Everyone against political imprisonments The release of Fatos Nano - an indicator of the emancipation of power We are making it clear now that we have never been, and are not, in favor of a boycott of the elections, if they are to be held according to democratic norms and with the participation of the opposition. Since we do not trust the standards currently offered by the majority for the conduct of a democratic electoral process, we called on others to join the international continuing demand for the creation of the necessary political and legal climate for the holding of free elections. Along with this demand, we have been and remain equally consistent in calling for non-boycott of the elections, without prejudging them. The detention of Mr. Fatos Nano, in the middle of the electoral process, on politically motivated charges, has caused deep outrage in public opinion, because of the open violation of every legal and civilized criterion. By keeping Mr. Nano in prison, the Albanian state once again demonstrates its lack of will to respect political freedom and the rights of the opposition. This serious situation has prompted numerous political and civic reactions, which express their opposition to political imprisonments and demand his release. In a society that claims to be moving toward democracy, imprisoning political opponents cannot be a way out. On the contrary, it deepens the conflict, undermines citizens' trust, and compromises the country's image. The release of Fatos Nano would be a sign of political maturity and an indicator of the emancipation of power. [Note: part of the text in the left column is faded and partly illegible in the image; the transcription above includes only the part that can be read with reasonable certainty.]

OUR NOTE Now that the last week of this month is coming to an end, neither poetry nor rhetoric can tell us what the political September will bring. The so-called round table of parties continues to be mentioned as a necessity, but not as a reality. The positions of the political forces remain distant, while the language of communication is still loaded with resentment and suspicion. Dialogue is demanded in words, but rejected in actions. For this reason it increasingly resembles a deaf dialogue, in which everyone speaks but no one listens. Instead of creating a climate of understanding for solving political and institutional problems, exclusionary tones and unilateral initiatives continue. This does not serve the country's stability or the public interest. If politics continues to behave this way, citizens too will lose faith in the possibility of compromise. What is needed is a real turn toward mutual understanding and respect for democratic rules. Photo: DITAN VARA

Yesterday, at a press conference held in Tirana to discuss the progress of the strike, Sokrates Kokedhima, secretary general of the Albanian Miners' Federation, declared: "The miners' independent unions are doing everything possible to escalate the strike in all mining regions. According to their demand, miners from Bulqizë are being called to come to Tirana, in front of parliament, to demand the resignation of the Meksi government and to put President Berisha on trial". These and other demands were sent to the representative of the International Labour Office, Mr. Ronald E. Filipo, who came especially from Geneva. Participants in the conference said that as soon as the European Miners' Federation and the World Union, together with the international trade union organizations, intervene, protection of the rights of Albanian miners will be sought. At the end of the conference, a statement by the striking miners was read, emphasizing the determination to continue the strike until the stated demands are met. (Continues on page 2)

Mr. Sali Nano is unhappy that we have sent, in his view, negative signals about the degree of progress in the USA in the field of science and culture and in some other areas. By justifying himself with a sentence taken out of context, he tries to distort the entirety of our argument. The issue we raised concerns the relationship between material development and citizenship, between technology and human values. It is by no means anti-Western to say that wealthy societies are not automatically perfect moral models. We wanted precisely to underline the need for us not to fall into blind worship of everything that comes from outside, but to build a civic culture of dignity, responsibility, and critical awareness. Only in this way can we be citizens with full values, and not consumers of imitation. (Continues on page 2)

Glaukos[?]fer At yesterday's protest in front of state institutions, relatives and supporters of the detainees called for the publication of the exact number of arrested persons and for clarification of their legal situation. According to the speakers, the lack of transparency has increased the anxiety of families and created room for abuse. It was also requested that lawyers be given full access and that law-enforcement bodies respect the law in dealing with the detainees. Participants warned that they will continue the protests if the institutions do not provide clear answers. (Continues on page 2)

after scorpions, shtu[?] has become available[?] to the strikers for support Mobilization of strike supporters has increased in the district of Krujë. According to reports from the area, various citizens and local representatives have expressed solidarity with the strikers and have made aid available to them. It is also reported that there is increased movement of vehicles and support groups along the Krujë-Laç segment. (Continues on page 2)

In Mat, the health condition of some of the strikers has worsened after several days without food. Doctors have called for greater caution and humane intervention, while family members express concern about the consequences that the continuation of the strike may bring. (Continues on page 2)

In light of recent developments, public calls have been made in Korçë for support of the protesters and their demands. Organizers have called for broader civic participation and solidarity with the groups that are on strike or protesting. (Continues on page 2)

The news has been widely commented on in Shkodër, where a group of critics has accused several deputies of the Democratic Party of wavering positions and moving away from their election promises. In their statements, they have described these deputies as "renegades", holding them responsible for the crisis of trust in politics. (Continues on page 2)

THE SWAMP OF LIFE A new poem by Dritëro Agolli

In the village of Shtikë in the district of Kolonjë, a family of 5 was left without a home because of a landslide and flooding. *** More than 280 passengers were left stranded at Rinas Airport yesterday because a flight by company [?] was cancelled. *** Bad weather and strong waves prevented fishermen in Vlorë from going out to sea. *** A car accident near Fier left several people injured. *** In Dibër, there was a report of a lack of electricity in several villages. ***