the implementation of the law and the fair distribution of land. Residents say they will continue the hunger strike until their demands are taken into account. Correspondent of “Zëri i Popullit”.

We are a large family with many children and for several months the economic assistance has not been given to us regularly. We have made requests to the municipality and the relevant offices, but we have not received an exact answer. We ask the authorities to intervene and make possible the regular distribution of social assistance to families in need.

From the press conference of ministers Baleti and Palsson Danish Foreign Minister Uffe Ellemann-Jensen promised President Berisha and Prime Minister Meksi assistance to reform the electoral law, the prison system and public administration. The Danish minister said that Denmark would help Albania with 750,000 kroner, as well as with technical experts. (Continued on page 4)

NEPTAN CENA, president of the Democratic Alliance Party. SENDER GJINUSHI, chairman of the Social Democratic Party. In a press statement, Nefitan Cena expressed concern about the situation created and called for respect for the law. Meanwhile, Skënder Gjinushi declared that the opposition should be treated as a political factor and not as an enemy. NANA SADIN? chairman of the Party NËNAN BASHMIR? secretary of the Party JAN HAJDARAGA: Party member Sali Godo chairman of the Republican Party (partial and illegible text in the image)