Dr. SERVET PËLLUMBI Deputy Chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania Dr. SERVET PËLLUMBI Deputy Chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania The year that is ending has been a stormy one, full of developments and counterdevelopments, hope and disappointment. It was lived with anxiety, uncertainty, but also with a strengthening conviction that Albanians are becoming increasingly aware of their vital interests, of the role that each person and everyone together must play in this complicated time. At the end of 1994 these developments and this psychological state belong not only to particular parties, but to society as a whole. Among other things, they have also been reflected in the most active, most combative, most responsible activity of the Socialist Party of Albania. This activity culminated in two important events - the referendum and the Extraordinary Assembly. These events were not only the most important, but also the most difficult and most dangerous for the existence of the people and the future of democracy in Albania. In particular, the referendum on the draft constitution of 6 November 1994 will be remembered in history as the gravest event, the most fatal one for the interests of the country and the nation. The draft constitution submitted for approval sought to legitimize, through the vote of the people, three things that are profoundly incompatible with democracy and with the strategic interests of Albanians: political monism, the return of the presidential republic, and disregard for the national question, the subordination of Kosovo and of the entire Albanian factor in the Balkans. Therefore, the discovery and exposure of the hidden and dangerous aims of that anti-popular, anti-national and anti-democratic project was a great merit of the Socialist Party of Albania and of all progressive forces. Thanks to the persistent work, sacrifices and political wisdom of the Socialist Party, its allies and all the other political and social factors, the referendum turned into an important political victory for the Albanian people. The referendum of 6 November showed that Albanians are not so naive as to be deceived endlessly by propaganda, administration, police and money. It proved that the people know how to distinguish truth from deceit, the national interest from clan and personal interests. But at the same time the referendum also brought to light serious weaknesses of the opposition, lack of coordination, lack of organization and a number of illusions that must be overcome quickly. The Extraordinary Assembly of the Socialist Party of Albania, held on 17 December 1994, was a political and organizational response to the situation created after the referendum. This assembly reaffirmed the social-democratic identity of the party, its democratic and national objectives, as well as the determination to be the leading force of the united opposition. The assembly realistically analyzed the situation in the party and in the country, set new tasks for strengthening the structures, for increasing cooperation with allies and for drawing closer to the broad popular strata. The year 1995 is approaching and we must welcome it mobilized, clearer in our orientations, more determined in political action. It must be the year of transforming popular dissatisfaction into civic energy, into organization, into democratic resistance and into a credible governing project. The people expect seriousness, unity, program and courage from us. This is our main task. For the upcoming local and political elections, for the national interests, for the Kosovo issue, for economic recovery and for the reestablishment of the rule of law, we must act as a modern European force. Only in this way can we win the trust of the majority and open a new page in the democratic history of Albania. For the people’s jury, for the conscience of the future and for our responsibility before the country, the year that is ending remains as proof and lesson. The year to come must be a year of work, discipline and organized hope.

In Portugal, the actions of the chairman of the referendum commission and the notary are being investigated According to information received from Tirana, legal procedures are underway regarding the actions of several officials who had a role in the referendum process. The news is linked to allegations of irregularities and falsification of official documents. Sources close to the opposition state that the matter has taken on international dimensions and that the Portuguese authorities are reviewing the relevant documentation. According to the report, the materials sent for verification concern questionable certifications, signatures and authorizations. The opposition is calling for criminal responsibility for all persons involved in what is described as an attack on the will of the people.

- From yesterday's press conference - At yesterday’s press conference, opposition representatives sharply criticized President Berisha’s statements and positions, describing them as empty slogans and as an attempt to avoid the country’s real problems. According to them, the economic and social situation of the population is worsening day by day, while official propaganda continues to present a polished reality. It was said that unemployment, poverty, emigration and the lack of the rule of law remain open wounds of Albanian society. The opposition declared that the country needs serious institutions, political dialogue and respect for democratic rules, not triumphalist rhetoric.

In the latest economic bulletin, data have been published that shed light on several worrying indicators in the economy. The author of the article emphasizes that the government is pursuing misguided policies that favor a minority linked to power, while the majority of the population faces a decline in real income. According to the analysis, rushed privatization, the lack of control over the market and weaknesses in the tax administration are deepening social inequality. The government is criticized for a lack of transparency and for its inability to cope with the consequences of the transition. (Continued on page 2)

Took it for granted... [unclear] Took it for granted... [unclear] and began discussions about the powers, the limits and the legitimacy of the decisions that followed the referendum. The article focuses on the clash between legal interpretations and the political verdict emerging from the popular vote of 6 November. The author argues that no institution can be placed above the expressed will of the citizens and that any attempt to relativize this verdict would constitute an infringement of democracy.

Tirana: After the accusations and public debate, a member of the Court of Cassation held a press conference to clarify her position. She rejected the claims made against her and stressed that the decisions had been taken in accordance with the law. The article reports various political and media reactions and raises the issue of public trust in the justice institutions. (Continued on page 2)

Tirana: A critical article addresses the issue of advisers and their role alongside a member of the Court of Cassation. The author raises questions about conflicts of interest, political influences and the lack of procedural clarity in decision-making. According to the text, the case illustrates the need for higher ethical and professional standards in the justice system. (Continued on page 3)

According to the ecological news agency... TIRANA The President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Sali Berisha, has received congratulatory telegrams on the occasion of the year-end holidays from personalities and heads of various institutions. The messages praise friendly relations and extend wishes for the Albanian people. The notice mentions several senders and standard protocol formulations for peace, understanding and cooperation.