Dr. Servet Pëllumbi: Every successful step of citizenship, a step of democracy, therefore the socialist does not give up Albania in the Council of Europe is a victory for Albanian democracy, above all a victory for the opposition, a victory for 6 million Albanians Speech of the Deputy Chairman of the Socialist Party, Dr. Servet Pëllumbi Comrades, First of all, allow me to greet you, the participants in this rally, and also to greet all the citizens of Durrës, with the wish that, despite the many difficulties and problems, they may have an ever better life. Durrës has been and continues to be one of the most important centers of Albanian civilization, democracy and economic development. The citizens of this city have always known how to stand with dignity, with free thought and with a high sense of responsibility toward the country. The Socialist Party is an open party, based on the people. It is not a party of privileges, but of broad social interests; not a closed party, but one of dialogue and cooperation; not a party of the past, but of the future. We believe that democracy is not built through exclusion, revenge or division, but through participation, tolerance and respect for the law. Only in this way can a modern state, a developed economy and a just society be created. Albania's membership in the Council of Europe is an important event for the country. This is a victory for Albanian democracy, above all a victory for the opposition, a victory for all Albanians. It shows that our country is moving in the right direction and that our European aspiration is real. We have a great responsibility before the citizens. Socialists must stay close to people's concerns, close to the unemployed, pensioners, young people, women and intellectuals. We must not give up in the face of difficulties, but organize ourselves better, strengthen our structures and work honestly for a governing alternative. Our party will remain an important political force, capable of bringing together the country's best energies. We want a democratic, social and European Albania. (Continues on page 4) ENGLISH: The Socialist Party - an open party based on the people. Speech of Deputy Chairman of the Socialist Party, Dr. Server Pëllumbi. He greets the participants and the citizens of Durrës, describing Durrës as an important center of Albanian civilization, democracy, and economic development. He says the Socialist Party is open, popular, focused on broad social interests, dialogue, and the future. Democracy, he argues, is built through participation, tolerance, and respect for law. Albania's membership in the Council of Europe is described as a victory of Albanian democracy, especially of the opposition and all Albanians. He calls on socialists to stay close to citizens' problems and work honestly for a governing alternative. ITALIANO: Il Partito Socialista - un partito aperto con base nel popolo. Discorso del vicepresidente del PS, dr. Server Pëllumbi. Saluta i partecipanti e i cittadini di Durazzo, descrivendo Durazzo come un importante centro della civiltà albanese, della democrazia e dello sviluppo economico. Afferma che il Partito Socialista è aperto, popolare, orientato ai grandi interessi sociali, al dialogo e al futuro. La democrazia, sostiene, si costruisce con partecipazione, tolleranza e rispetto della legge. L'adesione dell'Albania al Consiglio d'Europa viene definita una vittoria della democrazia albanese, soprattutto dell'opposizione e di tutti gli albanesi. Invita i socialisti a restare vicini ai problemi dei cittadini e a lavorare con onestà per un'alternativa di governo.

A visit by van den Brok in Tirana - At van den Brok’s meeting, the Socialist Party’s Mr. Servet Pëllumbi... Rally in Durrës Dr. Servet Pëllumbi: Every successful step of citizenship, every successful step of democracy, therefore the socialist does not give up. In the schedule of meetings, in Albania, van den Brok first stopped at Parliament, where he met parliamentarians, deputies of the majority and the opposition. He also had meetings with state officials yesterday and today, while yesterday morning was reserved for a meeting with the leaders of the Socialist Party. Among others, he also met Mr. Fatos Nano and Servet Pëllumbi. At this meeting, where he was and saw for a long time yesterday, they said that the Socialist Party supports and values democratic and economic reforms and is against any attempt to return to the previous order. According to them, the Socialist Party is interested in the holding of free and fair elections and in the people deciding on the country's government. It has also been made known that the position of the Socialist Party in the field of elections, media and electoral legislation is that Albania needs European standards. These issues and others were also discussed in the meeting that Mr. Brok had with the chairman of the Democratic Party, Dr. Sali Berisha. In other remarks of the day, he stated that the path of reforms for Albania is irreversible and that the country has taken important steps forward. (Continues on page 4) ENGLISH: Democracy in Albania and the road of reforms have no turning back. A visit by van den Brok in Tirana. In the schedule of meetings in Albania, van den Brok first stopped at Parliament, where he met parliamentarians, deputies of the majority and the opposition. He also met Fatos Nano and Servet Pëllumbi. According to the Socialist Party leaders, the party supports democratic and economic reforms and opposes any return to the former order. They stressed free and fair elections and European standards. ITALIANO: La democrazia in Albania e il percorso delle riforme non hanno ritorno. Una visita di van den Brok a Tirana. Nel programma degli incontri in Albania, van den Brok si è fermato inizialmente al Parlamento, dove ha incontrato parlamentari e deputati della maggioranza e dell'opposizione. Ha incontrato anche Fatos Nano e Servet Pëllumbi. Secondo i dirigenti del Partito Socialista, il partito sostiene le riforme democratiche ed economiche ed è contrario a ogni ritorno all'ordine precedente. Hanno sottolineato elezioni libere e corrette e standard europei.

