At the invitation of the Albanian Republican Party, the chairman of the Albanian-American Civic League association, former American congressman of Albanian origin Xhozef Dio Guardi, arrived in our country. . At the invitation of the Albanian Republican Party, the chairman of the Albanian-American Civic League association, former American congressman of Albanian origin Xhozef Dio Guardi, arrived in our country, accompanied by Osman Osmani and Mehdi Hajdari, members of the executive board of this league—association. At Rinas Airport, the friends from America were welcomed by the chairman of the PRSH steering committee, Sabri Godo, and committee member Agim Zeka. Mr. Dio Guardi stressed at the outset that «this is the second time I have come to our motherland, which—» [Text cut off and partly illegible at the left edge:] to make ... I had the matter ... enraged ... I began to ... A LIRI ... tur I ... tried ... is a ... note: that ... of interest ... principles are found ... are ... I ... 1924 ... together ... Who ... UARASI! ... life ... connected ... We have not forgotten [him/it] for five centuries. I feel proud of this. «Republika» correspondent

In one of the rooms of the «Dajti» Hotel in Tiranë, PRSH representatives met and held talks with the delegation of the Albanian-American Civic League Association, headed by its chairman, former American congressman Mr. Xhozef Dio Guardi. The chairman of the PRSH steering committee, Sabri Godo, informed the friends from America about the extremely serious economic situation our country is going through, which has also led to political instability. He also stressed the need for urgent aid to be provided to Albania by the countries of Europe and the USA, by supplying food and consumer goods at low (cost) prices. These are very desirable—he continued—in order to proceed calmly to the free elections of 31 March. For his part, Mr. Dio Guardi praised the democratic developments in Albania between his two visits to Albania and stressed the need to hold free elections, as an indispensable condition for advancing democracy in Albania and for its integration into its rightful place in the European family— Photos Armand Babani

(Interview with former American congressman of Albanian origin Xhozef Dio Guardi, given to journalist Sokol Muho.) Question: First, we welcome you. We would be interested to know how you found Albania on your second visit here? Answer: I am very happy to return to the Homeland of my ancestors. Many changes have taken place since my last trip. When I came with Tom Lantos, our aim was to establish the possibility of diplomatic relations. We had only one hope for this, but also that Albania would join the European family. I am pleased with the democratic developments and commitments. The reason I have come is to help this process in some way. I would like to state that it is essential for the elections of 31 March to be free. It does not matter who wins, but I believe that everyone should help Albania. So, honestly, the fairness of the elections will be a test both for the outside world and for Albania itself. Question: There is much talk about your Albanian origins. Naturally, readers would like to know a little more. Answer: I am extremely proud of my Albanian blood. My ancestors left 400 years ago for reasons that are already known. They thought they would return soon, but the Turks stayed for a long time. I would have liked to know more than I remember. My father chose America in 1929 to plant the Albanian seed, the seed of Skënderbeu. Thus that tree, which had taken root in Italy, found soil once again in Italy, America. The seeds that were planted produced a beautiful tree, one branch, one flower of which is me. The spiritual reunification of the Albanian people is already under way, and in this beautiful Albanian era we will come together again, just as we stand. Question: Can you tell us about the Albanian-American association? [Continued on page 4]

A copy of the above telegram was also sent to His Excellency Mr. Xhorxhio La Malfa, secretary of the Italian Republican Party, who has accepted the PRSH invitation to visit Albania soon. «Republika» correspondent

Albania decided to align itself politically with the Eastern bloc and to build a socialist society and economy. Without going into details, it must be admitted that politically and economically Albania made a mistake. Therefore, that mistake must now be corrected. The division of Europe into West and East was, among other things, a struggle to test the effectiveness of one of two systems. It can now be said that socialism, as a political ideology and as an economic system, did not deliver what it promised. On the other hand, through the achievements of democracy and the market economy, the West has succeeded in building a free and prosperous society. Albania belongs to the West geographically and spiritually. The pioneers of Albanian independence knew this fact and worked to turn the country toward the West. Undoubtedly, the period 1945–1990 proved that separation from Europe can have negative consequences. Europe is now experiencing the challenge of its own values: individual freedom, tolerance, equality and democratic governance. Respect for the rights of other peoples is bringing about Europe’s gradual unification and, from January 1993, we will see Europe united, free, democratic and prosperous. In this Europe, Albania must take the place that belongs to it. The first and most essential step toward Europe is the free exchange of people and ideas. Neither isolation nor seclusion helps Albania. It must open its doors and benefit from the old continent. Albania has sufficient resources to build an economy of its own. It has more than 80,000 university graduates. If used properly, this great potential will become the engine of a dynamic economy that will provide the country with more goods and a better standard of living. To achieve this, intellectuals, specialists and technicians must be freed from the chains of state control so that they can fully develop their abilities. This is what the market economy offers in the USA, and what it will offer in Albania too. I think tourism development in Albania will be a major source of income. Likewise, to bring the economy to levels competitive with neighbouring countries, foreign capital will be needed, which, if used properly, will increase both employment and national income. Individual ability must also be supported rather than party loyalties; talents must be put to better use, regardless of political views or national, religious or social groupings. A free person is what makes a free society, not the other way around. It is the capable person who moves society forward, not the «nepotism» of dictatorship. FOR THE FUTURE OF ALBANIA Integrity with one another and with foreigners is of great importance. The West is very sensitive to this quality. Integrity brings trust, and every leader needs trust in order to succeed. The film should do what you think. Do not forget the characteristics of the Albanians as a people. Albania is small and relatively weak. Its strengthening, among other things, will be based on the high moral standards and economic conditions of its people. A free and prosperous Albanian people will surpass others, will surpass others, will surpass others, will become and others, will mean it will increase power. economic conditions of its and economic conditions of its people. Albania is already a consolidated and recognized state. The «mentaliteti i tretshmita» [?] must come to an end. Albania must open its doors to the winds of change in Albania? A Europe-oriented, free and democratic Albania will also be of great help to Albanians in Yugoslavia. (Continued on page 4)

