In several former communist countries, following elections or the creation of new alliances between political forces with the participation of former communists, the latter have returned to power. The results of the latest elections in Poland are an example of this fact, which is also a warning bell for our democratic government as well as for all the political forces that contributed to the overthrow of communism and, moreover, support the government. When there is talk of a danger, in order to avert it, one must know the causes that condition its presence, the circumstances and the reality. Setting aside certain distinguishing features of political and economic developments in Albania, which differ from those in some former communist countries (where, as a consequence of the translation of the calls for communism’s return to power, they have a not particularly defining role), the characteristic common to all the countries of Eastern Europe is the economic difficulty created during the implementation of reform and seen everywhere, regardless of how the reforms are implemented, whether by applying so-called “shock therapy” or a gradual transition. Even allowing for only almost negligible differences, the overall economic picture in these countries during this period is bleak. Inflation, significant price rises, unemployment and a decline in total production characterize the economic situation in these countries. These, being direct consequences, affect a considerable part of the population and create dissatisfaction, which prompts people to abstain in elections or to be enticed by the promises of the social policy of the former communists and left-wing political forces in general. They give them their votes. The socialists, including those who abstained, while criticizing the negative phenomena arising during the transition process, advocate moving to a market economy through gradual changes, with fewer consequences, less pain, etc., but they do not publish concrete measures. While criticizing rising unemployment, they do not say whether they will close unprofitable enterprises or keep them going; while opposing price increases, they do not say how they will be curbed—which is a pillar of the market economy—or whether they support raising them, etc. The general economic situation is further aggravated by certain other subjective phenomena accompanying this period, such as corruption, unscrupulous political conflict, overt interference and destructive actions, as the opposition politicizes the difficulties of the moment and the negative consequences of the reform, which affect some sections of the population. Regarding our country, one must also add the fact that it is situated in the destabilized region of the problematic Balkans, troubled by the outbreak in former Yugoslavia, first and foremost in Kosovo. The problems now created and brought about by Greek claims supposedly concerning certain sections of the population. For is situated in the destabilized, troubled Balkan region, amid the worrying developments in former Yugoslavia, first and foremost those concerning Kosovo; problems recently created by Greek claims concerning ethnic matters and the rights of the Greek minority; difficulties encountered in the process of restoring property as a consequence of the cataclysmic upheavals and the pressure of violence during communist rule; and the unresolved issues of recent times created during the period of harsh instability. Looking also at what is happening in other former communist countries, it seems as if a restoration of the communist system will be repeated here too, naturally not as it was over the 50 years. This is primarily because such a regime has become wholly unacceptable. Secondly, even in the possibilities of socialism today something has changed; nevertheless, the return to power of forces from its governing period brings stability. ... in changes and the few crises? Are the socialists truly communist or socialist forces in power? Are the socialists the only force ... GAVROSH LEVOJNIA (Continued on page 4)

Today: Early elections in Greece Early elections are being held in Greece today. Early elections in Greece are being held today. The main contest is between the “New Democracy” Party, led by 74-year-old Micotaqis, and PASOK, directed by 75-year-old Papandreu.

The Turkish ethnic minority in Western Thrace (northwest) risks losing all political representation in today’s elections because of the electoral law. Drafted by the conservatives of New Democracy after they came to power in 1990, this law gives no local list the opportunity to secure a seat in the Greek Parliament. In fact, it restricts its access to the party represented in the same area, the country’s electoral district, and which has won 3 percent of the votes.

The request by the accused Fatos Nano (former prime minister of the previous government), who is in Albania and currently chairman of the PS, accused of abuse of office and falsification of official documents (in the third quarter of 1990), ... The request by the accused Fatos Nano (former prime minister of the previous government), who is in Albania and currently chairman of the PS, accused of abuse of office and falsification of official documents (in the third quarter of 1990), to change the detention measure was examined by the Tirana District Court. The panel hearing the case was presided over by Judge Andi Çeliku, while the charges against him were represented by prosecutor Fatmir Fagu. The accused Nano had a defense lawyer during this court hearing. He was before the dock. At the conclusion of the trial, the panel decided to reject the request of the accused Fatos Nano and to uphold the detention measure imposed on him by the Tirana District Prosecutor’s Office. Jelcin accepts sentences—his sentence of six years’ hard detention ... In the case ... prosecutor’s office ... Question: What can and should ... for ... Kosovo? Answer: ... The West, first of all, must ensure that it protects ... Kosovo ... If the West allows ... in ... will be attacked ... Answer: There is a risk of ... war ... For me, ... this is war ... This must ... for the population of ... We are not seeking a change ... but ... a solution ... ... (Continued on page 4)

