PR presents draft law on “Restoration of ownership of agricultural land.” See page 2 for the proposal submitted by PR. The editorial office also welcomes articles from its contributors and readers on this issue.

Foreign Minister Papulias visited Albania A new chapter in the old book Dr. ÇERÇIZ MINGOMATAJ Greek Foreign Minister Mr. Papulias, on his “tour” through the Balkans, finally also visited our country. If we agree with the general view that “the sweet things come at the end,” let us hope Albania left our distinguished guest with a pleasant taste. The visit made by the Greek foreign minister to several Balkan capitals was intended to serve Greek ambitions to play an active role in resolving the crisis in former Yugoslavia and the Balkans. Greece’s ambition to become more actively involved should also be taken seriously because, starting next year, it will preside over the E.C., even though many parties may disagree with this role for Greece, since it is known that the Greek position on the Yugoslav crisis differs from that of all international bodies. In fact, it is known, as was also stated at the press conference, that Greece does not agree with the responsibility attributed to Serbia for the war in former Yugoslavia, even though the highest international bodies (UN, EEC...) confirm this responsibility; above all, it does not agree with the economic embargo against Serbia and Montenegro. In short, Greece’s neutrality may be called into question by Balkan states, even though it claims to have no direct interests in this crisis. In any case, the image of Greece as Serbia’s ally does not make it easier for it to assume the desired role of mediator in the Balkans. Mr. Papulias’s talks with his host Serreqi, with President Berisha, the prime minister and “some political parties” in Albania focused more on the unresolved issues between the two countries than on serving the purpose of his Balkan “tour.” The issues of Kosovo and Macedonia are exceptions here. The Greek minister offered no spectacular argument to substantiate the label “a new chapter” in relations between the two countries. The number of unresolved issues remained the same, if not greater; some were “opened up” even further. Refugees, Çamëria, the Greek minority and schools, Kosovo, Macedonia. Hashti Nanor? The PASOK–PSSH statement (see ZP of 16.11.1993) as a “concrete strategy in relations between the two countries...” The meetings he held with representatives of parties, associations and religious communities also offer little hope that this chapter will radically turn the story of the book “Greece–Albania” toward a happy ending. There is no reason for Mr. Papulias to regret leaving Albania for “dessert,” considering that the atmosphere of the visit was marked by courtesy, and the conversation was also open and generally relaxed, despite the delicate topics. At the press conference, he seemed uncomfortable whenever the words Çamëria and Macedonia were mentioned, but what can you do? Balkan cuisine is rich in hot spices.

Is it really more than a year—only two or three months after the elections of March 22 last year—that the Socialists put forward the idea of early elections? Since then, early elections have become a subject of discussion in all Albanian parties, and from time to time debate flares up between those who insistently demand them and those who believe early elections are not necessary in Albania. Everyone has the right to express their view or opinion on an issue, an action, a particular party or person, whoever they may be. Thus, those who propose early elections do not, on the face of it, commit any “sin” against democracy; equally, those who express the view that early elections are unnecessary and would not solve the problems facing the country today have that right. First, when we speak about anything, we must also take into account the possibilities and conditions that would make it possible. Specifically, early elections are being demanded by some left-wing political parties, regardless of their names, foremost among them the Socialist Party, as the main opposition force, since the others have a roughly comparable electorate or none at all. But the authority to call early elections belongs to Parliament and the President. As we have seen so far, both Parliament, which is dominated by Democratic Party deputies, and the President have been opposed to holding early elections, describing them as unhelpful at this time. In this way, holding early elections through the legal process, under constitutional rules, is for now not expected. However, it cannot be said that the chances of early elections are zero, at least on paper. It could happen that, as a consequence of difficulties in implementing the reform, social tensions rise significantly, reaching such a critical point that, if mediation has proved ineffective, the President dissolves Parliament and decrees early elections. Thus, in this case, for early elections to take place, social and political tensions would have to rise considerably and several governments would have to change, as happened after the fall of Nano’s government and the formation of the government of stability two years ago. But a rise in tensions to such a level that it leads to Parliament’s dissolution and early elections also brings chaos with it; and perhaps, if the government is determined not to yield to demands for resignation and early elections, the atavisms of dictatorship may emerge. It is precisely in this regard that President Berisha adds his voice, saying that “demands for early elections lead to chaos, to dictatorship.” Those who support the idea of early elections present the issue as if the other side—that is, those who do not accept them—were anti-democratic opponents of elections. both Parliament, dominated by Democratic Party deputies, and the President... the government, the President to ... dissolve Parliament and decree... considerably, ... that Albania has had and still has a special regard for Germany. We wish our ties to deepen further and direct contacts to be established. We also wish Germany to have a stronger presence in Albania. Regarding the situation in the Balkans, Prime Minister Meksi noted that Germany and Albania share the same views on developments in the region. (Continued on page 4) Starting on November 15, Albanian Television broadcasts can also be watched via satellite. Every Albanian, wherever they are in the world today, can watch two hours of Albanian TV programming. And they began watching. The many phone calls and congratulations on this beginning, from ... the various places where Albanians live, are full evidence of this. This is an initiative that should not end here. The duration and quality of the program will provide the best information about what is happening in Albania. The Editor

