Arben POPOCI The current government in Albania is the first government in Albania’s history to have been born from the vote, a government that does not come from the barrel of a gun. All previous governments, some worse and some better, were installed by force... and were overthrown by force. How democratic this government is, is a question on which it is difficult to find two people who share the same opinion. However, it is certain that this government, and future governments, will move increasingly toward democratization. This will happen because Albanians themselves want it and because another factor—which seems to be even more important—also demands it: the external factor. However, while the current authorities are under pressure to “democratize,” because this is demanded by the domestic factor and by various international political and economic organizations, nobody is demanding the opposition’s “democratization.” Nobody in the world will say that Albania should not be admitted to the Council of Europe because it does not have a democratic opposition. Understandably. The democratization of society does not mean only the democratization of government, but the democratization of society at every level. Yet while the government, despite its lack of experience, is under pressure to “democratize,” other structures are not under pressure to do so. As a result, we see the phenomenon whereby the opposition presents itself as a “liberation movement,” a “resistance movement,” or a “conspiratorial group.” This is a method taught by Albanian tradition, although in Albania previous governments were governments of the gun, and these were the actual means by which it was possible to fight. This kind of reasoning is not an appeal to treat the government delicately, but we should bear in mind that in the struggle for power, it is invariably the state that suffers. Keep particular issues to a minimum in the struggle for power; the best method is the European one of taking power. The power of the vote does not necessarily guarantee democratic government; it only ensures that the consequences of this struggle are less destructive. Democratic government is ensured only through the democratization of all the structures of society. While the opposition says, “We began thinking about early elections on March 23,” appeals to international organizations not to admit Albania into these bodies, conducts propaganda to drive away foreign investors, puts the country’s security at risk, serves foreign powers with interests in Albania, etc., it is the foundations of the state, not of the government, that are being destroyed, in the hope that this will also weaken the government. The government will inevitably be democratized, because it is still under great pressure. But so that the slogans of the last election, “We govern— the world helps us,” do not turn into “We fight for power—the world keeps us fed,” the opposition must behave like an opposition and not play the role of a belated dissident, must stop shrieking because of the “old-timers’” complex of realism, and must understand that the banal role of a “liberation movement” inevitably brings the consequence that the government treats them as such.

On March 26, the two prosecutors, Qeleshi and Gjoklaj, will present their sentencing recommendation to the trial panel for the defendant Fatos Nano. Taking advantage of the prejudices of various political groupings, people are putting forward theories and expressing the most varied and bizarre opinions. But how long will Fatos Nano actually be sentenced to? The trial panel will of course give the correct answer to this question. In any case, we can say precisely that Albanian justice will sentence Fatos Nano in a completely new way, in accordance with the rules of a state governed by law. He will not, for example, be shot, as Saiku was (may he rest in peace), who went to the dogs while also atoning for the sins of others. Such things have been written off once and for all and cannot be repeated. For this reason, Mr. Nano can and should be calm. Mr. Nano will not be sentenced to 101 years either. He will not be sentenced to that, because this provision is not used in Albania; it is too old and ridiculous, seems familiar, and it is exceedingly difficult for it to amount to 150 years. For this reason too, he should be glad. So how long will Fatos Nano be sentenced to? I remember from my early childhood a deeply disturbing event, one I cannot forget for as long as I live: a 50-year-old fellow villager stole something very unpleasant for the other children from the agricultural cooperative’s warehouses. They caught him before he could take the corn home, and an hour before the trial they made him go around all the village roads with his head bowed. In the courtroom, the prosecutor ordered the villagers to spit on him, one after another. This was the most terrible scene I had ever seen in my life. That day my fellow villagers spat on themselves. The curtain has now fallen on such trials. That time cannot be repeated. I believe that even the careful facts should make Fatos Nano glad. After his sentence, Fatos Nano will not languish in the secretariat and courts of Spain or Burrellit. While serving his sentence, all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by Albanian law and international charters will be respected. Fatos Nano should be glad of this too. He should be glad because it is a great fortune to be tried in a new era, after coming from a completely different world, the dark world of crime. YLLI RAKIPI Prosecutor Arben Qeleshi Photo Armando Babani

