The present state of “neither war nor peace” threatens democratic progress As can be observed, there is an “inexcusable indifference” toward the problem of giving Albania a Constitution. If one side appealed to the people to vote “Yes” in the referendum, and the other side, which kept insisting, congratulated itself on the referendum’s “No,” the issue has now moved far beyond party interests. In truth, the opposite should have happened: after the referendum, the people have the moral right to ask the political forces: Whom was the Constitution needed by—me, the people, Albania, or the politicians? And no answer should be expected other than the need to make a Constitution. The Republican Party has clearly stated that a Constitution cannot be made without a genuine reassessment of the situation. All sides must achieve this realism. This realism can be achieved only by understanding Albania as it is. If “Albania as it is” is not understood, there is no way to claim that it can begin to be made. The current deadlock, this present state of neither war nor peace, will have consequences for the fate of democracy in Albania. Everyone must take responsibility for this. If they entered politics to serve this democratic country, in a realistic and national way... An honest politician, wherever they may be, in government or opposition, must not agree to swim in these murky waters. The fact that the government made no small amount of propaganda before the referendum does not give the opposition the right to make propaganda after the referendum. Once again, the people would pay—the ordinary person, the shopkeeper and the businessperson, and the Albanian economy as a whole. But the democratic process would lose even more: after this referendum, it seems to have entered a steady course. Any distortions after this would be unforgivable. The rule of law is needed by everyone, and it cannot be reduced to something that serves politicians’ interests. Clear and open relations between the state and its citizens would put progress on the right track, and would make that progress irreversible. Albanians did not vote against their desire and need to have such a state. They expressed the wish that the state envisioned in the draft constitution be accountable to their rights. Politicians must take this message seriously, as must foreign investors who wish to contribute and make a profit in Albania. Laws and a constitution are needed for this. Investors’ principle is well known: “Stay away from a country that has no laws.” It is not enough for politicians to have taught the people the call: “We want Albania to be like all of Europe.” Nor is the slogan “We are moving toward Europe” enough. A real start must be made. But a real start is possible only when you are convinced and have fulfilled the conditions for Europe to be willing and able to welcome you. Does Europe have reason to turn a blind eye and accept Albania without a constitution?! I do not believe we have the moral right to cite examples such as Poland or Hungary, which have openly found their way to Europe even without having their new constitutions. Do we have the right to equate Albania, which is vulnerable to fire, with Poland and Hungary of yesterday?! Were the dictatorships and the level of civilization of our society the same as those of Poland and Hungary?! How far did collectivization and planning go, and… even the stripping away of religion and human rights in Albania, compared with the two countries mentioned above?! And Europe cannot be said not to know these things, gentlemen! Albania needs a constitution as soon as possible. We all feel this need; there is no point in not speaking as we think! The right to be concerned— In the present situation, neither war nor peace as it stands now will be without take responsibility for this, if they have entered politics to heal this country and its real democracy. The situations before and after the referendum must now be viewed calmly, far from partisan artifice, far from the absurd desire to gain political capital at the expense of the great mass of people who want to build and respect a state governed by the rule of law, a state of law and justice, where democracy will genuinely begin to be respected. If this cannot be done, we will all return to the situation of two years ago. This would be a social calamity The have such a state. They expressed the desire that the (projected) state they had in mind should not be all-powerful in relation to their rights. Politicians must take this message, understand it, and respond to this genuine philosophy. Albania is open to the world, but this openness is not enough. The inability and tendency of those in power to seek personal privileges, the tacit or open acceptance of corruption, or even its impunity, would quietly bring about a new “closure” to the world. For today’s Albania, the world is not the opportunity for an Albanian to go abroad as a refugee, but the possib-

The Chairman of the Republican Party, Mr. Sabri Godo, received the U.S. Ambassador, Mr. Xhoze Lakë, on November 23, accompanied by Second Secretary Mr. Karl Siebentritt. The Party’s Deputy Chairman, Mr. Fatmir Mediu, was also present. Mr. Godo spoke about the country’s current problems and the Republican Party’s relations with other political forces, emphasizing the need to create a united right in the face of the communist threat. Regarding economic reform, Mr. Godo outlined the Republican Party’s reservations. A reassessment of the position on property and the fight to overcome corruption are major issues of the day. Mr. Godo said that serious changes are needed in the country’s governance and in the development of pluralism. Ambassador Lake said that the United States views Albania as a friendly country and will provide it with all possible support if it resolutely pursues the path of developing democracy and the free market, and follows a policy of peace and stability in the region. Regarding American investment in Albania, which Mr. Godo had raised, Ambassador Lake said that the embassy is tasked with supporting such investment, but that his contacts so far had not revealed any particular interest on the part of Albanian government officials in this regard. During the cordial conversation, which lasted about an hour and a half, they discussed the Constitution, a peaceful resolution to the national question, the dangers facing Albania from drug trafficking and organized crime, developments in the Republican Party, and other matters of mutual interest. Both sides praised the unity of their views and emphasized the need for further contact.

