The first March 22 after three years There is no doubt that victory over the 50-year dictatorship, one of the most inhuman regimes in the long history of humankind, represents perhaps the greatest victory achieved by the Albanian people in their recent history. With their vote on March 22, 1992, the Albanian people voted against the misery into which the totalitarian system had reduced them, against the exemplary isolation in which even the most ordinary contact with the world was considered heresy. The March 22 vote was a vote against the class struggle, which culminated in true genocide, making the small Balkan country a champion of internment camps and medieval prisons. On the other hand, the March 22 vote unleashed the Albanian people’s long-standing aspirations for freedom and democracy, for building a state governed by the rule of law, founded on respect for human rights and freedoms and the country’s return to Europe—aspirations also expressed in the programs of those political forces that contributed to the fall of the communist system, thus bringing about March 22. The victory of March 22 enabled the Albanian people to escape the abyss into which they had been thrown by the absurdities of a system that belonged neither to its time nor to the world. In this regard, the achievements made over these three years in various fields cannot be denied. These include freedom of conscience and belief, fulfillment of international standards in the implementation and application of [unclear], and the development of a free press, etc. As for the economy, elements of the capitalist system began to replace the [unclear] economy, leading to the flourishing of the private sector. The leap forward in foreign policy must also be mentioned: the country moved from a policy of self-isolation to an open policy without complexes, seeking membership and participation in major international organizations and the structures of international institutions. But the 50 years of communist dictatorship had put down deep roots everywhere, first and foremost in people’s minds, naturally including those who found themselves at the helm of the PD and took the reins of governing the country after March 22. In this way, tendencies to monopolize democracy became openly visible, linking the overthrow of communism solely to the name of the Democratic Party and connecting everything to December 12, 1990, just as E. Hoxha once did with November 8, 1941. In this way, the countless sacrifices of those people who had openly opposed communism from its very beginnings were ignored (and as a result had sacrificed many years of their lives in the prisons of the regime ... [text continues outside the frame]) Where membership in the PPSH had once been decisive, now the blue PD membership card became decisive. Here it is also worth pointing out the shameful, condescending attitude toward coalition partners, reducing the coalition to a purely formal arrangement. Once they had secured seats in government, evidently thinking they would not need their votes, the PD leaders became deaf to the rightful demands of those persecuted by the communist regime and of the lawful owners whose land and homes communism had seized, and did not hesitate to use violence against them. The use of police batons against the hunger strikes organized by the Association of Former Property Owners and the Association of Former Political Prisoners and Persecutees, as well as against the forcibly organized strikes in Kukës and Bulqizë, showed that we were still very far from the democratic system that had been discussed and continued to be discussed. Strong remnants of the past also appeared in the tendency to monopolize the state information media. There can be no denying the bitter fact that RTSH became a platform solely for the state and the party in power. Despite all the achievements, its development must be said to have taken place spontaneously, without a clear strategy as to which sectors should be covered and which should be priorities. As a result, the productive sector was neglected and the main emphasis was placed on trade. The consequences of this spontaneity also included the inefficient use of the loans received over these years, and the failure to publish accurate information about them and the terms on which they were granted. Meanwhile, these factors, together with the lack of a long-term economic plan, led to a lack of foreign investment, so essential to the recovery of our devastated economy. The PD government’s inconsistent position on property has also contributed to this ... [text continues outside the frame] escape the abyss into which they had been hurled by the abuses of a system that was out of time and out of touch with the world. In this respect, cannot be denied. During this period, efforts have been made to build a state governed by the rule of law, attempting to introduce elements of legislation meeting European standards, reforming the judicial and local authorities, and establishing proper relations among the different branches of power. There has also been a tendency to depoliticize important institutions, moving away from the party-state elements characteristic of the previous system. The achievements are evident that 1990, just as E. Hoxha once acted of that category of were ignored (and, as a consequence, they began spending years of their lives in the prisons of E. Hoxha’s regime). Such attitudes became even more damaging when reflected in practical actions. Thus, we were confronted with appointments made on a party basis, justified by explanations such as “took part in the December movement” or “supported the democratic processes,” even though their contribution might have amounted only to raising two fingers, or to cheering more than others, and so on. Thus, just as once in the posts against corruption. 7. Establishing the Association of the Politically Persecuted and the former Assembly as a principled formation in the country’s political life. 8. diaspora, as an integral part of the nation. 9. Protecting pensioners, children, the homeless, and other social groups in need of economic support. 10. Special care for teachers, who prepare the future of the nation. 11. Protecting the Albanian family, the foundational hearth of the nation and society. 12. Cultivating patriotism and our noble traditions. LDSH in our district will work as a clearly the protection of the rights and freedoms of the individual in every sphere. We are for the removal of foreign investments as a necessity for our district, as a necessity for our district, our district.

