The president’s decree “on the issuance and distribution of privatization vouchers,” given the way it has been conceived, is unlikely to achieve its aim of distributing fairly what remains of the national wealth. Given the irreparable fact that these privatization vouchers were distributed before any privatization had taken place, the decree displays a series of shortcomings. Drafted on the basis of a purely socialist idea, or to “take a shortcut,” while claiming to respect social equality, it does the opposite. First, if we are talking about social equality or justice, the contribution of those who sweated and lost their lives at these facilities—which are to be privatized through these vouchers—should have been taken into account. Their unpaid work, or work paid at ridiculously low rates, should have been compensated in some way, rather than their receiving the same as an 18-year-old, newly born from the dew, who has not left a single mark on the country, nor even on his family. Also, the decree does not take into account whether citizens who receive these vouchers will get values equal to those who benefited from privatizations without an auction? [A few words unclear] Without overlooking the fact that a future parliament could annul the privatizations or even the “Law on Land,” this decree will be left completely without value.

The PD’s Tirana branch held its meeting. As the most important section, it attracted the attention of various political circles and observers, especially as they tried to predict what will happen at the Extraordinary Conference, which will be held in a week. Naturally, the main focus of the meeting was Berisha and Selami’s confrontation over how the draft constitution was to be approved, which also led to the holding of the conference in question. At first, Selami came under a strong wave of attacks over his recent position on participation in the constitution [unclear in source]. Various speakers, accusing Selami, expressed concern that a parliamentary vote on the constitution might prove to be a ploy to bring about early elections, while Selami continued to defend himself in his now familiar manner, trying to minimize the risk that could arise from a parliamentary vote on the constitution and insisting that, by acting as it was, the game of the Socialist opposition was being played. But what was the position of the secretary-general? Shehu, in the role of listener, accused Selami of violating procedures through his position on the constitution, apparently wishing to make it clear to him that “Sebashkia had said that his morals would ...” [text unclear] (Continued on page 4)

For some time now, the country’s political atmosphere, especially after the referendum on the adoption of the constitution (a referendum that was so widely condemned, as though it would legalize and perpetuate Albania’s separation rather than make it constitutional!), has been gripped by a dangerous deadlock. It is said that all the parties registered with the Ministry of Justice are tearing their hair out—this is what the arena has become. And all this noise is stirred up and neatly packaged under the slogan, “That’s democracy for you; this is how the game is played.” Fine, but is the game really, in the literal sense, made up of the voices and efforts of people at the grassroots, or of the individuals who use it? Given the certainty we actually have, the delivery and outpouring of rhetoric surrounding this game do not clarify matters; instead, they put people’s heads on the line and support [unclear]. And, on the other hand, those with power. The “game” is by no means made easier when people are driven into an exhausting race and, just as quickly, degrade the past, twist it, neither lengthen nor shorten it, and squeeze an innocent generation—even where they are at fault. And where are they at fault? I say this because many of those who are now in prison or under accusation were heroes in the numbers of the [unclear], temporarily in office, who were encouraged and continue to be encouraged to [unclear] in life. Through a pseudonym that nevertheless helps them face a legitimate stance, through the politics of “let them do it, then” (from the [unclear]), through the family tolerance that was created to support the government—a phenomenon, this, characteristic of the Albanian case. The current din in the political bazaar, the relentless advertising of the program and qualities of each party, and often of the “parties,” show very clearly that the bazaar is being wholly stimulated. [Text unclear] Arlën BLLAC[I?] (Continued on page 4)

