25/06/1995
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Zëri i Popullit

25 June 1995

EUROPE OPENS ITS DOORS TO DEMOCRATIC ALBANIA

Yesterday in Strasbourg EUROPE OPENS ITS DOORS TO DEMOCRATIC ALBANIA Albania's admission to the Council of Europe - the greatest moral and political support Europe gives our country. Two hours after the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, by unanimous vote, had decided to admit Albania to this important European body, at the press conference organized immediately after this act, President Sali Berisha described it as a historic moment for Albania. He added that it is a reward for the titanic efforts made by Albanians under the leadership of the Democratic Party and the democratic government to move from the harshest totalitarian system to a system of democracy. Considering this a success crowning the efforts of all Albanians to enter the European family with dignity, the President of the Republic said that with Albania's membership in the Council of Europe, our country has received the passport of European identity and has opened the way for its membership in the European Union. Considering Albania's entry into the Council of Europe an important achievement, but also a challenge for the Albanian parliament, the Speaker of Parliament, Pjetër Arbnori, said that this act is of particular importance for Albania's integration into European structures. A similar view was expressed to the press, as heads of parliamentary groups, by Tritan Shehu, Bashkim Kopliku, etc. All speakers praised Albania's membership in the Council of Europe as a success of the democratic forces, the government, and the Albanian parliament. At the same time, this is also a success for the opposition in Albania. During this year Albania made great steps, especially with the holding of the local elections of October 1994. By joining the Council of Europe and signing the Convention on Human Rights, Albania assumes responsibility for respecting the obligations arising from them. Membership in this body is not the end of Albania's democratic development, but an encouragement and support for continuing democratic and economic reforms along their path. When asked about the direction of reforms and Albania's place in Europe, President Berisha stressed that Albania will be part of united Europe and that its path toward it is irreversible. He said that our country is now entering a new phase of democratic and economic development. According to the President, admission to this body is also recognition of the efforts of the Albanian people and the new democratic institutions.

Either PD's tail or work

The institutions of the post-order hierarchy are convinced that their lives are tied to the fate of the party. In this context, the entire police sector, especially the intelligence service, is being used nonstop, with complete zeal and in function of the political aims of power. This is also the reason why today there are numerous cases of violations of the law, brutality and arbitrariness, which are appearing in their daily activity. Why? - because they are acting as political instruments and not as legal state bodies. In this sense, the way in which the campaign to capture the chair of the PS in Shkodër, Ndoc Shoshi, accused of a theft at the beginning of October, was organized and carried out could not fail to attract attention. A man who had himself given all the necessary explanations to the police, a man who, as even his relatives claimed, had no intention of leaving, suddenly became the object of a spectacular pursuit, with police and special services, with noise and with a clear propaganda purpose. The state intelligence service, which should be outside party conflicts, is becoming more and more involved in them. And this not only damages the image of the rule-of-law state, but turns the state itself into a tool of the interests of a single political force.

Sweat in PD is handed out in the street

SPECIAL FEATURE Sweat in PD is handed out in the street - Shkodër It was a noteworthy piece of news in Shkodër, which arrived in the early hours of the morning of 25 June. It announced that the well-known doctor had been removed from his job by an arbitrary decision, simply because he refused to become part of a party scheme. According to sources, this decision was accompanied by further pressure on his staff and family members. Instead of merit and professionalism, party loyalty became the criterion. In this way it is becoming even clearer how far the administration has moved away from the principles of the rule of law. An incompetent but politically obedient leader is worth more than a skilled specialist. This is the logic that is driving many capable people toward marginalization or dismissal from work.

From the FRESSH conference

Science and politics are closer to young people than ever before. At the conference held in Delvinë, young socialists emphasized the need for better organization and for expanding activities in support of education and civic participation. They called for young people's voices to be heard more strongly in local structures and in public life. The participants focused in particular on the problems of unemployment, education and internal migration, pointing out that young people are facing numerous economic and social difficulties. At the end of the meeting, several guidelines were adopted to strengthen the activity of FRESSH in the town and in the countryside.

LANKAS STRIKE CONTINUES

TIRANË LANKAS STRIKE CONTINUES - Apart from the four known demands, the strikers are also demanding the release of five detained comrades - Six months ago a harsh labor conflict broke out at the Lankas chromite mine, linked to difficult working conditions, back wages and the lack of technical safety. The strikers, who represent a large number of workers, declared that they will not stop the protest until their main demands are met. According to the strike representatives, in addition to wage increases, payment of arrears, improved working conditions and safety guarantees, the release of five comrades detained during clashes with the police is also being demanded. They accuse the authorities of pressure and of trying to crush the protest by force. Meanwhile, local bodies and the company management have called for calm, but have not put forward an acceptable solution for the miners. The situation remains tense.

Compromise under duress in RD

KUBRIN[?] Compromise under duress in RD The Kukës local government administration should not be the property of the PD and of a few careerist cliques. In this spirit, a group of officials and citizens have reacted to the latest appointments, which according to them were made without any professional criteria and contrary to the public interest. Their statement says that instead of respecting rules of competition and experience, relatives, activists and political loyalists are being favored. This has brought not only dissatisfaction within the administration, but also serious obstacles to the normal functioning of services to citizens. The reaction calls for the decisions to be reviewed and for the administration not to be treated as the party's booty.

Trijan Shenun asks for 2000 square meters on the beach

Trijan Shenun asks for 2000 square meters on the beach Proceeding through legal procedures Based on a decision[?] regarding lands near the coastline, a high-ranking official has requested a considerable area in the beach zone. This has sparked reactions, as it is believed that connections with power are being used for private gain. The case is expected to end up in legal and administrative proceedings.

A balance of force in Bosnia!

A balance of force in Bosnia! - 20 million dollars for arming and training Bosnia's armed forces - Xhejms Akari[?] and Xhemshatin Aliaxher[?], commanders and final representatives of an American statement, said that Washington was considering a new military aid package for the Bosnian government. According to agency sources, the aid would include training, defensive equipment and logistical support worth 20 million dollars. The move is seen as an attempt to create a balance of force on the ground and to give Sarajevo more opportunities to defend itself. Meanwhile, critics warn that such a step could increase tensions in the region.

The next chairman of the electoral campaign's electorate!

Paradoxes of the times from Kurbini The next chairman of the electoral campaign! In a satirical account of local reality, the author describes how, on the eve of elections, new figures appear, ready to take on leadership roles without having either the necessary experience or support. According to the article, these characters are the product of clientelism and of the desire to stay close to power at any cost.

BULOZË

where has the state subsidy gone

Notice

Starting from 1 July 1995, at 10:00, at the headquarters of the PS branch of Krujë district, subscriptions to the newspaper "Zëri i Popullit" for the second half of 1995 have begun. The monthly subscription is 140 lek. For pensioners the subscription is 70 lek. Subscription payment is made at the post office of Krujë district or at the offices of the PS. For further notices, please contact the secretariat of the PSSH. PS SH branch Krujë S SHU[?] subscription in aid of the PS SHU[?] deputy reform... [?]