The Eurosocialists at their Second Congress Today Tirana has become the welcoming venue for hundreds of Albanian Eurosocialists who have come from all over the country to their Second Congress. Two congresses may sound like few, but in reality, for the young Eurosocialists they are many, because that is the nature of their path and their work. The two congresses carry with them a beautiful, though not easy, journey, full of efforts, struggles, work and dedication, which these young people have devoted to the social-democratic ideal. Not much time has passed since the day this forum was founded, but today, at their Second Congress, they come with many successes and achievements that any other Albanian youth forum or organization would envy. With the alternative they chose, and through their work and efforts, they earned a deserved place on today’s Albanian political scene, striving to give it life and democratic breathing space, far from the rancor and clan-like vindictiveness of those in power. Democracy, humanism, the development of the individual, dignity, solidarity and peace have been, and remain, their fundamental values. The Eurosocialists, like the entire Socialist Party, support a market economy, the rule of law, pluralism and the development of reforms, implementing the alternatives of democratic socialism. The Albanian Eurosocialists have naturally found their place in the ranks of the Socialist Party. Close cooperation between Western social democracy and domestic social democracy. Their ideal has been, and remains, integration into European structures and organizations. This has been, and remains, the main focus of their work and efforts: to anchor our country among the advanced nations and those with a higher standard of living. As the youngest and most active part of the Socialist Party, the Eurosocialists have demonstrated maturity and clarity, vision and realistic solutions to problems at the most crucial moments of political life. Through their positions and decisions they have called for respect for the rule of law and for human rights and freedoms, and not for revenge, insults and slander, which would diminish their reputation and the standing they have earned. With a clear program, growing activity, established and developing structures, and the intellectual potential they have within their ranks, today they are supported and backed by dozens of European youth forums and organizations, standing as their equals. The recent admission of this forum into these structures best demonstrates the soundness of the platform and the path these young people have chosen. Through their joint work and efforts, the Eurosocialist Forum will establish itself even further on its chosen path, defending and spreading the ideal of democratic socialism. This congress will not only take stock of past work, but will also set tasks for the future, which the young Eurosocialists, together with the veterans with “PS roots,” will know how to carry out, giving the people greater opportunities to live better. On the day of their congress, it is their turn to speak, and nothing remains for anyone else but to wish them success on their shared path. them. reforms by Party. Open cooperation, dialogue, a spirit of understanding, and debate without prejudice have been, and remain, the basis of the relationship between this youth organization within the ranks of the SP and the party itself. Its integration has been organic, not based on prescriptions and schemes that would distance it from the party to which its members belong. Together with the older members of the Socialist Party, the Eurosocialists have sought, and continue to seek, models that are most suited to a spirit of dialogue and diversity of opinion—

Our note When we heard the news of Albania’s admission to the Council of Europe on June 29, a group of young people discussed what language the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, Mr. Pjetër Arbnori, had spoken in the high assembly in Strasbourg. One said English, another French, another Spanish. It took very little time to learn that “Albania’s Mandela,” as Mr. Pjetër has been described by European parliamentarians, had spoken Albanian. This is a circumstance of no importance whatsoever, but we put it at the beginning of this note to emphasize the idea that in Europe they understand the Albanian language very well, if Albanian politicians convey through their language understanding and tolerance. It was for the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament to set an example in Strasbourg, on this memorable day, showing that Albanians know—and on another occasion explaining—what Europe requires. And this code of conduct that Europe requires. Nevertheless, one obstacle remains insurmountable: the Nano issue. While P. Arbnori’s sufferings belong to a past and to a history condemned to death, the persecution of Fatos Nano belongs to the present. It is connected with the power of the Democratic Party, with Berisha’s “regime,” and with the influence Mr. Pjetër has over this power and this regime. The frequent mention of his name in this context has its symbolic significance. Albania was not “admitted” in Strasbourg, but it must not be shackled either in Tirana or in Bënçë. This is the view of the democrats who make up the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, who have undertaken that, by opening Europe’s gates to Albania, they will also receive from it messages of tolerance and understanding, which are now the norm of political conduct in Europe. So, more than conditions, the signature that

