Resolution of the meeting of the Euro-socialists of northeastern Albania’s districts On Sunday, 24 April, a meeting of the Euro-socialists of northeastern Albania’s districts was held in the city of Rrëshen. The serious concerns of these areas, which are in a dire economic situation, were discussed at length at this meeting. This meeting appealed to the Albanian government and its institutions to give greater attention to the needs and concerns of these areas, especially to the decline that is currently affecting the social stratum suffering most from the negative consequences of the transition to a market economy. It was therefore requested that these areas be given special consideration in the government-organized emigration quotas. Another concern raised at the meeting was the problem of the poor cultural and artistic life in the northeastern areas, resulting from the deterioration of many institutions that would otherwise support such activities. A number of speakers at the meeting examined with particular concern the grave political situation in the country, especially its polarization following the arrest of opposition leader Fatos Nano and the political direction he had taken—facts that point to an extreme abuse of the rule of law. The meeting of the Euro-socialists of northeastern Albania’s districts openly expressed its opposition to this “roundabout” path for Albanian youth, considering it a constructive step and a concrete example set by the younger generation at this difficult time for Albanian politics. The meeting reiterated its participation at the invitation of several youth organizations and the association of the politically persecuted. Rrëshen, 24.4.1994

For the third time, the Socialist Party headquarters in Korçë, located beside one of the city’s main roads, has been targeted by thieves. Food items were stolen first, and then items from its club. Later, the electric stove and tape recorder were taken, and most recently the photocopier and a heater. Some spraying equipment and other items [?]; the spate of thefts and break-ins began immediately after a person living in Tirana appeared on the scene, claiming that the building belongs to him and, moreover, entrusting the power of attorney to represent him to the former district chief judge, Agron Hazizllari. Equally interesting is the fact that these attacks on the PS headquarters were preceded by the notorious, wholly pressuring articles written by RD’s correspondent in Korçë, Petraq Kici, who, in thuggish language, has repeatedly used his articles to intimidate them into leaving the building. On the other hand, the indifference of the law-enforcement forces is astonishing: although notified on both occasions, they simply come, look at what has happened, and leave with promises that they will do everything to catch the thief. ALI MYFTARI

After the names of heroes and martyrs were removed from several streets in the city of Durrës by decision of the district council, and following the recent dismantling of busts, monuments and historical materials connected with the war against Nazifascism and its collaborators, as well as the “reassessment” of certain figures as martyrs, previously known as foreign collaborators, another commemorative plaque has also been removed in recent days from the center of Durrës. It is the plaque commemorating an important event, one of the most important in the history of the national liberation war of the people of Durrës. It commemorates 12 April 1942, the first demonstration against the Italian Fascist occupation, a demonstration that resonated widely and culminated in the savage Fascist killing of the young anti-fascist from Durrës, Sotir Noga. These are precisely the monumental and memorial plaques that bring honor to the city, and the present authorities in Durrës are intent on removing them or pretending not to notice them.

Luan Hajdaraga: Let us overcome the incident through dialogue and look to long-term Albanian-Greek relations of cooperation. - Jorgo Romeras: We appreciate the positions of the Socialist Party, and you can be sure that Albanian emigrants will work and live peacefully in Greece. During a visit to Korçë, Luan Hajdaraga, deputy chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania and member of the People’s Assembly, was received by Mr. Jorgo Romeras, Greek Deputy Minister of National Economy, member of PASOK’s senior leadership and Vice-President of the European Parliament. During the meeting, Luan Hajdaraga spoke about the views and positions of the Socialist Party of Albania on current developments in the country and in the region. Referring to the tense relations between Albania and Greece in recent days, he stressed that the incident of 10 April was serious and intolerable, and that we had condemned it as such and called for the criminals to be identified and punished. But the position of the Socialist Party of Albania, which we have expressed, is that we must rise above the incidents and look at the long-term relationship. We are friendly peoples; we want good-neighborly relations and understanding. As peoples, continued Luan Hajdaraga, we share a history of struggles for freedom and independence, and our peoples wish to live in good-neighborly relations and cooperation. We are grateful to the Greek people for welcoming tens of thousands of Albanians who have gone there to work. This is also assistance to Albania. We thank the Greek government for its noble stance in not taking any action to expel the refugees amid the latest deterioration in relations between the two countries. This has been highly appreciated in Albania. We trust that the Greek government will continue to maintain this stance toward them, in the hope that efforts will also be made in the future to legalize their status. This expresses the true feelings of friendship between the two peoples. Likewise, we have regarded the presence of the minority in Albania as a measure of cooperation and understanding. We are fully committed to ensuring that all their rights arising from international conventions are fulfilled. This would further strengthen good-neighborly relations between the two peoples. Mr. Romeras reiterated to Mr. Hajdaraga the Greek government’s position that Albanian emigrants working in Greece would not be expelled. They will continue to work and live peacefully in Greece. The problems that have arisen in relations between the two countries will be resolved at official levels. Greece is expecting a great deal from the meeting of the two foreign ministers on 3 May. The discussion also addressed the expansion and strengthening of relations between PASOK and the Socialist Party of Albania, which would help foster a climate of cooperation and understanding between our peoples and countries. The meeting was attended by Korçë prefect Aleksandros Zapktakis, as well as MP Anastas Angjeli and Zëri i popullit editor-in-chief Thoma Gëllçi. PRESS OFFICE OF THE SOCIALIST PARTY OF ALBANIA.

