Let us emphasize: - ...Because its place is in Europe. - Berisha must not become an obstacle, but must keep his promises and meet the conditions set by Europe. Let us emphasize: Albania must become a member of the Council of Europe - ...Because its place is in Europe. - Berisha must not become an obstacle, but must keep his promises and meet the conditions set by Europe. “20 days of anxiety until June 29”—that, it seems, is how the days of this month’s end will be defined as we await discussion of Albania’s application for membership in the CoE. Everything entered these immense frames of anxiety on May 29, precisely when the CoE Legal Affairs Committee did not vote, but left Albania’s membership in the CoE in suspense. The first to experience this feeling was the Democratic Party Albanian Ali Spahia. But, accustomed to this feeling—violently ingrained in him by the dictatorship—he concealed it from the Albanians, while not doing so for the official Albanians at the head of the state. He learned this truth, and anxiety also seized Berisha; hence he howled, shouted, cursed, and accused the Socialist Party and the opposition as a whole. While the truth was concealed from the Albanians with the “innocent blood of Bosnia,” it was Kolumberg, reporter for the June 29 committee, who exposed the body of Serbian extremism. Kolumberg says that “only a few minor questions remain, which we want to clarify in the Albanian parliament.” Making them public, the CoE reporter says: “We want to make sure about certain matters, the most important of which is the independence of the judiciary. It is very important to us that the principles of justice, the foremost of which is independence, be fully respected. The main problem is a better separation of state power from the judiciary and the courts on the part of the state; likewise, the constitution remains an issue,” Kolumberg continued. “We have spoken about the possibility of Fatos Nano having the floor. We have also suggested to your representative that such an issue be discussed after the criminal code is approved,” concluded the CoE reporter, outlining the position of official Tirana, who wanted to legitimize it with certain amendments that were mandatory for [?] these matters to be resolved in a proper and transparent manner. This is because the CoE is very interested in a clear separation of administrative and judicial powers. “In this context, we are asking the Albanian government for full and accurate answers before membership in the CoE.” Mr. Gusenbauer also noted the scratches—though toned down—on the face of official Tirana. “I think the main concern in the CoE is the issue of Mr. Nano’s release. There is European and international solidarity for his release,” the Council of Europe’s distinguished representative told the Albanians. This is who points a finger at us from behind Albania’s back!

At the Tirana court: - The prosecutor seeks a fine of one hundred thousand new lekë. At the Tirana court: GUILTY VERDICT SOUGHT AGAINST THE DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF “ZËRI I POPULLIT” - The prosecutor seeks a fine of one hundred thousand new lekë. Tuesday, June 13, at 2 p.m., is awaited for the court of Petrit Kaja to announce its decision concerning the criminal case against Luan M. Rama, deputy editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Zëri i Popullit,” who has been held criminally liable as a defendant for nearly two months for the offense provided for under Article 20 of the Press Law. It all began on February 23 this year, the day when an article by K. Ksera from the city of Gjirokastër, entitled “The People’s Memory Is Stronger Than Your Files, Mr. Boçi,” was published on page 2 of “Zëri i Popullit.” It named four people, members of the same family, likewise from Gjirokastër, who were said to have been convicted of theft. After this, Mr. Asqeri Boçi approached the newspaper’s editorial office to learn the name of the article’s author, while, as he himself acknowledged in court, he refused to publish the retraction recommended under the law by Luan M. Rama, who had served as the newspaper’s editor-in-chief in those days and had allowed the article in question to be published. But since Mr. Boçi did not learn the author’s real name, he contacted the prosecution service, which then initiated criminal proceedings. During the judicial investigation, it emerged that only one of the family members had been convicted of theft, one for anti-party activity, and the other two had not been convicted. What decision will Mr. Petrit Kaja hand down on Tuesday? In his closing argument, the prosecutor sought a guilty verdict for the deputy editor-in-chief of “Zëri i Popullit,” requesting a fine of 100 thousand lekë (new). The defense lawyer requested that his client be acquitted, while the accused, after stating that courts are temples that must deliver justice, addressed the presiding judge with the words: “I ask only for justice.” After this, the court panel withdrew to reach a decision, which will be announced on Tuesday, June 13, at 2 p.m. A. D.

