Failed attempt by special forces to enter Vlora at night and forcibly shut down the students on hunger strike 12 vehicles with police forces stalled yesterday afternoon on the Pangjashë coast near the city The whole city stands guard over the strikers The protest continued uninterrupted throughout the night Today a diplomatic team is expected to go and meet the striking students The citizens of Vlora, through a petition, denounce the organizers of terror Pages 6 - 7

Initiative with the Secretary General of the Socialist Party, Prof. Dr. Rexhep Mejdani Page 2

All secondary schools in Tirana boycott classes and protest in the university square in solidarity with the hunger strikers Armed civilians beat school pupils and students Student Ervin Topçu is brutally beaten in the square in front of the University Pages 4 - 5

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Gjirokastër ...and see him off with howls Page 8

The State Department spokeswoman, Glin Davies, stated to the commander of the fleet[?] The State Department spokeswoman, Glin Davies, stated to the commander of the State, The government's smile, the authorities should respect only the rights of citizens in peaceful demonstrations, and avoid actions that escalate protests. We are very concerned by the violence exerted through means and by the involvement of violence on the part of the police. We believe that the Albanian authorities must contribute to the development of an open dialogue with the opposition. Progress, we believe, can only be based on a democratic process, on an agreement between the political forces and the student youth. The United Nations Secretary calls for objections and protests[?] from the new free and fair elections. The main international leaders, the European administration, should support the European Union through page 12. Pages 4 - 5

Public appeal, Addressed to President SALI BERISHA Dear Mr. President, today, on 26.2.1997, the Prefect and the University have insistedently asked you, with your understanding, regarding the concerns of the country and in particular the situation of the students of Vlora. For the reasons that we are waiting for confirmation by phone from 22.00 and we await your confirmation through RTSH. We are also requesting the date of the dialogue with the city of Vlora, by 10.00 a.m., on 27.2.1997. We hope for your understanding. If there is no response from your side, the students will resort to the only path, which is the Hunger Strike. Respectfully The representatives of the students of all faculties of the University of Tirana Xhindi, Ilir Shika, Ervin Islami, Ervin Lufi, Violeta Pelo, Prrenko Çiço