19/02/1995
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Republika

19 February 1995

Determination to establish a University in Tetovo sealed with blood

The blood shed on the day the University of Tetovo opened set the efforts of Albanians to obtain an education in Macedonia on a path from which there is no turning back. No longer can there be any discussion as to whether there will be an Albanian university in Macedonia. The blood shed the day before yesterday can be justified only by the determination to keep the University alive at any cost. What that cost will be—a price to be paid by Albanians and Macedonians—depends only on the latter. If even the Albanian blood shed by the Macedonians the day before yesterday is not enough to convince everyone that the University in Tetovo has opened and that the matter is settled, Albanians must always be ready to offer even more convincing arguments, whose consequences will no longer affect only Albanians. Any hesitation by the Macedonians about continuing the University’s work would be understood only as fear, and as a signal to continue their policy of killing in their dealings with Albanians. By their latest act, they showed that they have always taken the moderation of Albanians and their willingness to engage in dialogue as a weakness and a sign of fear. At last, it is clear to everyone what logic guides them when dealing with Albanians. The language of force, which they always prefer to use in disagreements with Albanians, shows that this is the only language they understand, and the language that must be used to communicate with them. Macedonians have always refused to discuss openly the terms on which Albanians would agree to live with them in one state. Emboldened by Albanian policies of dialogue on unresolved issues, they have consistently played the fool, placing Albanians in the absurd position of submission. This policy has produced no results, not only in relations with Macedonia, but with any of the other states either. And if until yesterday there may have been some reason to pursue such a policy toward Macedonia, continuing it in the future would be absurd. This cannot continue, with Albanians being killed for every demand they make, even the most basic one. The status of Albanians in Macedonia must be equal in any relationship with this state. Every relationship with Macedonia must be viewed from this perspective. any relationship with this state.

Reconciliation or further division

Tomorrow, the meeting of the National Council of the PD The “Selami phenomenon” was one of the final links in a chain of events that followed last year’s November 6 referendum. Like the referendum result, the “Selami case” has served as a catalyst in the fermenting of several processes that had until now lain dormant, both within the PD and outside it. For days, the media, especially those of the Left and those close to it, have devoted considerable space to the latest contrasts within the PD, between Selami and his followers, on the one hand, and the other faction, said to be under the influence of President Berisha. Indeed, these developments are being treated as a duel between Berisha and Selami himself. Watching closely everything happening in the PD, any hypothesis concerning the “rebellion” of the chairman of the party in power against its line seems plausible—something rather absurd! Judging by the moment when the “Selami phenomenon” set out on its course, the version according to which he is demanding more power in his party, while redefining the power of the party chairman, is credible—

Statement by the branches of the parties and branches of the right-wing associations of Durrës

