Law on communist spies threatens lawmakers, says PM

TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Sali Berisha expressed his determination Tuesday that all files of top officials would be open and persons linked to the former communist secret police, Sigurimi, would be removed from their posts, whether they are ministers or lawmakers. Speaking in front of the parliamentary group of the governing Democratic Party, Berisha said the government is determined to complete passing draft law on opening the files.
He also appealed to the opposition to support the draft. The parliament has said there are three draft laws to be considered, but opposing political parties are battling over which draft should be passed.
The opposition fears, however, it might be manipulated or misused by the party in power against them. Albania is the last former communist country not to have yet applied any lustration law. Berisha also said that parliament should create an institution dealing with communist-era crimes. (Tirana Times Staff)