The release of the five Omonia members cannot conceal Greece’s guilt Albanian-Greek relations, described as “frozen”, are awaiting, according to Greece’s Minister of Information, Venizellos, tomorrow’s hearing—in other words, the second-instance trial of the five Albanian citizens of Greek ethnicity who were found guilty by the trial court. . were found guilty by the trial court. Minister Venizellos considers tomorrow’s trial a “chance” for the Albanian authorities, while Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Papulias, is ready to begin dialogue with Albania once Qiriazati’s colleagues (Qiriazati being one of Omonia’s important leaders) are released from prison. Qiriazati himself, during a recent visit, called on Athens for “unconditional dialogue”, while the leader of the Greek Coalition of the Left and Progress party appeals: “Let us build walls of cooperation, not trenches of enmity,” adding that “during the misunderstanding in Albania”, Greece’s former foreign minister Papakostandinu, expelled from the “New Democracy” Party, called on official Athens to reconsider its position and break the deadlock by beginning unconditional dialogue with Albania. Mr. Micotakis has also observed: “We (Greece—my note) cannot always be right.” Alongside the pressure from within Greece, official Athens is under pressure from important members of the European Union. Ministers Kinkel and Duppe have taken on the role of mediators in the dialogue requested and insisted upon by Albania (the latest request by President Berisha for a possible meeting between ministers Serreqi and Papulias in New York). Greece has rejected it. Many foreign ministers from the Balkans and beyond have fully supported Albania. Meanwhile, after trying and retrying economic blockades, border closures, attacks and threats against Albania’s airspace, and the distribution of propaganda materials to overthrow the constitutional order in its relations with Albania, Greece has returned to suggesting new opportunities for the Albanian authorities. And this opportunity for Tirana and its policy is the release of the five citizens found guilty. After that, Greece promises dialogue and good relations with Albania. In fact, Greece is not all that consistent in its demands. Mr. Papulias himself, before leaving for New York, declared under pressure from European Union members such as Germany and France that concessions could be made on the Albanian issue if “European colleagues” helped with the Cyprus issue. It is easy to see that there is no connection whatsoever between the five Albanian citizens of Greek origin, convicted of espionage and illegal possession of weapons, and the Cyprus issue. Such conditions have surely displeased Omonia’s leaders (Qiriazati, for example, but also others—not even the other Omonia member who went to congratulate the Greek colonel who violated Albania’s airspace), who have realized, albeit late, that Athens wants to use them as cannon fodder for its policy in the Balkans. Athens is pursuing an extremely nationalistic policy toward Albania, even as it has been compromised by such a policy toward Macedonia. The courage to sit down for dialogue with Albania would intensify Greece’s internal political crisis. Thus Athens wants to save itself by demanding (absurdly) the release of all five. Meanwhile, as representatives of the Greek minority in Albania have pointed out, whether the five are released or kept in prison does not affect relations between Albanians and members of the minority. The relations of the Greek minority in Albania with Albania and its legislation have been found to be based on coexistence and understanding by international observers as well. International and diplomatic observers’ reports have made it known that the trial of the five in Tirana is in keeping with the legislation of countries with established democracies too. Athens does not expect the sentence to be reduced in tomorrow’s review proceedings before the Court of Appeal. A reduction in the sentences of the five would not support the thesis put forward by Athens three days ago by Greece’s Foreign Minister Papulias before the General Assembly of the United Nations ... J. M. (continued on page 4)

Meetings at the PRSH headquarters As part of the ongoing dialogue, a delegation from “Omonia”, consisting of its chairman, Mr. Sotir Qirjazati, deputy chairman Thoma Sharra and secretary general Dhimitër Caka, held a meeting at their request with PRSH chairman Mr. Sabri Godo, deputy chairman Fatmir Mediu and secretary general Çerçiz Mingomataj. At the outset, Mr. Qirjazati said that we are making every effort as a connecting force and a force for friendship between the peoples, and we want this role to be appreciated in this regard as well. There are no essential manifestations that could inflame the situation between the states. Today’s difficulties and tensions are not in the interests of the peoples, and they can be overcome only through open dialogue without preconditions between states whose fundamental will is to maintain good friendship. We also see no anti-[?] attitudes among the Greek people, and we find a willingness to engage in dialogue among Greek political forces too. We have sought the legalization of Albanian emigrants, and on this point we have found a willingness on the part of the Greek government. Omonia will make every contribution to rapprochement and integration into the European family without fear of assimilation; we will remain open, and we will pursue our rights by peaceful means. Under these conditions, we believe we should begin with dialogue and end in dialogue. Mr. Godo, after thanking them for their initiative, stressed that the PRSH considers the improvement of relations with Greece important for our country and regards it as essential to maintaining peace and prosperity in the Balkans. Our observation recently has been that we need a diplomatic initiative from the Greek side as well; Greece is therefore regarded as a suitable partner, and we hope that partnership and closer ties between the two countries with Albania and… … the deterioration of relations and our mutual interests. As for the current rise in tensions, Mr. Godo stressed that they do not have the approval of the minority, but rather of certain leaders who have created disputes over nonexistent issues, over which it is not worth setting two peoples who should be friends against each other. The minority is an integral part of the Albanian people, with equal rights, and issues between us can be resolved satisfactorily only within a political and democratic framework. Yesterday as well, as part of initiatives to open dialogue with the Greek government, PRSH chairman Mr. Sabri Godo, deputy chairman Fatmir Mediu, secretary general Çerçiz Mingomataj, and AKD members Aleksandër Çina and Arben Braçe received, at their request, a delegation from the Greek Coalition of the Left and Progress Party, led by its chairman, Mr. Nikos Kostand-inopolos. Mr. Kostandinopolos spoke first, stressing that the purpose of this visit was to contribute to creating the most suitable climate for reducing tensions through dialogue initiatives. We believe that Albania and Greece should have cooperative relations, discussing matters through dialogue and mutual trust. This framework for dialogue can be secured only by giving priority to respect for the CSCE principles and standards on guaranteeing and securing borders, respect for human and minority rights, and protecting and clarifying the rights of emigrants to work. Only (continued on page 4)