Greece summoned a diplomat from Tirana after its diplomat had brochures that incited separatism among the ethnic Greek community in Albania, official sources said the day before yesterday. This is Greece’s second blow against Greek extremists seeking autonomy or independence for Southern Albania since the neighboring countries began improving relations earlier this month. On Sunday, Greece arrested seven people armed with assault weapons near the Albanian border and said that an attack across the border had been thwarted. “This matter has a very dark side. It is a clear act of provocation,” Prime Minister Andreas Papandreu said after the arrests. He said the matter would be investigated comprehensively. Official sources said that staff at the Greek embassy in Tirana discovered that the diplomat had brochures about MAVI shortly before Greek Foreign Minister Karolos Papulias visited Albania last week in an effort to improve strained relations. Greek government spokesperson Evangelos Venizelos told reporters that a diplomat, identified as a liaison officer, had been summoned, but he did not say why. The Greek socialist government kept the diplomat’s summons secret until after Papulias’s visit, which both sides hailed as having opened a new, positive chapter in relations. ATSH

Will things change? At last, the ice has been broken. Tirana’s roads will change ... [text cut off at the bottom of the image]

At last, the ice has been broken. Tirana’s roads will change somewhat. Since February 20, 12 million lekë have been allocated to the Tirana Paving Enterprise and the enterprise that repairs paving machinery, to repair the five most damaged roads inside the Ring Road, namely “Hasim Zeneli”, “Rruga e Barrikadave”, “Tefta Tashko”, “Sulejman Pasha” and “Fadil Rada”. change somewhat. Since February 20, 12 million lekë have been allocated to the Tirana Paving Enterprise and the enterprise that repairs paving machinery, to repair the five most damaged roads inside the Ring Road, namely “Hasim Zeneli”, “Rruga e Barrikadave”, “Tefta Tashko”, “Sulejman Pasha” and “Fadil Rada”. These funds, administered under the supervision of the Roads and Sewerage Enterprise, are for these three months. The repair of the main Boulevard is also planned soon, and the state budget will provide for work on the main roads as well. “The sum of 3 million allocated for the continuation of the new Ring Road is more of a joke,” says engineer Mimoza Nezimi, “because it allows for such a small amount of work that it isn’t worth spending anything at all.” The General Directorate of Roads and Communications must give serious thought to Tirana’s new Ring Road. B. M.

Father Roman Schaluck, Superior General of the Franciscan Order in the Vatican, made an official visit to Albania, where he appointed the heads of this Order throughout the country. During this visit, Mr. Roman, accompanied by Father Xhamaria, his envoy to Albania, held talks at the Lezhë District Council, where he was received by its chairman, Gjergj Gjoni. Mr. Gjoni noted that the Franciscans had been one of the pillars of Albanian identity. The Order produced such prominent figures as Fishta, Bardhi, Mjedja, Gjeçovi, etc. The Franciscans, he emphasized, have contributed not only through their religious duties but also by assisting the many believers in this district. ATSH

On March 18, the expanded Council of the PR branch met in Lac. The Party chairman, Mr. Sabri Godo, also took part. The branch chairman, Mr. Rrok Pëllumbi, gave a brief report on the branch’s activities, which have also spread to the municipalities, with 583 members. Mr. Godo said that since the Second Congress, the Party has been successfully adopting a political and functional style better suited to the present and the future. General-discussion meetings of the forums must come to an end. Today we discuss strengthening the Right-Wing Alliance, expanding the Party, organization, distribution of the press, and collecting membership dues. Reorganization, aimed at a more precise division of work and responsibilities, from the Central Headquarters to the forums, is progressing well. In addition to these Party issues, each branch should also draw up its own program according to the characteristics of its district. Republican activity must become a daily reality. If the branches sit and wait for whatever comes to them from the Center, we will become bureaucratized. Mr. Godo also spoke about the political situation, describing it as dangerous. Leftist laws, the monopolization of government, the distortion of democracy—especially through attacks on the strata that supported it—almost total corruption, and the lack of order are making the economy and politics increasingly precarious. In this context, the emergence of the Right-Wing Alliance renews hopes and creates confidence that the social-communists will never return to power. Then Mr. Godo answered the participants’ many questions. “Republika” correspondent

With 65 votes in favor, none against, and 1 abstention, the new Code of Criminal Procedure was approved yesterday morning by the People’s Assembly. This code constitutes an important aspect of the legislative reform being carried out in our country. Its approval and entry into force represent a democratizing force in the activities of the Justice authorities, ensuring fair, equal, and regular legal proceedings to protect citizens’ personal freedoms, rights, and legitimate interests, and to strengthen the rule of law. It was drafted on the basis of the principles and standards of the procedural legislation of states with a distinguished democratic tradition.

