— Time allowed for lawyers’ visits is being shortened, as is the time for carrying out physical searches [?], in violation of fundamental freedoms and human rights. The Albanian Helsinki Committee looks on. Fatos Nano, chairman of the Socialist Party and a member of the People’s Assembly, has been held alone in the cells of Tirana prison for nearly 11 months, under conditions of strict police isolation. Special care has been taken in his treatment, often acting openly in violation of the requirements of our law and international normative acts concerning the protection of human rights. Our repeated protests have fallen on deaf ears, both at the Prosecutor’s Office and at the Albanian Helsinki Committee. They have not entered the pre-trial detention rooms for a long time to see firsthand the conditions in which detainees live—conditions that someone, through foreign correspondents, dares to present as perhaps better than those in other countries. Fatos Nano’s admission to this prison and his prolonged confinement in isolation coincided with the entry into force of several orders and regulations that flagrantly violate human rights, and with a radical, prolonged reform involving detainees, while Masuraj Shenepronte and company [?] human rights. The Albanian Committee, which includes many police officers and ordinary employees, some of whom were left out on the street, at the mercy of fate, despite having families. The consequences of these unlawful normative acts are also being suffered by other detainees. According to the regulation signed by Mr. Musaraj, Minister of Public Order, the time allowed for a lawyer to provide legal assistance to a client has been limited to 30 minutes a day. Lawyers are not permitted to meet detainees after 16:00 or on Sundays. This action is openly contrary to the law on the main constitutional provisions and the Code of Criminal Procedure, because it obstructs the provision of legal assistance. This has had consequences, because detainees have been unable to prepare their defense in court with the help of their lawyers. We recall that, to prepare the defense for Fatos Nano’s trial at first instance with his lawyers, only [?] hours were made available to us. Strangely, the two lawyers are not allowed to consult their client at the same time. The Prosecutor’s Office should initiate criminal proceedings against those responsible for abuse of office under Article 106 of the Criminal Code, and ensure that detainees are guaranteed the rights granted to them by law and receive the necessary legal assistance. The opposite approach is maintained through the silence of prosecutors who defend the interests of the state. They are allowed to meet with persons held in custody and detainees at any time and to stay as long as they wish. They see this contradiction themselves, yet remain indifferent. They remain indifferent, although their conscience surely pricks them when they see through the glass of the guard officer’s room the soldier according to whom lawyers are subjected to physical body searches. Civilian police employee Erzen Nurçollari feels both satisfaction and hatred when he tells lawyers that it is his duty to search Fatos Nano’s lawyers, saying: “There may be some sock where you hide these papers that are in our bags.” Police employees apparently have not been properly instructed that the contents of investigative files are secret. It is essential that the prosecutor remind the administrations and pre-trial detention facilities of the law, and of who is entitled to conduct personal searches of lawyers, and when … (Continued on page 2)

The Deputy Chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania, Dr. Servet Pëllumbi, received at the Party headquarters a delegation of the European Democratic Union (EDU), led by Mr. Geofry Patë. The delegation included EDU representatives from Germany, France and Greece, as well as the Executive Secretary of the Union, Mr. Andreas Khol (Austria). The Socialist Party was represented at the meeting by MPs Ilir Meta and Bashkim Zeceli. Dr. Servet Pëllumbi briefed the delegation on the views of the Socialist Party of Albania regarding the current political and economic situation and foreign policy, focusing mainly on issues in the Region. “We have sought, and continue to seek,” S. Pëllumbi said, “dialogue and understanding with the political forces in the interests of democratic developments and processes in Albania. But in practice this is made impossible as long as President Berisha himself publicly considers the opposition an enemy. The DP is pursuing a strategy of increasing tension in the country. In Albania,” he said, “anyone who thinks differently from the DP is considered an enemy; the DP recognizes only its successes in governing, and every critical position of ours is immediately labeled destructive.” S. Pëllumbi acquainted the guests with the “Nano Case” as a political process aimed at striking at the Socialist Party and its leader. European public opinion has become very aware of this issue, and we are confident there will be further reactions in the future. “We are,” Servet Pëllumbi said, “in favor of Albania’s admission to Europe, but with European standards, not by violating human rights and freedoms and creating tension in the country’s political situation. We cannot go to Europe without a Constitution. It is virtually complete, but it is difficult to submit it to parliament, since DP leaders themselves declare that ‘we cannot secure two-thirds.’ This is a mentality that is both monist and primitive, because the Constitution belongs neither to the DP nor to its parliamentary group.” The representatives of the European Democratic Union were interested in learning about the progress of privatization in Albania; the judicial process and accountability; the investigation procedures and conditions of isolation of the Socialist Party chairman and MP Fatos Nano; the Constitution; the Socialist Party’s views; its position toward the Greek minority in Albania; and other matters. Press and Information Office of the Socialist Party.

