The First Congress of the RP, which will soon hold its proceedings over two consecutive days, on June 8 and 9, once again affirmed the major role this party played in bringing down the dictatorship and the wise positions it took at key moments, when the country was threatened by civil war. This view was underscored by the report of the Party chairman, Mr. Sabri Godo, and by many delegates who spoke at the congress. The proceedings of this Congress, marked by a diversity of opinions and constructive debate, under the country’s new conditions created after the fall of the dictatorship, clearly and unequivocally defined the party’s political line and the basis on which it and its allies would stand. As a party with a clear profile, the Republican Party will rely on future small, medium-sized, and large property owners. In the conditions of pluralism, no party can now say or claim—and it would indeed be absurd—that it belongs to the entire people. Individuals join a party according to their political affiliations and, most importantly, according to the economic interests they have and seek to defend today and in the future. Naturally, this economic profile is taking shape today because, with the exception of the communist bloc members and a layer that was harvested under the umbrella of the stability government and, a little further on, became something of a pioneer, one cannot speak of capitalist property owners in the classical sense of the word. Today, almost all Albanians have been stripped of property. If the economic reform that has just begun succeeds, it will create economic differences among people and form distinct classes according to their economic outlook, which will fill the ranks of the parties they feel they belong to and in which they find their true selves. In this context, the Republican Party is open to every Albanian or member of a minority, whatever their current social position—ordinary worker, ordinary farmer, intellectual, student, or otherwise. It is enough that they hold republican ideas and views. The First Congress of the RP also affirmed the view that the Republican Party is a realistic alternative that the country needs today and tomorrow. It has fully demonstrated itself as such an alternative during these 17 months, through all its positions related to the national question. Such a position has, of course, come at a cost to it. The Republican Party will continue in the future to maintain its prudent, wise, and firm positions in accordance with its program. The new leadership, the National Council, and the Steering Committee, democratically elected by this Congress and made up of new, capable, and energetic people, are a sure guarantee of this.

Discussion by Mr. Çerçiz Mingomataj The aims of the democratic movement in the countries of the East, including our own, crystallized in the expression “Let us go toward Europe.” Curiously, this expression, together with the vocabulary, came from European and not African countries. Thus it was proved that the concept is not geographical but social. The feeling of being outside Europe, that is, on an isolated island, was not created by some tectonic movement of the continent, but was caused by social division and a gulf. And the fact that this feeling was experienced by all the countries that lived through Stalinist communism proves that Stalinism itself is understood as the most non-European phenomenon, even though geographically it existed in Europe. This non-European condition of the countries and their European condition expresses their having been left behind, while the magical call “Let us go toward Europe” symbolized the desired process of dismantling every restriction; that is, a call to their real European identity. As such, it does not mean going to Europe, but becoming Europe; it does not represent a mechanical movement, but an inner process, whether as a country or as an individual. Thus, the departure from Stalinism is transformed into European social and human values. Therefore, the success of societies and the measure of this success: First: how far we have broken away from Stalinist mentalities and practices; Second: how much we ourselves have embraced these European values, mentalities, and practices. Fear of failing to move away from them has often found expression in the saying: “The further from Stalinism, the closer to Europe.” This process is long and difficult within our very being, both as individuals and as a country; it represents our process of return, and it is precisely in this process that its success and completion are determined. Looking at this process in retrospect and in the present, we would say, contrary to what Prime Minister Meksi says, that on March 22, 1992, the struggle against communism did not end, but this struggle entered a (Continued on page 2)

- Interview with Ottavio Lavagio, representative of the PRI at the first PRSH Congress. - What would you like to say to the readers of “Republika”? I am here at the first congress of your party to bring greetings from the Italian Republicans, and I believe Albanian Republicans are pleased to have friends on the other side of the Adriatic. Italy can play an important role in Albania’s economic future, and having relations with a party that has economic strength in Italy could benefit the PRSH. I believe it is very important to affirm our friendship with the Albanian Republicans, regardless of the result they desired in the March 22 elections. - What role does the PR play in Italian political life? In the latest elections, on April 5, the PRI increased its votes and its representation in parliament, perhaps not as much as expected, but steadily: we went from 21 deputies to 27 and from 7 senators to 10. In any case, the PR has a role in political life in Italy, and an Italian government without the Republicans is usually always weak. - How well do you know present-day Albania? - Albania has always been a mysterious country to Italians because of its autarky and the lack of information for 40 years. I believe Albanians know much more about Italy than Italians know about Albania. I think Italy has had historical ties with Albania, despite the fact that we were colonizers and Italian rule in Albania was not very welcome. I am glad there is a positive attitude toward Italians, not only because Italy has been a myth for Albania, created through TV or because of military interventions. It is necessary to revive economic life in Albania, and I believe an important part of these investments will come from Italy. - Can you tell us something about the prospects for relations between the PRI and the PRSH? - Relations between the PRI and the PRSH have been very good and cordial since the PRSH was founded. We feel in a way that it is simple to offer you connections and relations, because we know who you are and what you are working on. We can offer you so-called assistance with regard to how to organize. The PR is not a large party in Italy, so it does not have the same weight as the others, nor does it steal like they do; therefore, do not expect to see the kind of corruption practiced by other parties offering you money for some kind of operation. But you should know that we have friends on the other side of the sea... - Thank you! Interview by: LUTFI DERVISHI

On pages two, three, and four of this issue, you will read the discussions by the delegates at the Congress, most of which are published in full. Correction: Mr. Eduart Laze did not speak at the Congress, as was stated in the article on this occasion, entitled “At the Assembly of the Republicans,” published in our newspaper’s previous issue.

