The secretary of Përllumbi, the vice-chairman of the PSSH: We propose that the political forces organize joint activities, specifically the organization of a rally in Skënderbej Square. On this occasion, let us be given the chance for the president to speak too, and let us have him by our side at such a rally. From the press conference of the PS, 26. 2. 1996 President Berisha at the scene, one day after the criminal act

The handcuffs on the journalist’s hands, a stain of shame on Albanian democracy Page 5

Page 3 Two representatives of MSI (Movimento Sociale Italiano), from the USA, met with the delegation of the Socialist Party of Albania and its chairman, Mr. Servet Pëllumbi. First, Mr. Lawrence Christman, from MSI, made direct proposals to meet with a representative of the Socialist Party and its chairman. The Italia-Uruguai-Se Paes? association, Mr. Luciano Lavorero, and representatives of a group from the American Institute. In the USA they met with deputy Musa Ulqini, the chairman of the Socialist Party, and deputies and branch chairmen of this party. During the meeting, they discussed the political situation in the country and the problems facing our country, caused by the actions of the government and of Sali Berisha. The envoys of the American Institute expressed concern regarding the country’s press. On the 21st of this month, the killing of the journalist of the magazine SHIA, Nikollë Mërgjokaj?, and the sentencing of journalist Ylli Polovina. Considering these facts, the delegation’s representatives said that what is free is the right of democracy in our country, the exchange of communications with one another, and the claim that the social army may seek to meet with the delegation of a specific centre-right party such as the Italian MSI. Correspondent of 'Zëri i popullit'

Pages 10 - 12

Flashes at midnight In the group of the 'fire line' of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia and Montenegro! In the group of the fire line, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia and Montenegro! The New York–based Freedom House and a group of American researchers recently included Albania on the list of countries where press freedom is not free. Among the group of 186 countries analyzed, Albania ranks 95th and is classified as a country with a considerable restriction on press freedom. In the group of countries in the world, HSHD and IPS? find the list of countries where the press is not free; it is calling the government, by all means, the evil and the press as a part of the opposition. The article schemes a status of the country of the USA, and so the government acted for real. The American agency Associated Press reportedly spoke about this issue. The accusations by Mr. Clinton of democracy in our country caused other gentlemen. Correspondent of 'Zëri i popullit'