Dr. Servet Pëllumbi: Every deliberate escalation of the situation closes off the spaces for democracy, and the Socialists will not allow it. Rally in Durrës Socialist Party—a party open to the people Dr. Servet Pëllumbi: Every deliberate escalation of the situation closes off the spaces for democracy, and the Socialists will not allow it. Albania’s admission to the Council of Europe is a victory for Albanian democracy—above all, a victory for the opposition, a victory of November 6. Amid an extremely enthusiastic atmosphere, the Socialist Party held a meeting in the city of Durrës, attended by hundreds of supporters. Present were the deputy chairman of the SP, Dr. Servet Pëllumbi; the SP’s General Secretary, Gramoz Ruçi; Socialist Party deputies from the Durrës district; and its leaders in the city. The opening remarks were delivered by the chairman of the SP in Durrës, Bardhyl Agasi, who said, among other things, that Albania’s admission to the Council of Europe was a success for all political forces. Speaking about the difficult situation in this city too, he said: Early elections are a demand of the people, not just of the SP. The people no longer trust the DP, since this party failed to keep its promises, and the country is going through difficult days, reflected in unemployment, crime, blood feuds, etc. Deputy Agasi gave an overview of the widespread corruption in our country, especially in Durrës, for which the government offers no solution. At the end of his speech, he expressed his full confidence in the Socialist Party’s victory in the next elections. He was followed by Dr. Servet Pëllumbi, deputy chairman of the Socialist Party, whose speech we publish in full below. At the end of the meeting, the Socialist Party’s General Secretary, Gramoz Ruçi, also spoke and answered questions from those present. Speaking about the new parliamentary elections, he stressed that every day this tense situation continues is detrimental to the stability of this country, which is destined to collapse under the rule of law. He also said that the SP would not allow the people’s fate to be played with, nor the further destruction of people’s moral and material values. Those present asked many questions about Albania’s admission to the Council of Europe, as well as about resolving the case of Socialist Party Chairman Fatos Nano, who was politically convicted by the party in power. In response, it was stressed that Albania’s admission to the Council of Europe is first and foremost a victory for the opposition and opens the way for democracy in Albania. Correspondent of “Zëri i Popullit”

— Mr. Van Den Broek tells the SP deputy chairman, Mr. Servet Pëllumbi — From Mr. Vand Den Broek’s visit to Tirana As part of his program of meetings in Albania, Mr. Van Den Broek met jointly with the leaders of the parliamentary parties. The Socialist Party was represented at the meeting by Mr. Servet Pëllumbi; the DP by Mr. Tomorr Dosti; the AD by Mr. Neritan Ceka; the PDD by Mr. Petrit Kalakula; the PR by Mr. Sabri Godo; the PSD by Mr. Gaqo Apostoli; the PDNJ by Mr. Vasil Melo; and the BSD by Mr. F. Dafa. At the beginning of this meeting with representatives of the parliamentary political parties, Mr. Van Den Broek spoke about his impressions of Albania, the changes that had taken place, progress in economic and political reforms, and the need for continued assistance and cooperation between the EU and Albania. In the middle of this year, a proposal would be submitted to the EU Council of Ministers for an association agreement with Albania. Mr. Van den Broek described this, together with the necessary procedures, as a further step in Albania’s integration with Europe. He then praised the work of parliament, emphasizing that in a de- (Continued on page 4)

— “I am optimistic about the outcome of this process,” declares Mr. Van Den Broek — As has become known, the European Commissioner for relations between the EU and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Mr. Van Den Broek, made a two-day visit to Tirana. He met and held talks with the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha; Prime Minister Meksi; Foreign Minister Serreqi; the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance— (Continued on page 4)

Coming soon to Tirana Austrian President Dr. Thomas Klestil The Austrian Ambassador in [sic], Mr. Kurt Shpal inger, held a press conference at his residence concerning the forthcoming visit to Tirana by Austrian President Dr. Thomas Klestil. A statement distributed on this occasion says, among other things: The Austrian Federal President, Dr. Thomas Klestil, will make an official visit to Albania on May 2 at the invitation of President Berisha. President Klestil will be accompanied by Austrian Foreign Minister Dr. Alois Mock and Minister of Justice Dr. Nikolaus Michalek, as well as by the President of the Austrian Economic Chamber, Leopold Maderthaner; the Minister of the State of Vorarlberg, Elisabeth Gehrer; an economic delegation comprising more than 20 Austrian entrepreneurs; and representatives of universities and many organizations active in Albania—a total of 70 people. In addition to the official talks between the two presidents, a meeting with Prime Minister Meksi and discussions between the foreign and justice ministers, a round table of the economic delegation will be organized (Continued on page 4)

