AFTER THE APPROVAL OF THE CANDIDATE LISTS Until the day before yesterday, the Socialist Party, as clarified, also has some explicit contradictions. It has candidates and some of the best-known figures of the political elite from the left, independents, members of the Socialist Party and its supporters. This is entirely understandable. Even independents from the left in general, and not only them, would prefer the PSH to be the party they are nominated under. Because more than any other party, the right-wing electorate has worn out its name. And this would undoubtedly further strengthen the conviction that the Socialist Party is the most likely alternative to vote for in these elections. In the refinement of the candidate lists for deputies on 29 June, this is the initiative of a political party. This is based on the candidacies presented at the approved meeting of the General Steering Convention of the Party. In the refinement of the deputy lists, the PS is of candidacies for the electoral list of 29 June. This is the first evaluation of the candidacies approved at the meeting of the party's general steering convention. Looking at the lists of candidates for deputies that the PSH has approved for the elections of 29 June, this conclusion is entirely natural and expected. With the inclusion in them of exponents of the political elite from the left, it is clearly observed that the PSH has significantly set aside the principle of sacrifice in favor of loyalty. In its selection it has adhered more to the criterion of competence and not merely to that of contribution and biography. The criterion of biography continues to remain the only factor, perhaps in cases where other names, of figures known to the left-wing electorate, have not been included in the team that will enter the campaign on 29 June 1997. As for the composition of the list of deputy candidates, I would say that alongside the new candidacies there is also a considerable number of deputies from this party with experience from the previous mandate. The overwhelming majority of the 29 members of the PSH leadership council are part of it. The number of female candidates for deputy is satisfactory and, if compared with the figures for the candidates and likewise with the winners in the same elections, it would be considered so. The minimum number of the area of the country, where the candidacies come from the center and its periphery. In this context, it is worth mentioning the fact that figures from the politico-intellectual elite from the PSH have taken a place on the list on the basis of its philosophy and the cooperation it has with them as a political force in opposition. The contingent of figures across the territory of Albania and the distribution of figures are being broadened. The electoral candidates are represented as a result of the desired trend. Continued on page 2 Fatos Nano and Dilavo Agolli, a good start before the beginning of the KDP meeting for the discussion of the candidacies (Photo: A. RAMA)

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We learned with regret, regarding the statement against President Berisha at yesterday’s meeting with the members of the General Council. We do not understand any reason for the statement as a result. Even after drafting the candidate lists of the Socialist Party and especially through its leaders, this is entirely clear. Independents from the left, the intellectual strata, and other close figures represent this party’s list. Putting political and professional merit first, the selection of names from among the most representative of the country’s politico-intellectual elite gives the PSH a new physiognomy and spares it from anachronistic tendencies or inherited prejudices. In addition, the agreement with allied parties to present joint candidates in certain electoral areas, especially with the Democratic Alliance, offers good opportunities for expanding the PSH’s electoral base into a broader political spectrum. This new candidacy trend is not merely a tactical maneuver; on the contrary, it is the expression of a more modern orientation of the party, which better responds to the need for political stability and for restoring citizens’ trust in the institutions. PSSH took an important step with its lists, demonstrating that it has the will for cooperation and representation. Through free and fair elections, a broad social and political consensus can be guaranteed, which the country so much needs.

Comment by: Gabriel Pancho on the BBC: Reviewing the elections interests Berisha in order to regain the lost power - page 3

- page 5 Agreements of the presidents of the Socialist Party of the European Socialists in socialist-democratic Paris - page 5

He hopes that this incident will not have broader consequences. The Prime Minister of the national reconciliation government, Mr. Bashkim Fino, harshly condemned the serious incident that occurred in Shkallnur, where Democratic deputy Azem Hajdari, the PD leader in Durrës, Shkëlqim Baze, and another person were killed with firearms. In a statement to the press, Fino called on all political forces to exercise restraint and calm, stressing that such incidents must not be used to destabilize the country or undermine the electoral process. Such events, murders, and serious violence increasingly endanger the country and its stability. The party and the government must do everything possible to prevent such acts and bring the perpetrators to justice. - page 8