Mr. Dervishi’s name is not unknown to us. Nor is the mechanism by which he was appointed to his previous post, and by which he is being proposed to the People’s Assembly today. In Parliament: FATOS DERVISHI IS A ZEALOUS SERVANT OF POLITICAL POWER AND A BRUTAL VIOLATOR OF THE LAW — Statement by MP Namik Dokle — Mr. Dervishi’s name is not unknown to us. Nor is the mechanism by which he was appointed at the end of his previous post, and by which he is being proposed to the People’s Assembly today. He was appointed deputy prosecutor of Tirana just one day before the arrest of MP Fatos Nano, Chairman of the Socialist Party. He is being appointed Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic of Albania just two or three weeks after the conclusion of the political, unlawful and antidemocratic process of Fatos Nano’s predetermined conviction. This is Fatos Dervishi’s only merit: — “Merit” for violating the Constitutional Provisions and the Law on the Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms. — “Merit” for imprisoning the free speech of journalists. — “Merit” for being used as a whip against political opponents and as psychological pressure against all those honest prosecutors, judges and lawyers who aspire to the rule of law in a state governed by law. — “Merit” for using the laws not to protect people and justice, but to turn them into [unclear] over the heads of those whom the party in power points out. a brutal violator of the law. Fatos Dervishi is a rusty mechanism in the vicious circle that political power is creating with judicial power, against the fundamental principles of democracy and political pluralism. His appointment is a political appointment, and therefore our position will be a political one. We consider this appointment a grave provocation not only against the Socialist Party but also an openly grave affront to justice. Therefore, not only are we against his appointment as Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic of Albania, but we will not remain in the parliamentary chamber during this shameful process! Fatos Dervishi has many “merits” in consolidating democracy in Albania. We will single out, as the most important, the “investigation” of Fatos Nano. Despite these procedural and legal violations, for which in a truly democratic state governed by law criminal proceedings should have been initiated against him, the president sends… in parliament the prosecutor general! After Mr. Arbnor read out the president’s proposal, the chairman of the Socialist parliamentary group, Namik Lokle, took the floor, after which the Socialist MPs rose demonstratively in protest and left the chamber. As always, convinced that they must do whatever their leader tells them, the Democratic Party MPs began praising Fatos Dervishi. Ramalli, Marki, Miça, Arbnori, and others spoke, but Marash Ibraj from Puka expressed himself more forcefully and clearly. Fatos Dervishi, he said, «not

