The Socialist Party returned to Parliament. One month after leaving it with the explanation that “it would not only not participate in the next session, but would also boycott local government.” The PS deputies returned, citing a “new tactic.” As we know, by organizing its invented rallies, the PS leadership took none of the other actions it had announced itself. The Socialist deputies stated the real reason for leaving Parliament and, above all, tried to formulate this “reason” immediately after returning. As is known, the threat to boycott local government as well was made after the arrest of Fatos Nano. The boycott of Parliament and the threat to boycott local government have absolutely nothing to do with the release of Fatos Nano. The Socialists are convinced that neither this boycott nor these ridiculous threats can secure Fatos Nano’s release. They can only destabilize things and create events to suit themselves. But the arrest of Fatos Nano, accused, among other things, of falsification, was used to the fullest—and it was used. Leaving Parliament, an apparently certain boycott, threats to withdraw from local government, petitions, protests, and the use and amplification of Nano’s arrest internationally. A Greek deputy (MEP) comes forward to defend Nano, accusing the present state of “carrying out anti-democratic actions,” as well as raising concerns about the rights of the Greek minority in Albania [?]; a meeting with representatives of Denmark’s Social Democratic Party and a few other attempts in the foreign press. But that is all. Nothing else can be done. The current PS leaders understood that any further action would compromise everything. And they returned to Parliament, demonstrating above all that their reason was not to build dialogue. They openly demonstrated a psychology of unity, as in Enver’s time. The Socialists left Parliament united, and returned to it united. In both cases, the dominance of the extremists, who have entrenched themselves in the party’s structure and in the party itself, is perfectly clear. It is said that, conversely, Doki appeared not quite so extremist, but in reality the head of the PS parliamentary group is not showing his own depth; he is merely playing the extremist. The space occupied by figures such as Dobla or Islami (the latter, in a way, also an award-winner) in today’s PS leadership is greater than the space given to those seeking dialogue and a dignified parliamentary struggle in politics. It is time for the PS leadership to carry out serious reforms. Dokia’s words, and his harshness on this arrogant issue, do not bode well for such necessary changes. The return to Parliament is an opportunity for Parliament itself, now finally complete; it is another chance to build dialogue. The majority’s greater room for dialogue, the presence of the Social Democrats, and that of some other independent deputies, must genuinely be used to sustain dialogue. Within the PS, of course, there are new forces and a need for dialogue; they must understand this, and should undoubtedly try to put an end to the rule of the left-wing extremists. The lack of trust felt by a not insignificant part of the current PS leadership is perfectly clear. Just the first two days of Parliament’s “new call” showed that this compromised section of the PS is seeking to test not only Parliament but also the other parties, which have wanted seriousness, tolerance, and a desire to build something different. Dialogue and provocation by the PSDSH do not exactly damage this political force’s reputation. The new wind that must blow through Parliament should also be felt in other areas of politics, right down to the pages of the newspapers.

“We will start with the best-known coaches, and then all the spies and former collaborators of the STASI will be driven out of German sport. The German Sports Federation has therefore decided to remove from its ranks anyone identified as having links to the secret services, such as the domestic security service.” “It is unbelievable,” said the Federation’s president, “how closely sport in East Germany was linked to the regime.” The Federation’s decision is, as commentators point out, unequivocal.

Accusing present-day Albania of violating the rights of the Greek minority, the Greek side proposed and urged all the other European parties to vote against accepting the Democratic Party of Albania as a member of the EDU. According to the newspaper “Koha Jonë,” the Democratic Party was not admitted to the European Democratic Union following the Greeks’ proposal. Asked by our editor to comment on this news, an official of the Democratic Party said: “It seems the Democratic Party will never be accepted into the EDU.”

This will be the first case in Albania. I want to teach a lesson to deputies and politicians, as well as Albanian journalists. These were the only statements made by P. Z., who said in our presence that he would soon publicly tell the newspaper his story. “PZ,” 37, employed as an enterprise guard, married, with two children and receiving assistance, has decided to speak. The fact that I was a spy does not tarnish the image of politicians and other public figures, he told our newspaper, but I believe my gesture will have some effect, so that people in politics and society alike—deputies and journalists—will tell the truth.