Photos Armand Babani

The abandonment of the homeland by thousands of citizens continues. Our people, both within and beyond the state borders, have previously experienced terrible displacements that forced them to take to the roads of the world in misery. These took place during invasions and were carried out under threat of the foreign yataghan. But since 2 July of last year, the blow has been dealt to the people from within. Fleeing through embassies and across land borders, and now the mass exodus by sea, is inflicting a grievous mutilation on the Homeland. Our lifeblood is leaving us. The explanations given by the government are unconvincing. If mass departures are caused by the so-called «dark forces», the government should by now have exposed them. Let half the earth rise up and openly show who the enemy is, or else it must be admitted that the government is unable to keep public order under control. We call for the immediate convening of the Presidential Council and the Council of Ministers to take control of the situation. It can no longer be tolerated that our sons, women and children are carried about in the middle of the sea, at risk of an unprecedented catastrophe. But those who land on foreign shores are also at the crossroads of the world. This must be stopped at all costs. If swift action is not taken, the Presidential Council and the government will bear a grave responsibility toward the Homeland, now and in the future. In addition to stopping the exodus by immediately removing every seagoing vessel from our ports and restoring order, the government must also make the necessary efforts to provide support to emigrants wherever they have arrived. Albanian people, sisters and brothers, you who have set out to leave! The Republican Party urges you to turn your attention to yourselves and your country. Unemployment, poverty and insecurity are driving you to the desperate step of abandonment. Stop and think! Only we ourselves, all of us, can save our country. Let us endure, let us hold free elections and set our lives on the right course in a democracy. As soon as we return to…? work, we will see that we have every opportunity to live here, on our own soil, as free and proud people. The Republican Party also calls on the European Community to view our situation realistically. Albania is not helped merely by sheltering emigrants and the woes they cause for Europe itself, but by providing urgent assistance to begin recovery. (Sent to RTSH on 7 March 1991)

TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC; HIS EXCELLENCY FRANÇESKO KOSIGA TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE; HIS EXCELLENCY XHOVANI SPADOLINI. TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS; XHULIO ANDREOTTI. The events involving our emigrants have deeply shaken the entire Albanian nation, both inside and outside the Homeland. Thousands of families are living in anguish for the lives of their children. The Albanian Republican Party asks you to reconsider your position toward them. The great Italian people are renowned throughout the world for their humanity. We have known this humanity for five hundred years; our ties are ancient. When our national hero Gjergj Kastrioti, at the head of the small Albanian people, with superhuman efforts held back the Turkish invasion on this side of the Adriatic for 25 years, he was also helping Italy. Gjergj Kastrioti, just like Pirro, also directly helped the Kingdom of Naples, landing at Otranto with his army. The gratitude of the Italian people was openly expressed when, after Skënderbeu’s death, Italy became a refuge and a second homeland for the crowds of Albanian emigrants who reached your shores, where they still live today as worthy citizens. As neighbouring peoples, we have always loved, respected and helped one another. The history of more recent times tells us the same. When, in the year 1943, tens of thousands of Italian soldiers remained on Albanian soil, our people fed them, giving up their own morsels, and sheltered them in their small homes, without asking about the law or what kind of emigrants they were. And this continued for three years, in the difficult conditions of war and deep poverty. Yet the harder the conditions, the more closely the sons of the Italian people became bound to our people. And they survived. Our emigrants of these days have put the Italian government in a difficult position. But friends share difficulties together. His Excellency Flamini Pikoli, who understands and wisely appreciates our situation, called Albania Italy’s little sister. This description was welcomed in Albania. So let the Italian government treat our unfortunate children as its nephews and nieces. Let them not be left without food or shelter. Whatever problems Italy itself may face, today it is the world’s fifth industrial power. In recent days our government has been doing everything possible to stop this painful haemorrhage from our country. But the support of the Italian government is indispensable. We ask that children unaccompanied by their parents and boys and girls under 18 be sent back. They should be returned along routes and by methods of the high civilization characteristic of the Italian people. The others should be kept until an arrangement between the two governments is found. The use of force and the enforcement of the law may not be the appropriate means to deal with desperate people. Your Excellency! You yourself know that there are pivotal moments in history that deeply affect relations between peoples. The Republican Party places relations with Italy at the forefront. Your government should strongly assist Albania in these difficult days, laying the foundations for comprehensive cooperation in the future. Tens of thousands of families, our entire people, await what Italy will do today for our children; they await your strong support. Your Excellency, please accept our deepest and most sincere esteem and respect. Steering Committee of the Albanian Republican Party Tiranë, 8 March 1991