- Current lessons from a Message - Often there is a lack of analysis in new ideas; positive examples would have incomparable value in helping the awareness of the social elite, and especially of the key leaders of politics and the opposition. Three weeks ago, the Albanian public experienced the political exchange event with the second important document of the Albanian opposition after it came to power. If the first represented the PD’s program, this second one was important as the governing platform of the right-wing coalition. More precisely, public opinion became acquainted with the positions of Mr. Berisha and his party for the period 1995-1997, for Albania’s place in Europe and the Balkans, as well as for the immediate goals on the path of economic and democratic reform. Naturally, this document, known by the name Message, in addition to being an expression of a certain political vision, also constitutes a case for study and critical reflection. At first glance, one is struck by the fact that the author of the Message tries to place himself and his government within a European and modern framework, speaking of reform, integration, market economy, political pluralism, and institutions. But as soon as one reads it carefully, the contrast stands out between the broad rhetoric and the narrow Albanian reality, between the talk of freedom and the practice of control, between the promise of the rule of law and the arbitrary behavior of power. In this sense, the Message is useful not so much for what it proves, but for what it inadvertently reveals: the limits of a political mindset that sees democracy more as decoration than as a system of guarantees. It lacks a culture of compromise, dialogue, and institutional oversight. The voice of the opponent is seen not as a natural part of the democratic order, but as an obstacle to be overcome. Even when economic achievements are mentioned, they are presented separately from the social cost, from employment problems, from the situation in the countryside, from the inequalities that are deepening. Europe is not only a market and statistics, but also standards of freedom, justice, transparency, and social solidarity. It is precisely these standards that remain weaker in today’s government. The Message tries to create the idea of an Albania moving at a steady pace toward Western normality. Yet such normality is not measured by self-congratulatory declarations. It requires independent institutions, a free press, an opposition with rights, credible elections, and an administration that serves the law and not the party. In the absence of these, Europeanization remains a slogan. From this point of view, the current value of the Message is that it gives us the opportunity to better understand the difference between imported political language and the democratic substance that has still not been built. Therefore, criticism of it is not merely a polemic of the day; it is linked to the need for a new state-building culture, where the citizen, freedom, and public responsibility are placed at the center. Albania needs an alternative that gives real meaning to European orientation. This alternative cannot be built through exclusions, triumphant propaganda, or by underestimating the opponent. It requires institutions, political ethics, and a national vision. Only in this way can the word Europe take on concrete content in Albanian life. (To be continued on page 4)

FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF VETERAN STATUS REQUEST TO SUMMON PRIME MINISTER ALEKSANDËR MEKSI TO AN INTERPELLATION To the Presidium of the People's Assembly TIRANA 1.6. By dividing veterans into two categories on the basis of their merits in the liberation of the country and in its reconstruction over these 50 years, instead of preserving their status and respect, is the exact opposite being shown? 2. Why, when government officials speak in the media about veterans of the National Liberation Anti-Fascist War, do they never refer to them by their name, but use terms such as “war veterans,” etc., deliberately leaving their historical and political mission to be forgotten? 3. Is it true that after the democratic changes many documents, photographs, and relics of the National Liberation War have been removed from museums and institutions, and that this is being done under the pretext of a “revision” of history? 4. Is it true that in some districts veterans’ participation in commemorative events has been restricted and that in schools and in the media the place of the history of the liberation war is being deliberately reduced? 5. Is the government aware of the broad concern among veterans and the families of the martyrs regarding the delay in fully implementing the law on veteran status and the non-respect of the rights arising from it? 6. By dividing veterans into groups and categories according to today’s political positions and not according to their contribution in the war, does this not constitute unacceptable discrimination and an insult to the anti-fascist tradition of the Albanian people? 7. Why are some of the decisions previously made for the social and moral treatment of veterans not being implemented, while in other cases unjustified delays are occurring? 8. Is it true that in some cities the traditional commemorative ceremonies of 5 May and of other historical war dates have been stopped or obstructed? 9. Does the government think that the devaluation of the figure of the veteran of the LANÇ harms the patriotic education of young people and creates room for revisionist interpretations of history? 10. What concrete measures will the government take for the full implementation of the Status of the Veteran, for the reassessment of the anti-fascist war, and for guaranteeing the dignity of those who took part in it? NATIVA DOKLE member of the parliamentary group of the PPSH Tirana, 10.7.1995

Tirana: The joint Albanian-American exercise “UJI KRISTAL 95” began, ATSH reports. In the conference hall of the Ministry of Defense, yesterday at midday, the official opening ceremony was held. Present at the ceremony was the head of the American Military Mission in Albania, Colonel Devin… (To be continued on page 4)

After initial doubts and the return of the “Asidi scandal” - The fragmented duties for the special one raised concern about its operation - Part of a delicate accusation: Qeleshi, a trick from Asidi, two old women from 650 thousand dollars! … since the financial movements of all the capital of the company “Asidi”, based in Tirana, appear to have been placed entirely under the control of his relatives. Qeleshi himself has been involved in all the procedures of this operation, while the other managers have remained silent. In 1993, one wing of “Asidi” decided that the company…[?] should be suspended, bringing about a partial revocation of management. The decision was accompanied by claims that part of the funds had disappeared, while the accounting records showed inconsistencies. Citizens and former employees linked to this case state that Qeleshi’s name repeatedly appears at the head of the main transactions. Some of them claim that the amount of around 650 thousand dollars was transferred irregularly. If these data are confirmed, then we are dealing not only with financial violations, but also with a public scandal with serious consequences for trust in business and institutions. (To be continued on page 2)

Yesterday in parliament: Stojtusi’s rapporteur of the Council of Europe

— The levels have been requested by order of the prosecutor — (To be continued on page 2)

(To be continued on page 8)