There are two apartment buildings facing one another. The first, built half a century ago, is superior in every respect to its counterpart, built 5 years ago. The 50-year-old building has the advantage in all those investments. Most of it is made of marble, and the interior fittings shine, right down to the bathtubs (a comfort for Albanians). Besides this, it was also built by master craftsmen. The second building, that is, the new one, even though it involved voluntary contributions, was built at a time when the authorities were even planning to herd people together. Built “any old how,” just to put a roof over people’s heads, the new building looks like a run-of-the-mill 500-year-old structure. Because the work is still unfinished, the residents of the fifth floor often find themselves battling the rain. These days, both buildings are being privatized. State employees, papers in hand, are making the final calculations. According to these calculations, the value of the 50-year-old building turns out to be laughable. One of its apartments costs no more than 5 thousand new lekë. The exact opposite is true of the “new” building. The value of one apartment is five times that of the so-called old building. Bringing the apartments in the new building up to the condition of those in the old building would require investment. Nevertheless, they cost five times as much as the other apartments. This is an anomaly caused by the law. This law sets the age of a dwelling as the most important criterion for valuing it. Under this provision, all apartment buildings built with voluntary contributions end up being more expensive, while comfortable apartment buildings are cheaper. We do not want to discuss who lives in the comfortable buildings and who lives in those built with voluntary contributions. We only want to say that the law seems absurd on this point. Because of the age criterion, Tirana’s best homes are being sold to people for the price at which a New Year’s rooster is being bought. The newer ones, the ones that need investment to be turned into homes, are being sold at much higher prices. The criterion of valuing dwellings according to their age is unacceptable, all the more so for our country. It is a well-known fact that buildings designed and built by foreigners remain far higher in quality than apartment buildings constructed through voluntary contributions. The privatization of dwellings is now nearing completion and, in this respect, this measure seems very overdue. Nevertheless, it has value. Parliament is engaged in the work of making laws. The better these laws are drafted, the more soundly they are based, the better they can be interpreted and implemented. And this will be achieved only when Albanian parliamentarians devote less attention to interpellations, motions, and brawling over positions and ranks.

In the city of Dragash in Kosovo, on the border with Albania, new military troops are arriving, including engineering units together with technical equipment, which have begun work on repairing the facilities and the area where the army is stationed. Some time ago the Serbian army moved into the dormitories of Dragash’s secondary schools, from which Albanian students and teachers were expelled. The new military reinforcements were deployed alongside regular units in Serbian force outposts along the border with Albania. ATSH

Washington, December 22 (AFP) — A political solution in Serbia can be achieved only with Slobodan Milosheviç, which will itself lead to finding a solution to the conflict in the former Yugoslavia, concludes a CIA report cited today by the New York Times. Analysts from the main American intelligence service, for their part, believe that the international embargo currently in force against Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) will soon be eased, and that it is “difficult, indeed impossible” for sanctions to reverse Bosnia’s ethnic partition. According to the daily, the report, completed in early December, predicts that Kosovo, a Serbian province whose population is predominantly Albanian, could become part of Albania. “I think that as a consequence of the war, we are moving toward a Greater Serbia, a Greater Croatia and a Greater Albania,” CIA analyst Deivid Kanin said during a public meeting last week. A CIA spokesperson said these statements did not represent United States policy, but the report cited by the newspaper reinforces this view.

At a time when most newspapers around the world are comparing Vladimir Zhirinovski, leader of Russia’s Liberal Democratic Party, with Adolf Hitler, the question arises as to how well this comparison stands up to reality. In one of its recent issues, the British newspaper THE TIMES asks: “Would Hitler have been pleased that his politics, including nationalism, antisemitism and aggression, were once again the subject of serious public discussion today?” Or would they portray Zhirinovski as inadequate in comparison with him, and be irritated by the comparison? In any case, it should be stressed that Hitler was monstrous, but he did not see himself that way. At present, the party led by Zhirinovski is set to become the second-largest parliamentary force in Russia, with 66 seats in Parliament. Perhaps this result somewhat dampened the euphoria of the first days, when commentators were predicting an absolute victory for Zhirinovski in the elections. In an interview with the well-known New York Times, the ultranationalist leader Zhirinovski openly criticized the West, saying: “Westerners have obtained our resources at bargain prices, have taken over our markets, and pay us starvation wages. The West is taking everything from us: the country’s material resources and the intelligence of our people,” Zhirinovski stressed. “We must ask ourselves with whom we should have good relations and what the West does for us. Russia should have good relations, but only on a geographical basis with its southern neighbors: Afghanistan, Turkey and the countries of the Middle East, especially Lebanon and Iraq.” Further on, Zhirinovski praises Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, stressing that he likes his personality and that Kuwait is to Iraq what Crimea is to Russia; that is, these two places should be returned to those they belong to. Zhirinovski points out: “We should not worry about what France or Britain think of us. Let them attend to their own affairs and leave Russia alone.” In an interview with a German radio station, Zhirinovski declared that “Germany should not stick its nose into Russia’s affairs”; otherwise, it would do things it should not, Germany’s passport. On the other hand, it is striking that these statements by Zhirinovski are in complete contradiction with what he said the previous day in the British newspaper Daily Star, where he called on the West not to be afraid. of the Middle East, especially Lebanon and Iraq.” The American position regarding the situation in Russia is clear. The election of the new Russian parliament is a “classic protest vote, and does not constitute a victory for fascism,” declared Strobe

