Meeting of the General Steering Committee of the Socialist Party — The Socialist Party will not fall into the trap of the past and forget the present — CHRONICLE Yesterday morning, under the chairmanship of the Deputy Chairman of the Socialist Party, Servet Pëllumbi, a meeting of the General Steering Committee was held in Tirana. The agenda was to increase the role of the party’s commissions in further specifying the socialist alternatives. The report, delivered on behalf of the leadership by Gramoz Ruçi, provided a comprehensive, critical analysis of the commissions’ work to date and set out concrete tasks for the future. Discussion followed. The first to speak was party leadership member and People’s Assembly deputy Dritëro Agolli. He highly praised the work of these commissions in explaining, specifying and enriching the socialist alternatives in the context of today’s political struggle. He called the commissions’ work “sketches and drafts” that serve as the basis for shaping the party’s work today and when it takes power. In this context, Dritëro Agolli empha—emphasized the need for practical work with people according to their particular circumstances: in the countryside, in the city, with the unemployed, the homeless and students. By working concretely, the party will continually enrich them. (Continued on page 4) — In general, the commission members and chairs have shown a sense of responsibility and seriousness as they begin their work. — Almost all the commissions (at the centre and in the districts) have held discussions and debates, conducted observations, and prepared substantial materials in line with their respective areas of focus. It is positive that material has been gathered, and continues to be gathered; the commissions have clearly expanded both their membership and the dissemination of what we know and govern, and our ability to cooperate. Therefore, as a second characteristic, we would point precisely to the good work these commissions have begun to do. It seems that bringing intellectuals together in such bodies is the best way of drawing on their ideas. Experience to date, judging from the studies sent to us by the districts, clearly shows that the commis— Since their establishment, the commissions have gone through stages of formation, completion, and definition of their character and focus according to the relevant issues. The most important achievement in this process is that the best intellectuals and specialists in various fields have been brought into the district commissions. The data show that 3,166 people participate in district commissions, of whom 1,687, or 53.28 percent, are members of district steering committees. Viewed in relation to the total number of elected members, it emerges that 94. (Continued on page 2)

The tasks set at the last meeting of the Party Steering Committee—to prepare as seriously as possible both to win the coming elections and, in particular, to govern the country, and to justify the electorate’s trust in the Socialist Party—have undoubtedly given impetus to the reorganization and functioning of the standing commissions at the centre and at the grassroots. At the outset, we can emphasize that the experience to date in establishing and operating the commissions has clearly demonstrated their necessity. The period since the previous meeting of the General Steering Committee has been characterized by the establishment and completion of the commissions, and by defining their character and the fundamental direction of their work. — Substantive material on facts and issues to help map out and specify the SP’s alternative. — Experience to date shows both the great interest of the commission members involved and the need to broaden the circle of specialists and collaborators working with these commissions. I. On the reorganization and activities of the commissions in the districts and under the General Steering Committee. 1. In the districts. With the new reorganization, the expansion of the commissions is more evident, both in their membership and in their specialization various fields have been brought into the district commissions. An examination of the data shows that 5 percent of them have been involved in commissions. This demonstrates the high degree to which these forces are being put to effective use, transforming them into bodies for effective leadership. The broad inclusion of the most capable intellectuals and specialists in the various commissions has enhanced their effectiveness. It is enough to mention that 1,475 intellectuals who have not been elected to party bodies have joined the district commissions, while 452, or 14.27 percent, are not party members. This is a positive development, connected with the party’s conception that these commissions are open both in terms of the issues discussed and the participation of young people and others in finding solutions to what we know how to govern and how to cooperate on. seems that groups of intellectuals in

At the Council of Europe in Strasbourg: — The report by rapporteur Viktor Russy is approved. — Kolumberg asks the committee for Albania to be admitted in September. Yesterday, two committees met to discuss their reports on Albania’s admission to the Council of Europe. In the committee for non-member states, after several arguments for and against, the report by rapporteur Viktor Ryssy was approved. However, unexpected problems arose during discussions in the Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee. The rapporteur for this committee, Kolumberg, asked the committee to postpone Albania’s admission until September. The reason for this request is that he has received no positive response from the Albanian authorities concerning several amendments he proposed, as well as some recent information relating to violations of the independence of the judiciary and freedom of the press. But since the discussion of Albania’s admission had already been approved for inclusion on the agenda, the committee found a middle way: it decided to draw up its recommendations after the debate in the Parliamentary Assembly had concluded and to submit them to the Committee of Ministers, which has the authority to ratify Albania’s admission as a full member of the Council of Europe. Press and Information Office of the Socialist Party

Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Uliam Perri received and held a conversation with the Albanian ambassador to the United States of America, Jublin Dilja. U.S. Secretary of Defense Perri said he was pleased with the level of military cooperation between the United States and Albania and very optimistic about the future. He also pointed to some of the best results achieved by our country and said that he was pleased about the forthcoming visit there by Albanian President Sali Berisha, while also extending him an invitation to visit the Pentagon. He also praised the attachment of American military advisers to the Albanian army, describing them as further assistance in the process of its reform and improvement. For his part, Albanian ambassador Dilja thanked Mr. Perr for his help and contribution in assisting our country, and especially the Albanian army, and expressed optimism about the future level of cooperation between the two armies. He also thanked Mr. Perri for the invitation extended to President Berisha to visit the United States. Correspondent of “Zëri i Popullit”

Activity of the Albanian Atlantic Association Yesterday, in one of the halls of the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, the Albanian Atlantic Association organized a meeting with the United States Ambassador to Tirana, Joseph Lake, who delivered a speech on the topic “Albania and the new architecture of European security.” In his speech, after giving a brief overview of NATO’s role in maintaining peace in Europe over the past forty years, Ambassador Lake addressed specific topics such as “Albania and the Balkans, the link between democratic institutions and economic development and the European security architecture, President Clinton’s vision, Albania’s ties with the European Union and the OSCE, the role of the Partnership for Peace, as well as Albania’s future and the prospects for its integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.” Ambassador Lake’s speech was listened to attentively by those present, who asked several questions about the issues addressed in the presentation. Because of the interest it holds, we will publish in full on page 3 the speech delivered by Ambassador Joseph Lake at this meeting. Correspondent of “Zëri i Popullit”

Yesterday at the Tirana Court Party subservience recognizes no law, evidence, documents or arguments, only blind blindness. Yesterday at the Tirana Court The “suspension” of the new Penal Code is decided Party subservience recognizes no law, evidence, documents or arguments, only blind blindness. Albanian justice once again demonstrates that it continues to stand under the dictates of party orders. Just a few hours before the meeting at which Albania is to meet as a full-rights member of the Council of Europe—one of whose conditions is the independence of the judicial bodies—it further deepens its stance as a tool in the hands of those in power, being used as a weapon against opponents and the opposition, the government and the DP. A brief court hearing yesterday at the Tirana Court of First Instance, presided over by Fehmi Petku, with prosecutor Thomai Jani, once again confirmed through its ruling that, for Albania’s judicial authorities, there is no step of freedom or independence from the old centre. Yesterday’s hearing, it is reported, was held at the request of Përparim Xhixha, director of the PS “Progresi” Economic Centre, and the PS—Përparim Xhixha and two lawyers sought dismissal of the criminal case and, at the same time, the lifting of the measure requiring him to remain at liberty under arrest and its replacement with imprisonment. But, unfortunately, as expected, it was predetermined that the “400,000-dollar scandal” file, “Zëri i Popullit,” would continue to be investigated according to new versions and methods. The entry into force of the New Penal Code seemed to open the way for former director Xhixha as well. Detained and accused of misappropriation, 313 Tirane, accused under Article 106 of the new Penal Code, for the offence of abuse of office. His taking of the form of office. The charge had been brought together with a group of wealthy people, who after the action of this article could affect more than one person; which is undertaken. Article 106 of the application and for acts such as the same firm, the acts mentioned, is ... In arguing the request to dismiss the criminal case against him, Xhixha and the lawyers argued that the charge of abuse of office under Article 106 of the previous Penal Code did not stand. Xhixha stressed that the “Progresi” firm is a private enterprise, owned by the PS, and that he himself had been an employee working there. “Only its lawful owner knows the origin of the funds being discussed, not me,” he said. He described his activities as fully grounded in law. “No one can prove that any law has been violated,” he said; therefore, calling the charge against him unjust, he requested dismissal of the criminal case. His lawyers requested dismissal of the criminal case and that the charge be declared legally unfounded. “Our client,” they said, “has acted in accordance with all the laws and regulations under which all private enterprises in our country operate.” They further emphasized that although Xhixha had spent around two months in prison, the authorities had taken no concrete action to substantiate the charge or obtain an expert assessment. Continuing, his lawyer Riza Xhixha emphasized the lack of information and documents and the many inaccuracies in the documents produced. All these shortcomings, he said, had led to the creation of a scandalous charge. Addressing the court, he stated that to date not a single document had been established that was [unclear] before the court and acted as [unclear] in money, the detention authorities on the other side. The other lawyer, Lleshi, reiterated and set out the procedure for the release of the defendant, and concluded the entire procedure, “also calling it a judicial trial.” Arguing that the facts require [unclear]—echoing his colleague—he said that there is no document proving state ownership of this money. But the prosecution was “prepared” to fight with new scenarios. Wishing to leave no opening in Xhixha’s and his lawyers’ arguments, Mr. Jani emphasized that the prosecution had adapted the case to the New Penal Code by reclassifying the offence under Article 256, now called “Misuse of contributions provided by the state.” According to this article: “Misuse of contributions, subsidies or financing provided by the state or state institutions, intended for works and activities of public interest, is punishable by a fine or imprisonment of up to 3 years.” Citing these amendments as a basis, he requested that the investigation continue while the defendant remained under arrest, arguing that the investigation had not been completed and that no final charge had yet been formulated. The prosecutor continued to maintain that these funds came from the state budget, without presenting any material or evidence to support this. As if reading something from the RD newspaper, he repeatedly claimed that this money came from the “Solidarity Fund,” which had been created from state subsidies. Delivered about an hour and a half later, the judge’s ruling made no change from the prosecutor’s requests. He deemed Xhixha’s request unfounded, linked it to the serious investigative actions, and ultimately rejected it. Yesterday’s ruling is an ar— (Continued on page 2)