A Maltese entrepreneur said that he plans to develop an attractive and promising resort worth 300 million dollars in Albania. Hotelier Arti, Arab? 300 meters?—the project in the Saranda region and southern Albania will include four tourist villages with 4,000 beds, two golf courses, and a marina for 200 yachts. Kushtet, who announced the project at a press conference with the mayor of Saranda, Landi Gjini, said that a major plan must be drawn up to improve the infrastructure of southern Albania—including the construction of a small airport, roads, and improvements to the speed of the energy network. He said that the project, approved by the Albanian authorities, would cover an area of 22 square kilometers, which is separated from the Greek tourist mill of Corfu by a narrow strip of water.

FAN S. NOLI and Kolonja p. 3 A great Albanian name, eternally immortal p. 3 Characteristics of emigration today p. 2 “We will not allow ourselves to remain slaves” p. 4 The Atlantic Alliance has a duty to assume its responsibilities p. 4 Crossword, curiosities, announcements... p. 4 The Superior General of the Franciscan Order on a visit to Lezhë [partly cut off]

Supporting the establishment of the LDSH in our country, the leaderships of the undersigned entities met at the office of the Association of Former Political Prisoners and Persecutees of the Pogradec district, where they discussed and expressed their positive views on the 14 points of the joint program of the founding parties of this League. For all of us, the following shall be sacred: 1. The issue of national unification within ethnic borders, in accordance with international acts. 2. Private property and its return to its lawful owners through genuinely democratic laws. 3. Changing the institutional form of the state through popular referendums and voting on the conditions. 4. Establishing an acceptance of values and referendums against corruption. 5. Establishing the Association of Former Political Prisoners and Persecutees and the former Assembly as a principled force in the country’s political life. 6. Full recognition of the rights of Albanian citizens in the diaspora, as an integral part of the nation. 7. Protecting pensioners, children, the homeless, and other social groups that need economic support. 8. Special care for teachers who prepare the nation’s future. 9. Protecting the Albanian family, the nation’s and society’s foundational hearth. 10. Cultivating patriotism and our noble traditions. The LDSH of our district will work as an unequivocally anti-communist force for the full development of pluralist democracy and for the protection of individual rights and freedoms in every field. We support the removal of foreign investments as a necessity for the economic development of our district, as a necessity for our tourist district. Signatories: Branch of the National Front Party Branch of the Legality Movement Party Branch of the Albanian Republican Party Branch of the Association of Former Political Prisoners and Persecutees Branch of the Association of Former Political and Economic Prisoners and Persecutees Pogradec, March 10, 1995

“I have acquired immortal immunity. I will legislate for all eternity. The 400 thousand dollars that the state party and the Albanian labor movement allocated to the voice of the people in 1990 will be returned to the owner of ZP, that is, to the Socialist Party.” Keep your wits about you! These are bad times! At this end of the scribbling, the “sipërat” have started calculating the fines, and everyone is setting their own. The time has come when even a single person has convinced himself that he is capable of doing anything. Even going mad. The time will come when the Socialists celebrate March 22, too. The day of victory over themselves. To overcome yourself is the greatest victory. The oral promises made on March 22, 1992, will be fulfilled on March 32, 2002. The Socialists have been frightened by recent developments. For example, by the reduction of their great chairman Nano’s sentence by two years. Why have the people’s eternal newspapers forgotten Chairman Nano? Why did they not write even a single line? And why have they forgotten Kraksi? He has membership card number three. He keeps saying that Chairman Nano asked his former counterpart, Kraksi, for membership card number three. But Kraksi apparently replied in Arabic, explaining in pure Arabic that the card had been lost. Marx is criticized by some as a Marxist. How can such an invention be made? They also told Enver Hoxha that he was not a true communist, so he put them in prison. Hegel would say: in the program of the great opposition party. Then the communists will be accused of being idealists. The Greeks arrested yesterday as terrorists were arrested today. They said they had not set out for Albania to carry out terrorism, but were fleeing as refugees. The day before yesterday, the party “Neo Demokratia” was formed in Tirana, in Albanian “New Democracy.” In this branch of the New Party. Evert in Athens. It is a party born from the remnants of some “rrobaçionistëve” who are not... The Chronicler