The procedure for examining communications on the Greek minority in Albania has been discontinued The OSCE Commission on Human Rights decided to discontinue the procedure for examining Greek communications concerning the Greek minority in Albania. The working group of this commission met in Geneva at the end of January this year and consisted of the USA, Bulgaria, Egypt, China and Cuba. The final examination of the Greek communications concerning the Greek minority in Albania, and the commission’s decision to close the above-mentioned case, represent a serious decision by the world’s highest forum for the protection of human rights, in which the open policy of the Albanian state on verifying the situation of the Greek minority in Albania played a major role. The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Maks Van Der Shtool, who has visited Albania nine times to examine Greek claims about the situation of the Greek minority in Albania at first hand, was the primary source for the commission’s main report; the Albanian delegation also took part in the commission’s working sessions. The Deputy Foreign Minister, Arjan Starova, who led the Albanian delegation, asked the commission to discontinue the procedure for examining the Greek communications of 1993 concerning the situation of the Greek minority in southern Albania, according to a notice from the press office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs [unclear wording] to ATSH. On the other hand, reliable diplomatic sources say that this time the Greek claims met with the skepticism of the commission’s members, who, having assessed the position of this minority realistically, decided to close the case in question. Among the commission’s members, Bulgaria, as a Balkan country, is closest to understanding the real situation of the Greek minority in Albania. Although it is difficult to judge the role of these countries—the American, as well as the Chinese and Cuban positions—the decision to close the case is a sign that Greek diplomacy is increasingly encountering resistance, which is depriving it of more and more opportunities for propaganda and diplomatic pressure [source text unclear]. Cuba and China, as countries with human-rights problems, surely do not want to open difficult issues for discussion that are not in their interests. Bulgaria, which claims the existence of a minority of five thousand Bulgarians and of two churches [unclear phrase] in Albania, is undoubtedly opposed to claims of violations of minority rights in Albania, since it has witnessed positive treatment of the minority it claims is Bulgarian and not Macedonian. Meanwhile, the realistic positions of the USA and Egypt seem to have finally put the problem in its proper, normal perspective, bringing it down from the platform on which Greek diplomacy sought to place it. The closing of this case, besides being a diplomatic success for Albania, is also a clear indication that no one can exploit or instrumentalize the existence of minorities for political purposes to the detriment of regional stability. This very cold blow to Greek diplomacy is in fact a victory of reason over the passions of a quarrelsome policy that tries to survive not through moves toward progress, but through artificial tensions. Mero BAZE

Comment by Gabriel Parosh, BBC Greece has announced that it will try to reach an agreement with Albania to regularize the status of thousands of Albanians working illegally in Greece. Two days ago, Greek government spokesman Evangelos Venizellos said that the issue of Albanian refugee workers would be on the agenda of a meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers, planned for next month. The spokesman also dismissed as unimportant a border incident over the weekend for which both sides blame each other. But will a friendly agreement for the future between Athens and Tirana be able to erase their mutual hostility? Two weeks ago, Albania’s Court of Cassation released four activists of the Greek minority organization Omonia, who had been imprisoned last year on charges of espionage and illegal possession of weapons. Athens welcomed their release, emphasizing that this had opened a new chapter in Greek-Albanian relations. In fact, Athens had turned the fate of the imprisoned members of the minority into a test of its relations with Tirana. After their arrest at the beginning of last year, Greek Foreign Minister Karolos Papanulas canceled a meeting with his Albanian counterpart Alfred Serreqin. During the trial of the Omonia activists at the end of the summer, Greek authorities retaliated by expelling about 70,000 Albanians working in Greece. Now, following the release of the imprisoned Greek minority members, Athens is trying to improve relations with Tirana, although the real circumstances of their release remain shrouded in mystery. According to some accounts, the chairman of ... (Continued on page 3)

On 24 February, the chair of the branch of the Albanian Democratic League, met with the Austrian Ambassador, Mr. Kurt Spallinger. The chair and members of the LDSH spoke about the long-standing friendly ties between the two countries, describing Austria as one of the first European states to provide moral and political support to our Nation. They also presented their assessments of the country’s political situation, emphasizing that the socio-economic recovery was only beginning [unclear text] in the perspective of [unclear] the government of the Democratic Party. The Right League will pursue intensive political activity to unite the entire democratic electorate against this danger. The Austrian ambassador asked about the membership and territorial reach of the League as a political entity, its differences in program from the PD, and its electoral aims. The issue of property and the Law on Land were discussed in particular. The national question was also an important topic of the conversation. The Right League views with concern the line taken by Slavic-chauvinist forces, which seek to establish a front with Russia as its axis, initially involving three Balkan states. The praise given by Russian Foreign Minister to Milošević as a promoter of peace in the Balkans is beyond comment. The Austrian ambassador said that he did not wish to comment on individual parties and political groups, but nevertheless considers the League an important factor in favor of democracy, and a thoughtfully formed movement. The meeting lasted two hours. Both sides expressed a desire for further meetings. Acting Chair of the LDSH KURT KOLA

“THEY TREATED ME AS IF I WERE AN ALBANIAN REFUGEE” I remember an incident I witnessed in Oromonia Square in Athens in a film from ’92. A member of the minority, about thirty years old, cried out loudly—[unclear] to the friends around him: “I’m in trouble,” he said. “I don’t know what to do. Here they despise me; they call me Albanos. When I go to Albania, they call me Greek!” The next day I told this scene to the owner I worked for, a wise old Greek man of about seventy. He listened carefully. He felt sorry for me. He hesitated two or three times as if he wanted to say something, but he did not speak. I would have forgotten it, perhaps... [text breaks off/unclear] (Continued on page 3)

Starting with the next issue, the price of the newspaper “Republika” will be 10 lekë. This price increase is due to the financial difficulties the editorial office is facing. The cost of publishing the newspaper cannot be covered by the current price, given today’s expenses; these cannot be met at the current prices. The editorial office hopes that regular readers of “Republika” will continue to follow us and that other readers will join them, since in the future the newspaper will offer more high-quality information, highly analytical commentary and realistic opinions.

