On Tuesday, 19 March, at the invitation of the Albanian Republican Party and the Committee for Cultural and Friendly Relations with the Outside World, the national secretary of the Italian Republican Party, Mr. Xhorxhio La Malfa, arrived in our country. He was accompanied by Messrs. Xherolano Pelikano and Vittorio Olçeze, as well as a group of Italian journalists. At the airport they were welcomed by Sabri Godo, chairman of the Initiating Commission of the Albanian Republican Party, and Jorgo Melica, chairman of the Committee for Friendly and Cultural Relations with the Outside World. They were also welcomed at the airport by members of the PRP Initiating Commission, Vangjush Gambeta, Fedor Kallajxhi and Zef Bushati. From there they set off for the Port of Durrës to see the arrival of aid from Italy. After returning from Durrës, they went to Tirana, where they were received by the chairman of the Council of Ministers, Fatos Nano. After lunch, Mr. La Malfa was also received by President Ramiz Alia. In the evening, Mr. La Malfa and chairman Godo [sic] held a conversation with the Italian journalists in one of the rooms of Hotel «Dajti». On the morning of 20 March, Mr. La Malfa, with his group, [went] together with Jorgo Milica. Lunch passed in a friendly and entirely cordial atmosphere. From there they set off for Durrës. There they took part in the meeting presenting the Republican candidates for the Durrës district. At the end of the meeting, Merited Artist Mirush Kabashi, a parliamentary candidate for this party, presented a rich solo program on the theme of democracy. From there the guests set off for Tirana. The PRSH Initiating Commission hosted a cocktail reception, also attended by the ambassador of the Italian Republic in Albania, Torkuato Kardilli. Late in the evening, the guests were seen off by the chairman of the Albanian Republican Party, Sabri Godo, as well as by members of the initiating commission of this party. Also present to see them off were the chairman of the Committee for Friendly Relations with the Outside World, Jorgo Melica, and the Italian ambassador, Torkuato Kardilli. The guests left for Italy by plane. «Republika» correspondent

People are increasingly approving the decisions and the path followed by the Republican Party. And they express this in their everyday conversations with their families, at work, in various settings and everywhere. Here is what a comrade said a few days ago: «If I weren’t where I am now, (...) I would join the Republican Party with the greatest pleasure! And, to tell the truth, it is a wise, mature Party, and it is earning more and more the respect and sympathy of our people». Perhaps I would have forgotten this fact, had I not also heard thousands of such accounts from intellectuals, journalists, writers, workers, farmers and other people. Naturally, the question arises: What leads people to express such opinions and regard for the RP? And this needs no comment! They are led simply by the contribution this party has made and continues to make toward resolving many of our country’s major and delicate problems. Everyone clearly remembers the tense situation Albania experienced during the students’ hunger strike, because the official bureaucracy would not yield to their rightful demands. It was the Republican Party’s proposal to establish a Presidential Council that helped avert unforeseen—and, indeed, potentially tragic—events into which the country might have been drawn during those tense days. The political maturity of this Party is also evident in its proposal on how to deal with Enver Hoxha’s image after the free elections of 31 March, through a popular referendum. At every moment, the Republican Party stands by the nation’s major concerns. Not merely by criticizing certain failings and weaknesses, but by helping solve major problems. Each of us feels sorrow and remembers with pain the departure of thousands of cit- (continued on p. 2)

