Report by the PR vice-chairman, Mr. Fatmir Mehiu, delivered at the meeting of the National Council The elections of 31 March 1991, 22 March 1992, and those of 26 July for local government were characterized by an emotionally charged atmosphere and, on that basis, the polarization of the electorate, caused by the struggle between the two major parties and, in particular, by the PS’s psychological-propaganda terror. In this atmosphere of emotional radicalism, the PR, as a springboard for itself and for the electorate, presented its position, perhaps with excessive emotional coolness on the one hand, but on the other hand radical in moving Albanian public opinion’s conscience in this direction, as a great national victory and, to date, almost no one has raised it, or rather, it has become evident that the major parties are little «interested» in acknowledging this fact. It is worth stressing that in this election the PR faced many factors that depended on it, as well as factors beyond its control, to its disadvantage, and made them publicly known through the mass media from the outset. Let us list some of them: The working practices of the two parliaments in drafting laws and making decisions, guided by the interests of the two parties dominating them, the PS and the PD, meant that this time too the electoral system, timetable and law were determined through cooperation between them, without seeking the views of the other parties. A complicated voting system and procedure was approved, which was made all the more convenient by RTV’s «indifference» in explaining it. RTV found time to broadcast programs about live fish—(Continued on page 2)

84 years ago, in the city of Boston, during a service to God, the foundations of the Albanian Orthodox Church were laid at the initiative of Archbishop Theofan Stilian Noli. Just as the brave students of democracy gathered here in Albania at this time, Albanian young people from the Shkodër, Elbasan, Korçë, and other communities also gathered there. Times have indeed changed, but blood does not turn to water. It is true that an ocean separates us, but you think of us and we think of you without ceasing. It is true that, at the beginning of this century, we were surrounded by enemies, ... Therefore, the reorganization of the Nation, the Church, and every institution must be carried out on a legal basis and not in silence; carefully and not hastily; wisely and not through knowledge alone; generously and not with resentment alone. Therefore, it is no wonder that this delegation has come to Tirana, with the sons of Fan Noli, Fan Konica, and Father Gjergj Fishta, to defend the Foundation, Statute, Tradition, Martyrs, and many other things of the Albanian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. Two months ago, when President Sali Berisha was in New York, he invited all Albanians to come together and take part in the rebirth of the Nation. Today, in response to that invitation, we come joyfully, with open arms and hearts full of love for the people of our valiant, long-suffering and hopeful Albania. May God light our way! 84 years ago in the city of Boston, with God’s help, the foundation of the Albanian Orthodox Church was at this time, so too did the young Albanians in exile gather around the great and holy Noli. 70 years ago in the city of Berat, the autocephaly of the Albanian Orthodox Church was proclaimed, led by two priests from America, Vasil Marko and Father Vangjel Çamçe (later Bishop Agathangel). A heroic history unfolded, many martyrs fell, and activists from Korça, Gjirokastra, Durrës, Fier, Pogradec and Vlora joined their ranks. The League of our Renaissance in the USA, «Për Mëmëdhenë», is alive and continues even today, in this free era of democracy, to add to its ranks participants from Shkodra, Elbasan, Korça, Sova[?], etc. It is true that times have true that we are separated by an ocean, without stopping. we were surrounded by enemies, but today we seek to emerge from isolation, into contemporary Europe. And this task is not easy for you, nor for the leaders. Some say that today in Albania everyone can do whatever they want because there is no one to stop them, no one to oppose them. But democracy comes with duties. God demands will, and Ki ha ka nome. Without laws, we have chaos, Without tradition, we lose our way, Without agreement, despotism reigns, Without justice, despair is born, Without strategy, confusion continues, Without deeds, even faith withers.

