• Albanians must look back and remember the face of dictatorship FATMIR MEDIU Deputy Chairman of PRSH

GJERGJ PILIKA First heard as rumors on the streets, then announced by Namik Dokle on the BBC, the absurd demand for the resignation of the Meksi government was brought into the public arena by PS chairman Fatos Nano at the press conference he held at PS headquarters. Constructed, as usual, in a “philosophical” and “eloquent” style, Nano’s statement stood out not only for frequently used terms such as inconvenience, inconsistency, realism and visionarism, but also for new concepts such as “the art of cooperation,” “the last chance” and “banana republic.” There is nothing surprising about this call for resignation at the end of winter, however absurd it is in essence. It was a difficult winter. A winter that some wanted to be much harsher, much more unnatural—in other words, as damaging as possible to the Meksi government. So that the latter would appear unconvincing (or “inconvenient,” as you put it, Mr. Nano). Meanwhile, Eurobarometer ’93 showed that 75% of Albanians think they are living better than before. Yet you, Mr. Nano, say that most Albanians have no confidence in the Meksi government. Perhaps you hoped that the cold weather in these days of March would help with your “inconvenience.” But step out of your office for a moment and you will see that many people are now carrying mimosa flowers in their hands. Spring has arrived. Perhaps you know this, which is why you did not delay in declaring the Meksi government’s “inconvenience.” Because, as an economist, you understand very well that Albanians are gradually moving toward a point where they will not care much about the government. Albanians have already begun thinking for themselves about their own economy. To appear as “convenient” as possible, you, Mr. Nano, showed that you possess “the art of cooperation.” In other words, as a politician, you think that cooperating with you would benefit the Meksi government. Personally, I think so too. You can cooperate. But only if you remain silent. Only then will you begin to learn the first steps toward convenience. Only by keeping quiet will you gain value. Even though, morally, you are thoroughly spent. Their convention? Just step out of the people are carrying mimosa flowers in their hands now. you did not vote to declare the government’s “inconvenience”—you know something about this. The next day Ridvan’s what had happened and asked what would happen, because Ridvan had signed a statement about Nezir Stermansin. I slapped my forehead with both hands: “No!” Ridvan’s father, who took to his bed because of this shame, and I suffered through this tragedy in our hearts. Frightened, Ridvan did not go to meet the security officer, Iliaz Çeço, at the appointments he had arranged in various places. Only his father went to the investigation office, to try to deal with the situation. Leontiev Çuçi on the election campaign trail with the most underprivileged

• FATMIR MEDIU Deputy Chairman of PRSH The lack of political experience and professionalism, as well as the efforts of individuals or political parties to steer things into their own channels, inevitably lead to changes that are premature and are brought about through practices designed to achieve their principal aims, which, if we were to distinguish them today, would be: the government—efforts to stabilize the country (often with mistakes); and the opposition—efforts to destabilize the country (as an end in itself). The mistakes of the party in power, namely PD, have caused these difficulties to increase artificially, thus providing a favorable ground for the social-communists to destabilize the country with irresponsible calls, inciting the creation of social conflict (a method of operation already familiar to them and one they have thoroughly mastered), through “ZP” or rallies and statements made there by PS leaders. In a democratic society (Continued on page 2)

On the occasion of the opening of the files I have hidden a shame connected to the name of one of my family members. This shame is choking us and nearly suffocating us all. Lately, meeting other people has become unbearable for me, because whenever I introduce myself as “Peshkëpia,” the person I have just met greets me with a look in which no words are needed to read their distance, embarrassment and feelings. Friends, comrades and acquaintances ask me to explain the strange and unworthy conduct of my nephew, the member of parliament, with questions marked by signs of sorrow?! In January 1990, on the day word spread about the 6:00 p.m. demonstration in Tirana, at Skënderbej Square, many people were arrested. Many of them were held for 15 days or a month and then released because their situation was known. That night Ridvani was also arrested. He was held for three hours, enough time to draw up two or three statements. In them he denounced my friend Nezir Stermansi, who was arrested two hours later. I knew nothing about this. The next day Ridvani’s mother and sister came to my house. They told me what had happened and asked me what would happen, because Ridvani had signed a statement about Nezir Stermansi. I slapped my forehead with both hands: “No!” Ridvani’s father, who took to his bed out of shame, and I suffered through this drama in our souls. Frightened, Ridvani did not show up for the meetings that security officer Iliaz Çeço had arranged with him in various places. Only his father went to the interrogation office, to try to manage the situation. The next morning I learned that Ridvani had gone to Enver’s house. Later I found out that he had met with Nezir Stermansi. He asked me: “What should I do?” I replied: “You should just go and start climbing the first steps of the convention. as a moralist, you are thoroughly spent.” GEZIM PESHKEPIA Abridged from “RD” The follies of the “Alliance” began with its very first issue. They began under a cloak of hypocrisy and speculation, playing games with articles, but also with something “very small”, “invisible”: the name of the respected writer Dhimitër Xhuvani had been included on the newspaper’s staff. Why, one wonders? Anyone can see why. The public was astonished. But Dhimitër Xhuvani himself was even more astonished; he protested, and the editorial office promised him that it would retract the forcible inclusion of his name. Will it ever do so...? The editorial office of the newspaper “Republika” offers Mr. Ridvan Peshkëpia, free of charge, the opportunity to publish documents, testimonies, or statements proving that he was not a spy for the STATE SECURITY SERVICE.

