On March 4, the council of the PR branch in Lezhë met to celebrate the second anniversary of the branch’s establishment. Guests from the town and villages took part, as did representatives of branches from the districts of Mirditë, Lezhë and Krujë. Republican Party Chairman Sabri Godo was also present. In his speech, Mr. Gjok Hasi, chairman of the branch in Lezhë, outlined the branch’s activities over the past two years, stressing the need for better organization in view of the responsibilities Republicans bear today. Mr. Godo then took the floor to explain the Republican Party’s views and position on current issues. Mr. Godo said we must be aware of the difficulties facing democracy. In the three election campaigns, the Republican Party fought to defeat communism alongside the DP, which led that struggle, but at the same time the PR openly told the electorate that Albania would need 15 years before it began to resemble Europe. As a result, we lost votes, and that was natural. Our people, brutally oppressed for almost half a century, would have suffered less if the government and the ruling Democratic Party had sought genuine cooperation with democratic political forces and had called on honest specialists and capable people to take part in governing state affairs at every level. But the Democratic Party and the government relied more heavily and persistently on the resources they could draw from within their own ranks. This is proving insufficient. For an extremely difficult reform such as ours, the broadest possible cooperation and participation of the people must be secured. Party sectarianism is catastrophic and antidemocratic. We stated in our program back in January 1991 that no one, no party, can claim a complete monopoly on knowledge and on providing the best solutions. Our country is currently being hit hard by unemployment assistance. This cannot be avoided if we want to carry out the reform. But the scale and modalities of this assistance are open to debate. If it is true that more than 90% of people in Mirditë are receiving assistance, then we must say clearly that we have embarked on reform by leaving people without work. It is said that more or less the same is happening in Kukës, Lezhë and elsewhere, as well as here in Laç. Then we must think. In our view, reform should have begun with privatization, and privatization would have determined the level of assistance, but not on this scale. Privatization would also have created jobs for people. So far, only limited, incomplete privatization has taken place, with many problems. Genuine privatization is not happening because privatization laws are lacking; these privatization laws are not being passed because laws on private property are lacking, and so the reform is trapped in a vicious circle. Assistance has been made far heavier by leaving a number of enterprises idle for trivial reasons, even though they could enter the free market as they are. Especially the mines, for which no rapid privatization is planned. The mine in Kukës is left without work because the plant is not operating, and the plant in turn is not working because three other facilities are not functioning, particularly in sequence, just as is happening with the metallurgical plant here in Laç and the mines in Mirditë. A large part of unemployment assistance is being created simply through administrative incompetence. This is unacceptable. Some districts, which have no other resources because their enterprises have closed, are sinking even further into poverty, whereas 1993 should be the year when the decline in production is brought to a complete halt. We believe this unemployment situation calls for immediate measures. Work is a fundamental human right, not only as a source of livelihood but also as something tied to a person’s dignity and freedom. We must repeat this point, so that those who do not understand will take it with the seriousness it deserves. Mr. Godo said that, on these and all other important current issues, the Republican Party is holding discussions with the President, the Prime Minister, and the Democratic and Social Democratic parties. Among the proposals made by the PR, these developments in the Balkans and a number of other problems should be discussed responsibly and with the utmost seriousness at the round table of the parties convened by the President. Then each party will demonstrate its willingness and commitment to resolve national issues, or take the opposite side, and the people will see which forces are destabilizing and must be removed. We must defend democracy and open up clear prospects for the country, without wasting time. Mr. Godo then answered questions, which were open and friendly. Asked why he did not recognize Nano’s right to call for the government’s resignation and new elections, Mr. Godo replied that he did not deny Mr. Nano that right, just as he did not deny himself the right to oppose Mr. Nano. In my view, Mr. Godo said, Nano is acting from motives of revenge, and his daily calls are fomenting destabilization. Early elections and the government’s resignation will not get us out of this situation unless there is serious consultation and energetic measures are taken. Asked what a person should do when faced with a law that does not