The right-wing organizations, party branches and association branches operating in the district of Durrës, at a meeting held on 15.02.1995 by representatives of these organizations, stated the following: Taking as our point of departure the interests of the Nation and democracy, and the political, economic and social situation in our country, where a number of key issues for which the Albanian people rose up against the communist dictatorship have clearly been deliberately left unresolved, the organizations listed below declare that they will cooperate on the following matters: 1. The national question is sacred and is the duty of all Albanians, who should strive to create the possibility of unification within the ethnic borders. 2. Right-wing parties and associations must be aware of the historic role of their unity, setting aside, temporarily, the particular features of their respective programs, so as to make it possible to fulfill aspirations for the creation of a progressive, democratic state governed by the rule of law. 3. Let us take the initiative on the question of the country’s future and of power by fulfilling the people’s wish for the creation of communism and against its revival. 4. The form of government, republic or monarchy, should be determined by a nationwide referendum before the constitution is drafted. 5. The right to property and the right to return to the Homeland should be recognized, including for the diaspora and the royal family. 6. Experts in legislation and law from all political forces represented in Parliament, those not represented in Parliament, and the associations “Lidhët Përndjekurit Politikë”, “Pronësi me Drejtësi” and “Ish-të Përndjekurve Ekonomikë (Kulakëve)” should take part in drafting the proposed constitution. 7. We must resolutely fight corruption and state bureaucracy, which have blocked the country’s economic development, and establish a legal framework for the administrative apparatus, making it possible to cleanse the government of officials of the former communist state and today’s corrupt rulers. The files of party, government and association leaders should be opened without exception. 8. The assets acquired during the transition and the methods used to privatize state property must be investigated. 9. The Association of the Politically Persecuted, as the heir to the nationwide struggle against communism, martyred through unparalleled suffering, should be a leading force for true democracy in our country. 10. All immovable and movable property violently seized by the communist state through confiscation, sequestration, nationalization, expropriation, or any other means after 28 November 1944 must be recognized and returned. Law 7501, dated 07.09.1992, “On Land”, must be repealed as a communist and anti-national law. A new draft law must be prepared to establish the recognition and return of property to its lawful owner. Landless peasants must be granted the right to receive land from state-owned land, based on a thorough and proper study. Law 7698, dated 15.04.1993, must be amended to correct its shortcomings; the lawful owner must be recognized as entitled to the return of plots in accordance with proof of ownership, without restriction. 11. Citizens who did not receive housing under Law 7652, dated 23.12.1992, “On the Privatization of State Housing”, as well as homeless people, must be given the opportunity to purchase homes from a fund created by collecting a temporary tax from those who received housing under Law 7652, dated 23.12.1992. 12. Conditions should be created to provide employment for workers, based on an economic study. Their organization into Western-style trade unions should be supported. Special care should be shown to teachers, who contribute with dedication to preparing the future of the Nation. Pensioners, people with disabilities, orphaned children, people with handicaps, etc., should receive economic support. 13. The state must increase its responsibilities and protect the rights of emigrants wherever they may be. It must help resolve their family problems. Attention should be paid to our moral code and national social traditions, while fighting the harmful aspects brought about by the country’s bitter past and the transition period. 14. The organizations comprising the branches of right-wing parties and right-wing associations in the district of Durrës should work to promote, consolidate and enhance the reputation of these organizations, in preparation for the election campaign. Durrës Branch of the Balli Kombëtar Party Durrës Branch of the Legalliteti Party Durrës Branch of the Republican Party Durrës Branch of the Association of Former Political Prisoners Durrës Branch of the Association of Formerly Economically Persecuted People Durrës Branch of the Association Pronësi me Drejtësi

Statement by the Prosecutor General

A hasty man who should be upholding the law… by the Prosecutor General During his interpellation in Parliament, Mr. Prosecutor General, speaking about the political figures who had been reported, also mentioned Mr. Arben Burburia, chairman of the PS Branch in Elbasan. It seems that with this statement the Prosecutor General is getting his facts mixed up, and his expression makes one wonder about the confusion that exists in the highest bodies of the Albanian justice system. The truth is that the prosecution authorities have not opened proceedings against Mr. Arben Burburia; rather, Mr. Burburia is the one who approached the Elbasan prosecutor’s office over the incident involving him and Mr. Mit’hat Haviari, former head of the Elbasan Police. By way of clarification, we quote an excerpt from the protest lodged by the KDI of the PR on this matter, published in the newspaper “Republika” on May 19, 1994: “The KDI of the PR SHK demands an immediate investigation of Mr. Haviari, as well as of the other employees of the Elbasan police station, who carry out unlawful orders to an absurd degree…”. It seems that in this case Mr. Prosecutor General has struck the hammer rather than the anvil. In any event, it seems astonishing to us that a quarrel between two people in Elbasan, over a purely ordinary road-traffic matter, should be interpreted as one of the actions concerning corruption that has apparently worried Mr. Prosecutor General. What Mr. Dragoshi could do is review the facts concerning this matter, make a public statement telling the truth, and apologize to Parliament for engaging it in futile business. In any case, that is his affair. In the same statement by the Prosecutor General, he also mentioned the questioning of Mr. Bitinca over the falsification of documents relating to the Telekom tender. It is now known that the charge of falsifying documents has been completely dropped, having been officially refuted by the Prime Minister himself. As for the second charge being examined by the group of experts, the wording used by Mr. Prosecutor General clearly reveals a certain prejudice. This seems far too hasty for a man who must be extremely careful in his statements as a defender of the law and human rights.

