Its fair resolution is a touchstone for democracy in Albania The Inter-Parliamentary Council cannot understand how the acts or omissions of FATOS NANO referred to in the Court’s decision prove his innocence. It expresses doubts about the logical substance and fairness of the court’s decision. In recent days, the Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union adopted the Report and Resolution on the «Nano case», which will soon be published in full. The essence of these documents, produced by a high-level world forum, consists of a full, detailed and objective analysis of the entire course of events that led to the accusation, arrest and conviction of Fatos Nano, chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania and a member of the People’s Assembly. They reject the charges brought against Fatos Nano, condemn his arrest and conviction, and call on the Albanian authorities to state their position on the possibility of Fatos Nano’s release. The «Nano case», contrary to how official propaganda presented it—as a «definitively closed case»—has thus once again been placed on the agenda of Albanian politics through important documents from an international democratic forum of which our country is also a member. A proper assessment and fair resolution of this problem would have a positive effect on the present and future course of Albanian political life. The Socialist Party has denounced the «Nano case» as a fabricated political case, intended to politically eliminate the principal acting leader of the opposition, the Socialist Party, and the alternative it represents. It has declared that Fatos Nano’s imprisonment and conviction are part of the numerous distortions of democracy in Albania and have become a source of ongoing and inevitable tensions. A fair resolution of the «Nano case»—that is, declaring him innocent and releasing him from prison—would clearly help improve the tense political situation, particularly at the present moment. The Socialist Party will not stop demanding this, firmly defending its chairman and the member of the People’s Assembly imprisoned for political reasons. A reasonable and cool-headed consideration of the «Nano case» by today’s authorities in Albania, in light of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Council’s new documents, would lead to mature solutions to this problem and help keep our country on the right path of democracy. Freeing themselves from an autocratic spirit and the fever of revenge, and impartially appreciating the opposition, would enable today’s rulers to take measured action in the service of the country, the nation and their own government. Although it is nearly two years since the «Nano case» began to be fabricated, no Albanian believes the accusations made against him. If the authorities continue to maintain towards the «Nano case» the position they have held until now, it will remain a heavy burden around their neck until it is finally resolved. The sooner it is resolved, the better it will be for the authorities as well. The «Nano case» has once again been internationalized through the documents adopted in recent days by the Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, casting doubt in the eyes of the world on the processes of democratization taking place in Albania... They add to many other publicly expressed doubts concerning human rights, freedom of the press, the Constitution, etc. It is not in the honor of our country and nation for Albania to continue to be the subject of constant challenges and criticism by international organizations. We can no longer rely on Marxist slogans about «interference in internal affairs», «foreign enemies», etc. The only European path our country aspires to follow, and the path to integration into international democratic institutions, is one of respect for and reflection on their documents and judgments about what is happening in Albania. A fair resolution of the «Nano Case» is a touchstone for our democracy.

Was R. Alia Head of State or not, Attorney Koçi?! In the Court of Appeal The trial of former President Alia and senior party and state officials continued for a second day at the Tirana Court of Appeal. After the defense concluded—during which the defendants themselves, or through the lawyers representing them, sought acquittal and the overturning of the Tirana District Court’s decision—the prosecutor in the case, Nezir Gjoka?, took the floor to deliver his closing argument. Although the defendants Çarçani and Myftiu had not appealed, and although Peçi and defendant Alia had not personally signed the appeal filed by their lawyers, Mr. Gjoka began his closing argument, since the case was being heard in its entirety by the Court of Appeal. The prosecutor also rejected the claim made by some defendants that the former military officers should have been tried by a military court. He then listed all the positions the defendants had held during their political careers, but did not mention for any of them the activities they had carried out during ... [Appeal], the years of the Anti-Fascist war, about which the defendants or their lawyers had raised objections. Referring to the Tirana District Court case file, he then began to recount chronologically various episodes connected with the charges against the defendants. He again recounted the 1952 incident at the Russian Embassy in Tirana, the events involving prisoners at Qafa e Barit, the anti-religious activity of the 1960s—without forgetting the 5 July occasion held by Enver Hoxha in 1967—the approval of the State Security platform by the Political Bureau, and the activities of the commission for internment and deportation. “They benefited from the treatment they received,” Mr. Gjoka continued, repeating the passage read in closing arguments of this kind concerning rent, gifts of pears, lunches or fishing hooks... Speaking specifically about former President Alia, [continued on page 2]

