Albania can be a good or a bad model for democracy in general. Therefore, the events taking place here are of interest not only to Albania, but to the entire international community. Fatos Nano is a figure of special importance for Albania. He was imprisoned not for murder, rape, or abuse of office, but because of his political beliefs and activity. As the chairman of the largest opposition party, whose strength is growing day by day and winning the support of many people not only in Albania but also abroad, his arrest sounds like the blind revenge of the country’s President. Sali Berisha has declared that Nano is a common thief involved in corrupt dealings. The Albanian people should know whether this is true. This issue cannot be resolved with political statements and closed-door judgments, but through a transparent, normal, and fair process. I have come to Albania at the invitation of Mr. Nano’s lawyer, and after studying the case I must say that the way the trial has been conducted raises serious questions about respect for democratic standards. If a country wants to be part of democratic Europe, then it must guarantee impartial justice and equal rights for the opposition. If today the opposition leader is unjustly condemned, tomorrow no one will be safe. Albania needs reconciliation, not political persecution. It is important that its institutions win the trust of the citizens, and they can do so only by acting in accordance with the law. The Nano case is a test for Albanian democracy and for the political class’s readiness to accept real pluralism. (Continued on page 5)

Issue of the day PD AND CHAOS OVER DRAFTING THE CONSTITUTION Selami: "We will return to parliament" Report by A. Kallçuku 1. Saliu 1991, the monitoring of the PD forum committee placed representative Sabri Godo in the Constituent Assembly instead of the author himself. Laughing, he appointed Sabri, calling him a "constitution professor." Later, in 1994, the constitutional commission was set up again and once more the same confusion, the same quarrels, and the same idea appeared: that everything would end by party order. 2. During 1992-1994, it was promised many times that the constitution would be ready, but each time the PD delayed the process by replacing it with political improvisations and temporary documents. Instead of a national agreement, the path of imposition was chosen. 3. Now, as public pressure has increased, PD leaders speak of returning to parliament and of the need for a broad debate. But this comes after valuable time has been lost and after it has become widely believed that the majority wants a constitution for itself, not for the country. 4. A constitution is not produced as an administrative order. It requires consensus, credible institutions, and a political climate not ruled by fear. Albania cannot enter Europe with temporary rules and arbitrariness. 5. Selami said that "we will return to parliament," but the return makes sense only if it is accompanied by respect for the opposition and by an honest constitutional process. (Continued on page 5)

. In a lecture titled “An invitation to the acceptance of the head of the Albanian opposition at Ashmolean on the occasion of the conference on the Albanian question,” the well-known British professor Nicholas [...] stated that developments in Albania are a test for democratic institutions. He emphasized that the imprisonment of Fatos Nano and the way the opposition is being treated are being closely followed by international opinion and that the country cannot claim European standards without fair and transparent trials. He added that the involvement of politics in the judiciary damages citizens’ trust and hinders the consolidation of the rule of law. According to him, Albania needs a democratic culture in which the political adversary is not treated as an enemy, but as a legitimate part of public life. (Continued on page 5)

Ambition and uniqueness for the cement factory In the district of Elbasan, work is under way to modernize the cement factory. According to specialists, the new investments are expected to increase production and improve quality, although power shortages and worn-out equipment continue to be a serious obstacle. Workers say that with better management and a regular supply of raw materials, the factory could achieve much better results. Local authorities see this enterprise as an important hub for the area’s economy, especially for construction and employment.

KUPIN In order, sugar is missing, Përca? Is the disease reaching everyone?[?] In the market of Kukës and the surrounding areas, the shortage of sugar has caused concern among families. Merchants say supplies are scarce and irregular, while prices have risen. Citizens complain that basic products are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. According to local sources, the problem is linked to distribution and transport difficulties, as well as to a lack of coordination among the responsible institutions. (Continued on page 5)

PD-PG - Velo in 2021, CORRUPTION for expires defends me or the “act against power”[?] and uncorrupted In the climate of heated political debates, accusations have increased regarding links to corruption and the use of power in service of narrow interests. The opposition claims that the government is trying to protect compromised figures while avoiding public accountability. According to critics, these scandals are seriously damaging citizens’ trust. On the other hand, supporters of the government speak of political propaganda and attempts at destabilization. However, the lack of transparency and the refusal to clarify key issues publicly have increased the doubts. (Continued on page 5)

The President of Germany will soon pay a visit to Albania. The visit is seen as an important development for bilateral relations and for international support for the country. In diplomatic circles, it is expected that political, economic, and integration-related issues will be discussed during this visit. (Continued on page 5)

Is the disease reaching everyone?[?] In several shops in the city, sugar is missing and citizens are facing supply difficulties. Traders complain about delayed distribution and shortages in quantities. Meanwhile, the authorities say measures are being taken to stabilize the situation. (Continued on page 5)

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of DEBATIKU As part of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Debatik, a meeting of collaborators and veterans was organized. Participants recalled the contribution of anti-fascist youth and emphasized the historical importance of this organization in the national liberation struggle. The meeting also discussed the need for younger generations to become better acquainted with the history and sacrifices of those who took part in the resistance. (Continued on page 5)