- The President of the Republic cannot stand above the constitutional basic law. Otherwise he is removed from office, on the basis of the Fundamental Constitutional Provisions. Consultative: This was not what President of the Republic Ramiz Alia did a few months ago, when he issued the decree setting the dates of the presidential and parliamentary elections. They were declared unconstitutional, because they were not in accordance with the decision of the People's Assembly. But this heavy offense was forgiven, despite the fact that this act was legally punishable. Now another constitutional violation is taking place. Article 16 of the Fundamental Constitutional Provisions entrusts the People's Assembly with the right to set the date of elections and of the referendum. No other body has this right. By the decree of 28 January 1994, the President of the Republic set 6 March 1994 as the date for holding the referendum, openly violating the fundamental law. This act has no legal value and must be considered null and void. The violation is even more serious because it was committed in an aggravated political climate, when the country is going through many economic and social difficulties and when any arbitrary action by the highest state bodies undermines constitutional stability. The President cannot place himself above the People's Assembly. He cannot assume powers that the constitution does not grant him. Any such overreach constitutes a clear violation of the constitutional order and calls for a firm political and legal response. The People's Assembly is the only legitimate body in the Republic of Albania that represents popular sovereignty. All other bodies derive their legitimacy from it and are obliged to act in accordance with the law. The President of the Republic is not above the law; he is obliged to obey it. If he insists on violating the constitutional provisions, then the consequences provided by the fundamental law itself must be applied to him, up to and including removal from office. This issue is not merely technical or procedural. It concerns the very foundations of the rule of law and respect for the constitutional order in the country. If such violations by the head of state are tolerated, then the way is opened to arbitrariness and personal rule. Therefore, public opinion, political forces and the People's Assembly itself must decisively defend constitutionality and not allow it to be violated. (To be continued on page 4)

Qëllokaster With the elections of 1 October, Ramiz Alia pledged that he would be a President above the parties. But with the latest decree he has entered a completely different role. By announcing the date of the referendum without a decision of the People's Assembly, he has shown that he seeks to impose a political solution from above and to avoid the necessary institutional debate. Instead of respecting the legal order, the President has entered a dangerous path that is leading the country toward political confrontation and away from democratic solutions. If this step is not checked in time, the consequences could be serious for the country's stability and for the normal functioning of the institutions themselves. (To be continued on page 4)

Party problems The work of Party organizations must be strengthened in all directions. Internal organization, regularity in meetings, control over the implementation of decisions and the struggle against foreign influences are permanent tasks. Only in this way does the Party's leadership capacity grow and its influence among the people is strengthened. In some cases, weaknesses have been observed in the work of commissions and basic organizations, such as lack of responsibility, formalism, negligence and tolerance toward attitudes that harm the Party's political line. These weaknesses must be fought decisively, because they create ground for corruption, misuse and damage to the Party's authority. (To be continued on page 4)

THE COURT PROCESS OVER THE PRODUCTION OF LOCAL BEER CONTINUES For some time now, a court case concerning matters related to the production of local beer has been under way at the Court of Tirana. In the first hearings, various documents and testimonies have been presented that shed light on the responsibilities of the parties and on the way the relevant decisions were taken. At the center of the trial are management problems, procedural violations and the consequences they have caused to the economic interests of the enterprise. The process is expected to clarify not only the concrete facts, but also the individual responsibilities of the persons involved. (To be continued on page 4)

This shocking घटना was uncovered by a complaint filed with the competent authorities, which referred to the disappearance of several seized items. According to the report, it is suspected that people connected to the police station took advantage of their positions to appropriate property that should have been kept as material evidence. The case has caused great concern because it affects public trust in the law enforcement bodies. The investigations are expected to clarify responsibilities and bring all those implicated before the law. (To be continued on page 3)

“We will go to Europe with a total mentality and not with Euro-pes” Interview with the teacher of Penicillin, Mr. [?] D. ILAN HAXHIANCA ALI MYFTARI

* 20 prisoners were caught by the police as they were trying to escape from the prison[?]. * A car accident near the city[?] left several people injured. * At an opposition meeting, full respect for the law was demanded. * In some areas of the country, bad weather caused difficulties in traffic. TELEGRAPHICALLY * News came from the coastal city about an increase in goods smuggling. * The prosecutor's office has begun investigations into a case of abuse of office. * In a village in the south, the electricity network was damaged after heavy rainfall. * Managers of several enterprises called for measures to ensure the supply of raw materials. TELEGRAPHICALLY * A foreign delegation held talks with Albanian officials. * A meeting with parents and teachers was organized at a secondary school. * Customs blocked a quantity of goods without proper documentation. * Several essential medicines are lacking at the regional hospital. TELEGRAPHICALLY * Several people were arrested for theft and fraud. * In the domestic market, price increases were observed for some food items. * A group of artists gave a performance in the city of Korça. * At the port, control over the movement of goods was increased. TELEGRAPHICALLY * The local election commission announced preparations for the vote. * In several districts, debates continue about the economic situation. * A football match ended with the victory of the home team. * New measures against speculation in the market were discussed.