(Continues on page 4) ENGLISH: Soon, talks for an association agreement between Albania and the EU. “I am optimistic about the realization of this process,” declares Mr. van den Brok. ITALIANO: Presto colloqui per un accordo di associazione Albania-UE. “Sono ottimista sulla realizzazione di questo processo”, dichiara il sig. van den Brok.

From tonight and in this interview by Bler Severi, it was revealed what is a problem in bringing institutions in Albania to account. The well-known American newspaper “The New York Times” writes that the acid attack on an Albanian girl has shocked public opinion. The article highlights the shortcomings of the police and the justice system, as well as citizens' fear of denouncing violence. The article describes daily life in Tirana and the state of insecurity, emphasizing the lack of the rule of law and the influence of crime. (Continues on page 4) ENGLISH: Acid was in Tirana. The New York Times writes that the acid attack on an Albanian girl shocked public opinion. The article points to police and justice system shortcomings and citizens’ fear of denouncing violence. It describes daily life in Tirana and insecurity, emphasizing the lack of rule of law and the influence of crime. ITALIANO: L'acido era a Tirana. Il New York Times scrive che l'attacco con l'acido contro una ragazza albanese ha sconvolto l'opinione pubblica. L'articolo evidenzia le carenze della polizia e del sistema giudiziario e la paura dei cittadini di denunciare la violenza. Descrive la vita quotidiana a Tirana e l'insicurezza, sottolineando la mancanza dello stato di diritto e l'influenza della criminalità.

(Continues on page 4) ENGLISH: A delegation of the National Committee of War Veterans will go to Moscow to take part in the celebrations of May 9. ITALIANO: Una delegazione del Comitato Nazionale dei Veterani della LANÇ andrà a Mosca per partecipare alle celebrazioni del 9 maggio.

In the transformation process of the Albanian economy, banks and their role are of special importance. But everyday practice shows that many of them are not properly fulfilling their mission, creating distrust and insecurity among citizens and businesses. Loans, transfers, payments and other banking services are often delayed or dragged out without explanation, while clients are left without clear answers. This situation has a negative impact on economic circulation and on the overall investment climate. If the reform process is to succeed, the banking system must function with responsibility, transparency and professionalism. (Continues on page 2) ENGLISH: Banks that “issue” distrust and insecurity... In the transformation of the Albanian economy, banks and their role are of special importance. But daily practice shows that many are not properly fulfilling their mission, creating distrust and insecurity among citizens and businesses. Credits, transfers, payments and other bank services are often delayed without explanation. This negatively affects economic circulation and the overall investment climate. For reforms to succeed, the banking system must function with responsibility, transparency and professionalism. ITALIANO: Banche che “emettono” sfiducia e insicurezza... Nel processo di trasformazione dell'economia albanese, le banche e il loro ruolo hanno un'importanza particolare. Ma la pratica quotidiana mostra che molte non stanno svolgendo adeguatamente la loro missione, creando sfiducia e insicurezza tra cittadini e imprese. Crediti, trasferimenti, pagamenti e altri servizi bancari spesso subiscono ritardi senza spiegazione. Ciò incide negativamente sulla circolazione economica e sul clima generale degli investimenti. Per il successo delle riforme, il sistema bancario deve funzionare con responsabilità, trasparenza e professionalità.

After organized work by the Durrës police, it was possible to arrest several persons involved in trafficking and using narcotic substances. According to official sources, various quantities of drugs were seized and the necessary investigative procedures were carried out. The operation has been assessed as part of efforts to fight crime and increase public safety. (Continues on page 4) ENGLISH: DURRËS. Drug traffickers and users discovered. After organized work by the Durrës police, several persons involved in drug trafficking and use were apprehended. According to official sources, various quantities of drugs were seized and necessary investigative procedures carried out. The operation is seen as part of efforts to fight crime and increase public safety. ITALIANO: DURRËS. Scoperti trafficanti e consumatori di droga. Dopo un lavoro organizzato della polizia di Durazzo, sono state fermate diverse persone coinvolte nel traffico e nell'uso di sostanze stupefacenti. Secondo fonti ufficiali, sono state sequestrate varie quantità di droga ed eseguite le necessarie procedure investigative. L'operazione è stata valutata come parte degli sforzi per combattere la criminalità e aumentare la sicurezza pubblica.

(Continues on page 2) ENGLISH: DURRËS. Justice in the hands of criminals(!) ITALIANO: DURRËS. La giustizia nelle mani dei criminali(!)