The law on genocide No one can question the existence of genocide in Albania during the 50 years of the communist system. Indeed, it is regrettable that some PS leaders, playing with words, may convince others that what was inflicted on most of the population in Albania was not genocide, but rather a “war against political opponents.” In a state governed by the rule of law, everyone must answer for what they have done, even if it happened a long time ago. The most concrete example the democratic world offers us in this regard is the pursuit and punishment of former Nazi criminals, even though 50 years have passed and regardless of the fact that they themselves have one foot in the grave. Those who planned, commanded and carried out the genocide perpetrated by the hierarchs of the communist regime must also answer for it; and, when it comes to a state governed by the rule of law, this must be done on the basis of precise laws, under which each person accounts for their own share of the guilt. In this respect, the draft law approved in Parliament last night leaves much to be desired. By lumping all former officials of the previous system together—both those who may have blood on their hands and those who may have committed some minor offense, as well as someone who may be completely innocent—the draft law shows that its authors still suffer from remnants of outdated ways of thinking. Its conception, based on a collectivist approach, is the first thing that diminishes the law’s value. Another paradox connected with this draft law is that the underlings of the former regime are now being asked to answer for communist genocide, while the protagonists of that system were instead called to account in court for the coffees they had drunk. A law to punish those responsible for genocide was necessary, but it should have been enacted right at the beginning of the great overthrow. Holding people accountable then would have filtered out those who would go into politics, and the problem of cleaning up the political scene would not exist today. Now, and this cannot be denied, some of those penalized by this law have also gained a certain reputation among the electorate; and, regrettably, the PD also deserves some of the blame. Thus, this delayed and carelessly drafted bill is very likely to become a boomerang for the PD itself, as has happened on other occasions.

A society that aspires to justice and civilization cannot carry unpunished crimes with it Perhaps things would have been clearer if the opposition had not walked out of Parliament, and if Mr. Brozi had appeared before the Constitutional Court to defend himself. • A society that aspires to justice and civilization cannot carry unpunished crimes with it • Perhaps things would have been clearer if the opposition had not walked out of Parliament, and if Mr. Brozi had appeared before the Constitutional Court to defend himself. Discussion by Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çeliku, PR deputy, delivered in Parliament on 2 September 1995

Honorable Mr. Speaker, Honorable deputies, I will speak briefly, only about the draft law. I will not dwell on specific historical effects or on the names of individuals, and I will not make a party-political argument (party propaganda). Honorable Mr. Speaker, Honorable deputies, I will speak briefly, only about the draft law. I will not dwell on specific historical effects or on the names of individuals, and I will not make a party-political argument (party propaganda). The draft law on “Genocide and crimes against humanity committed in Albania during communist rule for political, ideological and religious motives” comes before the Albanian Parliament very late, but with all the positive consequences of a thoroughly constructive law. Few laws, like the one under consideration, have such a clearly anti-communist orientation, are so severe toward particular individuals, yet carry such a clear message: “Let democracy work for Albania and the Albanians.” - This law directs a precise accusation at political persecutors and not merely “over coffee, lunches and dinners”; meanwhile, it punishes them with democratic leniency under the New Penal Code, and not with extreme sentences based on prejudged, standard acts of revenge. It also punishes them by barring them from political life (that is, for only a few years, certain individuals are deprived of the right to be re-elected), a punishment of this kind of ethical and social nature. - This law protects the fundamental freedoms and human rights in Albania of those who were persecuted by the dictatorship. Given the terrible Albanian dictatorship, these persecuted people, as is known, make up a considerable majority. This law distinguishes the communist nomenklatura from ordinary communists and their children, who have no reason to bear Continued on p. 3

That is the question after two consecutive floods in late August and on 20 September. In both cases, landslides caused minor flooding. Indeed, on 21 September its geographical spread began in the mountainous areas and ended at the edge where land meets the sea. Now, as soon as it starts raining, people immediately think of Lezha, Zadrima, Laç and the flooding of the Mat River. p. 2

After the darkness experienced by Italian-Albanian relations during the communist period, as a result of the absurd policy of self-isolation pursued by the communist government, with the beginning of pluralism it was Italy once again that first picked up the signals coming from Albania, which was asking for help to survive. p. 4

Will it be flooded again

SILENÇI: “WE CANNOT STOP THE WAR” Not even laws—or even if you hang me by my tongue—I will not give up the trade of spying. The greatest paradoxes in the world happen in Albania. Just when you start getting the hang of a trade, they throw you out. It’s bad enough that they’re taking away our right to practice our profession, but why don’t they give us socialist assistance? The Labor Party will now know only victories. Ruçi, Zëqo, Cani, Nano, etc., etc., will create another party so that in the next elections they can properly represent the alternative of European social democracy. The Helsinki Committee has not commented for a long time on what is happening in this world. This committee has also not commented on what is happening in the other world. Long live elections and democratic elections. Pëllumbi will fly to the Woodpecker’s nest. There he will meet the Owl, but only after the Cuckoo has left. The Woodpecker will not eat the Worm, because the Hunter will be nearby with his Double-Barreled Shotgun. Piku will be carrying out a mission from Lupi. The antenna will not pick up the waves because Rrufja will interfere. Amen. If it turns out as it seems, all the necessary measures have been taken to ensure flooding. The flooding will begin in the north and spread to the south as well. The lowest and highest temperatures in the mountainous areas of our country will be 4 and 14 degrees Celsius. The wind will blow and will blow at the same time.