On the fourth anniversary of the Socialist Party The creation of the Socialist Party four years ago marked the fulfillment of a historical need to affirm a new left in Albania. These four years have best demonstrated the affirmation of the Socialist Party as a political force of the new left, with clear Eurosocialist visions, a defender of the alternative of Western European democratic socialism, of democracy, and of economic reforms that harmonize entrepreneurial freedom with solidarity and social protection. Its program and positions during this difficult political period have served as a decisive factor in securing a political position of considerable weight and undeniable authority in the life of the country; they have affirmed the Socialist Party’s position as a defender of the true values of the history of our nation and people, of the Anti-Fascist National Liberation War, an unwavering inspiration for progress, and a resolute defender of democracy, freedoms, and individual rights. The growth of the Socialist Party’s authority and weight among the Albanian electorate has gone hand in hand with the growth of the Albanian electorate’s confidence in the new left and in the true values it represents, such as humanism, freedom and social justice, solidarity, and the social progress of the individual. These four years have established the Socialist Party as a constructive opposition political force. The Socialist Party’s constructive approach has been realistically expressed in its mature political positions in Parliament and beyond, and in its positions on the economic and social problems the country is experiencing as a result of the transition and the consequences of the Democratic Party’s inability to govern. its positions on giving the country a Constitution, adopting laws with a fully democratic character, and helping Albania integrate with dignity into the Euro- [text breaks off]. The accusations of nihilism made by those in power and the country’s senior officials are part of their strategy and anti-democratic policies of revenge; they are an expression of their profound political despair. Through its realistic and mature positions, the Socialist Party has significantly increased its authority and the confidence it enjoys among the Albanian electorate. This creates an important obligation for it to respond realistically to the authority and confidence it has gained among voters. The Socialist Party has always also taken mature, constructive positions regarding Albania’s foreign policy. It has called on the Albanian state to pursue a coherent foreign policy that protects national interests: a realistic, open and effective policy that ensures Albania a dignified position in the Balkans and Europe, safeguards Albania’s freedom and independence, creates normal conditions for the development of pluralist democracy and economic reforms, promotes good-neighborly relations, and integrates Albania into Euro-Atlantic structures. The Socialist Party’s priorities have always been, and will always be, the defense of national interests, Albania’s freedom and independence, good-neighborly relations, and European integration. The Socialist Party has participated in political life and political struggle on the basis of recognized democratic concepts and rules. It has consistently insisted on creating conditions and a favorable climate for constructive dialogue among parliamentary and non-parliamentary political forces, especially between the government and the opposition, but the response from those in power has always been negative. It is determined to seek and pursue constructive dialogue in the interests of democracy and its institutions, and of establishing the rule of law in Albania. By continually adapting itself through dynamic self-preservation, the Socialist Party has withstood and exposed every form of subversion and every attempt to denigrate and divide it; it has thwarted all plans and strategies against the SP, as well as every effort by those in power to heighten political tensions and curb the dignified growth of the SP’s authority and support among the electorate. All attempts by those in power to isolate the Socialist Party and create a hostile encirclement and fortress against it have failed completely. The fact that the SP has prevailed over all subversion, tactics, policies and strategies directed against it is an undeniable indication of its strength and the powerful support it enjoys among the electorate. The SP is a serious political force that knows how to assess realistically and effectively the history of the Albanian nation and people—a political force that looks ahead and works to embody civilizing, progressive, democratic and humane attitudes, concepts and values. ...stances regarding the economic and social problems the country is undergoing because of the transition and the consequences caused by the Democratic Party’s inability to govern. The Socialist Party’s constructive approach has been clearly demonstrated in its positions advocating a Constitution for the country, the adoption of laws that are fully democratic in character, and support for Albania’s dignified integration into European structures. It is the largest opposition force and, understanding the weight, strength and role it has in Albania’s political life, has demonstrated a high sense of responsibility, persuasive argumentation and deeply democratic positions. It has made an undeniable, real contribution to establishing democratic institutions and the rule of law; adopting a series of important democratic laws; and carrying out lawful social reforms in a market economy while providing social protection for people. It has demonstrated convincing political maturity by knowing how to affirm and support everything that serves progress, the development of democracy, freedom, the market economy and the rule of law, and the protection of freedom and human rights, and by saying “no” to all positions and laws that have been antidemocratic in character, have sought to restore dictatorship and personal rule, or to close off space for democracy and individual freedom, that undermine the independence of the judiciary and call into question the freedom and independence of Albania and its vital interests

