Class struggle, the innocent victims From house arrest, the former communist leader speaks “We were wrong to strike even at anti-communists,” there have been many “victims with heads” CARLO BOLLINO TIRANA — “What for? Votes and voting?!” says Ramiz Alia at the beginning of the conversation and laughs. Gazeta Shqiptare finds the last communist president of Albania, the man who for more than 40 years was a protagonist of the country's most important events, at his home in the “Bllok”, under arrest by order of the prosecutor. Alone in the living room, wearing a brown suit and a white striped shirt, Alia waits calmly for the questions of a long interview. On the walls, paintings of the country's monuments and the family at a table. The telephone number seems to have stopped ringing. On his face, worn by years and worries, there is also a real sadness, especially when the conversation turns to the son killed during the war and his life companion, Nexhmije Hoxha. He speaks slowly and carefully, without outbursts, sometimes in a low tone, sometimes more sharply. Now and then he stops, thinks for a moment, then continues. In his answers there is an effort to explain, to justify, but also to admit, partially, responsibility. He sees himself as a man who believed in socialism and who was wrong about many things, but not about his aims. “The class struggle,” he says, “produced innocent victims. We were wrong when we struck at anti-communists too, people who had done nothing. There has been a great deal of injustice.” He further admits that the party and the state interfered in everything, that freedom of speech did not exist as it should, and that pluralism was unacceptable to the mentality of that time. “We thought we were defending the country,” he adds, “but often we were defending ourselves and our system.” He speaks of Enver Hoxha with a mixture of respect and distance. He calls him a dominant figure, a man of extraordinary will, but also of great suspicion toward others. Regarding the final period of the regime, Alia suggests that some decisions could have been made differently, especially in relation to opening up to the world and to the economy. He says the country was tired, that the people wanted change, and that the leaders did not understand the depth of the crisis in time. At the end of the conversation, the former communist leader also speaks about personal responsibility. He does not deny that he had his share in the system. “I too have my faults,” he says. “If I were to go back, I would do some things differently.” Then he falls silent for a few moments. Outside, the new Tirana moves to the rhythm of another time, while inside the quiet living room the shadow of an era that has just ended still remains. Former President Ramiz Alia

The project will be signed in two days. Work will begin by summer

Parliament approves a new social law (New in Albania) AT THE SECOND SESSION LAST NIGHT, PARLIAMENT VOTED 125 IN FAVOUR AND NONE AGAINST THE CHANGES TO THE LABOUR CODE THAT WILL MAKE SATURDAY A DAY OFF AND PAID THE SAME AS SUNDAY TIRANA — At the second session last night, Parliament voted 125 in favour and none against the amendments to the Labour Code, which make Saturday a day off and paid the same as Sunday. The new law enters into force on July 1 and represents a change with broad impact on the country’s social and economic life. The decision was received with great interest, because it directly affects working hours in the administration, in enterprises and in other sectors. In parliamentary discussions it was said that the measure aims to bring Albanian legislation closer to European standards, as well as to create more free time for family and social life. Various deputies welcomed it as a civilizing step, while questions were also raised about how it would be applied in sectors where work cannot be interrupted. Nevertheless, the consensus of the vote showed that the issue enjoyed full political support. With the law coming into force, the working week will be reorganized in line with the new standards. Ministries and institutions are expected to issue special instructions on the management of schedules and payments. For many citizens, this means a full weekend for the first time in many years.

The court reviews expressions of remorse

Where the commander once rested, now cars swarm TIRANA — (B. A.) — Step by step, the place where the quiet of Enver Hoxha’s private garden once stood is turning into a public and commercial space. In the photo, a new scene is visible, with parked cars, tables and people moving about. What yesterday was part of the closed world of the communist leadership is today presented as a café, a symbol of the rapid changes of the transition. Many passersby stop to watch this transformation with curiosity. Some call it a sign of the times, others a profanation of a place charged with history. But for most, the change remains irreversible: the former spaces of power are taking on new functions, more ordinary, noisier, and more linked to the market economy.

In Italy the motive for playing anew It sends people and friends to Bosnia Kruqifin hand to kill Clinton?

DO YOU HAVE A WATCH TO SELL? PUT IT IN BUY DO YOU HAVE A WATCH TO SELL? PUT IT IN BUY How quickly “Gazeta Shqiptare” is asserting itself as the daily paper that is reforming the everyday life of Albanian citizens. Through the free insert “Blerë” that has started appearing on weekdays, new notices for apartments, cars, jobs, sales and purchases are reaching the reader. The editorial office phone 24109 receives short notices every day, which are quickly published in a special space. The new service aims to give the public a practical tool for finding, selling or exchanging goods and services. In a time of rapid economic change, “Blerë” presents itself as a small paper marketplace, open to anyone who has something to offer or request.