Accusations against the “southern committees”—a shield for the real criminals

It is no coincidence that all the batteries of Berishian propaganda have been trained against the so-called “southern committees.” Those who planned and carried out the destruction of the state and all its structures, those who ordered artillery and air-force bombardments in southern Albania, those who are still contemplating further killings and burnings of Albanians, are not angry with a few individuals in these committees; rather, they are displeased that these committees managed to stop the complete destruction of the towns and areas where they operated. In short, Berisha, Pjetri and those behind them resent the committees because they did not let the armed units of the PD kill and destroy all of Albania. Is Berisha really interested in peace and stability being established in the country? No. Because if he were, he would first have to disarm the Democratic Party. Is Berisha interested in there being free competition and a fair electoral contest in Albania? No. Because if he cared about genuinely free and fair elections, he would not invent all sorts of obstacles and pretexts; instead, he would publicly distance himself from the thugs and armed gangs hiding behind him. So let us have no more illusions. Berisha is incorrigible. Therefore, together with the armed and criminalized wing of the PD, he must bear full responsibility for all the shameful things he has brought upon Albania and for the others he is preparing. His and Pjetri’s accusations against the southern committees are nothing but a direct shield for the real criminals and the paid mercenaries who have been put under arms to serve the criminal aim of turning Albanians against Albanians. Berisha continues to be Albania’s disgrace. Therefore, for Albania to be saved, Berisha must go.

187. Fatmir KAJOLLI - 12 pieces 188. Astrit GASHI - 5 pieces 189. Mario MARGILAJ - 6 pieces 190. Aleksandër KOTHERE - 3 pieces 191. Gani CIJILLI - 3 pieces 192. Enver PLAKA - 24 pieces 193. Behar PLAKA - 6 pieces 351. Xhemal 352. Abaz 353. Ad 354. B. Be 355. D. B 356. D. B 357. T 358. D. B 359. X 268. B. B. Koci 269. Ladi 270. B. Beli 271. Vladimiri 272. Kico 273. Berisha 274. Daku 275. Daka 276. ... Facsimile of the lists recording the distribution of weapons to PD members and supporters in Fier by Agron Braçe, head of the district police station

For several days, a partial list of PD members and supporters armed, according to Kopliku and Zhulali, on Berisha’s orders, has been published in “Zëri i Popullit.” Among the members listed is B. Beli Çelo, former chairman of the PD in Fier and currently a minister in the Government of National Reconciliation, a fact that undoubtedly constitutes a major scandal. Yet, as so often happens when scandals of this kind arise, silence followed here. Because “silence is a golden lid.” It is understandable that the minister did not report himself, because that suits him; but why is the Government of National Reconciliation silent when one of its ranks includes a minister who took up arms to kill (for weapons are not taken up for play), together with other supporters of the branch he leads? It is understandable that prosecutors lack the courage to demand enforcement of the law, but why are the parties that signed the March 9 agreement silent when they see one of its most important provisions being seriously violated: a minister remains in the government despite heading a ministry with more serious duties, such as ensuring public order and security? The PD in Fier, when its chairman was the current Minister of the Interior, was armed by Agron Braçe, head of the police station. But he did not act on his own initiative; he was carrying out an order. But whose? Kopliku has denounced an order from Berisha to arm the Democratic Party.

An expression of friendship between the two countries Yesterday Prime Minister Bashkim Fino received the US Ambassador to our country, Mariza Lino, who informed him of the invitation extended to him by US Secretary of State M. Olbrajt to make a working visit to Washington soon. Accepting the invitation with particular pleasure, Mr. Fino asked the American ambassador to convey his thanks for the invitation to the friendly US Government and personally to Ms. Olbrajt. He expressed his conviction that this visit to the US would serve to strengthen friendly relations and cooperation with the US. Press Office of the Prime Minister Yesterday, the US Ambassador in Tirana, Mariza Lino, informed the Prime Minister of the Government of National Reconciliation, Mr. Fino, of the invitation extended to him by the US Secretary of State, Ms. Madalen Olbrajt, for a working visit to the US. This is a significant event in the friendly relations between the US and Albania. The United States of America have historically been a friend of Albania. In relations between the two countries, the US contribution to securing recognition of the Albanian state, and to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity when these were at risk, is well known. During the years of communist dictatorship, these relations were interrupted and then resumed with the beginnings of political pluralism and the establishment of democracy in Albania. Over the past six years, the US has made an important contribution to the building of democratic institutions, to economic relations, and to the training of hundreds of Albanian specialists in the US. Albanian President Sali Berishan’s visit to Washington was an opportunity to further strengthen friendly relations. (Continued on page 2)

According to the Ministry of the Interior, 21 people are reported killed, while sources at the scene speak of 27 dead Defense Minister Shaqir Vukaj goes to the scene and meets with relatives of the victims (Page 3) According to the Ministry of the Interior, 21 people are reported killed, while sources at the scene speak of 27 dead Defense Minister Shaqir Vukaj goes to the scene and meets with relatives of the victims Page 3

Telephone conversation between Prime Minister Fino and the OSCE Special Envoy for Albania (Page 2) Telephone conversation between Prime Minister Fino and the OSCE Special Envoy for Albania Page 2

Draw no. 43, scheduled to take place on April 29, will be held today, May 2. Trusting in your understanding, the Red Cross lottery wishes all participants in lottery no. 43 good luck.