What does constitutional law say? ARTICLE 14. The people have the duty and the right to defend the independence and the Albanian socialist republic. By being threatened through counterrevolution, it makes it obligatory for every citizen to take part in political and ideological struggle and in the defense of the homeland. ARTICLE 16. In the popular state of Albania, no one may be granted privileges by law. The National Assembly is the highest organ of state power and of legislation.

(According to a [?] 51-52.)

Dr. FETAH ABDIU, deputy. It is not necessary that the only body to exercise constituent power, the body that establishes the new constitution, should be parliament. Countries with advanced democracy have followed different paths. Even when the parliamentary route has been followed, a special body, distinct from parliament, has operated, such as a constitutional convention. There are also countries where the constitution has been submitted twice to parliament with different compositions. There are countries where the constitution has been drafted by a special body and approved by the people in a referendum. For our people, the most democratic path has been, and remains, the direct election by the people of a constituent assembly. Such an assembly could include deputies, experts from various fields, etc., but they must be persons who enjoy the trust of the people. This would create a more favorable climate for drafting the constitution in line with the interests of the people and the state. If it is decided that this task should be carried out by the current parliament, then there is a risk that the new constitution will be identified with the parliamentary majority rather than with a broad social consensus. In conclusion, I think that a constituent assembly elected by the people would be the most natural and democratic form for approving the new constitution.

The powers of parliament are sanctioned by law NAZİ AMO, jurist. I think that if the parliamentary route is followed for drafting the new constitution and approving it, this parliament should be subject to some special rules, in order to achieve the broadest possible political and civic consensus. If the constitution were approved as an ordinary law, that would be wrong, because the constitution is not a simple law. For this reason, the procedures for its approval must be special and clearly laid down. The president cannot replace the sovereign will of the people by decree. If a constituent assembly is created, it must be based on law and not merely on a presidential decree. The constitution should be the product of the broadest possible national agreement and not the result of a unilateral decision. Only in this way can it gain the authority needed to be respected by all.

In recent days another serious incident has shaken public opinion in the Laç area. Residents of that area speak of robberies and acts of violence that are being repeated, while the authorities appear unable to establish order. The latest case has provoked numerous reactions and has increased insecurity among citizens. According to testimonies, armed individuals carried out criminal acts during the night, taking advantage of the lack of control. Residents are calling for immediate intervention by state bodies and for the perpetrators to be held accountable. They say the situation is becoming unbearable and public order is deteriorating every day.

False alarm in the bank STOP! No more words, counter staff S. C.

At the cultural center “Azzurra” in the premises of the hotel “Tirana”, an exhibition by the Italian painter living in Germany O. Casanova was inaugurated on Tuesday. The exhibition opened with a press conference. According to O. Casanova’s statement, he responded to the feelings and wishes of the public for themes, as he said, “forbidden” in yesterday’s Albania. Among his canvases, the painting “Ali Pasha” will also be exhibited. It is worth recalling [?] of [?.] that in the premises of the hotel “Dajti” in Tirana a meeting of the [?] Council of the Order of Lawyers was held. There, as ATSH reports, the new chairman of the Order of Lawyers Niko ?[...] was elected and several organizational decisions were taken. The joint police operation of the order authorities and special forces in the city of Berat has led to the arrest of 11 persons wanted for various criminal offenses. In this operation, weapons, ammunition and contraband goods were seized. Officials of the Ministry of Education announced that the new school year will begin on 15 September and that textbooks for the lower grades are being distributed. According to them, measures are being taken to repair school buildings in several districts. At a press conference, the Minister of Health declared that measures against the spread of infectious diseases have been increased and that a vaccination campaign will begin in the most at-risk areas. A [?] plane crashed [?] near [?], but there were no victims. The announcement was made by official sources and said that the causes of the incident are under investigation. In a press statement, opposition representatives criticized the economic situation and called for free and fair elections. The Association of the Disabled has announced the organization of a protest in front of central institutions to demand the fulfillment of legal obligations toward this stratum. At a meeting yesterday, independent unions decided to carry out awareness-raising actions against delays in workers’ wages. A flood caused by heavy rainfall has damaged several houses and cultivated areas in a rural zone. Local authorities are assessing the damage. Another border incident has been reported in the south of the country, where according to local sources there was an exchange of fire without human casualties. A conference organized by a cultural association dealt with Albanian-Italian relations and the possibilities of cooperation in the fields of education and culture.