If you don’t listen to me, I’ll unleash whatever comes into my head on you. Try not to obey my orders! I don’t have the files, but I’ll tell you what everyone knows. You will try every day, every hour and every minute. Go on, try not to obey my orders. What is happening to you reminds me of an incident that happened to the pharaohs of Tutankhamun. He too, when he wanted to build a pyramid, was imprisoned because he had started the work without first organizing a tender. And he had bought the land for eight and a half [unclear] without an auction. He ended up as a [unclear]. We need to discuss Parliament’s business calmly. This is the last moment to find some solution. Parliament can no longer be allowed to deal with serious matters. Enough of this totalitarianism. Parliament should have only a consultative vote. For trivial matters, such as the constitution, it may even be allowed to debate and decide. But on important matters? [Text unclear] Soon privatization vouchers will come from Europe. With them, parties and similar worthless things can be privatized. If we don’t have enough vouchers to buy a whole party, we can buy one together with someone else and thus become a front or a faction. The government will also be privatized, or it will become a “joint venture” between foreign investors and a new owner. The one who is asking for early elections, so to speak, is not against his opponents. He is against their opponents (the opponents’), which absolutely does not mean against us. There is something else that will delight you all. Let’s pretend that Enver Hoxha’s decoration has not been taken away. He is the one responsible for all the unrest. As will be heard, it has exploded, it has blown up. He was sent to Cuba on a special plane. At the decoration ceremony there was a deputy who had never been to Cuba before. This was the first time ... KUTONKANI

On 24 February 1995, Mr. Sabri Godo, Secretary-General of the PR, Dr. Çerciz Mingomataj and AKD Arben Brace received at the PRSH headquarters the representative of the National Democratic Institute for Albania, Ms. Alicia Allison, the Institute’s program assistant for Eastern and Central Europe, Mr. Will Rogers, and the executive director of SHKD, Ms. Miranda Gaca. In his remarks, Mr. Godo emphasized that IDA, through its representative in Albania, had played a major role in developing democracy, particularly in [unclear] the conduct of free elections in Albania. Speaking about the political situation in the country, he underlined the need to establish the LDSH in order to prevent the danger of a communist restoration, which had been given room to grow as a result of poor governance by the PD. Mr. Godo then explained the LDSH program and its objectives for developing democracy in Albania and bringing the country out of the economic crisis, and presented the LDSH’s activities to raise its profile at home and abroad. Next, Mr. Godo reviewed the PR’s activities and its comprehensive restructuring in the relevant sectors for institutional [unclear] of its parliamentary representation, a fact that has led to a considerable increase in political activity and new membership in the PR. Ms. Allison and Ms. Gaca, for their part, described the preparations and studies carried out concerning the country and the search for solutions in Albania, so that these could be pursued in the most democratic and cultured manner possible. The conversation took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Krujë On 24.02.1995, Steering Committee member Mr. Neritan Alibali, Sheptim Lulaj from the organization department, and FRRSH deputy chair Eno Njela took part in a meeting of the PD Krujë branch council. The chair of the PR Krujë branch, Mr. Durim Kuli, and secretary Gjin Shkëmbi spoke about the tasks facing the branch in the current political context following the creation of the LDSH. The recent growth in PR membership in Krujë has made it necessary to organize work in the branch and its sub-branches. At the meeting, members called for improved work by the grassroots organization. They called for a stronger republican voice on the issues raised [the remainder of this passage is missing/unclear]. Next, Mr. Godo reviewed the PR’s activities and its comprehensive restructuring in the relevant sectors for institutional [unclear] of its parliamentary representation, a fact that has led to a considerable increase in political activity and new membership in the PR. “Republika” correspondent

GERMANY ever closer to Albania p. 3 THE PEOPLE facing politics p. 3 Why is the return of property being obstructed? p. 2 DRUGS: the Albanian environment favors everything p. 2 The Serbs of Bosnia and Croatia in one state?... p. 4 Mao’s doctor in a dilemma p. 4 Crossword p. 4 We will cut off electricity to the ministries and TV p. 2