The people of Vlora are back in the square. Mass protests against the President resume The immediate reaction in Vlora, following Berisha’s failed visit to Fier. Yesterday, at around 10 in the morning, thousands of citizens gathered in “Flag Square” and protested against the demagoguery of the man who, after killing and robbing the people of Vlora and all Albanians, wants to kill them again with lies and demagoguery. “Berisha has no place in Vlora,” was emphatically declared yesterday, with an appeal to all the people of Vlora to take steps to bring everything under control. The many protesters, disillusioned by Berisha’s betrayal of the political agreement of March 9 and the contract of May 9, have decided to return to popular protests. And it will all begin today. After gathering in “Flag Square,” the protesters will march through the city streets with slogans against Berisha, against the DP, against theft, deception and murder. Thus, it seems that everything will start over in Vlora. But, as the protest organizers said at yesterday’s rally, this time we will not stop until Berisha is removed from power. Berisha’s people who were present in the square, having scrutinized everything in detail, transmitted information about the situation in Vlora, where, in all likelihood, Berisha has planned to go on Friday, after first stopping in Levan and Lakatund. Correspondent of “Zëri i Popullit”

Meetings between the parties and Prime Minister Fino Vranicki to help ensure intensive monitoring by the International Community at all levels of the electoral process in Albania Page 3

Everything happened yesterday morning at around 9:30, as Zenepe Luka, the “Koha Jonë” newspaper correspondent in Vlora, was riding her bicycle to the square where the protest rally was to be held. Six people armed with Kalashnikovs got out of two cars without license plates and addressed the journalist, saying: “Enough with this work of yours,” while thrusting an automatic weapon in her face. “This is our first and last meeting with you. We know where your children go to school, and we will kill you if you continue to oppose Berisha.” Meanwhile, Ms. Luka went straight to the police station, but there she was sent away with the words: “We can’t even protect our own necks, let alone protect you.” The threatened journalist also brought the same concern to the commander of the Italian forces operating in Vlora, Mr Xhilio, who told her that they could escort her during the day with patrols that patrol the city streets, but they could not take responsibility for her at home, since they do not do this even for Italian journalists. The incident is also a civic appeal that no one should dare lay a hand on journalists as they carry out their work.

Berisha and the DP chose to protect their own offspring, even at the cost of sacrificing the signing of the agreement with the IMF Page 6

Greek Foreign Minister, Mr Theodoros Pangallos: Greek Foreign Minister Mr Theodoros Pangallos: The Historic Opportunity of June 29 Must Not Be Missed The Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Theodoros Pangallos, made the following statement on Albania on 21.5.1997: “The International Community and the European Union in particular have recently emphasized the need for normal and uncontested elections to be held in Albania on June 29. To resolve the issue of the electoral law, all parties must demonstrate the responsibility that the circumstances demand. All political forces in Albania know that their country must not miss the historic opportunity of June 29 because of narrow party interests. Otherwise, the ‘winds of Aeolus’ will be unleashed, carrying everyone away. It is understood that in such a case, the International Community will reconsider its position. We call on all parties in Albania to rise to the occasion (Continued on page 3)

In recent days, PSSH Secretary General Rexhep Mejdan(i), Secretary for Foreign Relations Maqo Lakrori, and PSSH Presidium members Arta Dade, Ethem Ruka and Kastriot Islami have held separate meetings with the Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Andrew Tesor(i)ere; the Ambassador of France, Patrick Chrismant; the Ambassador of Austria, Georg Calica; the Ambassador of Switzerland, Thomas Feller; and Germany’s Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Gerard Volf. (Continued on page 3) In recent days, PSSH Secretary General Rexhep Mejdan(i), Secretary for Foreign Relations Maqo Lakrori, and PSSH Presidium members Arta Dade, Ethem Ruka and Kastriot Islami have held separate meetings with the Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Andrew Tesor(i)ere; the Ambassador of France, Patrick Chrismant; the Ambassador of Austria, Georg Calica; the Ambassador of Switzerland, Thomas Feller; and Germany’s Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Gerard Volf. (Continued on page 3)

In the photo: Artur Rustemi, treacherously killed by SHIK thugs in the first days of the peaceful protests in the city of Vlorë

Today, May 22, 1997, at 10:00, a meeting of the General Governing Committee of the Socialist Party will be held. The discussion will concern the political situation in the country and the duties of the PS structures at this time. The Presidency of the Albanian Socialist Party

On Sunday, May 25, 1997, at 10:00, a meeting of the General Governing Committee of FRESSH will be held at the Hotel of the Miners’ Trade Unions (the former workers’ camp) in Durrës. On Sunday, May 25, of FRESSH will be held at the Hotel of the Miners’ Trade Unions (the former workers’ camp) in Durrës. Members of the General Governing Committee of FRESSH are requested to attend the meeting. The Presidency of FRESSH