AFTER 9 MONTHS IN A CELL — “Authoritarianism” has been transformed entirely into the “Berisha regime.” — The warning is being forcefully sounded. Is isolation in a “high-security” prison being sought for Fatos Nano?— Ali Shenepr… foreshadows the falsity that will accompany the trials in the Independent Court of Appeal and the Independent Court of Cassation. “Authoritarianism” was anticipated, but the term “Berisha regime” was used. A few weeks ago, the European Parliament, in a special resolution on Albania entitled “Resolution on relations between the European Community and Albania,” after a detailed analysis of democratic developments in Albania, reached the conclusion: “believing that communist totalitarianism has now definitively disappeared in Albania, but being concerned that, nevertheless, authoritarianism alone could jeopardize the success of Albania’s democratization process and its integration into European democratic institutions.” Further addressing a key issue in Albanian politics—the Nano issue—it stated: “calls on the Albanian Government to explain why the leader of the major opposition party has been arrested and calls for his immediate release until the courts deliver their judgment on the charges against him”; this demand, voted for—as was the Resolution as a whole—by an absolute majority, was preceded by the finding that “the leader of the SP, which won 54 percent of the vote in the local elections, has been imprisoned by the Berisha regime,” notwithstanding the fact that Tirana public prosecutors A. Boci and Sh. Kokona refused to initiate criminal proceedings against Mr. Nano and gave their reasons… Taking as their starting point the successful experience of SP organizations, which have made and are continuing to make new admissions of sound members, the SP District Steering Committee is planning its work better in order to provide the most qualified assistance possible, even to the district’s most remote areas. The aim is to ensure that the duties set by the Second National Conference of the SP are carried out and taken seriously; accordingly, the entire steering council is working with members and sympathizers to ensure that their duties are better fulfilled. The presence of the “regime” is being foreshadowed by statements from the Albanian leadership, Mr. Berisha. At that time… and now, we observe that authoritarianism is passé. The latest challenge, carried out immediately after this resolution, apparently… people have been arrested, held for months… and later sentenced after a series of… denounced irregularities… between the stages that formally separate… the trial court from the ap… journalists Martin Leka and Aleks… and Frangaj; then S’ygryri Meh… for “Voice of the People”; Ilirjan Zhu… for “Populli Po,” with the freedom of the Albanian press being scandalously put at risk; MP Feodot Keko and journalist Gjergji Zefi were struck on the head with a crowbar by forces of darkness; a series of people have died under police torture… one of them, and another 22-year-old… Irfan Nanaj; legal activists of the Socialist Party have been forcibly detained through… “state” action, especially opposition… of the largest Socialist Party and the “Democratic Alliance”; it has entered the path of… circles of… growth, that which the “Resolution” states is a primary condition for integration into Europe, the… Constitution; the criminal and penal codes of 1976 continue to be applied savagely… In a strange tone, speaking with… about… Nano. The prison director Ali Shenep… said in an interview with a foreign radio station that after the sentence Mr. Nano would be transferred to high-security prisons to protect him from [unclear]. Perhaps unintentionally, and perhaps deliberately, he was overcome by a strange feeling of revenge. Shenep… seems to have “learned” and made public… that in the other two trials, in the independent Courts of Appeal and Cassation, Mr. Nano would be convicted. Thus, the falsity of the first trial is expected to be repeated in the other two as well—how else would Mr. Ali know that Nano would be convicted? The scheme which, according to Mr. Nano, was designed in Vienna 4… and accompanied the Nano trial seems set to continue directly in the courts, in the political trial of the opposition leader. It seems that the nine months in prison so far have not been enough for the highest-security [unclear], the months-long absence… (Continued on page 4)

For some time, there had been talk that Fatos Dervishi would also be formally appointed Deputy Prosecutor General of the state. I say “formally” because in fact he has already been doing the prosecutor’s job; some even jokingly say that he is Albania’s Prosecutor General. Fatos Dervishi has many “merits” in consolidating democracy. Despite the violations for which sends Parliament a proposal to appoint Fatos Dervishi to the post of Deputy Prosecutor General! After Mr. Arbnori read the president’s proposal, Socialist parliamentary group chairman Namik Lokle took the floor, after which Socialist MPs demonstratively left the chamber in protest. … among others, he deserves to be not only deputy prosecutor but also Prosecutor General, so that, alongside Fatos Nano, Gramos Kuçin and Namik Dokle can be put in the dock. Nothing could express more clearly the policy of the DP, its line of political and physical elimination: putting its political opponents in prison, using mechanisms such as… exploiting mechanisms such as Fatos Dervishi’s role. That is why President Berisha proposes Dervishi as deputy prosecutor. That is why the DP approves him; that is why the Socialists oppose Fatos Dervishi becoming Deputy Prosecutor General of the state.

More than 40 people were admitted in Dom, Mërtur, Iballë, Çebik, Qafë-Mali, Gomsqë, etc. Worth noting is the village organization of Dom, in the Municipality of Gjegjan, which welcomed 9 young men and women into its ranks. In Mërtur, 7 young people expressed their wish and were accepted as members of the Socialist Party; efforts were made to encourage more young people to join… the Party… better fulfilled.