A scientific symposium, “The Albanian Question and the London Conference of Ambassadors, 1912–1913,” was organized at the International Centre of Culture by the Faculty of History and Philology and the League of Albanian Historians. The program addressed the following topics: “Opinions on the activities and Albanian delegations at the London Conference of Ambassadors, 1912–1913,” by Valentina Duka; “The Image of Albania as Seen and Assessed by Foreigners,” by Dr. Muin Çami. “Reactions of the Albanian Press to the Partition of Albania,” by Dr. Fatmira Rama. “The Albanian Question Between Water and Iron,” by Aurel Plasari. “The Question of Defending Albania’s Territorial Integrity in the Correspondence of the Time,” by Ne vila Nika “The Views of the Serbian Government on Albania’s Independence,” by Dr. Thoma Murzaku. “The Partition of the Eastern Albanian Lands,” by Professor Masar Kodra. There were also discussions on the papers at the symposium.

Almost two years have passed since Sali Berisha became the first President elected by the people, and Albania, the poorest country in Europe, can finally hope. Almost two years have passed since Sali Berisha became the first President elected by the people. And Albania, the poorest country in Europe, can finally hope. The signs and things seem gloomier than ever, the national economy has been paralyzed by the renewal of many in dollars and many in 10 billion… [?] Later, also the diggings [?] in Britain: the fear of a new tightening by the, consequently, for Albania. … as a strong possibility. It is hardly surprising that the chief ambition of young Albanians and those seeking work is to emigrate, and most do not know where to go. For these people, as well as for their own parents, Albania has very little to offer, apart from the grim prospects of 45 years of Stalinization and the possibility of sinking into chaos. Nevertheless, there are signs that the evil is coming to an end. First, there are things to buy in the market, although prices are high. Another sign is that Albanian businessmen, who have trucks, are regular travelers to Greece and Macedonia, and return loaded with bases [?] … Justin KEAY … refrigerators, which they sell in one of the markets of Tirana, Durrës or Shkodër, making profits for themselves as well. The privatization of land and the government’s policy of encouraging farmers [?] to sell their produce in the city have made the city markets fuller than ever before. Many Albanians, dispossessed of their property, have returned to trade and to setting up new businesses—usually import-export. Some have become investors. Albanian money has been invested in Albanian airlines [?], which fly regularly to Vienna, Zurich, Rome, etc. Foreign companies have begun to seize Albania’s potential, although somewhat slowly: DHL, HERTZ and American Express have set up offices in the capital. The Benetton company has opened a new shop on one of Tirana’s main streets, and one of its advertisements hangs where the words Enver Hoxha addressed to his compatriots used to be written in large letters: “We will never betray Marxism-Leninism.” Berisha’s government is doing what it can to attract Western interest in the development of the economy. Its aim is to generate investment in sectors with high potential for earning foreign currency: energy (Albania was an exporter until 1990), tourism and mineral extraction (until the start of the economic crisis, the country was the world’s second-largest exporter of chrome). Albania has abandoned its policy of restrictions on Western involvement in oil production and exploration, both offshore and on land. Companies are seeking investors for exploration blocks along the Adriatic coast. In particular, there are still reasons for concern. The ruling Democratic coalition has begun attacks on the Socialist opposition, and the former communists are believed still to have significant economic opportunities. They (the opposition) are also thought to have appointed their supporters to key posts in the country’s regions. They are suspected of orchestrating a corruption scandal involving their leader, Fatos Nano. According to the deputy chairman of the Socialist Party, Servet Pellumbi, the scandal, together with the government’s current legislative restoration, are indications of a climate of intolerance. “This is just revenge,” he says. “Elements within the government are trying to consolidate power for themselves and establish a paralyzed political structure.” Nevertheless, it is not too late to hope that he is wrong. From the newspaper “New Statesman” Translated by: ELMIRA BANAJ