As part of the great jubilee marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Liberation of the Homeland, on 19 September 1994—several days after the actual date because of the Government’s arbitrary decision preventing freedom fighters from commemorating their heroic battles and historical events—a gathering took place in an atmosphere of indescribable joy and enthusiasm at the «Ali Kelmendi» palace. Former partisans, partisans and cadres of the Brigade, families of its fallen, and families of those partisans who have passed away during this half-century, veterans, guests, and representatives of political and social organizations gathered to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the Peza Conference and the 50th anniversary of the formation of the 22nd Assault Brigade. The meeting was opened by comrade Nimët Ismeti, formerly a battalion commissar and later a brigade commissar, who, after the greetings ... It was the struggle of the 22nd Assault Brigade and all the partisan brigades, units and detachments, together with the Albanian people, that led the Anglo-Soviet-American anti-fascist allies to recognize the NCLW in 1942 as the only political force in Albania, led by the CPA. This was because Albanian patriots and communists were the first to begin the struggle against fascism and liberated the country entirely through their own forces. The speaker then presented facts and recollections and described the heroic path of the 22nd Assault Brigade, which fought heroically against the foreign occupiers and their collaborators. The Peza Detachment, led for many years by its legendary commander, People’s Hero Myslim Peza, served as the basis for forming this brigade. It also included partisans from the villages of Peza, Tirana, Durrës; Shi- assault, comrade Sali Verdha. This brigade, the speaker emphasized, was formed two years after the historic Peza Conference (on 16 September 1944), at the very place where the conference had held its proceedings; it will remain unforgettable for centuries in the history of the Albanian people. Through its decisions and their implementation, it became a symbol of unity and brotherhood without distinction of religion, region or ideology, like the League of Lezhë, the League of Prizren, the Assembly of Vlora, the Congress of Lushnjë, etc. The Peza Conference remains a source of the struggle for liberation, freedom and democracy. It created and laid the foundations of people’s power. This was because the NCLW, which it organized and led, was an unstoppable nationwide avalanche against the occupiers of ... [continued on page 2] of its half-century period; veterans; one might say; representatives of political parties and socio-political associations; Assault Brigade. The gathering was opened by the commissar of the battalion and later of the brigade, Comrade Nimët Ismeti, who, after welcoming those present with a short speech, gave the floor to the former commander of the 22nd Assault Brigade, 1944), at the very place where the conference the history of the Albanian people. Through the decisions it adopted It created and laid the foundations of people’s power. And this was because the LANÇ that it organized and led was an unstoppable avalanche ... On the day of its formation, comrade Kristo Themelko announced the personnel of the Brigade and its battalions; while comrade Naxhije Dume offered greetings on behalf of the CC of the Albanian Communist Party. Comrade Myslim Peza, vice-chairman of the General National Liberation Council and, as a member of the General Staff of the National Liberation Army, greeted his fellow fighters and handed the brigade commander the battle flag—the flag for which they had fought and won in so many battles and shed their blood. Qemal Stafa, Vasil Shanto, Kaj Miri, Dine Peza, Myrvete Peza, Mustafa Leshi, and dozens upon dozens of Peza martyrs, just like the flag, were forerunners of the era of Skënderbeu. (Continued on page 4)

The political significance of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Council’s Resolution concerning the Nano Case, adopted in recent days, becomes even more evident when we learn more about the mission, structure and functions of this inter-parliamentary temple. As we shall see below, over the past two or three years official propaganda and the mass media have mounted a complete mega-campaign against it, for reasons that are not difficult for any Albanian to understand. So, what is the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)? A little history The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) represents the worldwide organization of parliamentarians from sovereign states, with members from 131 countries across all five continents. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is also represented in it with consultative status, as are other regional parliaments. The IPU was established in 1889 and has so far held 22 conferences; the latest concluded its work last week in Copenhagen, Denmark. The IPU began its activities as a parliamentary association based on individual membership, initially seeking peaceful settlement and arbitration between European states. Its two earliest pioneers stand out: the Frenchman Passy and the Dane Frederik Bajer, its founder and inspiration. The IPU was also, in fact, the initiator of the creation of the International Court of Arbitration, based in The Hague. In recognition of its efforts for peace and the settlement of disputes, eight leading figures of this Union, including two ... [continued on page 3]