— Meeting between journalists and the delegation of the European Democratic Union — As part of its visits to our country, the delegation of the European Democratic Union (EDU) met yesterday with Albanian journalists from various press organizations, with the aim of hearing their views on the state of the press and of Albania. The editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Republika,” Ylli Rakipi, said that there are now hundreds of newspapers of all kinds in Albania, and information is widely reported in the press. A law on private television is lacking. Fines for journalists under the defamation law are very high. Shtypim Nazarko of the newspaper “Dita Informacion” said that the independent press is dying. The cost of this press is very high and unaffordable. The state is well-equipped in its fight against the independent press, and after a year there is a risk that this kind of press will no longer exist. Private television, too, cannot secure income from advertising, since our newspaper has no economic problems because it has a large circulation. But we have other problems, because we can be sent to prison whenever we write about the police press. He gave examples of the imprisonment and sentencing of the editors and journalists of “Zëri i popullit” on absurd charges. Also troubling is the state’s absolute control over state Radio and Television, while private radio and television are not permitted, he said. The state also creates obstacles for foreign radio and television stations that report events in Albania objectively. As long as the press law remains in force, opposition journalists are threatened with prison, while not a single journalist from pro-government newspapers has been imprisoned. Journalist Edi Paloka of “RD” spoke about the unlimited freedom of the press in Albania and the abuse of that freedom. The director of “Deta-” [continues outside the frame] journalists. Preç Zogaj of “Aleanca” said that the state takes a biased approach toward the press. We accept the press law even as it is, but we find it unacceptable that this law treats the press in two different ways: one way for the independent and opposition press, and another for the government-supporting press. Thus, taxes apply only to the opposition and independent press. The state no longer puts journalists in prison because that is a sensational approach; instead, it has chosen the path of economic censorship. The editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Bashkimi,” Mehmet Flezia, said that the press reflects the contradictions of the transition. “Communication censorship over the press in Albania was the harshest censorship in the world,” said Elizi. Elezi. This censorship is now being replaced; we now have [unclear] of press freedom. We have more newspaper titles than journalists. Our public aspires to democracy. (Continued on page 4) Shpëtim Nazarko of the newspaper «Dita» cautious ... the cost is very high and unaffordable. The state is cautious in its struggle against the independent press, and no longer exist after a year. In Albania, it is impossible to secure income from advertising because there is no extensive economic activity. And the advertisements that are run for privatization are published only in government newspapers. Hamdi Jupe of «Zëri i Popullit» said... ...formation, cautious in its struggle against the independent press, and privatization are published only in government newspapers. Journalist Edi Paloka of «RD» spoke about the unrestricted freedom of the press in Albania and the abuses of this freedom of the press. Artan Tenenela, director of the Information Department at Television, spoke about the work carried out by this institution. When it comes to an appropriate fund for ... the economy, he said. We work only...

Libofsha accuses The Council of Ministers Aleksandër Meksi ... This doc ... The Council of Ministers ... The Council of Ministers, signed by Meksi, and they have delivered it to the Libofshë Commune ... This Saturday ... at the Commune, Mr ... this person for ... and given in this ... made a ... are ... presented ... Ferdinand Pone, presented by the Government to resolve ... in Libofshë, and the prefect ... Markajli. They have ... Arben Domi ... that the centre ... Mr ... Pone does not appear ... ministers for ... The Council ... the material ... PS Fier.

On Wednesday, June 22, at 18:00, at the Palace of Congresses (press conference hall), the Euro-Socialist Youth will hold a meeting with leaders of the Socialist Youth of the European Community (ECOSY). Participants will include leaders of the French Socialist Youth, Spanish Socialist Youth, German Social Democratic Youth, Belgian Socialist Youth, Danish Social Democratic Youth, Greek Socialist Youth, and Italy’s Democratic Left. The FRESSH Presidium.

Democracy’s violation cannot be tolerated 1. Date: 27.05.1994, 17:00 . A Socialist Party rally in Libofshë on Friday. Around 2,000 local villagers attending the rally are confronted by a group of 30 people who have come from Fier and who curse, insult, threaten and strike them. Speaking, Servet Pëllumbi says: With thuggery like this and political imprisonment such as that of Fatos Nano, Albanian democracy is at risk; the people are threatened with a new dictatorship. This is precisely why a broad popular movement is becoming necessary, to defend democratic achievements from antidemocratic usurpers. Ilir Meta says: Given the illegal and antidemocratic activity of this contingent manipulated by the DP, the people of Libofshë should vote for the SP, because only in this way will they vote for peace, only in this way will they vote for genuine democracy. The group of thugs, consisting of 30 people who came from Fier, provokes the villagers attending the rally, threatening them amid filthy words, insults involving mothers and sisters, and hysterical shouts: “The DP will win! Sali Berisha! Edi Selami! SP—Pa...” [unclear]. After his voice failed in front of thousands of men and women from the village, he revealed his identity by taking off his trousers and underwear.

Everything was done as Prime Minister Meksi had ordered; that is, a ... was opened ... Everything was done as Prime Minister Meksi had ordered; that is, a ... was opened so as not to ... They must ... the presence ... The measures ... of ... village ... Hoxha ... is ... with ... 20 May 1994. Prime Minister ... has violated ... in ...