PS MEETING IN DIBËR - While the central power of the PD imposes its will on the opposition in this country, this obligation in a democratic manner - Socialists are preparing for elections not with a blank check in their pocket, but with clear and credible programs - Today we are discussing our power in the village, in the words of comrade Sabit Brokaj: as much as we have; as much as we exercise...

Gjirokastër . On April 17, we published a short article entitled “Cloudy weather within the week of April 16.” Yesterday, they learned at the offices of the Socialist Party that, besides those we reported on April 17, on April 16 another 10 people had been accepted: comrades Ismaili, Baxha, Dashi, Dashi, Laqi; Devolli; Haska, Ahmeti and Lika. From that day until yesterday at noon, April 27, another 11 new PS members arrived and were accepted: comrades Veshka, Haska, Hatika, Çani, Rondo, Gjoka, Zeka; Kalemi; Saraçi and Zilaj. The main thing is not to count Zilai. The important thing is not to count the days; what matters is to show that they come and join on their own and are accepted, welcomed into the great left-wing party as its declared, organized members, with documents. How much the times and the political climate have changed! The Socialist Party is being sought, and among the best things it tells the new people who come to it is: our duty is not to disappoint you. Deputies Sabit Brokaja and Halil Lala also took part in the meeting. The report and the ensuing debate highlighted both positive experiences and shortcomings and weaknesses, connected especially with a passive, silent stance toward the many problems facing the village and the city today, particularly amid the brutal violence exercised by those in power and dëdrist?; through taxes and high prices, unlawful privatization and other forms of economic warfare, and political repression against sociali-

- While the central government of the PD imposes its will on the opposition, we have a duty to oppose its violence democratically. - On Wednesday, the Steering Committee of the PS in the district of Dibër had 1-uar in water an active meeting concerning the role and influence of socialist representatives in local government; the Socialist Party has appointed mayors of communes and councilors of the district and communes in general. the meeting. - The Socialists are preparing for the with clear and credible programs. - While we see [text unclear] leading against sociali- ... - “Today we are discussing our power,” comrade Sabit Brokaja said in his speech, “as much as we have it; as much as we exercise it, as much as we know, as much as we are allowed to. Dibër is among the districts facing difficulties because of the ferocity of the political struggle. In the 15th [unclear] and the geographical political struggle is not equal. Dibër, Tirana, Korça, etc., have different values and weight. Since we claim to wage a political struggle, we must know, accept and guide this reality.” The role of socialist officials in (Continued on page 2)

The appointment of Fatos Dervishi to the post of deputy prosecutor general is a provocation against the Socialist Party and a threat to justice. Yesterday afternoon, parliament discussed the proposal by the President of Albania to appoint Fatos Dervishi to the post of deputy prosecutor general. First to speak? was the PS representative, Mr. Namik Dokle, who once again examined Mr. Dervishi’s record. E. Dervishi became famous for the arrest of Fatos Nano, and this proposal was described as justice. The Socialist group demonstratively left the chamber and did not return for the duration of this procedure. We will cover this in greater detail in tomorrow’s issue. An explosion in Albania involving an activist in the creation of a right-wing front in Albania. At the end of the session, parliament heard a ... (??) from Mr. Baleta, who spoke in the name of April 26 in Albania, a historic event. Arian Çika set off an explosive device. This is from Baleta, presented in a way that dibri? based on a post in a leadership position? in the PS, and who had also been head of the State Audit. He had just returned from the press and ... Baleta called this explosion a political act deliberately carried out against an activist for the creation of a right-wing front in Albania. Baleta also informed parliament that on that day the Minister of Justice had refused the request to register the Right-Wing Democratic Party. He said that they would take the matter to the judicial authorities for a ruling. Makariadhi protests the arrest of PBDNJ activists At the end of the session, Mr. Makariadhi also read out a statement. It said that over the last ten days at least 10 activists from his party had been detained and arrested. Sipërsi? are still being held in custody in harsh conditions and without being able to contact lawyers and Albanian citizens of this party. Mr. Makariadhi called these actions violations of human rights. After this statement, several deputies spoke. Pjetër Arbnori said that there is [something] that Albanians must obey the laws of this state, and that, as for Mr. Makariadhi’s claims, [the matter] would have been handled according to the rules. Deputy Bregu said that a commendation issued by the prefect of Thessaloniki had been found on the chairman of OMONIA in Korçë, praising his outstanding merits for the Hellenization of Albania. Correspondent of “Zëri i popullit”

