- SOCIALIST PARTY GATHERINGS ARE BEING HELD IN ALL DISTRICTS OF THE COUNTRY -

KOLONJË In the continuation of the meetings of the Socialist Party and PBDNJ gatherings with residents of the area, it was emphasized that the constitutional project does not serve the interests of citizens or democracy. The participants condemned the concentration of power in the hands of one man and underlined that such a constitution cannot be accepted as the fundamental document of the state. They expressed support for active civic opposition to the referendum and for strengthening opposition cooperation. (continued on page 2)

TIRANË The Socialist Party considers the referendum on the constitution illegal Dr. SKËNDER GJINUSHI: Berisha’s haste aims to retain personal power and the opposition has taken a typical form in defense of democracy Yesterday in Tirana, the national leadership council of the Socialist Party held an enlarged meeting devoted to the development of the party gatherings in the districts as well as the guidance of the election campaign. As part of this activity, the gatherings began yesterday in Tirana, Sarandë, Vlorë, Fier, Elbasan, Shkodër and Lezhë. The chairman of the Socialist Party, Dr. Skënder Gjinushi, after analyzing the positions held, especially in recent days, by the opposition in the process of drafting and approving the draft constitution, said that it is traditional for right-wing parties to use the referendum to cover up the lack of political consensus and to impose on society an act that deeply affects the foundations of the country’s life. According to Mr. Gjinushi, the referendum method and its holding in such a political period, with a monist parliament and with public opinion manipulated by government control over the means of information, constitutes a one-sided and anti-democratic act. He pointed out that the referendum is being used as an alibi to avoid the political responsibility of the majority and that the constitution cannot be the product of imposition, but of social and political understanding. (continued on page 2)

- From the speech of the vice chairman of the PS, Dr. Servet Pëllumbi - The political situation that is unfolding, under these conditions, serves only the interests of a minority in power and not the interests of the country. The constitutional project guarantees neither the separation of powers, nor citizens’ freedoms, nor democratic control over governance. In the absence of genuine political dialogue, such a referendum cannot be a solution; on the contrary, it is a source of new tensions. The opposition demands a constitution with consensus, a rule-of-law state, and independent institutions. (continued on page 2)

VLORË Ilia META: During the days of the referendum the Albanian people will express in plebiscitary fashion the failure of Sali Berisha VLORË Regardless of political programs, Albanians will say no to a new dictatorship Ilia META: During the days of the referendum the Albanian people will express in plebiscitary fashion the failure of Sali Berisha At the enlarged meeting of the Socialist Party in Vlorë, the need for a broad civic front against the constitutional project was emphasized. The speakers pointed out that, regardless of political beliefs, citizens will vote against a new authoritarian concentration of power. Ilia Meta said that the referendum will turn into a popular judgment on the current government and that the result will show the loss of confidence in Sali Berisha. (continued on page 2)

GJIROKASTËR Residents, members and supporters of the Socialist Party and other opposition forces expressed that the fairest course is to take part in the vote and oppose the project at the ballot box. According to the speakers, non-participation would leave the authorities free to manipulate, while a vote against would express the will of the citizens and their dissatisfaction with the course being followed. (continued on page 2)