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Zëri i Popullit

E diel, 19 qershor 1994

WHEN WILL THE PD'S "VETO" OVER THE INFORMATION OF ALBANIANS BE LIFTED?

The developments following the expiration of the Bulqiza miners' hunger strike were blocked by the silence of the media, despite the fact that the issue being dealt with there was among the most interesting for public opinion. It is clear that the purpose of this silence was to hide a problem that accuses the government of thoughtless, arbitrary actions with consequences. Our newspaper too, despite its serious interest and efforts to bring a true and realistic picture, encountered many obstacles in obtaining information. This happened at a time when Albanian society needs rapid, complete, and undistorted information. Instead, the public is offered incomplete, delayed information selected according to the interests of power. In the case of the Bulqiza miners, the silence of state television and the lack of serious coverage by many other outlets show that the political "veto" over the citizens' right to be informed has still not been lifted. This situation is not merely a professional problem of journalism; it is a political and democratic problem.
Bulqizës Shqiptarëve

MINERS WITHOUT AN OUTLET - THE GOVERNMENT PLAYS DEAF-MUTE

The Bulqiza miners' strike continues Four days ago, the government still has not given a solution to the strike by the Bulqiza miners, who are protesting against the mine's closure and their being thrown back onto the street, and it continues to take an unjustifiable stance. Meanwhile, almost the entire country learned about the miners' hunger strike in the first days, but yesterday and the day before it was subjected to a real information blockade. While the independent media are minimizing and remaining silent about an event of great importance and with very harmful economic and social consequences, state television, besides remaining silent, continues to play the role of manipulator as well, announcing for days on end that the miners were supposedly "talking" with the government. In fact, they are suffering and putting their lives at risk. Last night our journalists were told that the two entrances to the mine where 29 striking miners are located have been closed. At the same time, it has been learned that the government has decided to cut off water and electricity to the mine. These inhumane and irresponsible actions by the government once again demonstrate its distance from the civilized world and democratic standards. In yesterday's issue, we reported that on Saturday the Vice President of the European Miners' Committee and the Administrator of the European Monetary Fund for Mines, Mr. Kutje [?], would arrive in Tirana to mediate in resolving the conflict. But from Korça we learn that Mr. Kutje did not come. Why, remains unclear. The information blockade must also include the non-appearance of the only local newspaper, "Kronika" of Peshkopi. After the sudden and unexplained order issued by the Press printing house in Tirana, it was unable to come out in circulation. Regarding this fact, on Saturday evening its editor-in-chief, Mr. Bujos, told us by phone that he was asking in Tirana to learn the reasons for the newspaper's failure to appear. He added that against the miners a deliberate and frightening silence is being used.
Kutje[?] Bujos Bulqizës Tiranë Korçë Peshkopisë

The former socialist head of the commune newly admitted to the PD expects to meet President Berisha tomorrow

Echo of words: confirmed? at least regarding Sali Berisha's invitation to the former head of the commune, who until yesterday had been a socialist and today has been admitted to the Democratic Party. In a tense political climate, this meeting is being interpreted as a new sign of local power shifts toward the center. Various sources state that he has been seen in Tirana, but a full official communication is still lacking. On the other hand, his admission to the PD has sparked reactions in the area he comes from, where opponents consider it an opportunistic move, while supporters see it as a pragmatic choice. If the meeting takes place, it is expected to be used politically as an example of rapprochement with the president and with the new line of local administration. Photo: The President of the Albanians
Sali Berisha J. O. Tiranë

A foreign citizen is robbed by armed persons

It is mentioned that around 04:00 on 4 June, at the place called Grykë e Velçës in the Delvina district, the foreign citizen J. O. was attacked and robbed by armed and masked persons. According to police sources, the perpetrators took personal belongings and a sum of money. According to the same sources, the investigations are continuing, but the perpetrators have still not been identified.
Alfred Moisiu[?] Grykë E Velçës Delvinës

10 years in prison sought for the first President of Albanian pluralism

Yesterday at 9:00 a.m. the court hearing in Italy against the former Albanian president Alfred Moisiu [?] / or Ramiz Alia [?] was followed with great interest. The prosecution requested 10 years in prison for the defendant, accusing him of responsibility in political and administrative events from an earlier period. The defense disputed the charges, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated. The verdict is expected in the coming days.
Ramiz Alia[?] Itali

THE WORLD CUP OF FOOTBALL BEGAN

Germany-Bolivia 1-0 Shkoder They continue to take bread on credit Germany-Bolivia 1-0 Shkoder They continue to take bread on credit The World Cup celebrations began on Friday evening with the opening match Germany-Bolivia, won 1-0 by the Germans. Sporting excitement was accompanied worldwide by comments and predictions, while in our country a completely different piece of news drew attention: in Shkodra many families continue to take bread on credit. This contrast between the global spectacle and the hardship of everyday life became a symbol of our distance from the standards of the developed world.
Shkodër Gjermani Bolivi

IN THE NEXT ISSUE

- Complete data on Albanian organized crime. - On the anniversary of 29 June, documents, facts, memories. - In our economic dossier: from exchange to the market.