At the invitation of the Coordinating Committee of War Veterans of the Russian Federation, a delegation of the National Committee of Veterans of the National Liberation Anti-Fascist War of the Albanian People will go to Moscow to take part in the May 9 celebrations, marking the Day of Final Victory over Fascism. The delegation consists of Comrade Pirro Dodiba, chairman of the National Committee of Veterans of the National Liberation Anti-Fascist War of the Albanian People, and Comrade Qamil Poda, General Secretary of this Committee. Representatives Anti-Fascist War of the Albanian People will also take part in the celebrations to be held on May 9 in England, Italy and Gjeçkë. Spokesperson for War of the Albanian People. A delegation of the National Committee of Veterans

Banks that “issue” distrust and insecurity... In the process of radical transformation toward the creation and consolidation of a market economy, the role of the bank is among the greatest and most far-reaching. In economic and financial terms, it is absolute power. Within this broad framework, which would also include the Albanian banking system, one cannot help but ask: What is the bank’s role in developing business and connecting the new class of businesspeople, merchants, farmers, and industrialists? In other words, what support do Albanians receive from their banks? The answer to this question can be given by anyone who rightly expects support from this institution, as well as by the bank’s most senior specialists and its younger and older finance professionals. But instead, let us turn to those phenomena that in themselves represent real challenges for our banks and their reform. The first challenge: While on the free currency market the “unknown” exchange dealers are increasingly hassled and stressed by the familiar call, “Who has foreign currency... dollars, marks... drachmas!”, another financial market is flourishing. This, too, is a way of exploiting the opportunities created by the market economy. The call that fills this market is: “Come on, who’s got money to lend at interest!” Taking this phenomenon, which is becoming more widespread every day, as our point of departure, we are not at all seeking to oppose this practice, but to address cases of abuse in this field, which are now well known and have grown into major scandals at the expense of citizens’ hard-earned money. The challenge posed to the “victims,” who have yet to be defended, is a challenge to the bank’s mission. The second challenge: Our banking system’s inability to support its citizens in managing the human and material resources and financial capital they possess and generate is also evident in the emigration of Albanian money. This does not refer to money from corruption and smuggling that may leave Albania. (Continued on page 2)

Justice in the hands of trainees(!) Recently, as part of a series of new appointments, the High Council of Justice appointed four more assistant judges to the Durrës court. These assistant judges have completed a six-month course, while dozens of students who have graduated from the law faculty remain unemployed. Although some time ago it was stated in Parliament that all the six-month trainees from the “Plep school” should be placed in court administration and not in the positions of judge or assistant judge, it is utterly unjustifiable to prefer appointing trainees to these bodies instead of professionals with higher legal education. Today, the Durrës District Court has judges, assistant judges, and even court presidents who come from different professions. Such decisions were announced in the bygone days of the communist dictatorship, when a diploma from the Party school was also proclaimed to be a higher-education diploma. Such inherited privileges are still present in the days of “fragile democracy.” All you need is to be loyal to the DP. Meanwhile, the people seek justice! Who will deliver it? These people appointed on orders, without experience, without the relevant qualifications, without the necessary professional level? M. N.

Drug traffickers and users uncovered Following highly intensive work by the financial police to uncover drug traffickers (who are very widespread in the city of Durrës), in recent days the financial police managed to identify the two main leaders of this trafficking operation, the Tonuz brothers, residents of neighborhood 7. A thorough search of their home revealed 15 kg of hashish and several doses of heroin hidden there. These individuals have disappeared to an unknown destination. The financial police are working to find them and have declared them highly wanted persons. Measures have also been taken to detain several drug users, whose number is believed to be large. However, it is not yet known what measures will be taken against these users. According to information from the financial police, this operation will make it possible to uncover a network of drug traffickers and users. M. N.

Another installment of the multi-part spectacle entitled “The Arsidi Case” was played out. The response from the lawyer of this notorious French trafficker was read out, confirming to the Albanian court that Arsidi apparently has no intention of coming to testify at the trial that bears his name, and because of which five people continue to languish in cells and prison or in the prison hospital. A whole comedy is being played out with the Arsidi Case. Hearings open and close. It is said that he is in prison. The prosecution representatives now stand up, playing the role of people determined to pursue the truth to the end. The court pretends to have weighed all forms of evidence. But... the truth has silently taken over this entire mystery, which in the language of the people is called a scandal. It has long been said that the Arsidi scandal, this tangled web that has engulfed the banks and even the highest levels of Albanian politics, cannot be resolved as long as the people currently in power remain there. The signs suggest that this statement will prove true. Pity the justice system—into whose hands has it fallen! Through this spectacle, they are trying to convince us that this is a state governed by the rule of law, that this is justice, and that these are the pace and “seriousness” with which mature judicial decisions are made in a democracy. The “Arsidi Case” is the most typical example of how our judges have turned into boxing rings, where, by holding the four bankers of the transition and a former prime minister hostage, the honor of Albania’s senior politicians is being “protected.” People ask: Why don’t the accused speak? Why don’t they defend themselves? They do not speak because, apparently, in one way or another, they once had a spoonful of the broth in this affair called the “Arsidi Scandal,” and now they are afraid of “justice.” If they speak and implicate other people, they may be punished more severely. The path of silence they have chosen is intended to turn this trial into a farce, as it is doing. But will it go so far that the scandal is closed for lack of evidence? Whatever happens, 1 million and 600 thousand dollars have been stolen from the Albanian state bank, but this state is unable to uncover who the thieves are. That means a great deal. That is why we say: It is Arsidi who is being asked to come from Paris to Tirana. Arsidi is in Tirana: he is in the form of a scandal, in the form of the five people who continue to be in prison, in the form of the 1 million and 600 thousand dollars missing from the state treasury, in the form of the judges who scan it and [loan?] from the banks, and ultimately in the form of the paralysis that the head of our state continues to carry in his chest. SHBA