«IN THE NAME OF THE PEOPLE» (YESTERDAY), «IN THE NAME OF THE PEOPLE’S AUTHORITY» (TODAY)! With the status of an external (card-carrying-free) member of the PS, Dr. Kastriot Islami has recently appeared in a dual role: as organizational secretary of the PS, and as Tribune of the people! In the article—an insistent one—in «ZP» (the first part of which it had published before the elections), he gives a synonym for the word Democracy in which kratos has as its second meaning the concept of Power (as we used to say during the time of «people’s power»), but rather the concept of Authority. It seems that the words of the politician of election campaigns are being qualified by the use of semantics in this field. The Tribune of the people now seems to accept that the people did not make a mistake, but established their authority on 22 March. Or perhaps he is doing this to prove that he is non-partisan (we insist in vain that we understand everything). It is enough for him to win over the people. What matters is which tribune his spokesperson speaks from. Kastriot Islami likes the word people so much (for this article) that it seems to me that, as he draws closer to the People’s Assembly, he will rise as a deputy (not as its former chairman) and propose turning Albania into a People’s Republic... and, why not, a Socialist one too (since now we also have the Socialist Party, once and for all). While his counterpart Nano uses the term «restoration of political balances» (as if the balances during the dictatorship had ever been established), Dr. Kastrioti calls 26 July an «agreement of balance», as though balance had been settled at the end of a written law. The two resemble each other so much that they do not seem equal! Both fear the arrival of the «radicals» like the devil, and rely on the powerful current of pipir-type diaspora members! But they are wasting their efforts. «The people’s authority decides!» Kastriot Islami’s «power» is right. An agreement between political forces must undoubtedly be made. Indeed, it is absurd for all political forces to oppose this tribunal idea. Note that politicians, with one [unclear], form an Alliance of the Albanian Democratic Union, [unclear] all the power and privileges... (unclear text) ... (Continued on page 2)

We have all declared ourselves in favor of capitalism, and we all dream and work to become capitalists. Numerous Albanian private companies have started their activities. There are paradoxes in this area too. A doctor trades in coffee; an engineer in fruit and vegetables, etc... People and companies are rushing headlong toward money. «Miracles» are happening too. There are also companies that operate quite differently. Infosoft, established a year ago, is one such company. Only specialists work there. The company offers computer sales and maintenance, peripheral equipment, software for businesses’ financial systems, computer training courses, etc. Infosoft analyzes a wide range of problems and provides optimal solutions, also recommending personnel. Infosoft has an advantage over foreign companies in its fast, high-quality service. A branch of this company, Infotrans, which specializes in computer sales, is located on «New Albania» Boulevard, opposite Hotel Arbërese. Infosoft’s activities will grow further. Infosoft is planting the seed of tomorrow. Tomorrow is inextricably linked to computers and information. The Infosoft company is needed by the country today, but especially tomorrow. Correspondent of ...

It has happened more than once that various articles published in the newspaper «REPUBLIKA» have been taken as the editorial board’s positions and, further, as the PR’s positions. This has also happened with the article «Albania has not been and will not be a French protectorate». The editorial board, expressing regret for such misunderstandings, clarifies that it does not confuse the article’s title with the respect it has for France and its people. THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Whoever guesses how many journalists voted for the (self-)proclamation of Sokol Muho as President of the Journalists of Albania. We will publish the correct answer in the next issue.

Yesterday at the PR headquarters, PR Chairman Mr. Sabri Godo and Secretary-General Mr. Çerçiz Mingomataj held a cordial conversation with Mr. Michael Bader, envoy of the «Party of the League» Foundation. The purpose of the visit was to facilitate the participation of a PR delegation in a working seminar to be held in Switzerland on October 22–28. Mr. Bader stated that, in the PR’s view, the conclusion regarding developments in the country was expressed...

The future of the territory of the former Yugoslavia and of peace in the Balkans and beyond is inextricably linked to the fate of the Albanian population living there. The Albanian Republicans, recognizing the efforts made so far by European diplomacy toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict, express their belief that today the London Conference will open the door to the long-awaited peace. We believe that a swift and lasting solution cannot be achieved without taking into consideration the views of the Albanian side living in the former Yugoslavia. In this context, their participation on a fully equal footing would only help the work of the conference. We consider the demands of the Albanians in the former Yugoslavia justified, also because they are fully in keeping with the Helsinki Charter and the new democratic developments in Europe. We are the only divided nation in Europe, and we strongly demand that the Albanians in their ethnic territories in the former Yugoslavia be recognized as having the right to self-determination, which does not exceed human and international rights. As regards the Albanians, there is talk of complete independence, autonomy, or special autonomy. Reality has shown that there can be no autonomy or protection of human rights under the Serbian fascist regime. We hope that the decisions to be taken by the London Conference will help restore peace in this troubled part of Europe and serve as the first step toward the integration of Balkan states (new and old) into Europe. Albanian Republican Party Tirana, 26. 8. 92