Documents uncovered in recent days show that the time of the German army’s departure from Shkodra had been known nearly 3 weeks in advance. In the archive of the Shkodra History Museum, in the “Mixed Collection,” there is a copy of a document from the Shkodra garrison’s intelligence service, dated October 8, 1944. Point 5 states: “From information provided to us by a reliable source, we have learned that the German army will leave Shkodra permanently within 20 days.” It is clear that the garrison of the (Communist) Party in Shkodra knew that German troops would leave Shkodra by November 28, 1944. Also, from the same source of information, a copy of a document dated November 4, 1944, provides details about the stationing of German troops and their numbers in the city of Shk[r]es [?]. “According to the information we have,” the document states, “the regular German army troops in our district are currently stationed on the outskirts to the north of the city. There is a standing force here, spread among houses, whose number may reach 400 men. Also, beyond the English Clock, where the Muslim cemetery used to be, a number of soldiers are installed in barracks, 30 men to each.” ATSH

Milosheviçi once again Serbia’s supreme ruler Gavrosh Levonja Page 4 The Arbëresh speak Sherif Delvina Page 3 The intelligentsia and democratic developments Dr. Haxhi Sauku Page 2 We demand to return to the lands our fathers left us Page 2

German Embassy informs: A German ship carrying aid for Albania On December 17, a German ship carrying aid for Albania entered the Port of Durrës. Its cargo consisted of 70,000 kg of aid goods in 11 containers, mainly spare parts for trucks, medical equipment and instruments, bama, 3 ambulances. The goods were handed over to the relevant ministries. In the coming days, the Ministry of Defense will receive 8 packages of office supplies, which will be given to the Disarmament Directorate.

Moscow, December 21, Reuters / The leader of Russian nationalism, Zhirinovski, said on Tuesday that he hopes to meet the American president, Clinton, in Moscow next month. “I am waiting for this meeting and I am ready,” Zhirinovski told Reuters. American President Clinton is expected to visit Moscow in mid-January.

The Embassy of the Republic of Hungary in Tirana expresses its thanks to all officials and private individuals, organizations, parties, mass-media bodies, foreign missions and all friends of Hungary who, in person, by telegram, letter or through the Albanian press, expressed their condolences during the days of the painful loss of the former Prime Minister of the Republic of Hungary, Mr. Jozsef Antall. EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY

The crazy N, abandoned by the right-wing politicians, said that the conditions are regarding the issues during the victories she has won entirely in the interests of the people, parties without their leaders: she said it with an unprecedented eloquence. Namik Hoti is a genuine intellectual. He defied the whole UN, defied all the world’s embargoes and showed Albanian politicians that PAD is a farsighted party, like Enver’s. If we, as an ecological party, are not jealous that Neritani got to Belgrade before us. And do you know why? Because they were received at much higher levels than we were. This happened because they had included some of Mr. Imam’s interpretations as well as Mr. Ceka’s efforts concerning the question of the location of the Illyrians. Mr. Hoti’s vegetarian views are very well suited to the state of the Serbian market. In Belgrade, they discussed a possible declaration between the two parties, the ecological party and PAD. Both parties were entertained with food looted from the Sarajevo market, where there was not only pork. Then toasts were raised to humanism. As part of the competition over who can get closer to Belgrade for New Year’s Eve, the celebration will be held together in a historic church, where passages from the scholarly works of the participating party leaders will be recited until the parties that make political life in Albania burst with rage. May Enver and Miladin, who interrupted their mission for fear of being exposed, be a curse upon us. We don’t care. And who is going to expose us? It is 1944. Long live Marshal Tito! Long live Comrade Tito and Comrade Namik Hoti! Long live Comrade Namik Hoti, who does not respect him because of his age. But Dushani will settle this matter, because he knows how the protocol will continue into the 21st century. Milosheviçi goes for Namik’s hat, but the owner of the hat has another idea. He knows whose head he will put the hat on. THE CHRONICLER