Loving your own people does not mean hating other peoples According to the newspaper “Kathimerini,” in its March 19 issue, the Greek Government is following with particular concern reports claiming that “Albania is sending Muslims to Northern Epirus.” One would have to be gullible, following this newspaper’s report, to think that the Albanian Government has sent troops to the southern border without the knowledge of its people. Or to start believing that, behind the Albanian Parliament’s back, it has sent commissions to determine the boundaries of the Cham people’s properties all at once! Or that our economic migrants in Greece have suddenly decided to settle in Epirus in general, out of nostalgia for their ancestors... But, naturally, this is not the case. In fact, the opposite is true. Our Government still does not know how to complain as its Greek counterpart does. We are postponing for later a session (inappropriate for the time being) on Albanian lands along the southern border. Moreover, this very Parliament, “in the context of respecting human rights,” is making Greek minority members owners of Albanian properties... So, who are these “Muslim Albanians whom Albania is supposedly sending to Northern Epirus”? It is the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister, J. Papandreu, who makes such a statement in the Greek Parliament. And, as if the reaction of the Greek parliamentary chamber and electorate were not enough, he announces that he has also alerted the Council of Europe about this! Because (even if it were 1,000 percent true) the Albanian Government is supposedly sending Albanians within the state it administers! Because anyone in power supposedly has to be asked before doing anything in the country! Because Muslims and Orthodox supposedly have to be asked! Responding to the opposition (New Democracy) on this “troubling” issue, Papandreu himself stressed that “if the movements of the Albanian population in Northern Epirus are carried out by Albanian state authorities, this constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, as well as a deliberate attempt to transform the demographic composition and reality of the region.” The Greek Deputy Foreign Minister will also raise his concern with the High Commissioner on National Minorities, Mr. Vander Stoel, who will visit Greece. Naturally, no one can be against someone who truly loves their people. After all, one is a member of a nation and, according to even the most minimal standard of morality, has a duty to love and serve it. But, judging by Adem Demançin, it seems nationalism has become the fate of all the region, from Albania and Macedonia right to the Aegean. The Greeks are eternal enemies with the Turks, the Serbs eternal enemies with the Albanians of Kosovo, the Greeks with the Macedonians... Was that also said about the Albanians?! Especially today, when Europe points to democratic principles, non-violation and non-alteration of borders, and non-violence, even politicians with harsh voices are stirring chauvinist currents against other peoples (continued on page 2)

On March 23, at the PR headquarters, Mr. Sabri Godo received the US Ambassador, Mr. William Rayserson, at the latter’s request. During the lengthy conversation, they discussed the very good relations between the two countries, the situation in the Balkans, and political and economic developments in Albania. At the meeting, Mr. Godo, among other things, expressed [his views on] the Land Law and other problems concerning reform and ownership. Full understanding and a desire to work more closely together in the future were noted. “Republika” correspondent

At the end of the year, the Government approved the 1994 budget to pave the way for construction work to begin on the Tirana–Durrës highway. 370 million new lekë have been approved for construction of this project for the current year alone. The joint Italian-Albanian company “Euroteromea” has also been entrusted with the work; it has already built the first base work sites. Construction in Tirana starts from Kamza, the relevant specialist at the Ministry of Construction explains to us. However, he adds in response to our question, this fund does not include reconstruction of the existing road up to its connection with the highway. These will be the road lanes, and the entire highway will be under construction. This year’s plan takes the highway as far as Vorë. However, the contract with “Euroteromea” covers only these first few metres. After that, the agreement has been set up as a renewable contract. A special office with specialists has also been established with the Ministry of Transport for this project’s construction. The road will be paved to international standards with asphalt concrete and will include many engineering structures; the most important, as we are told, is the railway overpass at Vorë, which has already begun construction. Other highways are also planned, such as Hani i Hotit–Kakavijë, Durrës–Shkup–Istanbul, etc. There are still further details for the contractors and the offices overseeing the work with the ministry to prepare. The construction extends for 45 kilometres; the total cost of all this construction is around 40 million dollars. ALBAN BALA

Another village for poor children who are orphaned and without support. The construction was presented by the three directors of SOS-Kinderdorf International at a press conference held in the Congress Hall in Tirana. This is the first initiative of its kind in Albania.

The Association for Democratic Culture, in cooperation with the American Democratic Institute, will open a series of seminars (Quo vadis Albania) on Monday, March 21, 1994, at the International Center of Culture. A new international culture: on democracy, business, and education. Members of parliament, representatives of political parties, students, and the media were invited. Participants from political parties and members of parliament came respectively from: PS (M. Lakrori); PD (S. Stratobërda); PR (A. Bragj); PSD (T. Lako); PAD (A. Terpani); PDNJ (V. Mele); and independent members of parliament. After the opening remarks, the representative of the American Democratic Institute in Albania, Ms. Christel L. Engelhardt, addressed the representatives and spoke about the issues covered in her presentation and lesson. How did they understand the democratization of a democratic society, and what has Albania done at this stage of transition? What democratic changes should parliamentarians bring before the people, and what are the main responsibilities concerning Albania? For a few minutes, the representatives expressed differing views on the above issues and answered questions from the audience. The seminar will continue throughout the week at QNK. Questions from the audience. The seminar will continue throughout the week at QNK. Questions from the audience; it will continue throughout the week at QNK. Questions from the audience; it will continue throughout the week at QNK.