Simon Stefani, in charge of the education hour at Tirana Prison Reliable sources report that the education hour for prisoners who are former members of the Political Bureau and former members of the Socialist Party at Tirana Prison is conducted by former Interior Minister Simon Stefani. It is reported that Comrade Simon reads eight pages from the Bible to his comrades from the Bureau every day. It should be noted that former PS Chairman Fatos Nano regularly takes part in this activity. It is not known exactly when Comrade Simon’s passion for religion and holy books began. It is only known that in 1956 he completed a six-month welding course in the former Soviet Union, with excellent results. TVSH also on satellite on this beginning, from duration and quality of the program would The Editor

On November 16, Germany’s State Secretary, Shmit Bauer, arrived in Albania on a working visit. He was welcomed at Rinas Airport by Albania’s Foreign Minister, Alfred Serreqi. At the meeting with President Berisha, the assistance that President Vaczjekar, Chancellor Kol and the German Government have provided to the Albanian people was praised. Berisha noted that this visit would contribute to increased cooperation between Albania and Germany. Mr. Smith Bauer conveyed Chancellor Kol’s greetings to President Berisha and emphasized that President Berisha’s upcoming visit to Germany would provide another opportunity to intensify bilateral relations. “We know the difficulties you are going through,” he said, adding that Germany wished to continue cooperating to help Albania move forward. Meanwhile, Albanian Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi said in a separate meeting with Germany’s State Secretary, Mr. Smith Bauer, that Germany has always been held in special regard in Albania. same views on developments in the region. “Republika” correspondent

On 16. 11. 1993, after the ballots were counted to determine the leadership of the Albanian Republican Women’s Forum, Tamara Luarasi was elected Chairwoman. On 16. 11. 1993, after the ballots were counted to determine the leadership of the Albanian Republican Women’s Forum, Tamara Luarasi was elected Chairwoman, Hyrije Broja Secretary, and the members were: Natasha Kaceli, Bukurie Lamlari, Feruze Bektëshi, Irini Manushi, Trëndelina Bilaj, Natasha Kodra, Lumturi Pilafi, Zhaneta Hoxholli, Drane Pekpolaj, Vida Hyseni, Mirela Mehilli, Arta Xhakollari, Lindita Cekrezi. “Republika” correspondent

