The army is insulted and spied on by the Defence Minister’s assistant! With one signature of his, he has sent hundreds of soldiers to vote in the commune of Zall-Herr Instead of the opposite happening, it seems that now, more than yesterday, the opposition has rendered services to the armed forces, while senior officials of the Ministry of Defense and its own minister, Safet Zhulali, are engaged in politics. It is enough to cite the latest fact concerning an order from the Ministry of Defense dated 4 March 1994, in which, according to our sources, the sending of hundreds of soldiers to the commune of Zall-Herr was ordered for the purpose of participating in the vote. This refers to soldiers from units in Tirana and Durrës. Is this not an act that constitutes political pressure on voters and the use of the army for party interests? Our sources stated that the order was signed by a subordinate of the Minister of Defense, but in essence the responsibility lies with the minister and with the senior officials who allowed such an act. Instead of the army staying away from political games, it is being assigned an impermissible role. This not only insults the army, but also compromises it in the eyes of public opinion. There is dissatisfaction in military circles over the way the army is being used and over the pressure exerted on personnel. Many officers view this climate with concern, as it runs counter to the mission of the armed forces. The relevant institutions are being called upon to clarify this issue publicly and to take responsibility for any violation of the law. Safet Zhulali

ACCORDING TO THE GREEK PRESS Undeclared funds rush to help the Democratic Party of Albania According to Kristo Pulosi, the chief prosecutor of Tirana, Alush Muça ordered the arrest measure for Julja Çeta on 21 December, only over the passport issue. He has come out of the Liqeni prison and emigrated to Greece. NOTE All the press control bodies as well as the Democratic Party are given the explanation regarding the declaratory issue.

Yesterday we had a debate in the premises of the Presidium of the SPD with representatives of the peasantry of the Saranda district. The discussions brought to light numerous economic difficulties and dissatisfaction with the policies pursued by the local and central authorities. There was talk of unemployment, the lack of a market, rising prices and property problems. According to those taking part in the discussion, the election promises have not been kept and citizens are facing serious social consequences. The participants called for a fairer approach to the countryside and for a policy that serves citizens rather than narrow party interests.

The spring planting deadline is moving along very quickly. Soon the issue of irrigation will arise. So far the water directorate has not prepared the action plan to cope with irrigation under conditions of a possible drought. On the contrary, measures are still not being taken even to rehabilitate some damaged irrigation and drainage works. In many areas there are serious shortages in canals, pumping stations and other irrigation works. This creates uncertainty for agricultural production. Farmers and specialists are calling for urgent measures to be taken to avoid the damage of a difficult season. (Continues on page 9)

Long-standing organizational and financial abuses have concerned the sports public. At a press conference, federation representatives set out problems related to administration, refereeing and the condition of the clubs. The discussion emphasized the need for transparency and for a reform of the governing structures of Albanian football. (Continues on page 9)

Reason: They are conducting propaganda for the Socialist Party After the replacement of the commanders of the regiments of Tirana, Vardha and Shkumbini with the first deputies of the Democratic Party, another punitive action by Berisha's government has affected the army. (text partially unreadable[?])

At the premises named M. Mustesore, on Sunday 13 March at 1 p.m. in the Dajti hotel premises in Tirana, the regular meeting of the PRESS Executive Council will be held. All members of the Executive Council must attend. The President of PRESS