KAVAJË AND FROGOZHINA ATTACK LUDREN "THE TERRIFYING LOAD" HAS TAKEN OVER DURRËS, THE WAREHOUSES OF KAVAJË AND FROGOZHINA, ATTACKS LUDREN COOKIES PRODUCED IN THE 1960s, STRETCHERS, CONCRETE SLABS, SERVED TO THE ALBANIAN PEOPLE AS HUMANITARIAN AID In the spirit of the Albanian popular saying: "Fear keeps the vineyard", the suspicious case surrounding a so-called humanitarian-aid shipment made up of food and other items is today making the office of the General Staff of the army one of the last places anyone would want to go. This institution, with the "support" of the government and the Minister of Defence, Mr. Safet Zhulali, has recently caused a considerable number of assorted aid items to be served to the Albanian people on behalf of various foundations, as humanitarian aid. In a previous article in "Zëri i Popullit", mention was made of a shipment of Italian biscuits that was seized in an army warehouse in Kavajë and suspected to have been produced in the 1960s. Now the suspicions have not only failed to fade, but have increased even more after the discovery of other suspicious shipments in Durrës, Kavajë, Rrogozhinë and Lushnjë. According to our sources, expired goods, items with no food value, but also objects with no connection whatsoever to humanitarian aid, such as concrete slabs, stretchers and other inexplicable materials, have been brought into the army depots and warehouses. Some of these materials have been distributed, or attempts have been made to distribute them, in the districts as aid for the needy population. In Durrës, Kavajë and Rrogozhinë, citizens have expressed concern and dissatisfaction with the way these aid supplies are being managed. Local sources claim that no one bears clear responsibility for their origin, quality and final destination. Moreover, the military structures appear to have been used as the main link for storing and moving this frightening cargo. If these facts are confirmed, then we are dealing with a serious scandal, not only moral but also legal. The Albanian people have been served unusable or questionable products as aid, while in the name of humanitarianism an activity has been tolerated that undermines people’s dignity and health. (The article continues on page 5)

The Chairman of the Socialist Party, Mr. Fatos Nano, received yesterday a delegation from the American National Republican Institute, led by Mr. Lorrand Galajsi[?]. The meeting discussed political developments in the country, the democratic process, the economic and social situation, as well as the role of political parties in consolidating democratic institutions. The interlocutors also addressed issues related to relations between political forces, the need to respect democratic standards, and the importance of free and fair elections. The chairman of the Socialist Party presented his party’s positions on current problems and stressed the need to broaden political dialogue. The American institute’s representatives expressed their interest in developments in Albania and in the experience of the socialist opposition under conditions of transition. Press and Information Office of the Socialist Party

On Wednesday, the Socialist Party activity of this district was held in Korçë. The discussions analyzed the political and organizational situation of the party in this area, as well as the tasks that lie ahead under the current circumstances. The participants focused on the need to increase contacts with the electorate, to better organize the structures, and to denounce violations of democratic standards. It was emphasized that the new elections will pave the way for the development of real democracy and will create conditions for a fairer representation of the popular will. The activity also addressed issues of the party’s internal life, cooperation with other opposition forces, and broader involvement of youth and intellectuals in political activity. (continued on page 2)

Interview with PSSH deputy chairman Ilir Meta, given to the evening newsroom Yesterday, in the premises of the "Tirana" hotel, Mr. Ilir Meta, deputy chairman of the PSSH, held a press conference about the participation of the PSSH delegation in the PASOK congress in Greece. According to him, this participation represents recognition of the good relations between the two political forces and an opportunity to exchange experience in the context of European integration processes. Ilir Meta stressed that the PSSH delegation will meet with PASOK leaders, representatives of other socialist parties, and personalities from Greek political life. He also dwelt on the importance of strengthening regional cooperation, especially in the Balkans, as well as on the need to support democratic processes in Albania. In response to journalists’ questions, Meta spoke about the political situation in the country, the relations between the majority and the opposition, and the need for the government to respect democratic standards. (continued on page 4)

From the Press Conference The figures from yesterday’s conference and the subsequent statements highlight a clear mismatch in the positions of the leadership of the Democratic Party regarding political and economic developments in the country. In the public statements, an attempt can be seen to justify the failures of governance with arguments that run counter to the facts of the day. At the press conference it was emphasized that the socialist opposition cannot accept the distortion of the truth and the propaganda that seeks to shift attention away from the real problems of citizens. Examples were given of contradictions in matters of the economy, administration, and respect for democratic freedoms. PS representatives called for political responsibility and greater transparency before public opinion. (continued on page 4)

Minister Xhafa outraged: Ferit Vamata and Gores without roads [partly illegible text due to orientation and image quality] ... there has been such a development in our country, where the present government behaves with such arbitrariness toward citizens. The discussion also mentioned infrastructure problems and the condition of roads in the relevant areas. Concern was raised that promises made have not been kept and that residents continue to suffer from a lack of investment. (continued on page 6)

We were in the city of Shijak... [text highly illegible]

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