On the written statement by the government spokesman and its rebuttal The Interparliamentary Council cannot understand how the assessment or non-assessment of FATOS NANO, referred to in the court ruling, proves the guilt of the ruling itself. He expressed doubts about the lack of logic and the fairness of this court's decision. "THE NANO CASE", AN OPEN FILE Its proper resolution is a test stone for democracy in Albania Kastriot Islami described the government spokesman's statement as a way of avoiding the substance of the criticism made of the judicial process and the way the Nano case had been handled. He said that the court's decision had caused concern in public opinion and that the claims made by the government did not answer the essential questions. He stressed that respecting democratic standards requires transparency, proper procedures and real opportunities for the defendant's defense. According to him, the way the process was conducted had left many questions unanswered and therefore the case could not be considered closed. In this sense, its proper resolution remains a test stone for democracy in Albania and for the relationship of state institutions with the opposition and political rights. (Continues on page 2)

Will Ahmet Haxhia be punished for the 3 million dollar affair? The request for the punishment of the defendants in this affair was made yesterday at the Court of Appeal hearing. It is the first such request from the prosecutor. The prosecutor asked for a total of 55 years in prison for five former senior government officials from the 1992 administration. The prosecution noted that the court of first instance had handed down lighter sentences and that the case should be reassessed. Ahmet Haxhia is mentioned as one of the key figures in the 3 million dollar affair. (Continues on page 2)

(Continues on page 2)

from the editorial office Representatives of the Strasbourg newspaper said that the arrest of Mr. Fatos Nano and his trial is an internal matter of Albania. He stressed that he would call on the Albanian authorities to respect democratic norms and the rights of the opposition. In his intervention, another representative stated that the reaction of many European deputies was linked to the manner in which the process was conducted and to the impact this process could have on the political climate in the country. According to him, institutions such as the Interparliamentary Union have the duty to safeguard democratic standards and the protection of opposition parliamentarians. This case was presented as an important test for the Albanian political system and for its ability to guarantee pluralism and the rule of law. (Continues on page 2)

SHKODËR The arrival in the editorial office of "Zëri i Popullit" of two children, Sako Hajdar Hyseni's children from the capital, has made the emotional and human condition of this problem felt. The problem of orphans from violence and poverty remains acute. (Continues on page 2)

... TELEGRAPHICALLY... The defendant will be prosecuted [?] A house in Peshkopi was damaged [?] An accident occurred on the Durrës-Tirana road [?] Weather for today [?] Kurti Kola [?] Construction project [?] The first rains of autumn [?] Short notices [?]