Interview with Pjer Kornilon, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, given to the BBC Next week the Inter-Parliamentary Union will hold a working meeting in Geneva, where one of the main items on the agenda will be the Nano issue. In connection with this, the Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Pjer Kornilon, gave an interview to the BBC. What are the reasons for your concern about the Nano issue? Our committee and our governing body, the Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, proposed that Mr. Nano had intended to cause damage. He has also been accused of embezzlement. I do not think the judicial authorities provided any satisfactory information concerning the advantages he obtained from them. Did you present all these concerns to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe before Albania was admitted as a full member of the Council? As you know, Albania is a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. We tried to find a solution. Our Council has repeatedly asked the Albanian authorities to give this matter serious consideration and review Mr. Nano’s case. What measures do you think you will take in the future, Mr. Kornilon, specifically concerning this issue? Our committee will meet next week in Geneva. There we will analyze the situation, taking into account [... continued at the lower edge of the image ...] [which I would consider positive steps. But above all, I would value information indicating that his case will be taken into consideration. The leader of the opposition Socialist Party, Mr. Fatos Nano, has declared that he will be released from prison only after the next general parliamentary elections, saying that his party will win. Do you consider such a solution democratic?] Our committee will examine all the statements or new information next week. For us, any democratic solution is welcome and positive. But we expect parliamentarians in all countries of the world to respect the law and to respect what they do after winning elections. Do you think Mr. Nano will be released soon? We hope that the appeal made by our governing body will be taken into consideration, and this could happen by reviewing his case in accordance with whatever measures the country’s authorities consider appropriate. [...] be the Nano case. For this reason, the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Pjer Kor-rinlon, for your concern about the Nano case? Our committee, our governing body, the Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, is responsible for a number of matters. First, there is the haste with which the parliamentarians focused on Mr. Nano, not only during the time when he was prime minister, but also before that. We believe that due consideration was not given to the fact that the conclusions of the indictment concerning the aid given to Albania by Italy did not properly analyze the specific circumstances at the time. I also think that when aid from Italy began arriving in Albania, Mr. Nano did not have much time available to analyze the procedures—something that could have been done under more normal circumstances. It has also not been explained in detail, or has not been— So, a full member of the Council of Europe? The concerns raised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and its Council regarding Mr. Nano’s case are now public. We expressed our concern about this specific case a long time ago. We also sent a delegation in December last year. The report of this commission has also been made public. Our governing body also adopted a decision on this matter. So, all our concerns are known. We must say with satisfaction that, in studying the Nano case, we have had the cooperation of the Albanian authorities, and especially that of parliamentary officials. [?] Albanian [?] to take this matter seriously into think you will take, Mr Korrnilon, in the future concerning this matter? will analyze the situation, focusing mainly on the issue you are asking me about. I must say that in this regard no major progress has been made since we raised all those points with Albanian officials in March in Madrid. Nevertheless, I hope we will receive positive news this week. What do you mean by positive? The Inter-Parliamentary Union has made a series of recommendations and suggestions to the Albanian authorities. We want to make sure that he will be allowed to meet with his lawyers, since we know that this has often been denied to him. All these

A shocking scandal occurred at the Vlora Department of Public Order. Two people detained for unlawful acts managed to escape from the secure premises of the police station. Those chiefly responsible for the scandal have been detained: the duty officer and two police officers on shift. According to officials of the Vlora Department of Public Order, the head of the SHIR in the department, Xhemal Mustafaraj, was also implicated in the scandal and has been detained. He had recently been transferred from the Berat Department of Public Order to serve as head of the SHIR in Vlora. The prosecutor’s office has begun an investigation. Correspondent of “Zëri i popullit”

It is Fatmir Amuli, the newly appointed head of public order in Kurbin, who has sworn that he will not leave a single left-footer (!) at the police station. He has openly declared this in cafés. The first to be removed from his post is officer Arben Dashi. But there really has been a “renovation” at the police station in recent days. The head, Kolë Ceka, and four police officers have been dismissed. The stated reason: dismissal from work, and that is all. Sources inside the police station say this is only the beginning, and that others are slated to be removed in the name of reform. BEKTASH ZENELI

