Interview with Dr. Anisus Angjeli, deputy of the People’s Assembly and vice-president of the All-Albanian Association “Vatra” — Haxhi Hoxhane continued with comments to come: Change - development - enlightenment - the state and instability determine and trigger the city. Our goal is first and foremost to strengthen the economy and all-national cooperation. Question: What are the prospects of the PSH expectations for the parliamentary elections? Will its program be for stimulating the Albanian people? Answer: The PSH has preceded a number of reforms and discussions in its structures. Starting from the real situation in the country, we believe that the elections must be free, fair, and competitive, so that the result expresses the will of the citizens. Our program aims at strengthening the economy, social protection, and the consolidation of the rule of law. Question: And how is the privatization process going? Answer: Privatization must be carried out transparently and without harming the public interest. We cannot accept that national wealth passes into narrow clientelist hands. Economic reform must be accompanied by support for the needy and concrete measures for employment. Question: What is the role of the Albanian diaspora? Answer: The diaspora has been and remains a significant factor in national life. The Association “Vatra” and other emigrant structures can make an important contribution to bringing Albanians closer together, to investment, and to the protection of national interests. Question: Does Albania have a way back? Answer: No. Albania will not turn back. There are difficulties, there are obstacles, but the democratic and European orientation of the country is irreversible. The challenge is to make this path fairer and more beneficial for the majority of people. Interviewed by Haxhi Hoxhane[?]

9,508 or 7,423 crimes? 265 murders, or one murder every 33 hours; one attempted murder every 16 hours. Increasing police violence against citizens. Musaraj: 100,000 or 17,700 police officers? 1 police officer for 300 inhabitants or 1 police officer for 169 inhabitants? The sky turned on January 1, perhaps together with January 1, 1994 also departed. May those who newly climbed up with rejoicing have begun well. Behind them remains the black chronicle of a year in which criminal events have taken a prominent place. This is more or less summarized in the interview by the Minister of Public Order of this year, Agron Musaraj. But what is this chronicle? According to the figures presented these days in the newspaper, all indicators of crime and the activity of the public order bodies have increased. Not because Albanians became worse than a year earlier, but because order, the police, and the state became weaker. This is clearly seen if you compare the figures presented from one year to the next and if you view them not in isolation, but linked to the general political and social circumstances. In 1994, according to the minister’s data, 7,423 crimes were recorded. At the same time, according to the same minister’s statements a few months earlier, the number of crimes had risen to over 9,508. The discrepancy in the figures shows either a lack of seriousness in the administration of statistics or their propagandistic use. Likewise, 265 murders were recorded, meaning almost one murder every 33 hours, as well as many attempted murders, approximately one every 16 hours. This is not merely a statistic, but a grim picture of public insecurity. In this climate, another phenomenon cannot fail to be noticed: the growing violence of the police against citizens. The increase in arbitrary checks, mistreatment, and abuse of powers has become part of everyday life. When the force that is supposed to guarantee order produces fear, the citizen is doubly unprotected. On the other hand, the question Musaraj himself asks also arises: do we have 100,000 or 17,700 police officers? 1 police officer for 300 inhabitants or 1 police officer for 169 inhabitants? These discrepancies are not insignificant, because they indicate not only administrative confusion but also a lack of transparency toward the public. If the number of officers is unclear, how can their efficiency be measured? If the figures change according to convenience, how can official analyses be trusted? The black chronicle of the past year thus remains linked not only to the number of crimes, but also to the failure of institutions to deal with them. The new year begins with the same unanswered questions that the old one ended with.