It is one of the largest communes in Vlorë, and during these years of transition it has been facing extraordinary difficulties. A simple, hardworking population that has lived by the honest sweat of its brow is today enduring a difficult economic situation. The basic conditions for living are lacking, especially drinking water. This is a problem that the residents of Lakatund, Grabian, Shushicë, Dritas and Mekati i dytë face every day. The residents of this commune go to great lengths to secure drinking water. Disillusioned by promises from the government and local authorities, they have no hope that the situation will improve. Securing drinking water has become the main concern of the day for the resi— (Continued on page 2)

The U.S. European Command will deploy a Predator unmanned reconnaissance system at Gjadri Airport in Albania, beginning at the end of this week—at the start of next week—to support NATO operations in the former Yugoslavia. The system will arrive in Albania accompanied by around 100 people, military personnel and civilian employees. The deployment is expected to last around 60 days, but may be extended if circumstances warrant it. Unmanned reconnaissance aircraft provide low risk, effective continuous reconnaissance and surveillance. The data collected by the Predators during flights over Bosnia will be provided to NATO for use in monitoring operations in the former Yugoslavia.

DURRËS Albanian emigrants completely unprotected - The tragic fate of a young Albanian man - Grief and tears in the Shanaj family. After endless efforts to build a better life by emigrating to Italy, 24-year-old Lavdosh Shanaj was killed and returned to his family dead, breaking the hearts of his parents, wife and close relatives. The reason for his killing remains a complete mystery. The lifeless body of the young Albanian, riddled with a burst of bullets on foreign soil, is one among 103 lives cut short far from home through emigration; their tragic ends have opened hundreds of wounds in family homes in Durrës. A man is killed. He is Albanian. Who answers for his fate? The Albanian government remains silent. The Italian side offers no explanations. It is precisely his compatriots, bound by love and grief for their friend and their fellow countryman’s misfortune, who undertake the humanitarian act of bringing the victim’s body back to his homeland, a week after the killing. “It is an incurable wound and a daily pain,” says the victim’s father, Ramadan Shanaj. No one has explained anything to me about it. In his jacket pockets were his passport and a few lire. The Albanian government has not given me any answer. Not only that, but it has not even arranged a pension for the orphaned child, who has been left in an extremely difficult economic situation. I do not know where to turn to seek even a glimmer of justice. And such cases number in the dozens. The loss of 104 young men from Durrës over a relatively short period is a call to the Albanian government. MIRELA NDINI