PRESS CONFERENCE OF THE SOCIALIST PARTY - Not to allow the country to slide further, spontaneously and uncontrollably, into chaos, Albania. - To offer the people new ideas, new solutions, the realistic opposition that would prove its governing capabilities - To play a leading role in drafting the Constitution, to identify the basic factor for the building and real functioning of the rule of law - To turn the fight against corruption into a broad anti-corruption movement - To assert itself further on the international stage and cooperate more actively with the political forces of Albanians in Kosovo, Macedonia, etc. The final year of 1995 is rolling toward us with the same anxiety and uncertainty, even though in circumstances generally different from those of 1993-1994. The Socialist Party of Albania notes that without supporting the democratic process, without defending real politics and without playing a constructive role in opposition and in its elections, the pluralist system risks degenerating into harmful conflicts. With a clear reform program, with a concrete social and economic policy, with a responsible opposition, the SP seeks to give the country a new chance. On the economic, social and political level, the country is entering a spiral of intertwined crises. Corruption, market distortions, weak institutions, the lack of a functioning constitution and a climate of dialogue are preventing stabilization. The SP believes the way out is to restore trust through early elections and a new political contract with citizens. It declares that it will continue to defend the interests of the poor, workers, pensioners, young people and all groups hurt by the transition; it will fight for the rule of law, for depoliticizing the administration, for a productive economy and for bringing Albania closer to Europe. (Continues on page 3)

Doctor Arsidia, emissary of the President’s double birth. Will the accusation bring out all the truths of this sideways test? (Continues on page 2)

The final year of 1995 is rolling toward us with the same anxiety and uncertainty, even though in circumstances generally different from those of 1993-1994. The Socialist Party of Albania notes that without supporting the democratic process, without defending real politics and without playing a constructive role in opposition and in its elections, the pluralist system risks degenerating into harmful conflicts. The Socialist Party of Albania expresses its conviction that 1995 must be the year of restoring institutional balances, advancing real economic reforms and bringing back public morality. It emphasizes that early elections are the only alternative for avoiding the worsening of the political and social crisis. The SP commits itself to act as a responsible force in parliament and in public life, to defend the interests of broad popular strata and to seek real solutions to unemployment, poverty and corruption. (Continues on page 3)

A few days ago, 170 female workers from the town of Bilisht, who had returned to work at the company “Albhyseni,” suddenly found themselves unemployed. Greek and Albanian businessmen, who had rented the former NB building, had promised them pay and working conditions, but the activity was halted without convincing explanations. The women workers claim they were deceived and are demanding intervention from the state authorities. According to them, the contracts were unclear and the company did not honor the commitments it had made. The case is causing reactions in Bilisht and beyond. (Continues on page 4)

“The Journey of Don Quixote in Albania” By professor Alfred Uçi

Shkodër The first foreign investor: A brick factory (Continues on page 4)

After Milosević’s interview Despite having gone beyond expectations, Milosević’s interview has sparked many discussions. In various circles it is considered possible that a more favorable climate for future political developments may emerge. (Continues on page 4)