Reportage for those who wave the 12 stars of Europe - It has been constantly given, and only a genuine impetus to the new processes is needed, and this time it was done through a civic provocation. Being free to express oneself in favor of democracy. Lucky to be so, January 15, 1995 found them that way. It found them no longer reckoning with the emptiness of a fallen regime, but with an even greater emptiness: that of the democrats’ tendency to manipulate and misuse it. This went as far as diverting the demonstration of the students and lecturers of the University of Tirana into a joint demonstration with the independent union. Whereas yesterday, in the large and beautiful setting of the Congress Palace, where the event took place, everything had its honest shadow. There was finally a clear movement in favor of a major and irreversible orientation, such as directing the country toward Europe. The light-music concert called “Towards the West” and broadcast around the world made the moment even more tangible. It was conceived in such a way as to reflect not only the desire for a free Albania, but also an unequivocal break with the past. In the hall, people of different ages, artists, students, intellectuals, ordinary citizens, held and waved the flags with the 12 stars of Europe. You could see them in a festive atmosphere, but not without the emotion of a deep conviction. It was a kind of direct communication between the public and that hope which today many see as the country’s only way out. It was not difficult to discern a political dimension to this event, even though it was presented as a concert. On the contrary, precisely this union of art with civic attitude made the message more meaningful. They had not come there to cheer for a particular political force, but to affirm a civilizational choice. In a period when Albania is experiencing strong economic and moral upheavals, this orientation toward the West is also a demand for order, law, statehood, and respect for human beings. The song, the words, the symbol of the stars of Europe, everything served the same purpose: to say clearly that Albania can no longer wander along useless crossroads. This perhaps also explains the liveliness of the audience, its direct participation, and that rare spirit of unity felt throughout the event. It was not merely entertainment. It was also a silent vow. In the end, there remained the feeling that this movement should not remain merely a festive moment. It must turn into civic pressure for reforms, for institutions, and for a governance that brings the country closer to European standards. Only in this way does “towards the west” truly mean never to go back again.[?]

Yesterday, the Treaty of Friendship and Economic and Trade Cooperation was signed between VV of the private sector and Italian businessmen. Following the talks with the latter, yesterday the chairman of the PS, Fatos Nano, and the chairman of the “Alb-Italia” group of enterprises, Saveio Harl? were received at the Presidency by the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha. During the meeting it was emphasized that, in order to move the country to a market economy and to avoid unfair competition, the opportunities created by the law and the Albanian parliament must be used, which, it was said, must be functional both in drafting appropriate laws and in monitoring their implementation. It was also pointed out that private enterprise requires a clear legal environment that gives it security and prospects. The Italian side appreciated the need to create stable bridges of cooperation with Albanian business and to stimulate investment in production, trade, and services. (Continues on page 4)

The president of the “opposition of Mr. Sali” will do this with the commune’s consent Prime Minister of Albania Mr. Aleksandër Meksi Appointed by the PD as chairman of the district council PROTEST The president of the “opposition of Mr. Sali” will do this with the commune’s consent Prime Minister of Albania Mr. Aleksandër Meksi Devoll The socialist education of Devoll for a procession that is once again leading this district onto the road of division and revanchism, illegality and arbitrariness. This is happening with the appointment of the district council chairman by the Democratic Party without obtaining the consent of the communes and municipalities and without respecting the procedures required by law. The voices of opposition have grown especially after the open interventions of PD structures, which are treating local administration as party property. Representatives of local government and residents of the area have expressed dissatisfaction with this practice, which undermines genuine representation and the consensus needed among the various units. In their protest, the socialists of Devoll emphasize that it cannot be accepted for the chairman of the district council to be appointed from above, by political directives, while the law provides for other mechanisms and a necessary role for the communes in this process. They describe this as a blatant violation of local autonomy and as an indication of a political climate that seeks to subordinate local institutions to party interests.

It is reported that at today’s meeting the request of the Tirana District Prosecutor’s Office for the lifting of Deputy Fatmir Mediu’s immunity will be discussed. In the press release it is stated that the Tirana District Prosecutor’s Office has submitted the material concerning this case to the relevant commission. At the same time it is emphasized that the commission will examine the relevant documentation and will decide on the next procedural steps. It remains to be seen what the position of the deputy members of the commission will be in relation to the request of the prosecution. December 29 of last year. They are accused of an even violent attempt to retake a former political prison. There are at least two assemblies in the capital where certain deputies are located. A... Krojsp, “Zëri i popullit”

For laughter and for mockery So far in the germ? hordhinall activity of the 2 groups...[?] For nearly a year in a row, “Rilindja Demokratike” has been trying to invent on its pages sensational “discoveries” about political opponents. Sometimes with conjecture, sometimes with allusions, and sometimes with outright slander, it has built a series of accusations that look more like fantasy than facts. In the next article, the newspaper in question once again returns to the term “mafia,” seeking to include in it completely different figures and circumstances. For the author of this reaction, this is an example of politicized journalism that aims to create fog and confusion, not to inform the public. (Continues on page 8)

Citizen alarm from Gjirokastra ...strong sunken cracks of the walls, that 3 times at night was accompanied by a colorless autom...[?] In a petition signed by city residents and cultural heritage specialists, concern is raised about the condition of the Gjirokastra Castle. According to them, the lack of investment and the damage caused by time are driving the monument toward further degradation. The authors of the petition call for urgent intervention by the responsible institutions, warning that, if measures are not taken, one of the most important historical symbols of the south risks irreparable consequences.

(The crime that terrorized a village of the police) On Sunday evening, four people were killed and several others were wounded as a result of an assault with automatic weapons. The incident, described as extremely serious, has shocked the residents of the area and mobilized the police forces. According to the initial information, the perpetrators fired toward a group of people and then fled quickly. The police have begun investigations to identify them and to fully clarify the circumstances of the crime. (Continues on page 3)