This money is to be handed over and sent to Mr. Pirro Dauti, former lawyer at Municipal Housing Enterprise No. 62. In June of this year, he retired on 60 percent [of his salary]. Since June of this year he has started working again as a lawyer at the same enterprise, drawing up housing sale contracts. The contracts are identical and do not require an intermediary. It is still unclear whether this practice occurs only in Tirana or in other districts as well. THE EDITOR

During August, 5 boats and 4 engines were caught crossing Lake Shkodër, and 300 litres of diesel and 670 litres of smuggled petrol were seized. This was achieved through cooperation between the Financial Police of this district and the border posts, and in implementation of the embargo on Serbia and Montenegro. During August, this police force issued 258 fines worth 100,030 lekë, seized proceeds in 10 cases amounting to 6,265,000 lekë, and seized goods belonging to private parties in 14 cases, with a total value of 1,254,000 lekë. To prevent any speculation or unlawful activity, the Financial Police has warned private and state entities to conduct their activities in accordance with the laws and regulations in force. ATSH

On September 12, elections for the Chairperson of the Commune will be held in Zerqan, in the Bulqizë district. According to the agreement reached between the Bulqizë branches of the PD and PR, there will be one candidate for both parties. Mr. Bardhyl Brahaj, a veterinarian by profession, is currently a Republican councillor in the Commune of Zerqan.

Who will receive them? Who will take them? And other questions “The information is correct,” said the Minister of Information. “I have just given instructions for a television crew with dozens of cameras to be dispatched urgently to film and publicize this generous aid. There are 140 toilets, gentlemen, and above all, they are all French-style.” “I don’t understand,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, “why I have been summoned here. What does foreign policy or diplomacy have to do with 140 toilets, even if they are French-style?” “It does,” said the Deputy Prime Minister, “of course it does. It has to do with their type. It is an argument for the state’s orientation towards the West. We would not accept them if they were Turkish-style. That would give the opposition ammunition to accuse us of fundamentalism. What is really important is this: are they on credit or donated?” asked the Governor of the Bank. “I haven’t signed any document.” “I can’t say anything about loans,” said the Minister for Relations with the World, “but the toilets are not aid from Greece or the Community.” “There’s a more important point,” said the Minister of Industry. “Who is going to go out and receive the French-style toilets?” “Before we discuss that,” said the Minister of Control, “I want to stress that there has been no kind of abuse concerning the toilets. A full 140 have arrived, all French-style. I have the escort ready to accompany the toilets,” said the Minister of Public Order. “Everything has been arranged.” The Prime Minister is increasingly nervous: “What have I got myself into!” “We haven’t decided who should go to the airport to receive them,” said the Minister of Culture. “It’s not my responsibility,” said the Minister of Economy. “Indeed, the 140 toilets are an investment, but you understand that they have nothing to do with my department.” “Then, as Minister of Transport, I don’t mind, but you understand that the Ministry of Transport has no connection with them. If we decide that THEY are to be installed in the capital,” said the Minister of Construction, sensing that his ministry was closer to this investment, “I propose that the mayor go out to receive them. And the municipality itself can take one of those 140.” “As for that,” said the Deputy Prime Minister, “there is no reason for the municipality to take one, since no department has been equipped with any of THEM.” “I have a great deal of experience,” the Minister of Industry interjected again, “but in all the governments I have seen, I have never seen a minister responsible for THEM.” “Before we need them,” said the Minister of Social Protection and Emigration, “we have urgent needs.” “It falls to the Ministry of Tourism to distribute them. Let the tourists use the French-style toilets.” “I say,” said the Minister for the Persecuted, “that the question of who should take them is another matter. We too must be consulted about that.” “The Ministry of Health has nothing to do with them,” said the Minister of Health. “I think,” said the Minister of Education, “that THEY should be given to the deputies. They work hard for the nation despite all the difficulties.” “Absolutely not,” said the Minister of Agriculture, concerned. “The Social Communists have already seen plenty of French-style toilets.” I think that, besides another minister going out—besides me, the Minister of Information—one of the Deputy Prime Ministers should also give an interview. One of the government officials proposed: “Let’s postpone this discussion until tomorrow.” And so it was done. One by one, the deputy prime ministers left. At the main door, the responsible doorman called out: “Hey, you! Hey, you, gentlemen ministers!” As they were leaving, one of the deputy prime ministers said to him: “How did this doorman find out that THEY are French-style, so that he’s greeting us in French?!” “How should I know? How would you know?!” P. SKENDERI