Comrades, distinguished participants, Comrades, distinguished participants, Whenever we come here, among you, we feel a special pleasure. Here, in your city, amid enthusiasm like today’s, we launched the campaign for the November 6 referendum. But today we have not come to campaign, although we are convinced that the day when we come for that too will not be far off. Today we have come to discuss [the source text is garbled here: “mizat të i dytajtë dhe të mendojnë se ky na qenka pozicioni që mund t’i mbajë ata më gjatë në pushtet. Por gabohen rëndë.”] Every deliberate escalation of the situation to divert attention from the internal crisis, from people’s widespread dissatisfaction with DP governance, from the high costs of reform and the rampant corruption in the state pyramid, closes off a critical space of democracy. [The source text is garbled here: “kështu të bashku, se më kot aspiron një që të përçapë PS tani në prag të zgjedhjeve, të nxitin konflikte brezash në PS, të ulin forcat konkurruese të PS dhe të alternativës saj.”] The chairman of the DP will surely be in for a bitter disappointment, because the SP is a large party, well organized and rooted among the people. I mentioned our slogan, “Better with us,” which expresses a reality and bears witness to a mass movement of voters that prevents Albania’s admission to the Council of Europe. [The source text is garbled here: “Mbasi edhe e prishin dhe dëshirojnë që ne të mos jepnim konsensusin, se kishim arsye për ta bërë një gjë të tillë, mbase për këtë edhe fokusuan luftën kundër PS, por ne asnjëherë nuk jemi nisur nga interesa të ngushta partiake, kur ka qenë fjala për interesat e vendit, për interesat e Shqipërisë.”] [The source text ends mid-sentence: “Në periudhën miratimin d-ja nga Komisioni politik i Kë te rapo-”] together the situation in the country and the strategy of tensions being pursued by the current leadership of the DP, which, it seems, responded to the calls heard at the DP’s Extraordinary Conference in March this year to move “further to the right”! The sidelining or weakening of the reformist wing in this party by the right, under the leadership of President Berisha himself, the de facto chairman of the DP, has led the current leaders of the DP to place themselves in its extremist positions. But instead of them, at all seeking to oppose this practice, but to deal with cases of abuse in this field, now well known and from corruption and smuggling that may leave Albania. [The preceding text is discontinuous.] But they are gravely mistaken. the internal crisis, from people’s widespread dissatisfaction with DP rule, in the state hierarchy, closes down the space for democracy to critical limits—a course that the people and the PS, together with the other opposition forces, will not allow to proceed and will not tolerate. They are also gravely mistaken, those who have focused their fight against the PS on its leaders and who, in a divisive manner, say, “We have nothing against the rank-and-file members and supporters of the PS.” Allow me to ask you: are they also against you when they vilify and accuse the PS leaders? We tell them, to keep them in power longer. But they are gravely mistaken. tell them, to hold them in power longer, to foment generational conflicts within the PS, and to diminish the national strength of the PS and its alternative. The leaders of the DP are surely in for bitter disappointment, because the PS is a large, well-organized party with a grassroots base. Our slogan, “Better with us,” which expresses a reality, now bears witness to a mass movement of voters toward our alternative. It is a fact that despite the efforts that have been made—and which have now intensified—to smear the PS, accusing it of being neo-communist, anti-reform, anti-democratic and anti-institutional, anti-European, and a party that supposedly aspires to turn the country back, etc., support for the PS, both at home and abroad, is growing. The DP leadership tried to portray the PS as a destructive opposition and wanted us not to give our support, as we had reasons to do so; because of this, they also focused their fight against the PS. But we have never acted out of narrow party interests when the interests of the country, the interests of Albania, have been at stake. We welcome the approval yesterday by the Political Commission of the Council of Europe of the report that paves the way for Albania to be accepted as a full member at the next meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Sh. N. Dokle, as a member of the delegation, represented our views at the Council of Europe with dignity! Albania’s admission to the Council of Europe, which opens the way for further steps toward Albania’s integration into Europe, is a victory for Albanian democracy, one that cannot be attributed to any single individual. (Continued on page 2)