Yesterday morning at the PRSH central headquarters, Chairman S. Godo, Deputy Chairman F. Mediu, and Secretary-General C. Mingomataj, at the request of the Albanian Popular League Party, received its chairman, Mr. Hasan Hasani, its Secretary-General, Sotor Temdo, and members of the Steering Committee, Ruzhdi Mata and Bashkim Lleshi. At the meeting, views were exchanged and common positions identified concerning the contribution political forces should make to drafting the new draft constitution; restructuring the government; removing officials’ right to engage in private business; and the urgent measures the Government should take against corruption, drugs, and prostitution. The meeting also stressed the shared interest in increasing further cooperation between the two forces. Correspondent, “Republika” The international seminar concluded its work

Reports on the Implementation of Human Rights by Country, 1993 Report submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations by the Department of State in accordance with Sections 116(d) and 502B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended February 1994 On page No. 904 of this Report, which is devoted to human rights violations in Greece, it says, among other things: “The Cham, ethnic Albanians who were expelled from Northern Greece in the late 1940s, have sought the restoration of their Greek citizenship and property confiscated at that time. The Greek Government has expressed some willingness to discuss compensation for the property, but does not recognize the claim to citizenship, which it calls historical.” Note: In its 1993 Human Rights Report, by noting human rights violations in Greece, the U.S. Department of State has for the first time in 40 years officially brought the Cham issue to attention. The Report, as an important document, undoubtedly constitutes support for the efforts of the martyred population of Çamëria to obtain the legitimate rights denied to them to this day. The population [text continues outside the frame] ... and raises its voice against human rights violations in the world. M. LLOJIA COUNTRY REPORTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS PRACTICES FOR 1993 REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS U.S. SENATE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIONS 116(d) AND 502B(b) OF THE FOREIGN ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1961, AS AMENDED FEBRUARY 1994 U.S. Senate respectively

On the evening of November 22, 1994, the international seminar “Freedom of Expression in Post-Communist Countries” concluded its work. Ideas were exchanged about freedom of expression in post-communist countries, while the debates and suggestions of journalists and researchers from Western and Eastern countries showed that freedom of expression in post-communist countries is an ongoing process. This freedom is real. Albania, too, reflects this. The seminar highlighted the fact that debate about press freedom is not over even in countries with consolidated democracies. It is true to say that freedom of expression in post-communist countries is linked to the development of democracy in general. Correspondent of “Republika”

National Festival of Albanian Theatre “Woyzeck” by the Skopje Theatre brought the Albanian Theatre Week, which has now established its own tradition, to a close. The many participants in the competition, with their performances, demonstrated that artistic research in this field is reaching desirable levels in terms of contemporary production quality. “Çmurosja,” a drama by Serafin Fanko, who was also the director, set designer, and costume designer of the production staged by the Migjeni Theatre of Shkodër, was declared the winner of the Festival’s First Prize by the jury at the end of the competition. The artist responsible for the staging of this production, People’s Artist Serafin Fanko, was honored with the Festival’s First Prize for Best Director. The role of the mother in this philosophical drama, performed by People’s Artist Tinka Kurti, who demonstrated yet another peak of her renowned acting class, also earned her recognition by the jury as Best Actress, a decision unanimously endorsed by the audience. The participation of the Albanian-Italian playwright Eduardo de Filippo, with “The Great Magic,” presented by Tirana’s National Theatre and directed by Gezim Kame, did not receive critical acclaim; however, People’s Artist Robert Ndrenika, for his portrayal of Di Spelta, was honored as Best Actor. A host of other awards for the festival’s many components brought to a close the ceremony of one of the most important events in Albanian artistic life, which gathers the achievements of this creative work in the capital every year. A.K.

