- The Republican Party, founded on 10 January 1991, gave invaluable assistance in overthrowing communist rule. We proceeded along the same line as the Democratic Party, standing by its side. … We could be proud of what we contributed and of the seed we sowed for the future. - If we are discussing many things today, it must be borne in mind that one cannot claim this country could be completely freed in 50 months from the customs and way of thinking imposed on it over 50 years. Nevertheless, the time has come to stop and reflect on what is being done well and what is being done badly in the development of democracy, economic reform and the governance of the country, as key issues connected with present difficulties and the future. Pages 3–6

With KUDRET ÇELA, jurist—Minister of Justice The second chapter of the draft Constitution is “On Human Rights and Freedoms,” and almost all these rights are set out virtually in their entirety in the existing law on human rights and freedoms, because this law is highly modern, an accomplished legislative monument for which the Council of Europe has given very positive assessments. - Yes. Yes. One “Yes” because I want my vote to be made public, while the second Yes is my approval of the draft Constitution. So, on 6 November, I will vote for the new democratic Constitution. For me this represents a historic opportunity and privilege, an opportunity that may not be given to every generation, since constitutions are drawn up to last a long time, perhaps for a century or several centuries. The people must be fully convinced that they are voting for a contemporary constitution, drafted by a broad parliamentary commission made up of 40 members, involving the country’s most qualified jurists, as well as members of parliament and representatives of various political parties. Without a doubt, the spirit of the

With FATMIR MEDIU, Vice-Chairman of the Republican Party [a] weak judicial system, forced to comply with the decisions and laws of parliament rather than with fundamental human rights. Seen in this light, what is important is not the existence of a merely parliamentary republic, but the precise definition of the relations between the powers, always seeking a transition to a State governed by the rule of law, where human rights expressed in the Constitution form the basis for judging problems and conflicts. The opposition’s rejection of the draft has more to do with its political claims, expressed previously as well, with the primary aim of creating political crises. The introduction of the referendum into Albanian politics is a special contribution to democracy. The referendum is an act of the people’s sovereignty, and this Constitution begins with the sovereign act of approval and concludes with amendments by referendum. Finally, I want to stress that at this moment, efforts have been observed by parties with totalitarian tendencies, which refuse to accept the individual’s right to judge, cultivating a desire for a direct subordination to the Party’s order. Dictatorship may seem far away, but it remains near at hand when parties fail to understand that their development comes only through free debate. Classical parliamentary republics, besides lacking stability and tending toward political crisis, cultivate a

With ARDIAN NUNN, jurist, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Law It is a good draft, prepared in accordance with the standards of Western constitutions. Particular articles can of course be discussed, just as they can be discussed in the constitutions of the most advanced countries. I cannot say that, given the powers this draft grants the president, it should be called a presidential republic. It is parliament that has the right and authority to pass laws, while the president, within this remit, has the right to exercise a veto for a specified period of time—in this draft, specifically, for a period of two weeks. I will vote “in favour.” As a legal expert, judging the draft from a legal standpoint, I say it is worth voting for.

With DRITAN SPAHIU, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences I have familiarized myself with the draft Constitution and the specialists’ opinions concerning it, as well as the President’s position, and I say that it is positive and acceptable for Albania to adopt it. Introducing the referendum into Albanian political practice is a positive thing, because for the first time the opinion of all Albanians is being sought on the fundamental law of the state. The view that the referendum is populism is incorrect, because this term expresses distrust of ordinary people, of the people, who can never be casually dismissed with terms from Marxist philosophy. Judging from what I have said above, I am convinced that after 6 November Albanians will have a constitution of their own, and this will be a great opportunity and joy for everyone.

With ANDON DEDE, psychologist … Another argument—that it would have been more legal had it been approved by Parliament—does not convince us, for several reasons, the main one being that Parliament has for some time ceased to represent the Albanian electorate. First, because of its own natural evolution. Second, because a large proportion of the deputies are “from the list” and not elected directly. Third, because some of them entered Parliament through the party that put them forward, rather than on the basis of their own standing, regardless of how many votes they received or how wise or talented they may have been. Other reasons include the experience of this parliament itself: it has so few lawyers and other social-science specialists. … I would say without the slightest reservation: One may disagree with some articles of the Constitution, and why not with the Government, the PD, or the President as well, but the Constitution must be voted for, because the submitted draft adheres to the people of Albania and, I understand, by opposing it we also distance ourselves from the “train” of Europe, which is moving at accelerated speed. Page 2

To the Second Congress of the Albanian Republican Party … [the overthrow] of the communist dictatorship and the building of democracy in Albania. The Republican Party, the second opposition party to be established in Albania, has remained faithful to the ideals of democracy and republicanism and to its voters. It has been and will remain a valuable ally of the Democratic Party and an important force in building democracy in Albania. I am convinced that this Congress will further consolidate democracy within the Republican Party and strengthen its role in Albanian political life. Best wishes.

It is a pleasure, on behalf of the PD, to greet the congress of an allied party, which we regard as a partner in Albania’s progress and achievements during this period of democracy. Our cooperation now has a three-year history, and since [we are] two different parties with different opinions. … Diversity or division is useful; it is a strength of democracy. On behalf of the PD, I want to tell you that we need you, democracy needs you, Albania needs you. We provided the centre and development between the fields of the two coalition parties, where one side [included] representatives of various associations, etc. The proceedings of the Second Congress of the PRSH were declared open by the chairman of the PRSH Youth Forum, Mr Enkel Demi. The National Anthem of the Republic of Albania was then played. After that, the chairman of the Republican Party, Mr Sabri Godo, on behalf of the National Council of the PRSH, delivered the Congress report for an hour and a half. On behalf of the Albanian Democratic Party, the chairman of that party, Mr Eduard Selami, greeted the Congress. On behalf of the Albanian Social Democratic Party, Mr Skënder Gjinushi spoke; so did Hysen Selfo, vice-chairman of the National Front Party, Kokoshi. Kastriot Frashëri spoke for the “Fan Noli” association. Mr Hasir Shala greeted the Congress on behalf of the Albanian National Movement. The greeting by the representative of the “Çamëria” association was received with enthusiasm, as was the greeting from the LANC democratic veterans, from the Albanian Democratic Party, etc. On the first day, many speeches by representatives of Republican Party branches were also heard. The paper will continue to present some of these speeches in its forthcoming issues. The Second Congress of the Republican Party of Albania is continuing its proceedings. Correspondent: “Republika”

- Greeting from the Chairman of the PD, Mr EDUARD SELAMI -