The admission of two people to the infectious-diseases hospital in Elbasan, one aged 29 and the other 40, who have recently worked in Llabrazhd and Perondë and are suspected, according to nurses, of being infected personally as a result of local conditions and use, [text unclear]. One of the most effective preventive measures taken to protect citizens from the epidemic has been chlorinating drinking water at the standard dosage. Meanwhile, drinking water is tested every day at 16 supply points, and so far there have been no signs of contamination. On the other hand, water chlorination is also being carried out systematically at all household points, for example in villages up to 70 ... which are border areas with Berat and Kuçovë. Since the epidemic has appeared on a relatively large scale in the district of Librazhd as well, drinking water will be chlorinated in the villages of the Labinot and Shmil communes, which border the district of Librazhd. Nevertheless, it cannot be said that Elbasan is a city immunized against the deadly epidemic. There are still sources of spread in the city, which can be pointed out from day to day; they have become, or are turning into, sources of infection. Dust and other refuse continue to lie along ...

KORÇË He died from police beatings In Korçë, one of the main cities of this country where the law supposedly reigns and «justice» is dispensed according to the most advanced standards, the second victim this month—and the third of this kind within a year—has been recorded as a result of bestial police violence. Petro, about 40 years old, was at home when a police patrol came and forcibly took him to the police department, without any complaint from his wife, following a completely insignificant family dispute that in no way justified going so far. While he was being taken ... [continued on page 2]

The arrival at the editorial offices of «Zëri i Popullit» of Mrs. Hajrie Hasani, Chairwoman of the Association of Orphans of Albania, and her accounts of the tragic situation of more than 600 orphans abandoned by the present-day state are truly chilling. This is yet another fact that exposes how Albania and the Albanians have no state, and that the government represented by the Democratic Party is perhaps among the most irresponsible in the world. RTV broadcast (perhaps the only instance of it showing reality) a special program about lysport, about the scale this “plague” is taking on in our country, and viewers were deeply shaken by these unfortunate people, who cope with life for themselves and their families by holding out their hands for a few lek. But when you hear even more harrowing accounts about orphans—more than 600 people left out on the streets, without work, income, or shelter—the shock goes right to your bones. Take note! They are people without lineage; they are orphans, and the state has left them orphaned too. We believe that nowhere in the world is there such an insulting attitude toward orphans. The Association of Orphans of Albania appealed to businesspeople and everyone with financial and material means to help as much as possible in order to cope with the difficult situation of a large number of orphans. We remind you that the general account number is 985-110 and the foreign-currency account number is 985-107-1. Think of the orphans too.

- The cholera epidemic has caused ... seven ... at the Peshkopi hospital, three people from Qafë-Murrizi continue to receive treatment. *** - In the «Skënderbej» quarter in Tirana ...

- Laç is facing an urban-planning study. ... 65 thousand have been made available for ... *** - In Tirana ...

* The sanitary agency is seeking ... in premises ... *** - At its latest meeting, the Council of Ministers approved the draft law on ... *** - In Shkodër, more than 100 firms engage in private construction activities, and ...

- The festival cup goes to the Albanian group taking part in the international folk festival of Njërogozë, Hungary. *** - Expired medicines and trading ...

- The 50th national chess championship has concluded. Sports Master Aldo Zadrima is declared the national champion among 48 participants. *** - Drive carefully! This is the advice following another tragic accident, this time on the Lushnjë–Rrogozhinë road, where ...

* Partizani—three victories and 6 points—thus leads after the matches of the third week of the 50th national football championship. *** - Kurt Kola has filed a protest with the General Prosecutor’s Office. “Although the case has been closed by the investigative authorities, with my representatives ...”

of its half-century period; veterans; one might say; representatives of political parties and socio-political associations; gathered to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the Peza Conference and the 50th anniversary of the formation of the 22nd Assault Brigade.

On the day of its formation, comrade Kristo Themelko announced the personnel of the Brigade and its battalions; while comrade Naxhije Dume offered greetings on behalf of the CC of the Albanian Communist Party.

KORÇË