Albania in the light of Strasbourg We do not belong in the Council of Europe, because we have left no one uninsulted and unfettered. With this democratic soap opera, crises without end have entered and damaged our country’s image in the international institutions. In principle, the Council of Europe values more the real progress a country has made than its staged spectacle and appearances. Albania will be assessed by what it is, not by what state television propaganda chatters and shouts. The next two years may be decisive. Much remains to be done before standards in human rights, political freedom, respect for laws, etc. are achieved. But Albania eagerly awaits admission to this international body, and therefore its officials must move with facts, not with words that damage national integrity. TREATIES Greece entered the mental diet of the parties Publicity is still not meant for excuses and embellishments. (Continued on page 5)

STATEMENT OF THE INITIATIVE COMMITTEE This reaction of society, the result of the immaturity of political debate. This decision by television, and especially its reasoning, clearly one-sided, shows a real lack of reflection and responsibility on the part of television professionals. In the specific case, the exclusion of the broadcast of the program “Fiksimi” was connected with several topics related to relations among political parties, the functioning of the media, and the social climate of recent months. Given the way it was carried out and the explanations made public, this action has created the impression of unacceptable censorship in a democratic and pluralist society. Freedom of expression and public communication is one of the fundamental pillars of an open society, and any infringement of it gives rise to legitimate concern. Electronic media have a special role in shaping public opinion and reflecting the diversity of views. For this reason, they cannot be turned into an instrument for arbitrary filtering, exclusions, or double standards. Any measure that limits free debate must be accompanied by transparency, reasoning, and institutional responsibility. The Initiative Committee notes with regret that the climate of public debate is being burdened by such practices, which help neither democratic development nor citizens’ trust in institutions. Considering public television to be the property of the public, we stress the need for it to function on the basis of impartiality, professionalism, and respect for democratic standards. Tirana, 6 June 1995. The Initiative Committee

— The restrictions in the setting of the [?] and reimbursement of the Traffic Taxes and Other Assets administered by the “brokers” of enterprises (?) are inaccurate (Continued on page 5)

Yesterday, in the meeting hall of the Institute of Statistics, a meeting was held with journalists, at which data were presented concerning the census of the population and housing as well as other current statistical issues. It was stressed that the process of collecting information requires accuracy, cooperation with local structures, and understanding from citizens. According to the institute’s leaders, the preliminary data will help in drafting economic and social policies. The difficulties of field work, logistical shortages, and the need to improve the material base were also discussed. (Continued on page 4)

— The state is strengthening the conditions for children’s education — — Low-paid employment methods are costly — — High risks for the economy and families [?] The first signs of a tired economy are felt most strongly in the labor market. Different parts of society face the consequences of unemployment, while families bear the main burden of economic uncertainty. In these circumstances, better institutional intervention, clearer social policies, and real encouragement for the creation of new jobs are needed. In particular, attention must be focused on the most vulnerable groups, on low-income families, and on young people entering the labor market for the first time. Partial measures, without a broad strategy, do not produce the necessary results. (Continued on page 6)

Velipoja beach “CLOSED” Velipoja beach “CLOSED” — The environment is in a miserable state — The day you go there, a series of checks and barriers make entry difficult. Holidaymakers complain about the lack of services, damaged roads, and dirt. The situation created on the eve of the summer season arouses dissatisfaction and little confidence in the possibility of a quick improvement. (Continued on page 6)