Another journalist at the Tirana court - Zefi: He has ties to the prosecution! - Another journalist at the Tirana court Gjegji Zefi seeks the recusal of the presiding judge - Zefi: He has ties to the prosecution! - Yesterday, another trial concerning freedom of expression began at the Tirana court. This time, journalist Gjergj Zefi appeared before the court panel. Zefi is accused by Mr. Ylber Meraja, an employee of SHIK in Shkodër and former head of the Gjirokastër police station, who received a suspended sentence from the court of that district for the Peshkëpi events. At the very start of the hearing, Mr. Zefi asked that judge Mehdi Beci not preside over the court panel, since he has ties to the prosecution. Zefi’s request was accepted, and the proceedings were suspended at the same time, pending the appointment of a new person to head the court panel. The odyssey of trials involving journalists continues. Correspondent of “Zëri i Popullit”

BANJE

Albania’s back! After more than three years of promi-

Adrian Nastase’s two-day visit to Tirana Yesterday Adrian Nastase, chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Romanian Parliament, arrived for a two-day visit to [Tirana]. The Constitution and Fatos Nano’s release are the basis for political stability in Albania, the Romanian guest is told by PS deputy chairman ILIR META. Adrian Nastase, chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Romanian Parliament, arrived yesterday for a two-day visit to [Tirana]. During the day yesterday, he met with President Sali Berisha, Prime Minister Meksi, Foreign Minister Serrëgi, the chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Arbnori, members of the Albanian parliament, etc. At the meetings with Albanian officials, matters concerning bilateral relations and the situation in the region were discussed. Among other things, Foreign Minister Serrëgi emphasized to the Romanian guest the efforts that both countries should make in view of their shared needs and similar roots [?] amid the Yugoslav crisis. He reiterated Tirana’s well-known position regarding the resolution of the Yugoslav crisis, which cannot be achieved without resolving the question of the Albanians living in their own lands in Kosovo and the former Yugoslavia, and its position in favor of a Prishtina–Belgrade dialogue with the assistance of a third party. For his part, Nastase emphasized Romania’s position that close cooperation among the Balkan countries in various fields would make a more significant contribution to resolving the region’s problems. Among other things, President Berisha considered Nastase’s visit a contribution to relations between the two countries. Mr. Nastase, meanwhile, emphasized that the visit brings a message of friendship and cooperation in all fields. At meetings with the chairmen of the parliamentary groups, Mr. Nastase spoke about the importance of cooperation between our parliaments and emphasized the great importance of approving the constitution as a very essential element for establishing political stability. In his remarks, the deputy chairman of the Socialist Party, Mr. Ilir Meta, having expressed appreciation for his position on the constitution, stressed that adoption of the new Constitution and the release of Fatos Nano would be very important conditions for establishing political stability in Albania. The Social Democratic deputy mentioned the problems with Albania’s constitution and the delays in its approval, the reasons for which are already well known. In the afternoon, Mr. Nastase met and held talks with Prime Minister Meksi and

The man who had remained a mystery to the Albanians on May 29 appeared before the Albanians last Saturday in an interview. Asked about the discuss... tary and anxiety also seized Berisha; the day before yesterday the opposition as a whole. While the Albanians’ truth was being concealed from them with the “innocent blood of Bosnia,” and “the shame of Serbian extremism,” it was Kolumberg, reporter for the CoE Legal Affairs Committee, and Gusenbauer, chairman of the CoE Committee on Social Affairs, who revealed the essence of the truth, exposing Mr. Spahija before the Albanians. The man who had remained a mystery to the Albanians on May 29—the day’s man—appeared before the Albanians last Saturday in an interview. Asked about the discuss...

The head of the Council of Europe delegation was received three days ago by President Sali Berisha. In this information, BBC said that we have received information... “...always the constitution,” Kolumberg continued. We have spoken about the possibility of pardoning Fatos Nano. issue be discussed after the Penal Code is approved,” concluded the sketch of Tirana by the office of the Council of Europe reporter, who wanted to legitimize it with several amendments that could be changed for official Tirana. The head of the Council of Europe delegation was received three days ago by President Sali Berisha. In this information, BBC said that we have received information and heard remarks concerning the future independence of the courts in appointing judges to the highest court. We want that we...

