Editorial It is no accident that the debate taking place within the ranks of the Socialist Party has for some time attracted, and continues to hold, the attention of broad public opinion at home and, why not, abroad as well, in political circles and prestigious forums such as the PES, etc. The reason why this is happening is not difficult to understand. The Socialist Party of Albania, as the country’s most organized and largest political force, and also the leading voice of the progressive opposition, has become the voice of all those who fight for democracy and progress, against totalitarianism, against the violation of the institutions of free voting, and against the infringement and trampling of fundamental human rights and freedoms. Not only Socialists, but many more besides them, because they place their hopes in the Socialist Party, cannot remain indifferent when they see that the debate often degenerates, at the hands of certain individuals, into a struggle for positions, expressed through accusations and objections with no basis whatsoever, showing that this is not opposition but nihilism and unhealthy pettiness. What are some of the “theses” being discussed so much? Was the result of the local elections the product of the regime’s violence and manipulation, or a defeat stemming from the motion by Fatos Nano, chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania? Should the party’s Extraordinary Congress be held or not; should the leadership resign or not; should members take part or not (Continued on page 2)

Sudja, one day before the promised date. Are the clients anxious?! For everyone expecting to receive their money tomorrow, Sudja speaks to “The People’s Voice”: “I will resume returning the money where I left off ... and it will continue until February next year” Sudja speaks to “The People’s Voice” for everyone expecting to receive their money tomorrow: “I will resume returning the money where I left off ... and it will continue until February next year” Page 6

An American bank in Tirana “A democratic government gives people the freedom to invest, but at the same time it is its responsibility to protect ordinary people from things that are dangerous and have consequences” Page 7

Bringing the country under a constitution through institutional channels is not capitulation, but a great moral strength Page 3

Italian anti-mafia experts in Tirana Page 8

Interview with the “people’s painter” Vilson Kilica Page 9

After yesterday’s meeting Meksi–Xheka; Azem Hajdari attacks the Prime Minister Face to face Meksi: The rise in inflation has resulted from the liberalization of the price of bread, the replacement of turnover tax with value-added tax, as well as the exceeding of the budget deficit projected for this year. The first two factors, which are in themselves positive measures, are thought to have had a direct effect of 7–8% on the index, while the rest is due to the overspending of budget funds. Berisha: There is an economic problem that is worrying, genuinely worrying: the budget deficit. This increase is not the result of spending; I assure you that government spending has not increased, which would have very serious implications, because a government that compares outside the law, a government that exceeds the provisions or limits on consumption, is an uneconomic government, a government that does not inspire confidence Pages 4–5

At the Council of Europe The Legal Committee of the Council of Europe met yesterday in Paris and reviewed the Report on Albania, concerning the extent to which it has fulfilled the commitments and obligations arising from its membership of the CoE a year and a half ago. In fact, the meeting approved only an interim report on Albania, leaving the review and approval of a full report on Albania until January 20. According to Mr. Kolumberg, this was because there was insufficient time to prepare a final report. It is also reported that the Albanian delegation, headed by Genc Pollo, with opposition representatives absent, approved the interim report in principle, but raised objections to its wording concerning the state of the press in Albania and the procedure for appointing the Constitution. Correspondent / “The People’s Voice”

Yesterday, the SP delegation returned home after a week-long visit to the USA. It was headed by the Secretary General, Prof. Dr. Rexhep Mejdani, and included the Secretary for Foreign Relations, Mago Lakrori. At Rinas airport, the delegation was also welcomed by the Secretary for Public Relations, Pandeli Majko, and PSSH Presidium member Kastriot Islami. PSSH spokesperson