— The thieves were masked. The guard has been arrested. This happened over the past few nights. The municipal safe at Dajç was broken into and 400,000 new lekë were stolen; as we were informed, the money was to be used for social assistance for residents without income. The building housing the municipal administration offices and the safe in question was under constant guard. There was also an armed guard with a double-barrelled shotgun on duty on the night of the theft. However, according to the circumstances described, several armed and masked people, who were not recognized, threatened to kill the guard and physically restrained him by force until they managed to break open the safe and seize the money, then leaving without making a sound. The law-enforcement authorities in Shkodër detained the guard, against whom an investigation has been opened, while the money… ZEF DOÇI, Chairman of the Steering Council of the PS in the Pukë District

It was Broz Lorja, aged 32, chairman of the Berdica Municipality, who committed suicide with a firearm on Wednesday afternoon at his home. The causes that prompted this suicide are not yet known, but yesterday people in Shkodër were saying that he had taken his own life immediately after spending a few moments with his children. The investigative police at the district public-order commissariat are conducting the initial inquiries into this sad and shocking incident; so far, however, there is no explanation. Yesterday he was laid to rest. Correspondent of “Voice of the People”

With the aim of protecting Albanian research in the industrial sector, Parliament discussed for several days on Wednesday the protection of scientific works such as inventions, rationalizations, design projects, etc. Appreciating the work done in drafting this law, the Socialist MP presented a series of proposals to improve it. They also expressed concern about protecting Albanian research from foreign interests. For example, the case was cited of scientific work and research in the oil and geology sectors carried out by Albanian specialists over many years. This work is state property and must not be left for foreigners to exploit as they please. It must be safeguarded and used for the benefit of the Albanian state. We must not forget, said a Socialist MP, that not only the Gllavenica epitaph has been stolen, but many other things that were national property as well. MP Alfred Pakolaka spoke on these issues on behalf of the Socialist group. concern about protecting Albanian research from foreigners. For example, the scientific studies and research in the fields of oil and geology, carried out by Albanian specialists over many years, were cited. They are state property and should They should be preserved must not forget, said a Socialist MP, that it was not only the Gllavenica epitaph that was stolen, but many other things that were national treasures as well. On behalf of the Socialist group, MP Alfred Pakolaka spoke about these issues.

On April 27, the director of the Gjirokastër museums organized an event at the Castle Club in honor of the patriot, teacher, writer, and renowned folklorist Zihni Zako. Those gathered, people from the fields of cultural history, literature, folklore, and others, shared memories of their meetings with Zihni Sako and praised his contribution to the creative fields in which he worked. After the museums director, Elvira Shpillo, spoke Milat Kord: Tasim Çyrkulli, Petra Koçula, Luan Angoni, Petraq Qurku, Republika Çulli, Adriatik Zihni, and Kosta Loll. High-school students from Gjirokastër recited works by the writer, while his relative Taxhedin Sako thanked those present for the tribute. Congratulating the museums directorate for holding such commemorative events, those offering their good wishes suggested that this initiative continue and be kept alive, including all the figures of Gjirokastër, both the forgotten and the unforgettable. TIANAS DINO

150 families from the village of Okshatinë in Shupenzë, in the Bulqizë district, have sent a letter to the Shupenzë commune council asking for the village road, blocked by R.K. and several others, to be reopened. In decision no. 2 of February 9, 1994, signed by the chairman of the commune council, Shanin Kaja, and the secretary, Latif Dema, the commune council ordered, in a final decision, that the roads be opened and the vakuf lands that had been arbitrarily occupied be vacated, as they were obstructing the movement of the village’s 150 families, who use this road to get around. More than two months have passed, and the decision has not been implemented. They say that the Bulqizë district prosecutor and a judge of the Court of Cassation, who is related by blood to the person described as the ringleader of this dispute, have obstructed its implementation. The villagers, left without a road to travel on, ask: will the laws of the state be enforced, or the old village customary laws? The latter have their own sanctions, including severe ones, for anyone who becomes a burden to the village. B. Z.

