The release of the opposition leader from prison is a guarantee of respect for and protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of man and of the political freedoms of the opposition. A sentence against Mr. Nano appears to have crossed the limits of every normal principle and standard. The rationale given for the conviction of the former Prime Minister of the country, the chairman of the Socialist Party, does not correspond to legal logic, but to a political perception. From the way Mr. Nano’s case was tried, from whether or not other state officials from the period when that government was in office were involved, and especially from the duration of such a judicial process in relation to other events of a similar nature, the impression is created that we are dealing with a political process rather than a judicial one. Since Mr. Nano’s conviction has caused concern not only in Albania, but also in international bodies, in many political circles and in Western countries, other acts that help drag out his release even further can serve only as an indicator that democratic progress is still under the effects of a political deadlock. Human rights are universal. The assessment that exists in certain circles regarding the status of freedoms and rights in Albania, as well as the criticisms publicly made about them by the relevant international institutions, are by no means such evidence that can be ignored. On the contrary, they must be listened to carefully and reflected upon. Precisely because of their situation, Albanians feel it is part of their own concern. Not only out of the need to establish standards of civility essential for any modern society, but also as a condition for integration into the European institutions to which Albania aspires. It is not only in Mr. Nano’s interest, but also in Albania’s, that his case be treated as one in which the law is applied impartially and not with political prejudice. Only in this way can interpretations be avoided that justice standards are used selectively, depending on the political position of individuals. The release of the opposition leader would be a sign that the Albanian state respects pluralism, the normal functioning of the opposition, and the democratic rules of the political game. It would constitute a guarantee of respect for and protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of man and of the political freedoms of the opposition.

In the People’s Assembly... How the debate in the Trade Commission of the People’s Assembly was fabricated and manipulated, and for what purpose, and what position was taken there regarding government representation. If the information circulating about this discussion is accurate, then we are dealing with yet another example of the way issues of public interest are handled. According to some information, accusations and counter-accusations were exchanged at the meeting that did not help clarify the problem, but rather clouded it. Part of the debate also concerned the movement of goods and trade destinations, where the port of Kladuka and the link with Belgrade were mentioned. If a senior state official were to be involved in such an itinerary, that would require full public clarification. The public has the right to know not only the facts, but also the motives behind such decisions. Otherwise, a ground is created for political interpretations and for a climate of suspicion. Manipulated debate in committees does not help the transparency of the People’s Assembly; it harms it. Even when there are strong disagreements, they must be conducted openly and responsibly.

Arifi of the Socialist Party in Sarandë A meeting was held in the coastal city with the local structures of the Socialist Party, where the need for free and fair elections was emphasized as a condition for political stability and the strengthening of the state. The participants assessed that the tense political climate cannot be overcome without restoring trust in the electoral process. According to them, new elections would help reduce confrontation and create a more stable outlook for the country. The meeting also discussed the economic and social situation in the south and the need for political structures to maintain closer contact with citizens. It was emphasized that the strength of institutions is also measured by their ability to guarantee fair representation and normal political competition. Local representatives asked that Sarandë’s voice be heard more strongly in national debates and that the area’s problems be dealt with with greater responsibility.

Albanian Television aired “The Evening Meeting” on 20 April with Mrs. Tefta Cami, chairwoman of the Socialist Women’s Association. In the introduction to the program it was said that Mr. Nano, “through OMONIA and Greek extremist circles, is organizing unrest in the south of the country.” First, it is clear that such wording is politically serious and requires solid arguments, which cannot be replaced by television insinuations. Second, the use of a public program to reinforce accusations of this kind removes the state media from its informative role and brings it closer to propaganda. If there are facts, they must be made public through institutional channels. If there are none, then we are dealing with a manipulation that damages the political climate and social relations. Such a correction is necessary not only for the truth of the statement, but also for the standard of public communication. This is also the framework in which the reaction to Mrs. Dhamo and the role of television moderation in a pluralist society should be viewed.

TO- of the officials for the perches- MATO- and of the alarm-removals In a short comment, the new documentary oppositions and the political polemics connected with them are discussed. The text is partly unreadable in the image, but it is clear that it concerns a clash of accusations and counter-accusations, with removals or dismissals also mentioned. Many words are unclear because of the poor quality and the orientation of the page. [?]

A rooster there where you pray, Mr. Preç...