At the age of 80, the great Turkish humorist and writer Aziz Nesin died in Izmir, Turkey, of a heart attack. Nesin’s humorous works are known in several parts of the world and have been translated into various languages. Some of this work is also available to Albanian readers in translation into Albanian. Some of this work is also read by Albanian readers in translation into Albanian. In addition to Nesin, two other Turkish writers in the humor genre are also well known, such as... [partly illegible] A committed socialist, a friend and admirer of ordinary people, Nesin became the target of attacks by Islamic extremists because of his translations and speeches in Turkey. At a “Satanic Verses” event by Salman Rushdie two years ago, at a cultural ceremony in Cologne where Nesin was also present, he was attacked and set alight by Islamic extremists. As a result, 38 people lost their lives.

SHKODER Since June 19, the fishermen of the fishing enterprise in Shkodër have stopped work and gone on strike, demanding the full privatization of the enterprise, not partial privatization as decided by the district privatization board. Their specific demands on this matter have been made known several times in recent days by various press outlets. But even after all these days of striking, there is still no solution they want. The chairman of the enterprise’s confederation, Mr. Brok Noga, said yesterday that Mr. Filip Gur-raziu, in his capacity as mayor and on behalf of President Berisha, told us, “May you enjoy the enterprise.” The only concern Guraziu raised was the navigation at the Dajlan point. We assured him that we would act according to the rules laid down by the state in this case, without blocking navigation for even a moment. After Mr. Guraziu, it was the chairman of the Trade Union Confederation of Albania, Mr. Kastrio Muço, who confirmed that he had met on behalf of the fishermen with Mr. Hasan Halili and had received the answer: “I support the decision originally made in favor of the fishermen, but I have now referred this matter to the government.” Representatives of the fishermen set off for Tirana again yesterday. Everyone tells us, “You are right, but...” [continues] MUSA KURTULAJ

He managed to avert an incident between his fellow villagers and the police patrol, but could not avoid ending up in the cells of the Korçë police station: the village elder of Sheqeras, Muharrem Kafazi. Perhaps it began when a... “Ford” carrying police officers caught a young man from this village and badly mistreated him, on the pretext that the damaged motorbike had been driven by the... [partly illegible] (Continued on page 2)

A report from Athens Greek television channels reported the arrest in Athens of another large group of Albanians trafficking drugs: six people with five kilos of heroin, automatic weapons, counterfeit money, etc. Signs of the joint Albanian-Greek mafia can be seen before reaching the heart of the neighboring state, right at its entrance; the drug trade, trafficking in children and women, and the smuggling of clandestine migrants, etc., showed us this. Many harsh things quickly began along this corridor or bridge, as some want to call the country. The consequences already becoming apparent will come at the expense of our own future. TH. DINO

GOOD WORK AND SUCCESS TO THE SECOND CONGRESS OF THE ALBANIAN EUROSOCIALISTS!

Regarding the notice published in the newspaper “Tribuna Demokratike” on June 13, 1995, and also republished by «RD», which states: «...F. Nano’s villa being built in Selitë e Vogël – Tirana. The workers are [...], the work is being directed by Anastas Angjeli, and the materials are being brought from Greece», I declare that this is not true. I declare, with personal, legal, and civil responsibility, that the house being built is mine, and that its construction is being carried out in accordance with the laws in force. ANASTAS ANGJELI

All newspaper sales agencies in the district that have signed a contract with the newspaper “Zëri i Popullit” must report to the newspaper’s editorial office to reconcile the first circulation. The reconciliations must be completed by July 15. After that date, the newspaper will no longer be sent to agencies that have not reported. Agency representatives must bring the documentation for receipt of the newspaper, the bank deposit slips for the money paid in, or the money to pay at the newspaper’s cashier’s office. The editorial office will cover travel expenses. EDITORIAL OFFICE