- Impressions of the interview A. Shënepremtja gave the BBC on Saturday in palodjan - Ali Shënepremtja makes... English humor Although over the past 2–3 days, apart from the conduct of the deputy head of the American military mission in Tirana, the official mass media of the “vuvait” had been starved of sensational news, the General Directorate of Prisons, through the “Gazeta Shqiptare”, put out a “release notice” about the “secret Nano-Alia meetings” in Tirana prison. And the very familiar stories began, amplified by the RD, which lends them “truthfulness” as “the political life of recent days in Albania”; they also found an audience among thousands of BBC listeners. Meanwhile, in the simple fog, along with messages bearing headlines about all the courts? and people shocked by the impossibility of bombarding the cost of living, who are waiting for justice with no [unclear], after this news connected with the mention? of the shootings? some scandalous price increase by the Meksi government?! “Nevertheless, the tension eased somewhat, as a result of the BBC newspapers’ concern and scrupulousness about information, and the truth behind the interview that its London correspondent conducted with the Director General of Albania’s Prison Camps, Mr. Ali Shënepremte, on the evening of April 26, 1994...” Instead of the facts that confirmed the sensational news, despite the correspondent’s persistence, the many ordinary BBC listeners would understand the “fate” of enjoying ... and explaining the events ... But what did Ali say? Listeners understood that, following violations of the law and exceeding his authority, for which the former head of the DPP, Beratiti, had become known in the press for the use of violence and [unclear] duties, Mr. Shëneprempte is now trying to ... With a typically “English” sense of humor, in a high-pitched tone borrowed from official speeches, Mr. Ali says, more or less, that in the prisons he administers under the darkness of the democratic government, “Freedom” reigns. Of course, there are no [unclear] either; prisoners, including gentlemen Ali and Nano, move from one to another ... “Sonya” (he had explained) and the two [unclear] in the high-security prison of Tepelenë, Doxa and Cuko... To soften the “social effects” of Mr. Shëneprempte’s statement, we are obliged to clarify the needs that ... Furthermore: With the same indignant humor, Mr. Shënepremte, who knows as well as anyone else that those working especially as guards in Tirana prison are 20–25 years old and were hired during the last two years (only after Nano’s imprisonment, [unclear] was replaced by the business/una of people with disabilities ... (??) of biased administrations and youth?). To fully enjoy Mr. Shënepremte’s English humor, the public should go to the section where the others A. and Nano are held in isolation; [someone] serves around ... (Continued on page 4)

To Mr ANDREAS PAPANDREU, Prime Minister of the Republic of Greece, President of PASOK. To Mr ANDREAS PAPANDREU, Prime Minister of the Republic of Greece, President of PASOK. ATHENS Dear Mr. President, We were saddened to learn of the death of Mr. Jorgo Jenimatas, Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Greece and a member of PASOK’s senior leadership. On behalf of the Socialist Party of Albania, we extend to you our sincere condolences on the untimely loss of Mr. Jenimatas, a distinguished and well-regarded figure in Greek political life, an energetic orator and a friend of the Albanian people. For the Socialist Party of Albania Deputy Chairman SERVET PËLLUMBI

Representatives of the Socialist Party of Albania, Luan Hajdaraga, Bashkim Zeneli and Leontiev Çuci, members of the People’s Assembly, went yesterday to the Embassy of the Republic of Greece in Tirana and offered its diplomatic representatives their sincere condolences on of Greece, a member of PASOK’s senior leadership and a distinguished figure popular among the Greek people. Press and Information Office of the Socialist Party,