AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CALLS ON PRESIDENT BERISHA TO RELEASE FATOS NANO IMMEDIATELY AND UNCONDITIONALLY
The release of Fatos Nano would demonstrate the clear commitment of the Albanian authorities to the progress of democratic arrangements, to dialogue with different parties, and to the commitments undertaken after Albania's accession to the Council of Europe.
Amnesty International sends the PS the original of the letter it sent to Berisha. Here is what it requested:
Dear President Berisha,
Amnesty International is writing to you regarding the detention and imprisonment of Fatos Nano. You know that your government has been the subject of our scrutiny and criticism regarding human rights issues. Over the past two years we have closely followed the case of Fatos Nano, chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania, and have concluded that the continuation of his imprisonment constitutes a violation of fundamental political rights.
We consider that the case against Mr. Nano has been unfair, with procedural violations and a lack of guarantees for an impartial trial. His conviction has raised serious concerns in the international community and has damaged the political climate in the country. His immediate and unconditional release would be an important step toward strengthening democracy, respecting political pluralism, and fulfilling the commitments Albania undertook after its admission to the Council of Europe.
Amnesty International calls on you to use your authority to ensure the immediate release of Fatos Nano and to guarantee that his civil and political rights are fully respected. Such an action would be in line with international human rights standards and would send a positive signal about the willingness of the Albanian authorities for political dialogue and democratic reforms.
Respectfully,
[?]
(Continued on page 5)
The first Albanian peacekeeping mission departs for the USA
At midday, the first Albanian peacekeeping team departed for the USA, where it will take part in a specialization course. This initiative is regarded as an important step in preparing Albanian forces for international missions and in expanding cooperation with American partners.
(Continued on page 5)
The Croatian offensive reveals the world's uncertainty
Spokeswoman on ex-Yugoslavia
The fighting and developments in the former Yugoslavia have highlighted the uncertainty of international positions. The reactions of the major powers and international organizations remain wavering in the face of the Croatian offensive and its humanitarian and political consequences.
(Continued on page 4)
Mass socialist electorate demands the release of Fatos Nano
Albania is not the fiefdom of the PD
Statement of the Steering Committee of the Socialist Party of Vlorë
(Continued on page 2)
The "Nano" issue cannot be solved by anti-legal means
Statement of the Steering Committee of the Socialist Party of Vlorë
(Continued on page 3)
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE
Kamza Agricultural University
The Council of Europe envoy completes visit in Holland
From 31 July to 5 August, the General Secretary of PSDSSH-zë, Prof. Servet Pëllumbi, carried out a working visit to Strasbourg and Paris. He led our party's delegation at the Socialist International conference for Eastern and Central Europe, held in Brussels and Strasbourg. He also took part as a guest in the proceedings of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, as well as in special meetings with officials of that organization.
(Continued on page 5)
American ship in the port of Durrës
Yesterday the American frigate S. Amuel B. Roberts arrived in the port of Durrës. During its stay, the American sailors will carry out several activities with the Albanian Naval Forces and with the local authorities. The visit is taking place within the framework of Albanian-American military cooperation.
(Continued on page 5)
Basketball player Durim Cela is killed
TIRANA
On Thursday evening, just as it was getting dark, 30-year-old Durim Cela, a weightlifting champion [?], was shot dead with a firearm near his home. The police are investigating the causes and perpetrators of the incident.
(Continued on page 3)