...the golden ticket to the Council of Europe. After more than three years of promises, Albanians—worn down by endless demands and prolonged delays—are waiting for membership in the Council of Europe. Albanians seem to be seeking this membership as a “visa” for European citizenship. Precisely because of this, Albanians, though not officials, are respecting Europe’s standards and criteria amid the feelings stirred by the violent exercise of power. Albanians, therefore, demand that their country... (Continued on page 2)

— Does Mr. Meksi remember when he “inaugurated” the resumption of work? The hope that this year the Government would secure funds to continue work according to the plans for the Banja hydroelectric complex appears to have faded. All kinds of rubble have now covered not only the dam route but also the concrete-production line. Summer, the most suitable time for intensive work on a project of this kind, just like last summer, will not leave the facilities completed. According to several workers, some work that began at the site in recent days has nothing to do with a full resumption of work, for which around 120 million dollars are needed. The Government has opened a fund that will be used only to build a canal, which during the period of... (Continued on page 3)

The Republican Party faces a legal obligation That was the decision announced yesterday on behalf of the judicial panel by Judge Alfred Veliu in the court case against the Republican Party. It all began in October 1993, when the Property Restitution Commission recognized citizen Ferdinand Petrela’s ownership rights as heir to the former owner Rushe Petrela, and demanded that the building be returned. The PRSH had been given use of the building by the state in 1991. According to the judicial panel’s decision, PRSH is required to pay monthly rent of 2,800 dollars from October 1993, for a total of 60 thousand dollars. During the court proceedings, PRSH responded by arguing that it was for the state to resolve this well-known problem, since it (PRSH) is a legal party, and moreover a parliamentary party. With the announcement of the decision, the PR finds itself in conflict with the PD in power, noting that while today it is at the doors of the court, yesterday it was a loyal political ally of the ruling party. It is believed that this decision (if it is not altered in further appeals) would lead to less-than-pleasant political relations between the PR and the PD. GEZIM ALIAJ

The reduction in the number of children’s nurseries in Vlorë continues. In recent days, the nurseries in the “10 Korriku” neighbourhood, Uji i Ftohtë, and Nursery No. 5 were also closed. The number of preschool institutions in Vlorë continues to fall rapidly. Currently, only 25 of the 45 nursery employees are working. Note Yesterday’s newspaper published an excerpt from an interview that Mr. Alfred Gusenbauer, chair of the Council of Europe Committee on Social Affairs, gave to the Albanian section of the BBC after his visit to Tirana. The portion published in the newspaper was only the end of the interview, taken out of the full interview, in which he also discusses many other issues.

The Trade Union Federation of Geology, Mining and Energy opposes the law on early retirement pensions for miners approved by the People’s Assembly. The enlarged leadership of the Mining, Geology and Energy Federation, meeting on 7. 6. 1995, discussed the law approved by the Albanian Parliament on early retirement for miners. With many workers from mines such as Pukë, Kukës, Mirditë, Mat, Bulqizë, Librazhd and Pogradec, Vlorë, etc., present, the law was openly opposed, particularly Article No. 11, which grants retirement only to miners who have completed nine years of work. It is a political law that the Government proposed as a reward to those who brought it to power, denying most of the country’s miners this right; it is a law that causes division in the trade unions and is... Calling this law a law... (Continued on page 2)

Sarandë Ilir Meta: There is an economic mafia with ties to those in power, which makes today’s rulers unwilling to give up their seats. Dritëro Agolli: Let us fight together as Albanians to restore the trampled dignity of the nation. In the “Butrinti” cinema-theatre hall, packed with citizens, including many members and supporters of the PS and citizens with differing political convictions, a warm meeting with Ilir Meta, deputy chair of the PS and of FRESSH, and MP Dritëro Agolli was held last Sunday. After the chair of the PS district branch, Astrit Llana, presented the political situation and the concerns of the district’s electorate, Ilir Meta took the floor to present the PS plan for reducing tensions in the country and its preparations for the upcoming election campaign, while also outlining the alternatives in the party’s programme for governing. “We have long been calling,” he said, “for a change in the way the party in power governs. But President Berisha, who since 4 November has taken all the reins of power into his hands, instead of responding realistically to the situation, has begun campaigning, vilifying us and praising the arti- (Continued on page 3)

THE MORTUARY OF EMIGRATION Twenty-five deaths far from home in two years. These are 25 lives of people from the Gjirokastër district that have been extinguished while abroad. Over these two years, they have died in serious accidents, at work or in road crashes. The passage of coffins through Kakavijë is a knife in the heart for this corner of the country, through which immeasurable grief passes.