The president of the «Blin» company, Bujar Pano, has been under arrest since 8 June. The reason: he defrauded hundreds of residents of the Devoll district, according to Hajdin Sejdia’s list, by collecting money at interest rates of up to 10–15 percent. Asked about the matter, the prosecutor of the Pogradec district, Mr Bilbil Meta, replies: «Pano is a complex case. He is accused of the crime of fraud, for which we have 3 complaints from hundreds of villagers in the Devoll area. But only when ...» Meanwhile, the lawyer for the «millionaire» Kristaq Ristollari said that his client’s situation could be summed up in one word: bankruptcy. Faced with intense pressure from the defrauded villagers and unable to repay what he owed them, Bujar Pano began to consider a way out. And the swindler began to deceive. He pinned his hopes on some government loan or even on credit from the European Community. But these were only illusions. Meanwhile, it has emerged that, after the conclusion of a daily meeting with Prime Minister Meksi, a lunch was held, costing 800 thousand lek. Readers will, I believe, remember that when Meksi was expected in Kukës, he made a dash for Pogradec instead. And the 800 thousand lek was paid either by Bujar Pano or by Jorgo Panajoti, a fee that he could not explain even from prison. «It was his wish to pay,» Jorgaqi, chairman of the Democratic Party branch in the district, told «Zëri i Popullit». «The party branch’s accountant also confirms this.» One more thing. Bujar Pano was arrested on 8 June, while the news was made public on 16 June. Why did it take so long to give permission? This question becomes all the more intriguing if we bear in mind that, on 16 June, Justice Minister Kujdes Cela and the Republic’s Deputy Prosecutor General, Mr Fatos Dervishi, also arrived in Pogradec by air. After meeting with justice employees in the district, Minister Çela gave «Zëri i Popullit» the following answer: «As for the purpose of the visit: “The purpose of the visit is to see how the work of implementing the land law is proceeding, and more specifically the work of the enforcement office. I cannot say anything about this specific case, as I do not recall us discussing it.”» According to this statement, the lunch for Prime Minister Meksi, which cost 800 thousand lek, was not discussed either. «Zëri i Popullit» correspondent

The American World Cup is bringing evenly matched teams up against one another every day: it began with a somewhat lacklustre match by the reigning world champions, followed by draws and a high level of ... in the championship. Indeed, there has been a «minor» record: since Brazil, the champions, won the title in 1962, no reigning world champion has won the opening match of the following championship, including this year, against Bulgaria at the English World Cup. Thus, after 1986 England drew with Romania in Mexico; Brazil in 1970 drew with Scotland in West Germany; West Germany drew with Poland in Argentina; and Argentina’s matches stand out, against Belgium in 1982 and Cameroon in 1990. Meanwhile, Italy ... At USA-94, strong performances are evident and, apart from one ..., they should not be ignored. The South Koreans’ match against Spain provided a telling example. In that match, despite managing to ... , they showed great spirit and experience and were very close to drawing the score, while their technique and speed merited an advantage over Spain, which appeared to be only a shadow of its former self. For the first time in its history, Detroit Stadium was to host a World Cup match indoors. This occasion left ... ... Milutinović’s men to play just outside their own penalty area, only to then face the explosive counterattacks of Balboa, Batistuta and Sorbat. The match ended ... the 1–1 result was settled by shots from ... On two free kicks ... Bre... from 30 metres and Vlahoda ... the match ... respectively. In Group A, Romania play Colombia. A fine victory against ... by 3–1 and an entertaining performance ... Romania. ... The match would also have surprises in store ... (Continued on page 4)

. Inaction: we found them completely inactive and merely formal in response to several hostile and threatening acts against the people, and ultimately incapable of dealing with thuggish actions. As a result of the blows, pressure and tension, a woman participating in a rally from the village of Libofshë had an abortion. 2. Date: 28.05.1994, time: 20:10. Meeting at the Libofshë Commune, document No. 1743, dated 28.05.1994, with the following content: The Libofshë Commune Council, the Central Election Commission for the Libofshë Commune. Based on the information we have received and in accordance with the documents in our possession concerning the explanation of the ... set out separately, we request that the Libofshë Commune Council ... the decision in question, as the first ... and the certification of the event. The decision of the sovrim Hoxhër Vendi ... that must be made should be com...

3,500 litres of smuggled oil Peshkopi, too, entered the «radius» of oil smuggling with Serbia. also entered the «radius» of oil smuggling with Serbia, smuggling that has turned into a «lubricant» easing the embargo imposed on the country, a country that keeps more than two million indigenous Albanians under a drastic stranglehold. The Peshkopi criminal police, followed by the financial police, carried out an operation and filed a criminal report concerning 3,500 litres of oil being transported from Peshkopi towards Kukës. It is stated that the transporters had no trade licence or goods documents, and that they had obtained the oil from a private trader ... A. A.