— President Clinton invites the President of Albania to the White House — The Press Office of the President of the Republic announced yesterday that the President of the United States of America, Bill Clinton, had officially invited the President of Albania, Sali Berisha, to visit Washington. This is a long-awaited invitation, since, as has also been reported, President Berisha was the only head of state among the countries of Eastern Europe who had not been officially invited to the White House. This was all the more notable given that Albania is also one of the few countries in Eastern Europe governed by right-wing political forces. The invitation extended by the President of the United States of America to the Albanian president is an important moment in Albanian-American relations. It reaffirms the fact that the United States of America is one of Albania’s close allies—an alliance whose roots go back a long time and which was strengthened in the common struggle against Nazifascism, bringing our two peoples together—as well as the irreplaceable American role in establishing democracy in Albania. This invitation represents significant support from the powerful United States for our country at this turbulent moment in Balkan history. The United States is a symbol of Freedom and Democracy. Against certain voices claiming that America has particular political preferences in Albania stands today’s reality: it is especially interested in Albanian democracy. As a country with sound democratic principles, it knows how to respect reality rather than political games. Through its highest-ranking officials who have visited Albania, the United States of America has stated that today’s Albanian political reality includes political forces working to establish and consolidate market democracy, free enterprise and pluralist democracy. It was the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Mr. Ricard Holbruk, who stressed during his visit to Tirana that “he was pleased that he would report to the State Department that all Albanian political forces were interested in and working toward establishing democracy in Albania.” The Socialist Party of Albania has welcomed and continues to welcome every step that strengthens friendship and Albanian-American relations. It has valued American assistance during these difficult years of transition, supported the Partnership for Peace initiative, and regards the U.S.A. as the greatest political, economic and military power, with an irreplaceable role in contributing to the development of democracy and a market economy in Albania as well. The positions of the current American administration and of President Clinton in support of Albania, in easing its differences with its neighbors, and in supporting a just solution to the Albanian question have played an irreplaceable role in strengthening Albanian-American relations and enhancing America’s standing among Albanians. According to news agency reports, President Berisha and President Clinton will hold talks focusing on bilateral relations, the progress of democratic reforms in Albania, and an analysis of the situation in the troubled Balkan region—issues on which the commitment of the U.S.A. and the administration of President Bill Clinton has been of great importance in supporting the new democratic Albania. This event, taking the support and relations between our two countries to a new, more advanced level, is also confirmation that these relations are on the right track. THOMA GJELLCI

As part of the cooperation between the Socialist Party of Albania and the Socialist Party of Hungary, P.S. SH MPs Shkëlqim Cani, Anastas Angjeli and Ylli Bufi departed for Hungary yesterday. They will carry out a program of meetings with politicians and specialists in economic reform in Hungary. Press and Information Office of the PSSH

Following the news published in the newspaper «Shqiptare» - 75 employees of Hotel «Drinit» react angrily to the unlawful decision of Mayor Sali Kelmendi. They warn of a strike - A news item published in the newspaper «Shqiptare» on June 7, entitled: «They will become private property», in the section «politically persecuted», states that ... together with the «Rozafa» hotel-tourism enterprise and the enterprise for the collection and processing of ... in the city of Shkodër, and by means of ... «Gjirokastra» in Durrës, it has been decided that Hotel «Drini» ... should also ... be given by the mayor to the politically persecuted. There are four residents of Tirana, ... according to «Gazeta Shqiptare», former politically persecuted people who claim and are becoming the owners of «Drini», while facing them and the unlawful decision are 75 employees of this hotel, who strongly oppose Mayor Sali Kelmendi. What is the truth? Over the past two or three years, in the life of the Hotel «Drinit» collective (Continued on page 2)

