The United States continues to work closely with Albanians to move together toward the affirmation of democratic institutions Interview with the Deputy Secretary of State for International Relations, Timothy Wirth, given to BBC "The Government of Albania has squandered people's hopes for the parliamentary elections in the month of May; nevertheless, we hope that their result will turn into another reward by moving toward democracy and not away from it" Read on page 3

Amnesty International’s appeal to President Sali Berisha: After the law on the commission for verifying usurers Vebi Alimusa, President of the company VEA Holding: "I have been shown and we will always show ourselves to be a partner and condemned by the courts that trust in our conspiracy, and there will be no disturbing problem for them" Page 4 Page 7

A fairer approach to internal democracy in the party, and respect for political decisions Page 2

Shkodër - Lezhë The marshes return Page 6

Instead of concern for President Berisha: Many people still cannot shake from their minds the heavy shock of the November ... when the 20-year-old from the family of [...?] was gone. He watched and asked how, instead of [...], from which [...], saw no way in [...], kept alive by church-cross and [...], the place where [...?] The murder of a little boy struck three Albanian families. The killing of the child, in particular, shocked and deeply shook Albanians. The majority of governments around the world condemned the heinous act. Meanwhile, senior Albanian state officials contented themselves with protocol statements. The responsibility of the institutions remains grave. (To be continued on page 5) Pain and tears were shed for the killing of Besmir

Politics with words Instead of accounting for the failure of its economic and social policy, the government is busy making political accusations against the opposition. The vote of October 20 and the unease and nervousness it has caused among its opponents particularly worries the authorities, forcing them to use every means to conceal their failures. This trend is becoming increasingly evident in the statements of the ruling party and in the positions of the state administration. Its accusation that the opposition allegedly incited or prepared unrest in the country is nothing more than an attempt to divert attention from its own responsibilities. It is clear that the social and economic crisis cannot be confronted with political labels. The majority government must provide answers for unemployment, poverty, lack of investment, and the difficult living conditions. But instead, it chooses the path of propaganda and verbal attack. This does not serve either the country’s stability or political dialogue. If the majority thinks it can govern only with words and accusations, it is mistaken. Citizens expect concrete solutions, not empty rhetoric.