The sky turned on January 1, perhaps together with January 1, 1994 also departed. Therefore, for those who once again with joy, as the rising of the new year was taking place in Albanian homes, they believed that a good year was beginning. However, for most Albanians there can be no such joys, because the end of the old year and the opening of the new one found the country in the same political and social condition. The same troubles, the same insecurities, the same coldness of everyday life. The year that passed left behind a difficult political legacy. The parties continue to clash, while the state institutions remain weak and unstable. Governance continues to rely more on propaganda than on real solutions. The poor remain poor, while promises of reform sound ever more empty. At this beginning of the year, the key question is whether the country will manage to find a more reasonable political path, or whether it will continue in the same circle of conflict. Hope exists, but it cannot be based on words. It requires responsibility, dialogue, and institutions that work. Otherwise, the beginning of the year will remain only a calendar change, not a turning point for society. (Continued on page 2)

Letter from the President of the Court of Cassation, Mr. Brozi, addressed to: Cassation? Mr. Brozi declares: Editor-in-chief Mr. Alibali, I have read with concern in your newspaper an article in which my name and the institution I lead are mentioned. Since that article contains claims that directly affect my person and the function of the Court of Cassation, I consider it necessary to clarify my position publicly. I feel calm in the face of truth and the law. Throughout my work I have respected only the obligation to apply the Constitution and the laws in force. No political or personal interest has dictated my decisions. The court cannot be a field for pressure or insinuations. It must remain the place where the law speaks. Any attempt to cast doubt on the impartiality of the judiciary is unacceptable. Criticism is legitimate, but slander cannot replace argument. Therefore I ask that the reader be made aware of this clarification, in respect for the truth and public ethics. With respect, Arbnor Brozi[?] (Continued on page 2)

The hospital complex of the city of Durrës is located on unsuitable land. For years it has faced a lack of space, run-down conditions, and many difficulties in providing services. Population growth and increased medical needs have made the construction of a new hospital even more necessary. The city’s residents and medical staff have long been calling for a concrete solution. A new project has been discussed several times, but so far no decisive step has been taken. Meanwhile, patients continue to face queues, shortages, and buildings unsuited to the standards required by modern medicine. A new hospital would be not only a social necessity, but also a crucial investment for one of the country’s largest cities. The question remains whether the institutions will turn this demand into reality or whether it will once again remain a postponed promise. MIRZA NDI

ELBASAN At high cost For unfinished deke[?], the farmers of Elbasan are facing a significant increase in production costs. The prices of seeds, chemical fertilizers, and fuel have risen, while the market for selling produce continues to remain uncertain. In many areas there is a lack of technical and financial support. Farmers complain that their income does not cover expenses, causing part of the land to remain unused. The high cost is pushing many families to give up investments or reduce the areas sown. If this situation continues, the consequences will be felt not only in the local economy, but also in the supply of agricultural produce to the market. SEVDIN CENANI

Meetings between PS representatives and the electorate continued in Korçë. During the discussions, the need for free elections, for strengthening the rule of law, and for an economic program that protects vulnerable groups was emphasized. The participants criticized the severe social situation, unemployment, and the lack of prospects for young people. According to them, the country needs a new political course, based on justice, development, and security for citizens. The importance of organizing and expanding citizen support for the socialist alternative was also underlined. NERITAN NUBESHI[?]

KAKAVIJE Light of the border water tax 2 patrols were caught stealing and tried to cross the border illegally. According to the announcement, the detained persons were taken for further verification. The event took place in the border area of Kakavijë and is linked to attempts to smuggle goods and illegal movement. The relevant authorities said that checks have been tightened and that measures will be taken to prevent similar cases. THANAS ONJO

1994 was closed, the type and the decision were carried over in time[?] Sale status? 27? The cooperativists were faced with concern over the uncertainty surrounding the division and administration of the property of the former agricultural cooperatives. In many villages the full documents are missing, while the local authorities have not provided solutions to the conflicts that have arisen. The cooperativists are demanding transparency regarding the land, buildings, equipment, and remaining inventory. They complain that part of the property is being transferred without clear rules and without their involvement. This has led to tension and distrust in the community. The problem remains open and requires swift institutional intervention to avoid further conflicts. Former cooperatives