— New rallies by the “socialists” on the outskirts of cities, in villages and… in “Zëri i Popullit” Hasi bullatov. Tension keeps rising The trials that could be held for the genocide committed by communist regimes against innocent peoples have surpassed the Nuremberg trials. Fear has gripped all the former communists. And they are exploiting the poverty of most of the people, knowing that they themselves helped increase that poverty. The old communist leaders, who today are members of socialist parties or parties with other names but are essentially heirs to classical communism, wherever they are, are trying to bring totalitarian regimes back onto the stage once again, thereby creating distrust in democracy. Meanwhile in Albania, the organization of rallies in towns by the relic PS, but to give the movement the appropriate revanche …brightest of the nation, at a time when people continue to find the bones of the victims of this great dictator. The diligent teacher of socialist economics dares to tell the truth, while still carrying a bust of E.Hoxha in his heart. Could this be a coincidence? But whom does Mr. Nano feel more nostalgia for, the dictator or the dictatorship? Accused of major corruption, former communists and socialists are being placed in the dock. The calls by Albanian socialists to overthrow the government are calls to escape punishment and being held to account if these judges convict corrupt former communists. The economic empowerment of these people is directed against democracy. But what is the truth about the rallies organized by the PS today? For the most part, they are organized and amplified in the pages of “ZP”. The truth is that Nano, or the former communist Interior Minister Gramoz Ruçi, or the sons of persecutors, Bashkim Zeneli and Maqo Lakrori, gather people on the outskirts of cities, in villages. (This is how Nano causes trouble: he goes to Korçë, but calls people to Ersekë. The infamous former Security Minister goes to Burrel…) There are people in Burrel, Ersekë and Skrapar too who love democracy and bear the burden of the reform on their shoulders. People who have come from the areas concerned, workers, farmers, residents… ...words, so that those who do not understand may take them with the seriousness they deserve. Meanwhile, relics are appearing in Canada, but [to give?] people the proper [understanding?] of their anti-reform movement supporting Boris Yeltsin. Among their ranks are people dissatisfied with Yeltsin’s reforms, and especially supporters of the conservative... Mr. Godo replied that PR is making every effort to achieve a genuine unification of the democratic forces in Albania, and that this will be achieved only if the parties are fully and sincerely committed—a necessity in the present circumstances. Also attending this meeting as guests were the mayor, Mr. Zef Gjonaj; the representative of the “Property with Justice” association, Mr. Bujar Biba; and the representative of the Association of Former Political Prisoners, Mr. Vasil Koleci. Correspondent (“Republika”) The heirs of classical communism, wherever they may be, once again, thereby creating distrust in democracy. In Albania, meanwhile, the rallies organized by the leaders of the PS—alias the Communist Party—public calls to seize power at any cost, and so on, are just like the anti-reform movements in Russia and elsewhere. Fatos Nano did not forget, on the final day, to remember Enver Hoxha as a figure in ... in Kosovo, [he] calls people to Ersekë. The infamous former Minister of State Security goes to Burrel... Yet in Burrel, Ersekë and Skrapar there are people who want democracy, who carry the pain of reform on their shoulders. It is dishonest and criminal to exploit people’s poverty and their pain. This is what the communists converted into socialists in Albania have taken upon themselves. Their [regrouping?] is aggressive. “Well done, just like that…”

They were welcomed at the PRSh headquarters by Fatmir Mediu, Minister of Transport; Mr. Fatos Bitincka, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Emigration, Labour and Social Support; Mr. Eduard Ypi, Deputy Secretary of the State Audit; members of the Republican Party Steering Committee, Messrs Aleksandër Çina and Gjergj Çarçani; and Ylli Rakipi, editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Republika”. After welcoming President Rugova, Mr. Sabri Godo told him that we are following your activities and the situation in Kosovo very closely. In the newspaper “Republika” we are publishing Çubrilloviç’s memorandum. More than anything, this is to help people understand that there is nothing new in this world; only the times change. In response to a question about the current situation in Kosovo, President Rugova said it continues to be grave, and that opposition to Slobodan Milošević’s regime is growing, as are the consequences of this policy and the operations and weapons control in the border areas with Albania. The situation is grave because this state of repression has continued for three years. And three years under these conditions is no short time. Nevertheless, solidarity continues and is well organized. We have called for international supervision by peacekeeping forces and the deployment of foreign observers in Kosovo. Some observers are already there, and that is important. We greatly appreciate the recent American warnings. Mr. Godo said that under the circumstances there is an immediate need to coordinate our efforts, especially in foreign policy. We appreciate the American warnings. We believe peace in the region will return when the Serbian military machine is broken. Unfortunately, Europe is proving incapable of putting out the fire that has been lit. Nevertheless, Bosnia cannot be repeated in many respects. I do not think that even one can be found the defeat of communism alongside the DP, which is leading this struggle, but at the same time the PR has openly told the electorate that Albania needs 15 years before it begins to resemble Europe. This means that oppressed for almost half a century, wanted not only freedom but also an immediate improvement in their miserable living conditions. With democracy’s victory, the West would help us generously, but no one can live on aid alone and no one has a duty to help you forever. The sooner we had understood this and started working for ourselves, the fewer difficulties we would face today. The Meksi government and President Berisha have made every effort to carry out the transition to a free market through reform and to pave the way for economic progress. This is not easy. It is the heaviest burden that a government and a president can take on. But we believe matters could have been resolved more quickly. we must say clearly that we have begun the free market as they are. think that even one can be found

