Scandal under government supervision, or fake news? Eight months ago, precisely before the 26 May elections, the Albanian with a state passport allegedly filed lawsuits against “Xhaferri”? What happened next?... In issue no. 16 of the party newspaper “Alternativa”, under the title “Zëri i popullit mentions the name ‘Xhaferi’ without justification...”, an article was published that launched polemics and cynical insinuations against Zëri i Popullit regarding the publication of data from “Xhaferi’s” accounts, with which the public was misled. As often happens with journalists well fed on funds, press freedom understands itself only as slander and fabrication. Thus, with shameless demoralization, at every turn and everywhere, they attack professional and honest journalists. It seems that the “explanation” of “Xhaferi”, published with much fanfare at the end of November in the US newspaper “The Global Observer”, in which the movement of the fraudulent giant total funds was called “a temporary catastrophe”, was not enough, and so the time has come to reopen this dirty game of slander. The article in “Alternativa” titled “Zëri i popullit mentions the name Xhaferi without justification...” refers to an article in our newspaper, “The US Attorney General bars “Xhaferi” from 1.5 million dollars”, in which we mentioned the company “Xhaferi” as an entity at the center of investigations in the United States. The entire concern of the newspaper “Alternativa” and its ridiculous interest in the “justice” for “Xhaferri” do nothing other than shed light on the connections and dark backstage dealings. Our newspaper will have to take up once again what is laughing in “Xhaferi” and not only a scandal in the US, but an Albanian financial affair of large proportions. What stands out in this story is that the only Albanian institution that had filed a complaint was “Zëri i Popullit”. This matter was revisited after the US federal office had requested documents from the Trade Representation Office in Tirana, as well as other data related to the submissions sent to the federal court and to bank accounts opened in the name of “Xhaferi” by people connected to him. “Xhaferi”s have also been seen moving other state funds, making the case even more complicated. This, in all likelihood, is also the reason why the silence was suddenly broken and “Zëri i Popullit”, which had denounced the dubious procedures, was attacked again. (corresp. of “Zëri i popullit” editorial responsibility) $ 1.5 000.00

Main PSSH official, afternoon official US position PSSH appears to be following the political-institutional crisis and the serious economic situation in the country with concern. In the draft resolution of the General Council of the PSSH, several serious shortcomings and weaknesses are noted, especially an unrealistic assessment of the situation. We quote an excerpt cut out and tr... “The news from the US this morning”, from Thursday morning, where it says that while the government continues to keep alive the fraudulent scheme of “PSSH”, we cannot make a clearer assessment without having the full documentation as well. The Socialist Party in Albania is preparing a roundtable with political forces to resolve the crisis and restore normality. The other Albanian political forces must take their responsibilities and contribute to a democratic solution. The PSSH presidency, afternoon official US position. Tirana, 17.01.1997

Tomorrow, 11:00 a.m. in “Skënderbej” Square Peaceful protest rally Call by the progressive opposition parties The main squares throughout the country must belong to the concern and nationwide protest of Albanians The opposition parties, recalling the tragic event of 28 May 1996, call on everyone to participate, the politicians of all Albania, instructions to become accomplices with the regime. Na gërrshtëshi [ ? ] koxoni on page 2

Page 3 corresp. of “Zëri i popullit” Responsibility: “Zëri i popullit”

Some newspapers (“RD”, “Albania” and perhaps others), trying to make abusive use of statements by officials on known issues, distorting and manipulating their essence, are creating confusion regarding the PSSH’s position on the process of democratic transformations and its image. Meanwhile, there is a worrying increase in conventional and conservative authors who unjustly present and distort progressive forces and trade union organizations, especially in the major democratic centers, while mocking and undervaluing the active role of PSSH organizations. This is not only untrue, but also malicious. We clarify that Mr. Meta did not take part in the Paris meeting with members of the Socialist Party of France, and that it is not the name of the PSSH! Even as a representative of the PSSH he had to be respected. The PSSH sees it as innocent! Kole will act on this individual matter. This and in the future for this cause