On the eve of the PRSH’s Second Congress The third conference of the PR branch in the Mirditë district was also attended by PRSH deputy chairman Mr. Fatmir Mediu, PR organization-sector instructor Kosta Simonidhi, and others. The analysis of the activities of the PR branch in the district was preceded by a report from its Steering Committee, presented by Mr. Bardhok Peploka. “Through these conferences, we bear in mind that in Mirditë too everything started from zero. But it is a fact that we are still facing many weaknesses and difficulties, which might have been less pronounced given the district’s sparse population. We, as a PR branch,” Mr. Peploka said, “have consistently put forward our honest and constructive opposition, proposing ... (continued on page 2)

The third conference of the Republican Party branch in the Përmet district held its proceedings on September 27. In addition to the delegates, representatives of political parties, the independent trade union, various associations and religious communities had been invited to attend the proceedings. Also present were Mr. Vladimir Agaraj, chairman of the Party’s National Council, and Aleksandër Garuli, a member of the PR Steering Committee. In the report presented on behalf of the branch’s Steering Committee, Mr. Fredi Babani pointed out that in the period between the two conferences the Përmet branch had consolidated itself as an active force and had succeeded in developing its own profile in keeping with the Republican Party’s program as a whole—a program described as the most comprehensive and realistic for moving the country forward toward developed democratic societies. It ... (continued on page 2)

These days, the PR branch conference for the Devoll district was held. Mr. Agron Lami (the branch’s former secretary) delivered the opening remarks, while Berri Lame presented the report on the party’s activities in the district between the two conferences. He pointed out that, generally speaking, good work had been done, but many weaknesses had also been observed. The party’s standing in the district is quite good, and it often sets the tone for leadership in the district. The shortcomings mainly consist in the need to increase membership. The number of supporters has grown. People are more or less valued by the party and, on the other hand, have given their support to the party in power. The party’s structure must be improved, because 18 sections are far too few for this district. The report emphasized, among other things, that the people of Devoll have been patriotic and have defended their border. In the end, the Devoll district received no benefit whatsoever from the communist regime. The policy pursued by the Republican Party, both domestic and foreign, is well regarded by public opinion. Relations with the associations of former persecuted people and of ... (continued on page 2)

Austria’s Foreign Minister Alois Mok declares at the UN “The situation in Kosovo continues to deteriorate,” said, among other things, in the speech he delivered yesterday before the UN General Assembly, Austria’s Foreign Minister Mok. “Kosovo has been neglected because of… is on the agenda. The CSCE monitoring missions sent in 1993 have not been authorized to return, despite intensive international efforts. In general, in this region inhabited 90% by Albanians and entirely indigenous, we must face a form of exercising power that in fact displays all the characteristics of an occupation regime.” “The situation in Kosovo is on the agenda. The CSCE foreign ministers expelled an occupation regime.” The Belgrade authorities have continued their systematic actions against the Albanian majority. The risk of an outbreak of mass violence “REPUBLIKA” correspondent

