- Joint communiqué of PAD, PBDNJ, PSD, PS - Full text of the document This parliamentary opposition political force made up of the “Forum for Democracy,” PAD, PBDNJ, PSD and PS, held its latest meeting yesterday in a hotel in Tirana, where it examined the new draft constitution. Representatives of these parties declared that this was the second opposition effort to give Albania a constitution. While acknowledging that it was incomplete, they warned that approval of such a draft is expected from the Albanian political class and from the people. The joint communiqué states that the alternative draft, which will soon be presented to public opinion and to international bodies, was drawn up after very careful work, taking into account the needs of democratic development in our country, the conditions and the specific nature of Albanian reality. In preparing the draft, the experience of countries with developed democracies, the experience of state-building, and Albanian constitutional tradition were taken into account. The work of the Forum for Democracy will continue on Tuesday, 6 March. At the end of the meeting, the leaders of the four parties signed this declaration. CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY SKËNDER GJINUSHI CHAIRMAN OF THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE PARTY NERITAN CEKA CHAIRMAN OF THE PARTY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS VASIL MELO CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIALIST PARTY FATOS NANO

Part One FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES Article 1 FORM OF STATE 1. The Republic of Albania is a sovereign, unitary, democratic, social and legal state. 2. Power derives from the people and is exercised through representative bodies or directly. Article 2 THE CONSTITUTION The Constitution is the fundamental law of the Republic of Albania. Article 3 SOVEREIGNTY Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through the bodies represented in the Constitution. Article 4 SEPARATION OF POWERS Legislative, executive and judicial power are separate and balanced among themselves. Article 5 SHRINKING AND THE LEGITIMACY OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER [?] The Republic of Albania shall respect the norms of international law and shall implement the international agreements it has signed. Article 6 POLITICAL PARTIES 1. Parties participate in the formulation and expression of the political will of the people in a democratic manner. 2. The organization and activity of parties with a totalitarian character is prohibited, as well as those that incite national, racial, religious or regional hatred or division. Article 7 THE ASSEMBLY AND ALBANIANS LIVING ABROAD The Republic of Albania takes care of Albanians living abroad. Article 8 PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS The Republic of Albania recognizes and guarantees fundamental human rights and freedoms. Article 9 THE SECULAR NATURE OF THE STATE AND SOCIAL FREEDOMS 1. Religion is an individual matter and the state is secular. 2. The state guarantees freedom of belief and conscience. Article 10 NATIONAL ANTHEM AND SYMBOLS The national anthem of the Republic of Albania is the Anthem of the Flag. The Republic of Albania has a coat of arms and a national flag. Article 11 NATIONAL FLAG The national flag is red with a black double-headed eagle in the center. Article 12 RIGHTS OF THE ARMED FORCES The Armed Forces guarantee the sovereignty of the Republic of Albania and the defense of its territory. Article 13 THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMY The country's economy is based on the diversity of ownership and on the free market system of economic entities. Article 14 OFFICIAL LANGUAGE In the Republic of Albania the official state language is Albanian. Article 15 NATIONAL FLAG The national flag is red with a black double-headed eagle in the center. Article 16 NATIONAL ANTHEM The national anthem of the Republic of Albania is the Anthem of the Flag. Article 17 NATIONAL HOLIDAY The national holiday of the Republic of Albania is 28 November. (Continues on page 4)

HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS Article 19 THE RIGHT TO LIFE 1. The right of every person to live is protected by law. 2. No one may be intentionally deprived of life, except in the execution of a death sentence by a court. Article 20 FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION OF THOUGHT 1. Freedom of expression of thought, directly or through writing, the press and other means of communication, is guaranteed. 2. Censorship is prohibited. 3. Everyone has the right to be informed about the activities of state bodies, as well as to attend the meetings of representative bodies. (Continues on page 4)

From the PS meeting in Korça market We had gathered on Sunday afternoon at the headquarters of the PS organization in Korça, because the chairman of the PS, Servet Pëllumbi, had come to carry out the analysis of this organization. After we had spent an hour or so, a new round of speakers was being awaited. After one finished, another stood up. At that moment, a great commotion was noticed at the entrance door of the hall. From there came the voice of the deputy chairman of the PS, who was demanding to enter at any cost, while several others were telling him that the meeting was still in progress. Later the situation escalated and there was a physical clash. Some participants called for calm and for the discussion to continue normally. Later, the event was widely commented on by those present. Korça, 27 February 1995 (Continues on page 6)

How to speed up the conditions for Albania’s rapprochement with the Council of Europe During yesterday’s day in the Albanian capital, important meetings were held. The President of the Republic of Albania, Sali Berisha, and the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Roman Herzog, held talks on bilateral cooperation and on issues of Albania’s European integration. These meetings discussed democratic reforms, the strengthening of institutions, and the possibility of bringing the country closer to European structures, especially the Council of Europe. (Continues on page 6) Today nich der Welt erfolgen zu begleiten and marvel: since the Germans give a testimony of strength. On du 10 February the rallies ... [?]

ALBANIA NEEDS A READY-MADE PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUTION SO THAT IT MAY JOIN THE FAMILY OF CIVILIZED NATIONS OF EUROPE