— Interview with Mr. LA MALFA by our editor SOKOL MUHO — Mr. La Malfa, we talk so much about Italy, our big sister, and here you are among us. First, we would like to learn something about the history of the Italian Republican Party. The Italian Renaissance of the last century deserves particular attention in its political aspect. This century was the cradle that gave rise to true apostles of politics, among whom I would single out Giuseppe Mazzini. In 1830, an active political life began to take shape. In this context, the Roman Republic was born in Rome. Later, in the years from 1848 to 1861, parties began to take shape. Then we come to 1895, the year the Italian Republican Party was founded. It is undoubtedly the oldest party in all of Italy and one of the two oldest in the world. It has continually grown and strengthened, and today, together with the parties of the left, it is a major force with a genuinely democratic outlook. La Malfa! This surname reminds us of the great politician, the pure democrat and the distinguished Italian of the early and mid-years of our century. We are speaking, of course, of your father, Ugo La Malfa. Could it be this legacy, this family inheritance, that led you too to embark on a political career? To some extent, yes. Nothing can escape its inheritance. But a father’s great name is often like the shade of an oak tree, beneath which it is difficult for another oak as tall as the first to grow. Perhaps that is what happened with me too. He had impressed upon me certain key moments in our political life. The Italian Republican Party has always been regarded, and continues to be regarded, as a party of intellectuals. In those days, some conservative parties wanted to keep Italy isolated within the borders of the Apennines. My father, Ugo, firmly opposed them, leading Italy toward Europe and thereby challenging the political attempts of other parties through a fierce struggle. In that struggle, the PRI was tempered and naturally emerged stronger. It proved its strength during the period of fascism, becoming the fiercest enemy of the Fascist Party. At the same time, it won the support of all Italy’s progressive forces that aspired to democracy. Throughout this entire period, Ugo did not hide, but stood at the forefront and led. That is why Italy can never forget him. You came to Albania at our invitation, but at an extremely difficult time, when our country needed good friends, who are naturally put to the test in these days... I am glad that you value my visit in this way. Your invitation truly coincided with my own strong desire to help you as soon as possible. I will not dwell on how I found Albania, since these things are already known. Politicians should not be whiners. But, to be honest, I will tell you that I can compare present-day Albania only with some backward regions of Italy immediately after the war. I truly believe that everything here will also be put right, because there is a key to this: genuine political democracy and economic freedom must be established. The combination of these guarantees successful development. These are the only urgent things that you and all of Eastern Europe need to do. Can we say that relations between our Republican parties have now begun? Without a doubt. We are consolidating this ever-growing relationship day by day. In this context, it is essential that we naturally encourage this connection by exchanging experience through more frequent contacts. Thus, I have great confidence that together we will do many good things that will be of great benefit to your country. I am optimistic about what I observed on your side as well. You met with President Ramiz Alia and Prime Minister Fatos Nano. What impressions did you come away with? It seemed to me that they were sincere when they said the elections would be free and that they would implement an appropriate economic reform. During my conversation with the president, he told me he would release all political prisoners. I hope this promise is kept, since it would benefit the irreversible process Albania is undergoing in its overall democratization. This would also increase its credibility with Europe, which is following this process here closely and with great attention. In conclusion, in this context I would say that Albania’s future is in its own hands. In your newspaper Zëri i Republikës, dated 19 March, there is a major article entitled: Italy’s help is needed for Albania’s renaissance... It is natural: often the rebirth of a nation is more difficult than its birth. For this, the mother must be careful and experienced; otherwise, the child may be born crippled, and may not be easily put right. In the economic sphere, we intend to help you as much as possi-

— ACCORDING TO THE STATEMENT OF THE FORUM FOR THE DEFENSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS — According to the statement of the Forum for the Defense of Human Rights, and [those with] psychological [conditions], described as spies, the number number of those released from prison by 17 March 1991 reaches 123 people. of Human Rights, and [those with] psychological [conditions], described as spies, the number number of those released from prison by 17 March 1991 reaches 123 people. On the other hand, the Forum finds that the issue of political prisoners has not been definitively resolved. The official statement issued on the occasion of the aforementioned decree (of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, dated 12.3.1991), according to which there are no political prisoners in Albania, does not correspond to reality. Political prisoners of various categories still remain in prison. The Forum has become convinced that there are people who have been politically convicted and are still imprisoned for political reasons extracted through physical and mental violence, [the source text is cut off here] ... (continued on p. 2) This issue is also mentioned in the visible portion of the upper column, cut off at the edge of the page.

