(continued from page 8) weekly bulletin of the Albanian Helsinki Committee. The statement expressed concern about the use of force against a citizen and called for a full clarification of the incident. The Albanian Helsinki Committee, referring to the collected data, notes that the violation of citizens’ rights and the arbitrary use of violence by law-enforcement bodies constitute an unacceptable precedent. The text emphasizes that the police must act in accordance with the law and respect the dignity of every citizen. An administrative investigation and disciplinary measures against those responsible are also requested. The statement calls for greater transparency and institutional accountability. The Albanian Helsinki Committee appeals to state bodies to guarantee the protection of human rights. Tirana, 7.07.1995.

TIRANA . Opinions and reactions regarding the hunger strike and the arrest of its participants continued yesterday as well. In a press statement, family members and their representatives demanded the immediate release of those detained, describing the arrests as unjust. According to them, the strikers did not commit a criminal offense, but expressed a social protest linked to difficult economic conditions and employment. Meanwhile, official sources have stated that the matter is being reviewed by the competent authorities. Public reactions have called for respect for legal procedures and for guaranteeing the rights of those arrested. The Lakanas case has aroused broad interest in public opinion. (By A.C.)

- ILIR META: “From this hall we express our solidarity and support for all the chairmen of the Socialist Party Fatos Nano, forcefully restoring his wisdom to us.”[?] The Second Congress of FRESSH concluded successfully. THE EURO-SOCIALIST YOUTH, WITH COMMITMENT AND MATURITY, READY TO TAKE ON NEW RESPONSIBILITIES - ILIR META: “From this hall we express our solidarity and support for all the chairmen of the Socialist Party Fatos Nano, forcefully restoring his wisdom to us.”[...] ... An invitation for Albanian youth to return to politics - Interview with the chairman of FRESSH, Ilir Meta. With about 1,000 people in the FRESSH congress hall, of different ages and professions and with different social and regional affiliations, what emerged was not simply the grandeur of a youth organization, but a rebirth of the left’s political representative force in Albania. Everyone valued this congress as an event of importance not only for the Albanian youth and student movement, but also for strengthening and emancipating the Albanian left and Albanian politics. Within this framework, the proceedings of the Second Congress of FRESSH were held, where, with the participation of delegates from all over Albania, the activities carried out so far were analyzed and new objectives were set. Representatives of political parties, youth organizations and diplomatic missions were invited to the hall. From the rostrum, the need for a more active role of youth in the country’s political and social life, for consolidating democracy, and for defending the interests of broad social strata was emphasized. It was underlined that FRESSH aims to be an open, modern organization capable of attracting the best energies of Albanian youth. The discussions addressed unemployment, education, culture, emigration and the problems of the transition. Solidarity with the Socialist Party and its chairman Fatos Nano was highly valued. The delegates stressed that the Euro-socialist youth would take on new responsibilities and remain a powerful voice of progress and democracy. (Continues on page 2)

. It is a strong organization. Our aim is to carry out the tasks with which history has entrusted us. This is a great responsibility and a trust that we must justify through our work. We must strengthen the organization, broaden its influence among young people, and defend progressive and democratic values. FRESSH is a youth movement with a future, one that can make a valuable contribution to Albanian society. Young people need hope, participation, and a clear political project. I congratulate you on the work done and wish you success in the future. (Continues on page 2)

. Yesterday, the voting commission for the FRESSH Congress announced the results of the vote for the governing bodies. According to the data presented, the candidates with the highest number of votes from the delegates were elected to the Steering Committee. The list of winners includes representatives from different districts of the country. The process was judged to be orderly and transparent. The congress delegates approved the results and expressed their readiness to work for strengthening the organization. (Continues on page 2)

. Citizens, take care of yourselves: In many cities, awareness-raising initiatives and various health and educational activities continue. The relevant institutions have urged citizens to pay attention to personal hygiene, food, and avoiding seasonal risks. Informational materials have been distributed and meetings with the public have been organized. Specialists have given advice on protecting health and preventing infectious diseases. (Continues on page 2)

GIROKASTER . Lieutenant Colonel Spahia, one of the members of the Albanian peacekeeping forces who took part in the international mission in Bosnia, returned to his homeland a few days ago. In a conversation with him, he described the difficulties of the mission and the contacts with soldiers from other countries. According to him, the Albanian forces performed with dignity and professionalism. He stressed that the experience gained will be valuable for the modernization of the Albanian army. Speaking about the return home and the procedures at the Kakavia border crossing, he pointed out a number of bureaucratic and organizational problems. From this also came the ironic comment in the title. Nevertheless, he expressed the belief that these shortcomings can be overcome with will and reform. In the end, the lieutenant colonel thanked his colleagues and his family for their support. Pride was expressed in serving in a peacekeeping mission. SOUTH

From the Congress of the Italian Communist Party and others COMPETENT LEFT WITH TRUSTWORTHY VALUES. The recent decision of the Municipal Council of the commune of Rosignano Marittimo (Livorno) to remove a cross placed in a public place sparked strong controversy among political forces. Italian communists, who govern in several municipalities, have become involved in debates over secularism, relations with the Church, and local administration. In this context, the question is raised of a competent and trustworthy left. In Italy, experience in local government is seen as concrete proof of the ability of left-wing forces to administer responsibly. Representatives of the PPS have stated that the values of the left must be measured by the results of governance, by transparency, and by the protection of the public interest. The debate also continues over the ideological identity of the left in the context of European changes. SOUTH