Sopik is an Orthodox Albanian village in the municipality of Livadhja in Sarandë. The headman of this village, questionably elected by the municipality through lists rather than nominations, was approved at a meeting attended by only 74 people, out of the 600 voters who should have been there. Upon taking up this post, headman Thanas Papa annulled the first land-allocation commission and selected another commission composed of two [and?] other elderly and elected members. After this, he openly violat[?] the Law on land allocation, favoring the village and his friends. As a result, he has appropriated about 75 dynym of land for his family. The land allocation result[?] in 30 ha being lost, covered up by fictitious title deeds. These are only the [predh?] of this village headman. The headman’s most condemn[?]able activity, damaging the name of the village, is his practical activity in favor of his father’s friends, a priest who was a collaborator of the Greek secret service, whose rehabilitation was personally pursued by former consul Jakovi, but who has still not managed to hold his reburial ceremony. Dozens of parcels addressed to the headman arrive as aid from Greece for the village residents, since he puts on the list village residents who are actually in Greece. His main business is Greek visas, for which the headman is well “rewarded.” The fees are different for those who “deserve a Greek visa” and for those who are off the list. Along with the visa lists, the headman draws up a list of village residents, most of whom he has begun registering as Greek minority members, at the request also of the mayor of the Municipality of Livadhja, Mihal Fisheka. Thus, the headman counts as Greeks families that may have taken a minority woman as a bride. To cover his tracks, he presents himself everywhere as a democrat, but during election campaigns he mobilizes all his relatives and his clan to vote for PBDNJ. The headman has also monopolized the village’s social and cultural facilities, which today are in the possession of his family and relatives. He dismisses and appoints the church council as he pleases, considering this an inheritance from tali[?]. He has requested that Greek, not Albanian, be spoken in the church. On this argument, he asked for the church council to be dismissed simply because it had read at least in Albanian during religious ceremonies. Emphasizing at the same time that Sopik is in [??], but [??] his society. Al[?] the headman, the activity of this headman is open pressure for its Hellenization. “REPUBLIKA” correspondent

The second conference of the PR branch for the district was held in one of the halls of the Laç Palace of Culture. In addition to delegates and guests from political parties and associations active in the district, those present at the conference also included PR Steering Committee representatives Gjek Beci and Arben Braçe, as well as Shpëtim Luzati from the organizing sector. In the report presented by branch chairman Gjek Hasi, efforts to integrate into the country’s political life were highlighted. This life is presented as tense, especially because of the chauvinist and nationalist policies of anti-Albanian circles, as well as the consequence of the opposition’s unjust politics, led by the PS, in their struggle for power in the name of (continued on page 2) The party few for this district. (continued on page 2)

“Schools with dormitories and canteens are postponed again and will start on October 10,” Iris Jukniu, from the office of the Minister of Education, confirmed to the newspaper “Republika.” It remains unconfirmed whether schools without dormitories and canteens will start tomorrow, October 3. This announcement by the Ministry of Education has come very late, because a large number of students arrived in the capital throughout the day yesterday. “Republika” correspondent

ZAGREB – The cholera outbreak in Albania appears to have reached its peak, but is now declining rapidly, WHO announced. A. Sallabanda, director of the Institute of Hygiene in Albania, stressed that the risk of a cholera epidemic in the country has been eliminated. The outbreak of the disease is attributed mainly to poor hygiene and untreated water.

“This war in itself is a massacre” Page 4 With the Merited Master of Chess, Ylli PUSTINA Page 3 “Erosion” caused by corruption and lawlessness Page 4 On conservatism Page 3

“It’s a lie,” said the madwoman, “Albania is not in first place for reforms in Eastern Europe. Did you hear Doctor Pellumbi? Don’t believe foreign speculation,” Pellumbi told a socialist. “Believe our specialists.” Madmen. You don’t remember what you say. “You know,” the madwoman went on, “a little while ago this Pellumbi, or his comrades, said that what the Albanian specialists say about Albania is not true. The truth, the Pellumbis say, may be what Westerners say. Now the Pellumbis don’t believe the Westerners, and the Americans least of all. Have you seen ‘ZP’ and how it fights American imperialism? You know the pigeons’ game. If Westerners criticize Albania, our Pellumbis tell us to believe the Westerners. If they praise it, the Pellumbis cry out, don’t believe them. Now it’s my turn,” said the madwoman, “to address you. Believe the Pellumbis. The doves of peace? Did you hear Leontiev’s Doctor, who shouts and finds no repentance, not even any remorse? Why, says repentance-u Nanos. Believe the Pellumbis! Old people,” said the madwoman, “now more Greeks are coming into Albania than yesterday, when they had the door wide open. Let’s ask the Pellumbis: does the ‘Agency’ want to shut the door on you? [Vësë?] Pellumba Angjelen who wants to shut the door so that [they] can be admitted? ‘Pjesa,’ said the madwoman, ‘now more Greeks are coming in; the plague has arrived in Europe! Beware the plague! All those affected by cholera are hereby informed that they are immune to the plague. This is not right,’ said the madwoman. The Serbian authorities have shut up their [shtëllësen?], the Chairman of Albania’s National Unity and Ydajetin Shëndet-madh. The Serbian authorities are real, the Pellumbis say; it the pigeons’ game…” THE CHRONICLER