— Within one week: sorrow, joy, disappointment — (continued on p. 2) Anton Syku asks: Why?!... — A week of sorrow, joy, disappointment — Did you hear? The Sykaj boy is coming, Antoni is coming, Antoni is coming. It was a hot August day on the Bregu i Matës. Anton Syku was coming from far away, from America, after for years not even letters had reached him, because for years the Sykaj family had been declared and branded kulaks. Antoni was coming, having left on a dark night (oh, how dearly this darkness has cost us), because he had only one desire, only one dream he wanted to see blossom: to become a doctor. But what a dark dream it was, since he was the son of a kulak, one who had been declared as such. Reality had only one name for him: head bowed, a village laborer. And one dark night he left everything there on the Bregu i Matës: he left his mother and father, his brothers, the land that had once told him it was their property, the dreams of a 17-year-old, and the great contempt of the people (what responsibility did this young man bear for the blood and sweat his grandparents and parents had given for this property?). He left everything and took upon himself a harsh name, a harsh life, especially for the Sykaj family there on the Bregu i Matës: traitor. Believe me, all he wanted was to become a doctor, nothing more. People were born and died in Sykaj while Antoni was imprisoned in Yugoslavia; later he completed his studies in the USA and fulfilled his dream. The Sykaj family could not rejoice; his mother, Lika, grew more wrinkled than the fertile land of the Bregu i Matës. Her son was far away. In her old age, when the best medicine she needed was her son, he was missing. And now, after nearly 43 years, Mr. Anton had been granted the right to come to Albania. The Sykaj tower rejoiced. The old mother (what on earth had happened to her rheumatism today, that it had stiffened her ankle joints?) made her way to the Sykaj tower, to the door. Her son was coming to Mother Lika, who was over 90. Her eyes fell on the door. The Sykajs (continued on p. 2)

District First name Father’s name Surname Profession 1 2 3 BERAT 1. Fareudin Hysen Haxhialiu — painter 2. Myslim Tahir Hotova — historian 3. Sabri İbrahim Godo — writer, economist 4. Jovan Sofir Shyti — mechanical engineer 5. Sokol Andon Cegjalli — economist 6. Ibrahim Kadri Agalliu — master craftsman 7. Hekuran Dajlan Koka — textile engineer 8. Misir Sali Hoxha — Higher Institute of Arts 9. Xhoixhi Haki Sahatçi — economist 10. Sheme Hamza Ruçi — agricultural financier 11. Behar Huredin Qaliu — teacher 12. Filip Naun Nila — historian 13. Bardhosh Hallim Hasanaj — economist 14. Fejzi Ismail Çevani DIBËR 15. Mira Ismail Nezini — doctor 16. Nehat Qazim Daci — teacher 19. Naim Shemsi Plaku — language and literature 20. Skënder Selman Cala — actor 21. Ali Nezila — agronomist 22. Petrit Xhemal Allushi — agronomist DURRËS 27. Tomorr Myrteza Benja — physicist 28. Ilirian Sotir Duka — teacher 29. Agim Beqir Shehu — journalist 30. Sokol Bego Muho — actor (Merited Artist) 31. Mirush Musa Kabashi — teacher 32. Aleksandër Minella Garuli — journalist 33. Xhevdet Shehan Mustafa — journalist 35. Mendel Reshat Këstari — doctor 40. Jasin Rexhep Çapari — doctor 41. Myslim Servet Vehjpi — teacher 42. Frrok Gjergj Priska — topographer 43. Petrit Xhelal Hajdini — clerk 44. Qemal Ali Preza — clerk 45. Lumir Sherif Frashëri — veterinarian ELBASAN 46. Nikollaq Mihal Cerepi — metallurgical engineer 48. Kujtim Hysen Dokli — mechanical engineer 50. Agim Xhevdet Qenani — economist 51. Niko Thanas Kreste — lecturer 54. Kostandin Mihal Çiko — veterinarian 57. Mehmet Gani Berzati — teacher 59. Dilaver Adem Shabani — teacher 63. Nikollaq Stavri Thano — doctor FIER 65. Thanas Spiro Mërkuri — mechanical engineer 66. Vangjel Andon Prifti — mechanical engineer 67. Lirim Xhemal Çupi — geological engineer 68. Leandër Tali Pana — economist 69. Nikollaq Miti Janko — agronomist 70. Perikli Steto Ziu — veterinarian 72. Sokrat Hasan Koçiu — petroleum engineer 73. Artur Zylal Mahmutaj — geological engineer 74. Eflatun Emin Shitino — B.V.S.H. engineer 75. Andrea Nikolla Kola — geological engineer 76. Perikli Vlash Dore — geological engineer 78. Medi Shehti Zeqaj — zootechnician 79. Samedin Rakip Hyseni — veterinarian 82. Hasan Bajram Basha — doctor KORÇË 95. Maksim Anastll Havlani — mechanical engineer 96. Vladimir Adil Shehmani — topographical engineer 97. Ruzhdi Huri Goskova — pilot 98. Vangjush Loni Gambeta — BVSH economist 99. Vangjush Stefan Dishnica — teacher continued on page 4