The new ceasefire delayed their return; meanwhile, Geneva saw another day of the much-discussed talks. President Asja Zhebegovici requested an aircraft in his city to see the “chief technician in a new situation of delay, unimaginable in the other camps, I...” GJERGJ KOLA The announced testimony in Geneva became part of the discussions and of some possible compromise. On the other hand, we may doubt whether the Bosnian Muslims would reject the peace agreement (Europe bears its share of responsibility) and make diplomatic mistakes, given the considerable experience of diplomat Rembungesë Owen and, at the same time, the American negotiator and old friend of the Serb Karazhiç: “We (that is, the Serbs) are very serious about peace.” The Russian chief of diplomacy, present in Geneva, as we said, did not wish to comment at all on any position of the parties regarding peace, especially not on the Serbian side. “I like the Serbs to meet the Russian envoy, the lamb-like one.” Viti Çurkin, who was there shortly before the peace talks “with the Serbs Karazhiç,” issued a warning while offering additional aid to Bosnia. Russia, it should be noted, was the first great power to arrive, shortly before the three parties sat down at the negotiating table. “Their demands and the suffering of Bosnia (and Russia promised this without conditions).” It is a small effort—call it, if you like, a spontaneous one—by Kozirev, heralding other acts of generosity at a time that is not especially favorable for Russia itself. The image of the Croats as wholly ready to be in Geneva “without wasting time” cannot be undone by Tugjman’s contradictory statement, in which he warned that the Russians would reach the sea for the Bosnian Muslims. All these (warnings), as well as the vice-president’s determination to obtain more land, “created” the likelihood that Izetbegoviç himself would warn: “I feel like a man who has been and is being sent into exile to ...” These “preliminary talks” between Owen and Owen, representing Bosnia (the Community), could split Bosnia in two if the Bosnian Muslims reject the compromise peace agreement. On the other hand, these warnings (or threats by the Muslims themselves of further packages) could lead to diplomatic mistakes, given the extensive experience of diplomat Rembungesë Owen and, at the same time, the American negotiator and old friend of the Serb Karazhiç: “We (that is, the Serbs) are very serious about peace.” The Russian chief of diplomacy, present in Geneva, as we said, does not wish to comment on any position of the parties regarding peace, especially not on the Serbian side. Bosnia and Serbia ... Bosnia and Herzegovina, Parliament, the Geneva Conference and the conferences...

Essay by Mehmet Elezi These days, the public-affairs book “The Third Chance” by Mehmet Elezi can be found in Tirana’s bookshops. It was recently published in New York. The book is an essay reflecting on the author’s part on democratic processes in Albania and the Albanian national question. The first part, “The Intellectual and (Mono)bureaucracy,” written in dozens of memoir-like pieces amid the events before and after the establishment of political pluralism, also provides interesting information about the mechanisms of the dictatorship and, especially, the struggle between progressive elements and the hard-line conservative bloc in the communist leadership of the former state party. Alongside current developments, in the second part, “The Nation at Europe’s Doors,” the author also revisits certain historical events, such as the League of Prizren and the Conference of Bujan, offering some original interpretations.

On September 20–21, at 10:00, a meeting of the National Council of the PRSH will be held in the hall of the National Historical Museum in Tirana. In addition to the members of this council, all secretaries and chairpersons of the branch steering councils will attend. The meeting will discuss organizational issues, on the basis of the material we have sent you.

On the front page of the newspaper “Aleanca,” dated September 3, there was a photograph of former US president Jimmy Carter, above which was a headline in large letters: “JIMMY CARTER, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE USA, BEGAN THE FIRST MORNING OF HIS LIFE IN ALBANIA BY LEAFING THROUGH THE NEWSPAPER ‘ALEANCA’.” This shows that the former American president, after many years, has spoken—or at least read—Albanian, since until now we have not seen a single page of the newspaper “Aleanca” in English.

On Friday morning, the madwoman N. from Tirana stopped in front of Hotel “Dajti,” shouting: “All foreigners from imperialist countries must get out. Down with America! Down with imperialism! Napoleon Boshi and I will take you to the ashes of ‘The Night and the Imperialist Robbers.’ After that we will republish Thimi Çollaku’s book ‘Dollar Democracy.’ The authors will go on working visits to Albania. She will meet the couple Jashar Menzekliu and Haxhir Xhani. The day after tomorrow, Solo Lazri’s unionist, Dervish Dumi, is leaving to throw a bomb in Brussels. The explosion from this bomb could also help Comrade Fejes Malile Karits, who has offered assistance for Tirana prison, where Comrade Pal Miska is being held. Gracia, who became pregnant in Tirana prison, is accusing part of the Political Bureau. Manush Myftiu, Fatos Nano and Filo Peristeri are excluded from this possibility.” At midday, the madwoman N. climbed the steps of the PS headquarters and, waving a blank sheet of paper in the air, said: “Maniak Doke and I declare that Stalin made several m...istakes.” In the late hours of the night, PS militants are repairing the toilets of the party’s new deputy chairman, Ilir Meta. They say Ilir Zhma will hold the ATSH headquarters’ handle with a hammer and a bath. Part of the production will be taken by the workers at an agreed price, while the remainder will be taken as production stock for the whole country, with foreign aggressors being sent away. The chronicler