Decorations removed from the former high-ranking Communist nomenklatura

An overdue act The President’s decree removing Enver Hoxha’s decorations is welcome; until today, he had been named National Hero twice. The PR raised this issue some time ago and denounced it publicly, especially at its Second Congress last October, where it stated explicitly: “But how can we come to terms with the fact that Enver Hoxha is a ‘National Hero’ twice over and, of course, his family enjoys the special pension associated with these decorations.”

Arbnori against the motion concerning himself

According to our understanding of democracy, a motion of no confidence may be brought against anyone who heads an institution. What surprises us, however, is that the very person against whom the motion is directed calls it illegal. The least that can be said in this case is that Mr. Arbnori lacks modesty—not to mention that this is an arbitrary act and, despite all the efforts made, it cannot be interpreted as lawful. By way of clarification On 12. 02. 1995, 84,000 lekë were stolen from the PR’s treasury. A newspaper has written that the theft was committed by some PR official and that this sum of money was stolen to buy some party in order to join the Right-Wing League. It is well known that there are newspapers at this time that publish playful, imaginative journalistic pieces. But we think that a journalist, as a citizen, should help the law-enforcement authorities dealing with this matter by saying who the person is that may be suspected and what may have been bought with this sum of money. That would be concrete assistance, especially in helping the two people detained by the police in connection with this incident, as well as the other people summoned for questioning about the matter.

The German President will visit Albania

On 9 and 10 February, a German delegation consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other institutions of the FRG was in Albania. The purpose of the delegation’s visit was to prepare for the official visit of the German President, Mr. Herzog, to Albania on 28 February and 1 March. During their stay in Albania, they met with representatives of the Albanian government to discuss the organization of this official visit.

From the chronicles

“I have observed that the development of democracy in Albania is generally proceeding along the right path,” said the madwoman. In the capital, on Saturday afternoon, in front of the Socialist Party headquarters. When the Socialists take power, then the people will get to taste democracy. The socialism the Socialists will build will be democratic socialism. Enver Hoxha spoke of socialist democracy, whereas Servet Pellumbi speaks of democratic socialism. This shows that when the Socialists take their seats, they will turn the first socialism upside down and build a socialism the likes of which have never been seen. Political parties are out of fashion. Alliances, leagues, poles, fronts, unions, assemblies and councils of elders are now in fashion. Schools, too, will be brought together. The elementary school will be joined with the Party’s higher school. The cadres who emerge will be instructors for the PS Committees, both at the center and at the grassroots. The Macedonians still have not learned how to be a state. Soon they will regret the day they thought of acting against the Albanians, but it will be too late. Skopje will ask Tirana to show restraint, which may well be achieved, but just try to keep Dibër and the neighboring districts in check. Gjirokovë thinks it will win the prize for the April 1 celebration with the Albanians. God willing, he’ll make it to that day, because the old man is in a bad way. Who knows what might happen. Nevertheless, his doctors have given assurances that there will be no cursed illness. Soon I will inform you about the change in local time and standard time. With the change of the clocks, a much better fate than the one it has had until now will knock at Albania’s door. The eight million Albanians living divided among five states are synchronizing their clocks.” KRONIKANI

In this issue:

Some mental structures (m - l) in the PSSH program Page 3 Sarajevo lives... even after they have killed it Page 3 TITO Page 3 The Right takes the initiative Page 2 Blood feud or vigilantism? Page 2 “Octopus 7” on the RAI UNO screen Page 4 “Premiere” and contributions to the fight against AIDS Page 4

Statement by the Prosecutor General

A hasty man who should be upholding the law…

Arbnori against the motion