STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE SOCIALIST PARTY OF ALBANIA ON THE PEOPLE'S PROTEST IN THE CITY OF KUKËS At its meeting yesterday, the Presidency of the Socialist Party of Albania assessed the events of 9 May 1994, which tragically ended with deaths, injuries and arrests, as well as with the use of large police forces against a spontaneous revolt by the people of the city of Kukës. The arrival of Prime Minister Meksi in this city, after the President's visit, his successive statements ruling out talks and dialogue with the protesters, as well as his irresponsible attitude during and after the incident, once again showed this government's inability to confront the acute economic and social problems it has itself caused and its inability to communicate with the people. The Presidency of the Socialist Party of Albania condemns the escalation in the use of force and state violence, which constitute a serious threat to citizens' lives and property and undermine the exercise of their democratic rights. The Presidency of the Socialist Party of Albania calls on the political forces, the government, the President of the Republic and the law-enforcement bodies to avoid acts that could lead to further aggravation of the situation and to open the way to political and civic dialogue to solve the problems. The Presidency of the Socialist Party of Albania expresses its condolences to the families of the victims and its solidarity with the citizens of Kukës. (Translation into English: "The use of violence - lack of the government's desire for dialogue"; "Statement of the Presidency of the Socialist Party of Albania on the popular protest in the city of Kukës".) (Italian translation: "L'uso della violenza - mancanza della volontà del governo per il dialogo"; "Dichiarazione della Presidenza del Partito Socialista d'Albania sulla protesta popolare nella città di Kukës".)

- The completeness of the initiative of the Socialist Party, sava? [?] end? given the statement? Fatos Nano [?] At the latest press conference this Monday with journalists from the foreign and domestic press, the chairman of the Socialist Party, Mr. Fatos Nano, speaking about recent developments in the country, said that the Socialist Party of Albania is convinced that the country is heading toward a serious economic, political and social crisis. According to him, the dragging out of reforms, the lack of trust in institutions and the failure to respect political dialogue are pushing the country into a difficult situation. He emphasized that the request for an early solution remains a serious political initiative and not a propaganda maneuver. Mr. Nano also answered journalists' questions regarding the Socialist Party's positions toward institutions, the role of the opposition and its relationship with public opinion. (Translation into English: "Yes, Mr President, the Socialist Party's request for an early solution is serious".) (Italian translation: "Sì, signor Presidente, la richiesta del Partito Socialista per una soluzione anticipata è seria".)

... the citizens of Kukës [?] ... the police ... the protesters ... the government ... The text of this piece in the image is partially illegible because of the orientation, contrast and damage to the page. The title and scattered fragments across columns are visible, but not the entire material with sufficient certainty for full transcription. (Continues on page 2) (English: "The two realities of Kukës") (Italiano: "Le due realtà di Kukës")

ILUAN HADARAGA With the current situation ... (Continues on page 2) (English: "The new elections will bring the Socialist Party closer and prepare it more") (Italiano: "Le nuove elezioni avvicineranno e prepareranno di più il Partito Socialista")

A group of Socialist parliamentarians has submitted to the President of the Republic a request for the convening of an urgent session of the People's Assembly to discuss the government's responsibilities regarding the events in Kukës. The text mentions the name of Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi and the need for institutional clarification. For the parliamentary group, the serious events of recent days require transparency and political responsibility. (English: "Request for an urgent hearing for Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi") (Italiano: "Richiesta di un'audizione urgente per il primo ministro Aleksandër Meksi")