Within the wider former Yugoslav framework, it is not only Kosovo and the surrounding territories that bear the Albanian tragedy. By February ’94, 222 Albanians had been killed and 106 wounded in Sarajevo. With the signatures of around 300 people, Joseph Djogjard-i received a letter in February of this year from Mr. Naser Miftari, chairman of the LDK for Bosnia, requesting the possibility of concrete American assistance for Albanian citizens. “It is an endless nightmare and ...” it says. At its heart, what is being sought is evacuation in any direction that would allow them to escape this hell. The hopeless situation in which the Albanians of Sarajevo find themselves is also clear from the fatal tone of the letter, which asks for “an answer, whether good or bad.” The list of Albanian victims currently in Sarajevo also includes two women from Albania, one of whom is nineteen and from Tropoja, while the other’s name is [unclear]. In efforts to find a way out of this wartime trap, Masar Krasniqi, a member of the Albanian-American Civic League, speaks of talks held with Sadako, the Chair of the UN Commission for Refugees, although no definite answer has yet arrived. The Albanian Government is also in contact. “Its difficulties are great,” Krasniqi explains. So far, an American foundation has undertaken to relocate the Albanians from devastated Sarajevo to Ancona, Italy, from where the wounded will be treated in American military hospitals, while the others will be helped to reach their families. Naturally, Natë Hysenovic from Tropoja and Liljana Tipovic (no address) will return to Albania. Still beyond reach of this hope are people currently in the Bosnian Army, as well as other wounded people left isolated. In any case, this is further proof that this all-Balkan crisis is a crisis for all Albanians and must be resolved by starting with them. A.B

The German Embassy informs: The remaining pesticides will be returned to Albania Press statement by the German Environment Minister concerning the export of pesticides to Albania Regarding pesticides of German origin located in Albania, the Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Reactor Safety, Prof. Dr. Klaus Töpfer, made the following statement to the press and others: On March 10, 1994, the German Bundestag, by approving the law on the acceptance and implementation of the Basel Convention, established the necessary international rules so that the Federal Republic of Germany can fulfil its international obligations as a signatory to the Basel Convention and as a member of the European Union. In future, exports of waste (unusable residues) to countries outside the European Community and EFTA will be prohibited. Potentially hazardous secondary raw materials on the yellow and red lists (e.g. “yellow list” waste from vehicle shredding plants, substances that are no longer usable, metal slags, waste from treatment plants, e.g. red sludge; asbestos; secondary materials containing dioxins and PCBs) may be exported only with the approval of the relevant state. In the case of failed or illegal exports, whether of waste or secondary raw materials, there is an obligation to cover any transport costs incurred. There is also an obligation to return them to the country from which they came or, if they were not taken back, to manage them in an environmentally compatible manner where they are located; ultimately, the exporting state must take responsibility. In addition, important rules have been laid down to limit and curb toxic waste. Thus, companies that engage in waste exports will also need a licence in future. Illegal exports may be punished by up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine.

Found N. e krye-gatet was reported in front of [a location] on March 21, on Ambasada Street, uttering a jumble of incomprehensible words, accompanied by constant arm movements. Gradually her words became clear enough for her first sentence to be understood: “The deceased and the ambassador...” The diplomat, she said around the middle of the conversation, “I have come to explain to you how your immunity differs from my immunity and Fatos Nano’s. First, you must understand that your immunity and Fatos Nano’s...” First, you must understand that your immunity and Fatos Nano’s. First, you must understand that your immunity and Fatos Nano’s. First, you must understand that your immunity and Fatos Nano’s. First, you must understand that your immunity and Fatos Nano’s. First, you must understand that your immunity and Fatos Nano’s. First, you must understand that your immunity and Fatos Nano’s. First, you must understand that your immunity and Fatos Nano’s. First, you must understand that your immunity and Fatos Nano’s. ... after another stream of incomprehensible words, mad with rage, she eventually left, only to turn up again on Wednesday evening in front of the building housing the newspaper “Zëri i popullit”: “Unless three newspapers in Albania are shut down, the Albanian press will get worse and worse,” she said to a group of journalists who gather there every afternoon. “Which are these three newspapers that lie to us?” she asked one of the journalists. “If you know...” and she considered her opinions about the future. “I don’t need to know.” “Zëri i popullit,” “Koha Jone,” and “RD,” she said with a laugh, letting out a loud shriek. She then continued: “The press director at the Central Committee is the former member of Ramiz Alia’s regency, Kico Blushi. These days he has decreed the criminal declaration of war against Ismail Kadare and Rexhep Qoses. If the chairman of the PS is not elected by mid-April, they will appoint themselves in this party.” KRONIKANI

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