Question: President Berisha, there are reports of a new wave of arrests in Kosovo. The danger of new wars, of everyone against everyone in Bosnia, has prompted various statesmen, including Austria’s Foreign Minister Alois Mok, to warn of the spread of the war from Bosnia to other parts of the Balkans, and thus to Kosovo as well. Does this also mean a danger for Albania? How do you interpret this? Answer: The situation in the Balkans presents a great danger for Albania and the Albanians, and for the entire Balkan region. The international community is helping to contain the state. Following the breakup of this state, that is, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Millosheviçi is determined to intensify the conflict in the south, with the aim of creating a Greater Serbia. He has recently increased repression in Kosovo. This action is part of his tactic. When he fails to continue in Bosnia with this devilish weapon, he intensifies repression in Kosovo in order to divert attention from there. The latest reports from Kosovo clearly show that he is determined to continue his aggressive policy. Question: Should there have been 22–25 at the Albanian-Serbian border. According to UN observers, two aircraft from the air force have flown over Kosovo. In Kosovo, at the Yugoslav border, south of Albania. Is this a danger to Albania? Answer: The West must, first of all, secure and protect the military forces of the KSB for peace in the region. In this regard, the West allows The Second Channel of Austrian Television broadcast, in its evening news bulletin on October 6, an interview that the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, gave to Austrian Radio and Television commentator Paul Lendval. Question: You also have other neighbors, Greece, with which you have disagreements. There is talk and there are claims about the signing of a pact between Athens and Belgrade. Answer: I think that we have no disadvantages, nor any reason for concern about relations between Albania and Greece. On the contrary, we have continuously endeavored to develop relations of

The President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha.

President Yeltsin declared that the leaders of the communist-fascist revolt would be harshly punished for their criminal act. All the leaders of this communist movement who inspired the revolt will answer before the law. There will never again be any mercy for the communist-fascists in Russia, Yeltsin declared in his speech to the nation. He said that in his main speech in Parliament, he called Rutskoi, the former vice president, to account for Parliament and a decree to support the communist-fascists, and described Parliament as a threat of terrorism.

Nearly half of the French do not want the Socialists to return to power after their fall into opposition. after their fall into opposition. ... of a survey ... in the March elections, conducted according to a poll. Editor

Leszek Balcerowicz The triumph of the former Communist Party in the latest parliamentary elections in Poland is ... but ... which ... have been analyzed ... radical economic reforms ... political ... Eastern Europe ... Radical reforms, changes from ... culture, also generate economic dynamism. Despite hyperinflation and shortages of ... Poland ... positive report ... in 1991, and this comes from ... The issue ... of Poland ... Europe ... Nevertheless, the change in the distribution of votes in Parliament and the new parties ... to elect ... several important factors ... Nationalist and “right-wing” parties ... reforms ... against the parties ... NGOs ... process ... electoral ... ... The left-wing party ... legislation ... measures ... ... The Central Bank is very independent and allows ... Zloty ... private ... ... Mr. Balcerowicz is the author of the economic program ... Poland ... (The Wall Street Journal, 1993) ... Dow Jones ...

“A lasting peace in the Balkans cannot be imagined without a fair and equal solution to the problem of Kosovo.”

On Friday, at 10:00, ... in the capital ... in one of the columns of the Palace of Culture, a ... discovery ... Because of ... ... “La(l)mjero” the prosecutors, investigators and judges of courts of all levels to gather tomorrow at 12:00 near the State Bank. Afterwards, the activists will have a cocktail at Cafe Europa. The complaint ... “I have called you about a very important matter. As you can see, this is the State Bank, and during my inspection I did not find any of your deposits there. This is not normal, dear people of this ...” ... “How do you know that we have income to deposit? — a voice from the crowd ... replied.” ... “I know everything,” ... replied ... ... “But is this legal? ...” THE CHRONICLER

Interview with the writer ISMAIL KADARE Interview with the writer ISMAIL KADARE