Yesterday at the Tirana court - Once again, an inmate of Ward 313 - Lawyer Koçi accuses the court of political bias. Yesterday at midday, 24-year-old Ledion Lleshi, presiding over the judicial panel, did not hesitate to reject former President Alia’s request, represented in his absence by lawyer Koçi. It all began after June 1, the day the new Penal Code of the Republic of Albania entered into force, under which time spent in solitary confinement, in a cell, is credited at an extra half-day for each day served. According to Alia, the prison administration calculated his term on the basis of the decision of the Kërcina court, whereas the benefit under the amnesty law is based on the decision of the Court of Appeal. The two sides in the proceedings had been calculated incorrectly, turning the court hearing into a ... The arguments put forward by prosecutor Kokoshi were the same as those presented by the prison administration’s representative, Ndreu. Confident in his legal interpretation, lawyer Koçi did not hesitate to stress that keeping former President Alia in prison was politically motivated and another abuse. Keeping him in prison after June 1 constitutes a flagrant violation of human rights. Judge Zari, however, did not share this view. He endorsed the arguments of the prosecution and the prison administration, rendering every argument by lawyer Koçi ineffective. Ironically, or perhaps out of a teacher’s instinct, Koçi corrected one of the judge’s points concerning the latter’s request to admit the Official Gazette containing the amnesty law into evidence. According to Koçi, the law itself is not admitted as evidence. Ultimately, the former President ... and should legally be transferred to another prison, such as the prison of ... Derri of ... In the present legal situation, he will continue to remain an inmate of Ward 313 in Tirana. ARJAN VELAJ

To Comrade FATOS NANO Chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania Bënçë Prison, Tepelenë Dear Fatos, The leadership of the Socialist Party, on behalf of its hundreds of thousands of members and supporters, wishes you a happy fourth anniversary of the founding of the PSSH, whose establishment you have the honor of leading. Over these four years, our party has been formed, structured, reformed, and established throughout the country; it has gained experience as a constructive opposition, worked with a strong sense of responsibility on its program and alternatives, and today has secured massive and well-deserved support at home and abroad. Even under the weight of the political persecution by sections of the government and directly by President Berisha, the SP has known how to deliver messages of democracy, understanding and cooperation—messages in the name of the future. Your suffering in prison, your steadfastness, courage and integrity have enhanced the reputation and honor of the PSSH in Albania and around the world. It has now become clear to Albanian public opinion, and to European and wider opinion, that you are a political prisoner; therefore, people have demanded and continue to demand your exoneration and release. Tomorrow, on 12 June, we will celebrate the fourth anniversary of the founding of the PSSH. You will not be present, but rest assured that in our words, wishes, minds and hearts, you will be among us every moment. It is not distance or prison walls that separate people, and President Berisha will understand this truth very soon. Once again, we wish you a happy fourth anniversary, with the enduring conviction and hope that soon we will have you physically among us as well. The leadership of the PSSH Tirana, 10.6.1995

The Albanian Helsinki Committee received and heard a group of representatives of the residents of Kodër-Kamëz, who presented their complaints concerning the disturbances in the capital’s streets in recent days. The incident took several dramatic turns and attracted widespread attention in the public opinion of the country. The Albanian Helsinki Committee expresses deep regret over the consequences of these disturbances, which ended with dozens injured on both sides. These incidents are all the more troubling because they reflect an extremely tense situation that currently characterizes life in the country. As regards the substance of the conflict, the AHC considers that the matter has two closely interrelated aspects. On the one hand, there is Law No. 7692, dated 31.03.1993, on “The Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms,” which expressly provides for everyone’s right “...to choose one’s place of residence and to move freely in every part of the territory of the state.” On the other hand, the same article contains an exception for cases in which restrictions have been established by law on health or public security grounds. (Continued on page 2) COMMITTEE STATEMENT Having visited Albania, the United States of America have expressed the view that today’s Albanian political reality speaks to the existence of political forces there that are striving to establish and consolidate ... ... democratic, understanding and cooperation, but also of a good ... between ... [part cut off] ... with regard to the substance of the conflict, the KSHH considers that the issue has two closely connected dated 31.03.1993, on “Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms”, which expressly provides for the right of everyone “...to choose their place of residence and move freely in any which restrictions have been established by law for health or public security reasons. (Continued on page 2)

FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE SP On the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the PSSH, the leadership of the Socialist Party of Gjirokastër yesterday organized a cocktail reception in the city of Gjirokastër, attended by dozens of members, supporters, friends of the party and veterans, representatives of political forces, local government bodies, organizations and associations, [unclear/cut-off text]. Chairman Resul Llogo delivered a speech for the occasion. Members of parliament Leontiev Çuçi and Theodhori Bej conveyed greetings on behalf of the PSSH General Steering Committee, the leadership and Chairman Fatos Nano. With greetings, congratulations and wishes for a long celebration, which someone also called a kind of informal test of the party’s support and authority.

Those present, including the socialists of the village of Derviçan in Dropull i Poshtëm, carried out a similar test. They gathered at a club of the municipality in this lively municipality, while socialists of all ages and backgrounds exchanged views on the alternative before them and on everyday life; it was a ... good ... thing [partly illegible] THANAS DINO