To the President of the Republic of Kosovo Dr. Ibrahim Rugova Dear Mr. President, The tragedy that occurred at the airport in Skopje, where 80 people lost their lives, most of them Albanians from Kosovo, is a profound grief for all of us. On behalf of PRSH, we extend our fraternal condolences to you and, through you, to the families of the victims. The grief we feel at this moment is a grief foretold, the consequence of the “quiet” ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. It adds to the grief experienced by the Albanian nation at the end of this century. We are convinced that the causes of this tragedy will be uncovered. The truth will come to light, no matter how deeply it is concealed. For the Steering Committee of the Republican Party Chairman Sabri Godo

Leontiev Çuçi on the election campaign trail with the most underprivileged

When the five BD journalists resigned, I was surprised to see that Mëhill Tanushka was among them. What work does this wretch do now, I wondered. A shadow of a man, a silent man, whose connection with newspapers is still unknown even today, resigns. I suspect the Tanushkas have just one merit. They know how to keep silent about the only thing they have: their NAME. And what else can Mëhill Tanushi sell? The trouble is that the wretched Tanushka did not know when the “moderate leaders” were supposed to display their vulgarity, shamelessness, selfishness... And all of this in the name of the “moderates”—without the Tanushkas, the “moderates” would be hooligans. Ylli Rakipi

(March 10–17) Aleksandër Meksi Aries (March 21–April 20) You will have a few happy moments this week. Those born under the sign of Aries are calm in adulthood, but their logical demands make them harsh and encourage a return to childhood vices, brutality, and the use of force. Rexhep Uka Taurus (April 21–May 21) A suitable week for reflection. You should not always insist on having your own way. Be careful! Your position against the Earth is favorable to the latter, but only if you think of its rightful owners. Skënder Gjinushi Gemini (March 22–June 21) Although your work will not go badly, your spirits will not match the results of your efforts. This is the week when your listeners understand you best. Do not hesitate to seize the moment. Fatos Nano Cancer (June 22–July 22) The position of the Moon and the movement of the stars do not favor conversations and meetings (deliberately) in enclosed spaces. Career temptations brought to you by the gorges’ horns are dangerous. You should not look upward, or you will fall straight down. You are emotionally prosperous. Seize the opportunity. The stars predict a journey to the surrounding hills, but in any case, do not take it this week. Sali Berisha Leo (July 23–August 20) A great deal of work lies ahead, and it must be finished. You will have close and warm relations with your partners. No imminent journey is predicted; nevertheless, this week the stars make it easier to reach decisions. Be careful: do not forget the word weekend. Eduard Selami Virgo (August 23–September 20) Despite a few minor misunderstandings, things will go well for you. It is time to get back in touch with old friends. Your health will be good. Do not put yourself in the way of surprises. Sabri Godo Libra (September 23–October 22) A quiet but worrying week. Work will go well. An unfinished task has every chance of being completed. The weekend has a surprise in store for you. Your health will be satisfactory. Neritan Ceka Scorpio (October 23–November 21) This is not a suitable time for your career. You may make an insignificant decision on Tuesday. Nothing extraordinary will happen. You may leave politics, but you can return again. Namik Dokle Sagittarius (November 22–December 20) Being occupied with party business will leave you no time to try your luck. Be careful; do not undertake anything extraordinary. This is a week when you can make decisions for yourself too, and not only for the underprivileged classes. If something unexpected happens (the boss resigns), do not rush. Others have rushed before you. Bashkim Kopliku Capricorn (December 21–January 20) A turbulent week, but on the personal front. For those born under this sign, the proverb “Nothing bad, everything worse” applies. You will know how to defeat your opponents. The stars of the scorpion signal both defense and attack. Use them alternately. Excellent health. Pjetër Arbnori Aquarius (January 21–February 23) The alignment of the stars shows that there will be no motion or interpellation this week. Continue to show understanding and tolerance, and be patient. For those born under this sign, the saying “Patience is rewarded” is especially apt. Good health. Thursday has a surprise in store for you. Valer Xheka Pisces (February 20–March 20) Do not act hastily, as this could harm you. Use methods. You can resolve your concerns by raising your voice and your hand. You have work ahead, but you cannot finish it in one day. This will make you dissatisfied with yourself. Monday is your day. Lutfi Dervishi

Unlike other times, the madwoman N. spent the first two days of this week in an almost solemn silence. Wherever she went, she looked at everything with contempt and an indifference mixed with the bewilderment that characterizes Albanian politics today. Early in the morning she was seen climbing the steps of the Palace of Culture and stopping at the spot used as a podium. For 15 minutes straight, she announced that at 10:00 she would read a protest and a declaration. The words “protest” and “declaration” were accompanied by a very brief and very important kind of... something. At precisely 10 o’clock she froze at the promised spot. At first she poured out a torrent of meaningless words, then suddenly became clear: “They are written, very written, but I will say them myself. Protest. To the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, Parliament, the international institutions of... Protest. What is this mild winter?! Never has winter gone by without winter; this is unconstitutional... a violation of fundamental rights... the destruction of the seasons... this is not democracy. How are the conditions depoliticized? Who politicized winter? The power-holding ‘karrister’ forces destroyed Albania and the seasons.” After pausing, with an even harsher emphasis, she continued: “Declaration. Elections in Albania will be held once a week. Do you understand, once a week... otherwise there is no democracy. What kind of vile world holds elections only once every 4–5 years?! Let Albania be the first to try it. Elections every week. For this, Europe and America will hold us in the palm of their hands. Our only duty is to vote. After that there will be no need for parties either. Everyone will get their turn to be elected. The first four presidents for the first months will be blond, the fifth will be dark and will be elected by the Roma. It should be good if Gramoz Ruçi and Anastas Angjeli are elected. Otherwise the elections are invalid. Prime Minister once every two weeks, Fatos Nano... Politicized winter... Fatos Nano once a week, Ajdin Sejdia, Levante Çela... Rrotte... elections... Prison... winter... prison for the living... a mouse in parliament... Here the madwoman N. lost her thread, got up, and began rushing along Stalin Boulevard... The Chronicler