04/05/1995
Original newspaper scan
scroll · drag · double-click

Republika

4 May 1995

The magician of the Albanian word in the homeland

Konicë’s last wish is fulfilled—his remains will rest in the homeland today Yesterday afternoon at 3:00 p.m., the remains of Faik Konica—the king of thought and magician of the Albanian word—arrived in the homeland. At Rinas airport, the Prime Minister of Albania Aleksandër Meksi, members of the government, leading figures from culture and the arts, the Academy of Sciences, the League of Writers and Artists, scholars, etc., had come to receive them. The coffin was placed at the International Cultural Center, where today tributes will be paid by state and political figures of the country, people from the arts and culture, students, and pupils from secondary schools. Events in honor of Konica opened yesterday afternoon with the inauguration of the Konica Foundation—an initiative by a group of intellectuals and journalists. The presidents Berisha and Rugova, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo Bujar Bukoshi, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Teodor Laço, representatives of the forum of independent Albanian intellectuals, leading figures from culture and the arts, journalists, etc., also attended the ceremony. On behalf of the Foundation, Mr. Ylli Rakipi greeted those present. Sabri Hamiti and Nasho Jorgaqi then delivered greetings. The opening ceremony of the Konica Foundation’s activities was also addressed by the presidents Berisha and Rugova. Program for the funeral ceremony of Faik Konica The coffin will be placed at the International Cultural Center, where it will be prepared for the tributes to be held. 4 May, 10:00–11:00 a.m.—tributes will be held at the ICC by state and political figures of the country, people from the arts and culture, students, and pupils from secondary schools. 12:00 noon—the funeral ceremony. The coffin will be placed on a gun carriage and, covered with the national flag, will be escorted by those attending the tributes to the memorial of the Frashëri brothers. At 5:30 p.m. at the National Historical Museum, an exhibition of documents and photographs from the life and work of Faik Konica will be inaugurated, along with the presentation of the book “Faik Konica: Life and Work” 1876–1942, by Professor Jup Kastrati. At 6:00 p.m., a scholarly session will be held at the National Historical Museum.

What business is it of Italy’s whom we appoint ambassador in Rome?

Little things that cause trouble “I don’t understand what the Albanian government means by appointing a ‘youngster’ as ambassador in Rome. I believe Italy has done something for Albania and therefore deserves a little more respect in this regard.” An Italian politician expressed this concern in a telephone conversation with an Albanian friend of his, someone close to Albanian government circles. At first glance, anyone could say: what business is it of Italy’s what kind of ambassador we appoint in Rome! But for those who know diplomacy, it is not quite like that. The importance of Albania’s relations with Italy is already well known, whether with regard to democratic developments, economic developments, or the achievement of our foreign-policy objectives in general. These factors alone would be enough, without counting others that influence the need for the representative of the Albanian state in that country to be a prominent figure, a person Continued on p. 3

National self-determination—a just solution to the Albanian question

Page 4

Coffee, tea, Albanians, Europe

Page 5

Korça: What is happening to “Little Paris”?

Page 5

Communism never existed in Poland

Page 6

Theater

A law is being prepared that will expropriate even those who have never owned any property. This is being done for security reasons, since there have been cases of people who had not inherited any property becoming owners through work over these years. The important thing is that no owner should get their own land. We will compensate them with gold; it doesn’t matter. The land will be divided per person, while privatization vouchers will not be distributed to those under 19, since they did not contribute to communism. The securities will each have a crossword on the back, something that will be published on the caps being prepared after this. No rally will be held in the city center on this day. All those who are thinking about the failed rally should give up until next year. If the party... comes to power, rallies will be held every day until we die. Only representatives from the Soviet Union or Russia, in the American manner, or the English will take part in the ceremonies organized for May 9. Only “Kazacoku” and “Ne rrethët e Moskës” will be sung. They did not invite us. Only our allies from the communist era recognized the war and invited us to Moscow, where they will also give us decorations.