EVENT OF THE DAY Former political prisoners and the PD’s promises facing each other SHKODËR 80 people continue the hunger strike Despite the fact that representatives of the leadership of the association of former political prisoners and representatives of the strikers spoke with the secretary general of the association of former political prisoners, Mr. Vlladimir Beja, and the secretary general of the Council of Ministers, Mr. Ylli Vejsiu, and had promised that yesterday they would come out of the strike, 80 people from this group continue the strike. This is because there is no official document by which the leadership of the association of former political prisoners recognizes the commission, specifically the commission formed among the strikers in the former internal affairs branch. It is learned that the strikers have barricaded themselves in the residential premises of the public order police section, while the association of former political prisoners is based in the house of culture, where former political prisoners from all over the Shkodër district are gathering. It is learned that the strikers have stressed that they will not end the strike until they receive an official response to the solution of their demands. Correspondent for our district Pjetër KOLA

[?] is the first sign of the rule of law working - LETTERS - PETITIONS - STATEMENTS - "BEST WISHES TO OUR DEPUTY" Dear deputy, Not agreeing with the actions of a group of convicted prisoners from Tirana prison, we, the pre-trial detainees of Unit 313, declare that none of them represents us and that we have no connection whatsoever with them; on the contrary, we are against such actions, prompted by unidentified organizers, because in this way they are trying to cast mud on the government and on the SP. On behalf of the pre-trial detainees of Unit 313, signed by the representatives of the rooms. (Published in full on page 2) (Continues on page 2) WE MUST ESTABLISH THE RULE OF LAW IN ALBANIA DURRËS We must establish the rule of law in Albania PETITION We heard through radio and television broadcasts and read in the independent press that in Tirana Prison 313 some well-known people, led by the chairman of the Socialist Party, Mr. Fatos Nano, have gone on hunger strike. We regret this act, through which an attempt is being made to manipulate public opinion by violating the laws of the rule-of-law state. Moreover, this concerns a group of people who took part in organizing and implementing the plan to destroy our social and economic life. They are the ones who for decades kept standing the totalitarian regime that denied human freedom and dignity. For these reasons, we not only do not stand in solidarity with the strikers, but we unreservedly condemn the instigators of this strike. We ask the justice authorities to act decisively in the face of any political pressure and not allow Albania to go backward. Coincidentally or not, at the same time as these events are taking place, we hear statements from the Socialist Party and its supporters about the "rule of law". We are convinced that the rule of law is not built with pressure, staged strikes, and propaganda. It is built by respecting the law, court decisions, and the institutions of the republic. For this reason, we call on citizens not to fall prey to political manipulation. Albania needs calm, work, and respect for the law. MUSA MYFTIU Correspondent for our district

TIRANË 115 people barricaded inside Next week the place where the strike is taking place in Rivierë will be made accessible by police [?] Representatives of the strikers and of the association of former political prisoners were expected yesterday to hold a meeting with some officials from the Ministry of Public Order to determine the place where the strikers would be accommodated. Unofficial sources reported that for a few days the strike location will be moved and that currently the premises where they are staying are difficult because of the lack of conditions. According to the same sources, a special site, guarded by the police, is expected to be set up next week, where the strike can continue. Meanwhile, 115 people remain barricaded in Tirana. (Continues on page 2)

Sent to the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Sali Berisha - DHAMI - WE MUST ESTABLISH THE RULE OF LAW IN ALBANIA PETITION Dear sirs, We, the signatories of this petition, address you with deep concern regarding the imprisonment of the chairman of the Socialist Party, Mr. Fatos Nano. His arrest and sentence have been widely perceived as politically motivated and contrary to democratic standards. For this reason, we demand his immediate release and respect for fundamental human rights. Likewise, we ask that Albanian institutions respect the principles of the rule of law, guarantee a fair trial, and not use justice for political purposes. Albania needs reconciliation, functional democracy, and credible institutions. The release of Fatos Nano would be an important step in this direction. (Continues on page 2)

DHAMI [?] We express our solidarity with the participants in the hunger strike, who through this act are denouncing injustice and the absence of the rule of law. We believe that without respect for political freedoms and fundamental rights, our country cannot move forward. We call on state institutions and public opinion to seriously reflect on this situation and contribute to resolving it in a peaceful and democratic way. (Continues on page 2)

TIRANË Last night in Tirana, the 50th anniversary of the First Congress of the Albanian Anti-Fascist Youth was commemorated. In the speeches delivered on this occasion, the role of youth in the national liberation struggle and in rebuilding the country after liberation was praised. The need to preserve the anti-fascist ideals and pass them on to the younger generations was emphasized. The event was attended by veterans, representatives of social organizations, and young people. The participants laid wreaths and put on a commemorative artistic program. Correspondent of the newspaper in Tirana

MUSA MYFTIU As reported by the representative of the strikers in Durrës, after the talks held yesterday, there have been the first signs of withdrawal by part of the participants. According to him, some of them have agreed that mediation with the state authorities should be arranged to resolve the demands. On the other hand, the possibility has been discussed that representatives of the Socialist Party might also be included in a dialogue process with the government. This is seen as a move that could help reduce tensions. Correspondent for our district

Since yesterday, the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Mr. Husametin Çindoruk, has been in our country on an official visit. During his stay in Tirana, he is expected to hold meetings with the highest authorities of the Albanian state. His visit is considered important for strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two countries. Correspondent of the newspaper in Tirana