It was not created solely to compete in elections The experience of these years of PD governance, as well as the danger of the left-wing forces returning to power, have made all the right-wing forces in the country aware of the necessity of their role in the country’s political life. In this respect, cooperation among them is of the utmost importance. Several factors make this cooperation necessary, including a lack of experience, the deep roots communist ideology has put down in people’s mentality—especially that of politicians from other forces, as reflected in their activities—and the lack of material resources to wage an effective political struggle, etc. For this reason, the right-wing political parties have understood that the shortcomings created as a result of the factors mentioned above can be overcome only through cooperation among all these forces—a cooperation that must continue to broaden and improve. Under the influence of this spirit, the idea of creating a joint body had been put forward some time ago, with the aim of coordinating the activities of the right-wing political forces that would join it. This was achieved last year with the creation of the Albanian Right-Wing League, which brings together most of the parties on this side of the political spectrum, as well as associations with an anti-communist character, foremost among them the Association of Former Political Persecutees, a powerful bastion in the struggle against neocommunism and the return of communism. Naturally, everything would have proceeded normally as far as its functioning was concerned, for reasons it is now pointless to mention. But, despite difficult conditions, the activities of LDSH constitute a positive experience in relation to the stage of political developments in our country. The cooperation of LDSH’s components in opposing several profoundly left-wing laws passed by our parliament, the condemnation of official policy positions on the Kosovo issue—not to mention intensive activity in the field of propaganda, regardless of its degree of success—greatly served to consolidate the Albanian Right. It is positive that almost all of LDSH’s positions also found support among right-wing forces outside it. In another sense, this also created the conditions for LDSH to expand. One of LDSH’s basic aims was also to put forward our ideas appropriately, which were intended to begin revitalizing anti-communist awareness. It was necessary to restart the party’s projects for democracy… [?] Leaders of the Right-Wing League at one of the rallies organized in Tirana

Albanians feel insulted Reports from Kosovo indicate that the Serbian authorities have begun an intensive campaign to change the names of streets and squares. As part of this campaign, the Albanian names used until now are being replaced with the names of Serbian figures. Thus, the Albanians of Kosovo will now be confronted with streets and squares bearing the names of Tsar Dušan or Tsar Lazar, etc. Worse still, the streets of Albanian towns and villages will also bear the names of those who committed genocide against them. As for Albanian figures, only a very small number are exempted, and their activity is connected with the partisan war led by Tito’s communists. In addition, the street signs will be written in Serbian, with Albanian underneath. Naturally, this has provoked a reaction among ordinary Albanians, who feel extremely distressed and insulted. This is happening at a time when pressure on Belgrade to respect all the rights of Albanians is steadily increasing. Continued on p. 3

The editorial office of the newspaper “Republika” has launched the “Family Announcements” column. Anyone wishing to send greetings for family-event anniversaries or to commemorate deceased family members on the 40th day, six-month anniversary, or anniversaries may do so in this column by mailing or bringing to the editorial office a photograph of the person being congratulated or commemorated, together with a message of remembrance or congratulations no longer than 40 words, including the names of those joining in the congratulations or commemoration. The Editorial Office

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