The Albanian judge who condemned Fatos Nano is directly challenged The flattened interventions of the non-governmental Albanian delegation at the 93rd meeting of the World Inter-Parliamentary Union, Mr. Luan Hajraga told journalist Viron Beçe (Continues on page 3) Mr. Hajraga: “On March 27 and April 1, the 93rd World Conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Union was held in Madrid, one of the most important forums for dealing with issues of peace, politics and international cooperation. At this conference session, the report of the committee on the human rights of parliamentarians was discussed at length, with the political trial of the chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania, Fatos Nano, occupying an important place. The opposition, as well as various democratic forces in Albania, are following with great interest the spring session of this important international forum, where the ‘Nano’ case had previously also been discussed. 3 — I said at the beginning of the statement that everything in this country has gone in the opposite direction to the reforms, that today there are closures of schools and scientific institutions, unjust dismissals of cadres and specialists, persecution and terror against the opposition and left-wing forces, and violations of the most basic human rights. 4 — In response to the interventions of the Albanian deputies, Mr. Ceka and Mr. Imami, I declared that the report of the committee on the human rights of parliamentarians clearly speaks to the impartiality of the ‘Nano’ case. 5 — Referring to the resolution of the previous session of the inter-parliamentary council, I stated that the question of a full review of the ‘Nano’ process is now rightly being raised, as it was a politically ordered and staged process by the authorities. 6 — The representatives of Albania’s parliamentary majority, although they did not present convincing arguments, tried to deny the political nature of the trial. 7 — In the session, broad support was noted for the new resolution and for the need to reconsider the case. 8 — This is a political victory for the democratic forces and for international opinion, which has followed this process with concern.”

Statement by the Albanian Helsinki Committee The Albanian Helsinki Committee expresses its concern and protests regarding the decision of the Court of Cassation, which has decided not to accept the appeal and to uphold the 12-year prison sentence against Fatos Nano, chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania. 1 — The Court of Cassation gave no answer concerning the procedural violations committed during the investigation and trial. 2 — The court ignored international standards for a fair trial. 3 — The decision confirms the reasonable suspicion that the case is political in nature. The Albanian Helsinki Committee calls on the competent authorities to review the decision and to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. TIRANA, 3 APRIL 1995

Statement of the Association of Professional Journalists of Albania Instead of improving Albanian legislation that serves freedom of expression and information, taxes and fees of this kind have been imposed that weigh heavily on the independent press. The Association of Professional Journalists of Albania protests against these measures and demands the removal of administrative and financial obstacles that limit press freedom. (Continues on page 8)

Shkodër This morning, in the premises of the “2 Prill” museum, tributes were paid and the massacre of April 2, 1991 was commemorated. Citizens, representatives of associations, the victims’ families and local officials took part. (Continues on page 3)

Interview with the chairman of PSSI, ATOS NANO, given from Burrel prison to the Italian newspaper “L’Unita” Interview with the chairman of the non-governmental Albanian delegation at the 93rd meeting of the World Inter-Parliamentary Union, Mr. Luan Hajraga, given to journalist Viron Beçe (Continues on page 3) Question: Are you satisfied with the opposition’s participation in parliament? Answer: In this way the opposition has demonstrated political maturity and responsibility toward the country. Question: Do you expect a change in the political climate? Answer: Yes, if democratic rules are respected and pressure on political opponents is stopped. Question: What do you think about the upcoming elections? Answer: They must be free, fair and monitored internationally.

Chairman of the Socialist parliamentary group and deputy of the PDS, chairman of the PS of Italy, Ottaviano Del Turco 1. The scandalous handling of the “Nano” case seems to be prompting a more realistic reflection on events in Albania. 2. It is essential to avoid any political instrumentalization and to reassess the process on the basis of European standards. 3. We hope that the Albanian institutions will find the courage to correct an injustice. (Continues on page 3)

Parliament with importance Today in parliament, discussion took place on the distribution of land and the problems that arose from the implementation of the agrarian reform. Opposition deputies accused the government of delays, ambiguity and discrimination in the land distribution process. (Continues on page 7)

Social protection continues to be one of the sharpest problems for vulnerable groups. In many areas aid is not distributed regularly and the criteria remain unclear. (Continues on page 4)