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Arben Imami has disappeared… Don’t believe it? Here’s how: In Parliament two days ago, a new, charming MP stood up and swore on his honor and dignity that he had insulted no one, threatened no one, and had not shot at the journalist in the street. “I am Arben Imami,” said the MP, “you should know me. I am heavenly.” And why shouldn’t one believe him? The flexible actor in mediocre films (and other special films, which will be shown if permission is obtained from a former high-ranking official of the PPSH, A HEAVY SNOWSTORM), but there’s a little catch. The man in a raincoat and carrying a diplomatic briefcase like the one belonging to MP Arben Imami, who was seen insulting, threatening and shooting at someone in the street in front of the Palace of Congresses, also said, “I am Arben Imami.” He was just as handsome as MP Arben Imami. Could this Arben Imami be a shape-shifter, appearing in person both in Parliament, swearing civilly, and in the street, using insults, violence and threats? What’s going on? It is said that the real Arben Imami is the one in Parliament, entirely civil and honorable, while the one who appeared in the street, provincial, thuggish and arrogant, must be Arben Imami’s double. Did you know that great and important people have had doubles? The rule is that when the lookalike appears, the real person must not appear; so when the real Arben Imami appears in Parliament, his double must not appear in the street at the same time. Something like this happened with Stalin. A very true story. Stalin and HIS double APPEARED AT THE SAME TIME. It is well known who paid the price: Stalin’s double, who was shot. That crime took place under the dictatorship. In a democracy, the most that could happen is that Arben Imami’s double is sentenced to a few months of corrective labor, because people say it will not be the real Arben Imami who goes to prison, but his double; perhaps there are also rumors that the one who appeared in Parliament, swearing to uphold the honor lost in the street, was not Arben—the real one—but his double, because the real Imami is said to have gone to treat the injuries he suffered in a street fight at the health center in Neighborhood No. 8. Arben Mami

“I’m not deceiving you… The new elections are over… I haven’t had any dreams. This is true pluralism. This is democracy. In the next elections, all the parties… But they couldn’t all win. The Socialist Party won 99.9999% of the votes. Fatos Nano met Hasbulatov today and had a warm telephone conversation with the democrat Castro. Bashkim Zenelli explained that Fatos had chatted with Fidel about the new strategy he should follow for the victory of democratic forces throughout the world. The Republican Party dissolved. The Democratic Party received no votes. The Socialist Party won the votes. 99.9999% of the votes. The Alliance Party told its members to vote for the PS. The PSD also invited its supporters to vote for the PS. The Party of National Unity too? The new Egyptian party too. The party for human rights also voted for the PS. ‘Vote for the PS,’ the PBDNJ urged its members, ‘because the Socialist Party has defended and continues to defend our rights.’ Omonia also gave its votes to the PS. ‘We owe the PS,’ the Omonians said, ‘so let’s give our votes to the Socialist Party.’ The Democratic Party will go on trial. As soon as the prime minister is chosen. The prime minister will be either Gramoz Pashko of the Socialist Party or Gramoz Ruçi of the Alliance Party. Be careful! Don’t let a ml into Parliament. It’s a harebrained ml, an “extra” freak, that even mixes up the consonants when it speaks, and always carries a diplomatic briefcase. Watch out, don’t let this ml into Parliament! Put guards on duty. Tomorrow there will be a karate session in front of Parliament. The contestants will be charming actors. The jury will be independent. A press conference will be held. Topic: Homosexuality. Party leaders are invited, Arbën… And watch out for that little mllu! It wants to get into Parliament. It’s shorn… Many people who heard this Saturday’s news swore that madness had advanced a great deal and that this poor thing had appeared in these crazy times. THE CHRONICLER

“Well done, just like that...”

Clarification The newspaper “Republika” of 28 February 1993 published an article entitled “At the 11 Janari School, teachers are monitored, as are the pupils.” In response to concerns expressed by this school’s teaching staff, the newspaper’s editorial team took considerable care to verify the facts presented in the article. This investigation established that the facts reported in the article were not accurate. The 11 Janari School had not received the kind of aid mentioned in the article. For the small amount of aid received from the relevant directorate, accurate records were kept of its receipt and distribution.