Declaration of the Albanian Helsinki Committee of rights and the conventions, international standards on human rights, as well as all mechanisms that must be implemented by the state in order to apply them. Albania, taking into account the importance of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms within democratic processes, the strengthening of the rule of law, the development of the market economy and political and social stability, should orient its activity toward fulfilling these standards. In this context we point out that Albania so far has not only failed to move toward the adoption of all international conventions and protocols in the field of human rights, but has acted contrary to the European spirit and standards. Therefore, the Albanian Helsinki Committee believes that Albania's admission to the Council of Europe is conditional on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as fundamental values of the democratic order. With Albania's admission to Europe, the Albanian state structures will be forced to recognize and implement the norms of international law on human rights. The corpus of the European Convention on Human Rights, the case law of the Convention's bodies, may to a great extent serve as the necessary guide for changing Albanian legislation and judicial practice. Zëri i popullit.

- Reception at the Palace of Congresses - Celebrating the 4th anniversary of the founding of the Socialist Party In the premises of the Palace of Congresses, a reception was held to mark the 4th anniversary of the founding of the Socialist Party of Albania. The reception was attended by leaders of political parties, social organizations, accredited embassies in Tirana, members of parliament, and personalities from culture, the arts and science. After the congratulatory speech by the secretary for foreign relations, Mehmet Elezi, the floor was taken by the chairman of the Socialist Party, Mr. Servet Pëllumbi. After greeting the guests, he said, among other things: Honorable ladies and gentlemen. Every year, on days like this, we gather here to commemorate the founding of the Socialist Party, to share with our friends, with our compatriots at home and abroad, the joy, the emotions and the hope of such a day. We celebrate this anniversary at a time when Albanian society is going through a phase of multiple efforts and considerable sacrifices to emerge from the severe economic and institutional crisis, to build a democratic state and a market economy, to break away from the bitter past, to join the European family. This year's celebration coincides with several events of particular importance for the political life of the country, which have served as proof of overcoming difficulties, of growing democratic maturity and of the consolidation of the opposition. A year ago our country became a member of the Council of Europe. Albania is preparing for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Political forces and Albanian public opinion are rightly demanding new standards in their conduct. In Albania, the first steps are being taken in the privatization process. Alongside the political forces, Albanians are facing difficult social and economic challenges. For the Socialist Party, this anniversary is also an occasion for reflection, assessment and responsibility for the future. In his speech, Mr. Servet Pëllumbi emphasized the importance of political dialogue, cooperation and tolerance among political forces as a condition for the democratization of the country and rapprochement with Europe. He also valued the role of the Socialist Party in the country's political life and expressed his confidence that the SP will continue to be an important force of the Albanian left.

Luan Hajdari: "We want peace and well-being; let those in power not be influenced by police and legal coercion." At the meeting of the Ministry of Public Order, a few days ago, the chairman of the Socialist parliamentary group, Servet Pëllumbi, declared that the determination of the socialists to carry out their political activity entirely in accordance with the law, which at the same time is based on efforts to overcome political conflict, for cooperation and dialogue, is in sync with and in function of the efforts of Albanian society for social peace, political stability and economic development. We are very concerned, said the chairman of the parliamentary group, by the absurd distortion given to our position in the party and propaganda press. Instead of our view being analyzed correctly and valued for its seriousness, it is presented as a submissive attitude, submission in the face of force and arrogance, or cynically and ironically treated as hypocrisy. In the newspaper "RD", the organ of the PD, it is written that the Socialist Party allegedly has changed its tactics; that we are dealing with a "peaceful" and "cooperative" party. After it, allegedly the Albanian police came out, the SHIK came out, the republic came out. These allegedly forced the SP to become "such". Such journalistic descriptions and comments do nothing but display brutality and a clear expression of a worldview of violence. It is enough to recall, Mr. Pëllumbi said further, that a few months ago this very publication was giving publicity not to the pacifist and constructive behavior of the SP, but to that behavior which aimed at conflict and escalation. It shamelessly called for a response with violence and weapons. And it baptized this with the name "Social peace." I wish to publicly reiterate, he said further, that our determination to carry out a completely lawful activity is based on the essence of our concepts and our policy. We want peace and the well-being of our compatriots, regardless of their political convictions and preferences. We have nothing in common with the anti-democratic and arbitrary behavior that in many cases is displayed by the authorities, with police pressure and scenes, with bureaucratic and vindictive orders, with the unreasonable actions of the SHIK and the police against socialists and in general against opposition forces. Nor will we respond with force and such means. We do not accept political conflict as an end in itself. We demand fair competition, equality before the law, and respect for the political and human freedoms and rights of all. Zëri i popullit. (Continues on page 2)