Yesterday, at around 02:00, unidentified persons planted a bomb at the shop of owner Arben Guli, which is located at the entrance to the city of Laç. The bomb was placed at the shop’s main door; the explosion damaged its interior furnishings badly, including the counter, several chairs, tables, and so on. The shop owner says he immediately went and informed the security forces. But, he says, the security forces arrived very late, and their efforts to investigate and identify the perpetrators were far too weak. The shop owner, Arben Guli, is deeply concerned about this criminal act and is calling on the security forces to identify the perpetrators without fail. This act has taken place while the citizens of Laç live and work amid an ongoing, unavoidable sense of insecurity. MIRDASH VINJOLLARI

Travel notes The trip by the female journalists of «Zëri i popullit» to Corfu for a tourist visit was made possible thanks to sponsorship from the European Union’s Intereg program, Corfu office. It was a long-planned celebration, postponed for several weeks for reasons related to the newspaper’s affairs. Given the financial means available to Albanian newspapers today, only foreign sponsorships make it possible for Albanian journalists to travel and get to know other countries. It would be a good thing if other newspapers were also given such opportunities to go abroad, even for short periods, as was our two-day visit to Corfu. The timing of our trip to Greece coincided with the worsening of relations between the two countries, because of the April 10 incident in Peshkëpi, Gjirokastër. This seemed to dampen somewhat the enthusiasm for a state visit. But we are journalists, and such visits have their value even in tense circumstances. We have taken a firm position on the Peshkëpi incident: we condemn the serious crime and call for the perpetrators to be investigated. But the incident should not call into question normal relations between the two neighboring countries. There are a number of well-known reasons, which need not be mentioned here. The fact that around 250,000 Albanian refugees work in Greece and were not mistreated by the Greek police during the days of heightened tensions, along with several decisions, gives us hope. That incidents can be overcome through the goodwill of both governments. The reciprocal statements made by the two governments in recent days also show that dialogue is taking the place of swords. Let our visit to Corfu, too, be understood as part of the efforts to thaw the worsening chill between the two countries. With this feeling, we set out for Corfu. We arrived in Sarandë at night, after 22:00. Checking into the hotel and then having dinner at a seaside restaurant near the tourist hotel delayed our sleep by several more hours. A stay by the sea is a pleasure even after midnight. And it was precisely around 1 a.m. that a scene unfolded there, something we saw with our own eyes: one of those scenes we heard about every day in our newspapers—the departure of Albanian refugees illegally for Greece. It seemed quite normal. Without even looking at where the boats and motorboats were moored, among other things along the seafront, Albanians were climbing aboard the motorboats to set off. There were around 15 people. Not a single police officer or other member of the security forces was visible nearby. Later we learned that such a journey for Albanian refugees costs 25,000 drachmas (around 10,000 lekë). This practice has been going on for some time, with thousands of Albanians setting off toward Greece and Italy. The Albanian government took no action at all on this problem, while motorboats reach the outskirts of the city, as in this case, without anyone taking notice. The question This happened in recent nights. They broke into the safe at the Dajç commune office and stole 400,000 new lekë, which, as we were informed, were intended for social assistance. The building housing the commune administration offices and the safe in question had been kept under constant guard. On the night of the theft, too, there was a guard armed with a shotgun. However, according to the account of how the theft was carried out, several armed and masked individuals, whose identities were unknown, security authorities in Shkodër detained the guard, who is now under investigation, while the money... Chairman of the Steering Council of the PS ZEF DOÇI of the Pukë District This happened in recent nights. whose identities were unknown, under investigation, while the money... whose identities were unknown, under investigation, while the money... In Corfu, a Greek police officer answered us, not without irony: «Not many, only a few thousand». The Greek police officer’s statement can also be understood as an acknowledgment of the fact that the Greek authorities often turn «a blind eye and a deaf ear» to these thousands of refugees. A Greek naval vessel was stationed off the coast of Vrek, where the sea narrows considerably between Ksamil and Corfu. Its mission, we were told, is to prevent motorboats from entering that destination. Nevertheless, they do get in—and not because the Greek navy is unable to stop them. In light of this fact, the Greek officials’ nervous statements, labeling even the fishing of a Greek vessel in our waters a «provocation by the Greek government», leave a bitter taste. The ferry “Hariklia”, owned by Fotin, a young man who also fled Albania before 1990 (having turned his back on his homeland to work with his ferry), makes the Sarandë–Corfu crossing in 90 minutes. There are three ferries operating the route. Two of them give this transport a certain liveliness, serving not only the citizens of the two countries. In the absence of other infrastructure connecting Sarandë with the world, these ferries help bring the many tourists from Corfu to (Continued on page 2)