Illicit love between Meksi’s ministers and the World of Money -Why this unlawful insistence by Meksi’s ministers on the post at the Italo-Albanian Bank? -Vrioni: The Commercial Bank will soon be privatized -The Commercial Bank is the Albanian shareholder in the Italo-Albanian Bank Read on page 3 We reiterate: On page 4 The Italo-Albanian Bank, President Suzana Panariti and Dylber Vrioni

The Albanian Helsinki Committee, following up on Amnesty International’s letter: The Albanian Helsinki Committee considers it appropriate to comment on the letter that the major human rights organization Amnesty International sent to the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, a letter in which the socialist leader F. Nano is described as a political prisoner. The AHC has long called for Mr. Nano’s release, taking into account the many irregularities during the trial and the paucity of evidence against him, and seeing his release as an act that would help reduce tensions and establish a more constructive atmosphere among the main political forces. The decisions of the Italian judicial authorities, made public recently, have introduced a new element that speaks even more strongly in favor of his release. The AHC believes that the time has come to overcome any hesitation and act without prejudice to rectify an unconvincing court decision and restore the image of our democracy in the eyes of international public opinion. Tirana, 18.08.1995 Fatos Nano a political prisoner

Tirana: Additional funding for public investments approved The government has approved additional funding of 317 million lekë for public investments, to be covered by its budget. This additional funding mainly covers investments in infrastructure and education. The largest portion of this fund, 130 million lekë, will be used to build water supply systems. The Albanian Consulate in Janina begins operations The Albanian Consulate in Janina began operations in recent days; visas have already been issued.

In implementation of a government decision, 12 enterprises in the Shkodër district will be transformed into commercial companies, including the Koman and Vau i Dejës hydroelectric power plants, the Wire Factory, the “Drini” Factory, the bus manufacturing plant, etc. State sources provide no details on how this will be carried out. Korçë—Seminar on the implementation of the New Code of Criminal Procedure

Procedure ...the first for several Greek female citizens. This consulate is opening under an agreement between the two governments to open reciprocal consulates in Gjirokastër and Ioannina. The General Prosecutor’s Office and the Court of Appeal Prosecutor’s Office organized a seminar yesterday on the topic “Knowledge and implementation of the new Code of Criminal Procedure expand human rights and freedoms.” Lawyers from the districts of Ersekë, Pogradec and Devoll also took part in the seminar.

In recent days, the flow of refugees arriving on the route’s ferries has increased considerably. This coincides with the holiday period in Italy. Many of the refugees have also arrived in their private cars, which has greatly increased the number of cars with Italian license plates in Durrës.

The President of the United States, Bill Clinton, expressed his government’s commitment to achieving progress in Greek-Albanian relations, progress that, according to a Greek government statement, will be further confirmed by the visit of the President of the Greek Republic to Albania. The correspondent of Albanian Central Radio in Athens, Robert Goro, reports. Exactly one year after tensions in Athens-Tirana relations reached an extreme level—and here we should recall the active role Washington played in resolving the crisis—the US president, Bill Clinton, referred to relations between the two neighbors in an exclusive interview with the Greek television channel “Megasano.” On the eve of the presidential elections, it seems Bill Clinton took the opportunity to send a message to the Greeks of America, who command a considerable number of votes. Mentioning all the actions taken by the US government concerning issues that Greeks regard as national, the American president also referred to Greek-Albanian relations, stating explicitly: “The United States of America is committed to achieving progress in Greek-Albanian relations.” Republican Senator Bob Doull, who is considered Bill Clinton’s main rival for the presidency, also spoke about these relations. Speaking to the same television channel, Bob Doull said: “Greece has played a constructive role in improving bilateral relations with Albania by addressing minority issues in both countries.” This statement by the American Republican leader, who has repeatedly been described in Greek circles as pro-Albanian, has caused a degree of dissatisfaction and raised questions in Athens, without eliciting any official response. As is known, all Greek governments have systematically and insistently maintained that there is no ethnic minority in Greece. The Greek press has reported positively on the visit of Greece’s Minister of Justice to Tirana and described the agreements reached with his Albanian counterpart as important. The statement that the Greek Ministry of Justice distributed to the press concerning the visit emphasizes: “The friendly relations between the two countries of the Greek Republic, K. Stefanopulos, to Tirana.” Although the date of this visit has not yet been set, sources at the Greek presidency have said it will take place within the month of September.

The Italo-Albanian Bank, President Suzana Panariti and Dylber Vrioni Read on page 3 We reiterate: Pandeli Majko: Someone among the witnesses in the Parliament chamber confused Gramoz Ruçi with me. Berisha, we reiterate what MP Pandeli Majko said about this issue: ... According to him (referring to Berisha, ed.’s note), there were 37 Socialist MPs in Parliament, of whom only 7 voted for the law and 30 voted against or abstained. To prove himself right, Berisha did not fail to mention his “hobby” Gramoz Ruçi. As far as I know, Gramoz Ruçi was in favor of this law. Ruçi with me. I voted against the law on the sale and purchase of land, thereby also breaking the discipline of my parliamentary group. I also explained my vote on this...” (Interview, No. 96, 14–19 August 1995) This is not a lack of information. It is only Sali Berisha’s deliberate interpretation, intended to accuse Gramoz Ruçi unjustly when speaking about the Socialist MPs’ vote on the Law on the sale and purchase of land. But so that Sali may understand clearly

Interview with Mr. Vladimir Qirjazi, commander of the Albanian peacekeepers’ platoon

Read on page 3