Dear Mr. President! The political changes following the elections of March 22, 1992, in Albania brought to power a liberal left-wing government, but not a democratic government of the Western kind. The liberal left-wing democrats, who were in the opposition and declared themselves democratic, are no longer democrats in the true sense of the word. These and many future [words unclear] chose very well. We ask and at the same time believe that you, Mr. President of one of the most democratic states in the world, during your meeting with President Berisha will give without any conditions the movable and immovable property to its lawful owners. This act of YOURS, Mr. President, will be considered a truly effective blow against communism in Albania, which is currently surviving in a philanthropic guise at the expense of the property of around 150,000 dispossessed Albanian families. You, whose members were persecuted by the communist dictatorial regime, imprisoned, interned, and many of whose members were executed by firing squad. The members of these families have been and are the true opposition to that communist regime. These are Albania’s true democrats, who before the elections were consistent [unclear] in this Democracy of Albania. So these are the democrats, not those who try to present themselves as democrats by putting the white garment of democracy over their bodies. For the Executive Board of the National Association of the Dispossessed of Albania With the highest respect RAPO HAJREDIN DANUSHI Tirana, June 12, 1992

On the occasion of your election as Chairman of the Republican Party, we extend our warmest congratulations to you and wish the Republican Party success in achieving its stated objectives for the full establishment of democracy in Albania. PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC SALI BERISHA Tirana, 12.06.1992 Respectfully, VALER XHEKA CHAIRMAN On behalf of the Association of Democratic Veterans of the Independent [sic] War of the Albanian People, we feel great pleasure on the occasion of your election to the high office of Chairman of the Republican Party. We feel sympathy for the Republican Party, a fellow combatant alongside the Democratic Party, the Social Democratic Party, and all those united in achieving victory on March 22, 1992, in the name of our people and in overthrowing communist totalitarianism, dear [unclear]. Please accept our sentiments, dear brother, and on this occasion we once again congratulate the entire Republican Party as a devoted party. THE CHAIRMAN Napolon Polo (z) Dear Mr. Sabri Godo, We followed with particular interest the proceedings of the first Congress of the Albanian Republican Party, which concluded successfully. Allow me to congratulate you on your election to the post of chairman of the presidium of the Albanian Republican Party and to wish you success in your activity devoted to establishing true democracy in a free Albania, for the good of the brotherly Albanian people. I take this opportunity to express my highest consideration. GEORGHE MICU Ambassador of Romania Tirana, June 11, 1992 I followed with interest the proceedings of the first Congress of the Albanian Republican Party, which was held successfully. Allow me to congratulate you on your election to the post of chairman of the presidium of the Albanian Republican Party and to wish you success in your activity devoted to establishing true democracy in a free Albania, for the good of the brotherly Albanian people. I take this opportunity to express my highest consideration.

1. Sokol Stani 2. Lazër Sokoli 3. Fejzulla Begani 4. Ndue Lazri 5. Nikoll Ndreca 6. Luljeta Gjoni 7. Mehdi Guni 8. Shkumbin Spahiu 9. Lufti Bruci 10. Sefer Elezi 11. Pjetër Lacaj 12. Vladimir Agaraj 13. Arben Babameto 14. Qemal Preza 15. Mehmet Kotherja 16. Engjëll Matraxhiu 17. Tosum Licenji 18. Agim Doku 19. Alush Lamçe 20. Arif Lala 21. Sotiraga Hambi 22. Agron Lami 23. Pirro Kice 24. Bektash Dervishi 25. Lirim Çuci 26. Vangjel Prifti 27. Ali Belshi 28. Ksenofon Mërtiri 29. Petrit Alimeta 30. Adnan Shehu 31. Agron Hasizi 32. Engjëll Xhaferi 33. Kristo Rrumbullaku 34. Veli Hodaj 35. Dilaver Koci 36. Sabri Godo 37. Tamara Luarasi 38. Eduard Ypi 39. Çerçiz Mingomataj 40. Ferhat Gruja 41. Alfred Karamuça 42. Edmond Berberi 43. Gazmend Turdiu 44. Aleksandër Çina 45. Pirro Kostallari According to the statute, all the chairmen of the PR branches in the districts are also members of the National Council.

1. Sabri Godo 2. Tamara Luarasi 3. Eduard Ypi 4. Çerçiz Mingomataj 5. Alfred Karamuça 6. Aleksandër Çina 7. Xhevdet Repishti 8. Fatmir Mediu 9. Arben Burburia 10. Dalip Greca 11. Aleksandër Garuli Mr. Fatmir Mediu was elected Deputy Chairman of the PR, while Mr. Çerçiz Mingomataj was elected Secretary.

Yesterday at 5:30 p.m., the President of the Republic of Albania, Sali Berisha, accompanied by his wife, Liri Berisha, departed for the USA, for the United States of America. He was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alfred Serreqi, and the Minister of Trade and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries, Artan Hoxha. Those present at Rinas airport to see President Sali Berisha off included the Speaker of the People’s Assembly, Pjetër Arbnori; the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Dr. Aleksandër Meksi; Deputy Speakers of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Tomor Malasi and Shaqir Vukaj; Deputy Prime Ministers Bashkim Kopliku and Rexhep Uka; members of parliament; other members of the Government; and representatives of political parties and associations, etc. Also present were the secretary of the American Embassy in Tirana, Mr. Christopher Hill; the chargé d’affaires of the Italian Embassy in Albania; the ambassador of the Russian Federation; the representative of the UNDP, etc. President Sali Berisha, while [unclear] the national [unclear], and accompanied by Mr. Pjetër Arbnori and Mr. Aleksandër Meksi, reviewed the Honor Guard.