How can foreign investors be driven away? Is Koço Kaskaviqi all-powerful? How can foreign investors be driven away? Forced corruption?! Is Koço Kaskaviqi all-powerful? Perhaps we must accept that corruption is inevitable. Perhaps we must accept that, being poor as we all are—from the person receiving welfare assistance all the way up to the highest level of the state—we are not immune to the virus of corruption. What is more, perhaps we must accept that “corruption is one of the driving forces of the pre-capitalist economy,” as ours is (where, it seems, corruption will assume the “role” that class warfare played until yesterday). But we cannot accept that corruption is inevitable, untouchable, unpredictable. Otherwise, we must prepare for greater misfortunes, for other social dramas that could make not only the construction of a state governed by the rule of law more difficult, but could push it completely out of the picture. Is there evidence for this survey? Is it possible to prevent this corruption? Can we demand “living” evidence—corruption and the “corrupt” caught red-handed? Should we rummage through their bins, if it is someone’s duty to take these monsters and make them answer to the law and justice? Just one example is enough to illustrate this atmosphere. The “story” begins two years ago, in November 1992. The Municipality of Tirana grants, under a sale contract, a plot for public construction measuring 15,778 m². On this land, the Austrian-Albanian Company was to begin building 150 residential apartments. This company undertook not only to build these apartments, but also to provide all the public services there, all in accordance with the urban-planning study previously prepared by the Municipality of Tirana. The buildings cover an area of 4,000 m², while the rest is to be made up of parks, gardens, roads, pavements, and all the other infrastructure, to be paid for by the company in question. The company took all the necessary measures and prepared projects to a high, modern standard. It also contacted other foreign companies for the most modern equipment for the facilities, right down to pallet lifts. But before work can begin, it seems that some “other work” has to be done, which, strangely enough, comes at the company’s expense. To get started, one must first “get past” the Municipality of Tirana and Tirana’s Urban Planning Department. And this is no simple hurdle, but one involving obstacles! Since November 1993 (one year after the legal transfer of ownership of the construction site), it has still not been possible to obtain a building permit, even though the documentation has been fully prepared in accordance with the laws in force. Two years is far too long for an undertaking of this kind—not merely for the interests of the foreign company, but for the future of foreign investment in general. And it is clear what the country’s progress will amount to if commitments of this kind are received and sent away amid this sort of treatment and irresponsibility. But is it really just irresponsibility?! Let us continue reading this ... that inevitably compels corruption. The Head of Urban Planning for Tirana, Koço Kaskaviqi—whose name could quite coincidentally be confused with “Kioska-vigi”—may one day be remembered for the countless kiosks in the capital, but not for good urban-planning work. This is the authority that makes the law as he pleases, as he sees fit, and not as it is actually written. This is the same man who at first did not wish to accept our projects, which are undoubtedly high-quality work, and then tried to confuse laws with opinions, decrees with subjectivity, and former owners with ... his own interests and motives. A face-to-face meeting with TVSH a short time ago was needed for the entrepreneur to understand our projects and have them registered. But once again, silence. A silence that is broken! A silence that can be read in Mr. Kaskaviqi’s position: If you see clearly, do you have to flatter him? He has to be persuaded. AVENIR BALLVORA (continued on page 2)

At a time when major changes in the Meksi Government are being discussed, the first to resign is the Minister of Culture and Youth, Anagnosti. In a letter sent to Prime Minister Meksi and the newspaper “Republika,” Mr. Anagnosti explains the reasons that led him to resign. Anagnosti has been at the center of criticism throughout his five years and eight months of service for part of his work, particularly for ... (continued on page 2)

N., the madwoman of Tirana, was outside Café Europa two days ago. “I’m finishing a study on political parties,” she was seen shouting. “Ninety-five percent of the luxurious establishments, shops, and other commercial premises belong to members of the Socialist Party. Not the Labor Party. They are paying heavy taxes and other dues and have forgotten a resolution against capitalism as a system. Frightened by this revolt, the Socialist Party will take action against it and will be called the strong right-wing party. Connect this with the many kiosks in Tirana and the surrounding district,” the madwoman said, laughing at this development. The Municipality will not be without a role. A former first secretary has been summoned to act as a lawyer. “We continue to promote national construction,” said the madwoman. At the Prime Minister’s Office, the secretary for this matter is to be sought. Kosovo no longer has its own violence, but violence in the name of Ibrahim Rugova. After dialogue with the Serbs, dialogue with Rugova must begin immediately. Gifts will come from Greece for ... conditions. There will be several sections in the parliamentary parties, departments, associations, through which the government will distribute these gifts. The gift connection will have ... rubber items that make service possible. Post office with ...! ... It is not true that Napoleon Roshi called from Slovenia for people to vote against the constitution and to dismiss Janullatos and the five ... Monasteries. Professors are wanted to teach scientific socialism in Europe. Applicants must not be candidates for minister. The prisoners have opposed the amnesty for prisoners. We do not want to get out of prison. Telegrams have arrived from prison for various academics. From prison, a ... was held with the Helsinki Committee of Albania in the area ... In the cities of Europe, a young woman just as charming has appeared. Ramiz Alia’s release from prison will save Albania. “I swear to you,” Ramizi said, “I have renounced class warfare and the war of the pigs.” “Why should half the government be replaced?” the madwoman asked. “No,” said someone with a moustache, “replace all of it. Let Albania have no government at all. What does Albania need a government for? We’ll leave it in ... what is called liberal.” And there was apparently a loud voice, as well as a voice opposing dictatorship. The Minister of the Interior ... Against fascism? ... Fascism has been established in Albania. Muishmia has fiercely opposed it ... all the television stations. The first victims of fascism are municipal mayors and ... A merchant in ...

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