Statement by Nafiz Bezhani, former member of the Court of Cassation Members of Parliament and other prominent people have asked me to clarify the “incident” mystery that was used in the People’s Assembly as the reason for my resignation from the Court of Cassation. I consider it necessary to explain publicly the reasons for my resignation, although this issue was also discussed in Parliament. ... I had worked for a relatively long time in the legislative branch, was well acquainted with the President and had his confidence, as I did with the other administrative bodies. With this optimism, on the day he was introduced at work, like a brother, I congratulated him on behalf of my colleagues and wished him success, assuring him that we would always be ready and willing to help renew the justice system and place it in the position it deserves in a state governed by the rule of law. When things began to go quite differently from what I had hoped, I was compelled to explain here the first two instances that brought me into open conflict with the chairman. On the first day, Mr. Zef called us into his office and assigned us several duties. Every morning at 7:00 all the judges had to report to his office; each was to report on the cases they would hear that day in the Judicial Council, and at 14:00 they had to return to report on the completion of their duties. He also assigned us the duty of standing guard, since the judges ... ... were continually assigned the case at the office and ... legal ... ... others ... [He asked] the members of the Court of Cassation specifically what cases they had in hand and how they intended to resolve them. For every case, he gave firm instructions: “This will be decided in this way!” I was among those questioned. That day we were to hear the criminal case of a police officer who had accidentally killed a citizen. In the court of first instance he had been found guilty and sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment, while the Court of Appeal had acquitted him. Mr. Zef instructed me not to overturn that decision, but I did not respond. His interventions were unlawful and I could not accept them, but I preferred to hold my tongue on the first day to avoid creating a conflict. I told them in the office, shocked: I could not imagine the chairman acting like a captain, issuing firm orders to every judge, his colleague, and interfering with their legal conscience, while brutally violating Article 8 of Constitutional Law 7561, dated 29.04.1992, which states: “In exercising their powers, judges are independent and subject only to the law on the Main Constitutional Provisions” and to the laws. Yet we, although we are at the apex of the justice system, are supposed to violate these laws and obey Mr. Zef’s irresponsible orders. That day I heard the case and concluded that the police officer had killed the citizen; therefore, together with my two colleagues, I did not rule as the chairman had instructed, but overturned the Court of Appeal’s decision and referred the case to the Prosecutor’s Office for investigation. The next day was precisely the day of the incident. I was the last one he questioned. I told him I had a civil case from the Kuçovë district. A citizen was issued an authorization for a 2+1 apartment, but the Drilling Directorate asked him to give it to them for urgent needs, assuring him that they would provide him with a similar apartment of the same size in the building they were constructing. He agreed, and an agreement was signed and approved by the Municipality as well. But meanwhile the director changed, and the new director did not recognize the agreement. The citizen submitted the matter to the Kuçovë court, which issued a decision. On appeal by one of the parties, the Court of Appeal in Vlorë upheld the claim and ordered the Drilling Enterprise to implement the agreement. This decision was challenged... ... And pushed him, in order to ... concern ... civilians, ... in the ... Court ... complained ... Polit... the mind ... cor... to clarify the mystery of the “incident” that was cited explain publicly the reasons for my resignation, although this matter was also discussed in Parlia... I hope that this clarification will help, however little, to put something important right in the Court of Cassation. My position during these two terms as a member of this Court became impossible for me, especially when the new chairman, Mr. Zef Brozi, began work. The appointment of Mr. Zef Brozi as chairman of the Court of Cassation sparked various discussions ... The Drilling Enterprise, whose director, together with the secretary of the Democratic Party, came and met the chairman in person. Although the mass media reported that the chairman of the Court of Cassation, the vice-chairmen and the members would no longer receive the litigants, and that his order, posted on the wall, was improper, he was the first to violate it—not only by receiving them, but also by assuring them that everything would be settled to their satisfaction. That is what you call judging with one scale, one eye, and half your mental capacity. Mr. Zef asked for my opinion, but I replied firmly: “Let’s judge it.” “No, no!” he replied firmly. “With all the deals going on, we’re not the ones who decide what the director gets. Overturn the Vlora Court of Appeal’s decision and uphold the one from Kuçova.” His reasoning? The rules of the Kuçova court apply; it makes the decision. On appeal, the Court of Appeal in Vlora accepts the claim and orders challenged ... This means that the judicial procedure must be respected and the evidence examined impartially and with legal conscience. In judging this case, the judge became convinced that the citizen was right and that the Court of Appeal in Vlora had analyzed the case correctly, so we had no grounds of the kind provided for in Article 9 of Law 7574 dated 24.06.1992 to overturn the decision. But I was convinced that a just decision would cost me. Before me and my colleagues stood the citizen, hoping for justice, and his two opponents, who had unjustly robbed him. (Continued on page 4)

The madwoman N appeared before the people of Tirana with a speech astonishing in style and content. Somewhat irritated, she almost screamed as she began the first line of her latest speech: “Prisoners for money-related offenses, which mistakenly ended up in private pockets instead of going to the banks or the people, will hold a symposium on raising the professional standard of embezzlement and misappropriation. At this symposium, the works of the Albanian embezzlers of Fatso Vanos will be presented and distributed. It will include management methods of the ‘Crab pulls toward itself’ type. The Greek Church will hand over its Autocephaly to the Serbian Church. A thought of great weight. I have seen many beneficiaries crying these days, but it is certain that this ‘has to do with the rains, which vote with the colored horses that are yet to come. In truth, in our country there was a scramble for food, but we, accustomed to queues, have found another queue: the queue for prison, which does not run out, despite the mass of criminals, wrongdoers and abusers who were rounded up in song within a few months. The poor people who rejoice at half the redness left by communism are not rejoicing and getting back everything they gave away, but at least now they can receive the pensions we take from the abusers. ... a thought that this category of politicians is being parachuted in to destabilize Serbia and other opposing countries. In the best-case scenario, there will be a worldwide amnesty for extremists and all the other -ists, and they will gather in Hollywood, where a series entitled ‘In step with power, we’ll bring on the apocalypse’ will be filmed. A series of Fatos Nano’s selected works will soon be published. It will include management experiences will hand over its Autocephaly to the Serbian Church. Quite a weighty thought. which vote with colored horses pensions we take from the abusers. “I don’t understand,” the madwoman N continued, “how this kind of people can fail to realize that evil also helps you at the beginning of life. In fact, many of the traitors thought the sea had turned to yogurt and tried to rise above it, over the waves. Italy has brought us to ruin with these various trades. Right-wing and left-wing extremists are a national asset, and whoever escapes will begin exporting them to other countries that have stability. It is bring on the apocalypse’ will be filmed.”