In London. Italy's defense minister, Professor Corcione, spoke with his British counterpart, M. Rifkind, and with the U.S. Secretary of Defense, W. Perry. The Italian defense minister Corcione declared to the press that the talks with his two colleagues had been fruitful. As Corcione stated, the focus of the talks was NATO's mission to enforce the embargo against the former Yugoslavia, as well as the alliance's possible missions in support of the European Union states' operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The talks also focused on securing the Alliance's logistical support for the future EU troops in Bosnia. (Continues on page 4)

In our country, ravaged by the wave of violence and insecurity for human life, yesterday around 8 in the morning the chairman of the Kthellë commune, Mr. Zef Shpani, was killed in Mirditë. According to initial information, he was shot with a firearm by unidentified persons. The murder took place near his home and shocked the local public. Law-enforcement bodies have begun investigations to fully clarify this serious घटना. At a time when the country is preparing for elections and political tension remains high, this criminal act raises serious concerns about public safety and order. Zëri i popullit.

In the wake of attacks and provocations against activists and sympathizers of the Socialist Party in Vlorë, yesterday morning police forces attempted to take to the police station the chairman of the PS for this district, Mr. Eduard Hysa. Zejli Pëllumbi, chairman of the electoral штаb of the socialists of Vlorë, denouncing this fact said that the police stopped Mr. Hysa without any legal motive, aiming to intimidate the PS structures on the eve of the elections. According to him, Mr. Hysa was held for several hours and then released. Representatives of the SP described this action as political pressure and a violation of citizens' rights. EDI KOLA

Our country's government, through state depots, began two months ago the distribution of automatic rifles to peasants in border areas as a means of self-defense against criminal gangs. These automatic rifles, which were popularly called "Kalashnikovs", were given to the villages with minutes and registers. Recently, especially in some areas of the district of Shkodër, there have been debates and clashes over handing them in or keeping them. Residents of the border areas say that without them they feel unprotected, while the authorities are asking for a part of the weapons to be returned for record-keeping and control. The issue of self-defense weapons has thus turned into an apple of discord between residents and local structures. HANSA KURTULAJ

Given that the head of the Korçë sector and I took up the job, various rumors have affected specific departments in the local area. Rumors are circulating about the director's departure and the problems in energy supply. Employees express concern about the lack of leadership in a difficult period. INSA KUNTULAJ

The book on privatization hangs from the neck of our insult; it comes from dr. "Ankorale", and the habit of wanting to possess acquired property by force brings them into the role of buyer and seller. In a series of analyses and articles published recently in our independent and partisan press, a serious effort has been made and is being made to analyze where we stand, what path the privatization process should follow, what mistakes have been made so far and what should be done in the future for the process to move forward. I hope this is a good sign, showing that we are moving out of the phase of empty enthusiasm and entering the phase of rational reflection. In this context it seems necessary to dwell on an issue related to the privatization voucher market. Vouchers should not remain merely paper that is bought and sold for immediate consumption, but must move toward the investment market, toward the creation of productive capital. If they continue to be treated only as a means of exchanging poverty, then privatization will lose its economic and social meaning. What needs to be done is to create the institutional and legal conditions so that citizens can use the vouchers to truly participate in enterprises, shares and long-term investments. Only in this way can public property pass into private hands without being squandered and without producing new social disappointment. (Continues on page 2)

The number of infant deaths in the country continues to remain alarming. According to medical sources, the lack of medicines, poor hospital conditions and poverty directly affect this alarming indicator. Doctors and specialists call for urgent intervention to improve health services for mothers and children. M. N.

SARANDË Yesterday, in the premises of the Socialist Party in Sarandë, a meeting was organized with intellectuals, teachers and engineers. The chairman of the district party steering committee greeted those present and stressed that the SP and its allies will win the upcoming elections. PESHKOPI The quiet Zana, teachers, and city activists met with representatives of the SP and expressed support for its electoral program. MAT PS activists held meetings with residents of the area and discussed economic and social problems. A. ASHIKU B. ZENELI