SANCTIONS FROM THE WEST ARE INCREASING... Albania with wide-open gates - Kurds, Arabs, Chinese, Malaysians storm Europe from Albanian ports The Turkish plane, "Topkapı", lands three times a week under the supervision of the Albanian state, which gives it exclusivity Rome reacts. Tirana... ? After 3 July 1990 - when more than 300 foreigners remained at the embassy until they were taken to Italy - the situation changed and others became the object of requests for political asylum and emigration to Western countries. While today it is no longer Albanians who emigrate from Albania, but foreigners who have come from third countries. In the country's ports, especially in Vlorë and Durrës, various organizations operate without any hindrance, ensuring the transport of clandestine migrants to the Italian coast. According to data published in the Italian press, most of them are Kurds, Arabs, Chinese, Malaysians and Africans who entered Albania through various routes, even by charter planes. As Albania is gradually turning into a transit station for illegal migration, it is gaining a bad reputation in its relations with the West. On Monday evening, a speedboat that had left Vlorë with 18 people was intercepted by the Italian coast guard near Otranto. The next day, the Italian press wrote that the speedboat was carrying Iraqi Kurds and that the journey had been organized by a human-trafficking network based in Albania. In Italy, concern is growing that the Albanian coast is being used as a base for new waves of clandestine migration. The Italian authorities are demanding concrete measures from Tirana and stricter control of the ports. On the other hand, in Albania there are no convincing statements or energetic actions to stop this activity, while many foreigners are moving around without proper documents. According to information coming from diplomatic circles, certain charter flights from the Middle East and Turkey are being used to bring in people who are then directed toward sea routes. The Turkish plane "Topkapı" is also mentioned, which lands three times a week. This suggests that we are dealing with an organized scheme that cannot function without the knowledge or negligence of state structures. If Albania allows its gates to remain wide open, then the country risks not only its international reputation but also concrete political and economic consequences. Rome is reacting. And Tirana?

Nothing for calm. Anger and denunciation made against Albania and the Albanians over the scandals that are being uncovered. There is absolutely no way to find the guilty party for the slanders, denigrations, accusations and threats against people who think differently. This is also being demonstrated by the way internal opponents are treated. In several branches of the PD, discontent has grown over the way it is being run and over arbitrary expulsions. Well-known activists of this party have denounced the lack of real elections, the imposition of decisions from above and the pressure on the grassroots. According to them, the party forums do not function properly and dissent is punished. Instead of debate and competition of ideas, the language of insult and labeling is prevailing. This is not democracy. This is its distortion.

It is not entirely clear that the above topic has also aroused the interest of international circles. Since the beginning of this year, in the Italian media and beyond, there have been increasing reports that Albania is being used as a transit country for citizens of Asian and African countries seeking to cross illegally into Italy and other European countries. In Vlorë, Durrës and other coastal points, it is said that networks are operating which organize journeys by speedboat and other vessels. The arrivals are temporarily housed, given instructions and then sent off toward the opposite shore. Mentioned in this network are Kurds, Iranians, Iraqis, Syrians, but also citizens from Far Eastern countries. The Albanian authorities either provide no explanations or minimize the problem. However, the more the cases of interceptions by the Italian side increase, the harder it becomes to deny the situation. (To be continued on page 2)

Organizational and financial representatives of the party in the districts, PS deputies as members of district and municipal councils, elected municipal officials on PS lists and local activists gathered yesterday to discuss several issues related to local administration and its relations with party structures. At the meeting it was emphasized that the experience so far has shown the need for better coordination between socialist councillors and party organizations, so that the voice of the electorate can be represented more worthily and more effectively. An increase in information exchange, closer follow-up of community problems, as well as concrete support for local representatives was called for. Particular attention was paid to financial issues, transparency in the use of funds and public accountability. (To be continued on page 3)

- STATEMENT - The uncle of our three children emigrated to Greece and on 20.7.1993, after staying there for about 4 months for work, returned to the family to sort out some problems. By the name of Zoiu Çolaku, he finally decided to leave Albania together with the whole family. He asked for documentation and a transit permit, but was left waiting. A few days later, he was detained on the pretext that he possessed some irregular documents. Since that day the family has not received any convincing explanation. He has been pressured to accept false accusations, while the people who denounced him are linked to local power structures. Complaints have been made to the competent authorities, but so far without result. Instead of investigating those who break the law, they continue to be protected. If this continues, then citizens' trust in justice will be seriously damaged. (To be continued on page 2)

Reading the leading editorial of the PD (this morning, perhaps Mr. Tritan Shehu), in the party daily of the PD chairman, an innocently enthusiastic piece expressing joy at the completion of a doctorate, I surprisingly felt not admiration, but disgust. Many of the things written in it aroused doubts and questions in me. Is this an academic event or a political use of titles? Further on, the author tries to present Mr. Shehu's figure as a model of knowledge and progress, but the arguments are shallow and inflated. Instead of scientific seriousness, we have propagandistic and self-praising language. (To be continued on page 6) Vëzhguesi

The square in front of the town hall was filled yesterday with citizens concerned about the environmental condition in the area. They raised banners and demanded immediate measures to clean public spaces and stop water pollution. The organizers said the protest would continue if the institutions did not react. (To be continued on page 2)

Not the olive measures, for miles, but his criminal actions