GRAMOZ PASHKO DECLARES DISCUSSION AT THE EXTRAORDINARY PD CONFERENCE Gentlemen, I do not want at all to deal with oxen, but, frankly, it seems to me that for the first time I am feeling myself at the center of Albanian politics, not in the banal sense of the word, but in the sense that in the civilized world means an independent intellectual, an opposition figure, and so on. I was told that the only mistake I had made with my first article, “Unity Makes Strength,” was that I had sent it for publication to “Rilindja Demokratike” and not to “Koha Jonë.” I corrected that mistake in time. That is the first thing. The second is that I still have a trait from the past, which my friend and colleague Preç Zogaj called an “agitator” — perhaps rightly so. And if there is still something like that in my nature, it is because once I was an agitator of the Party of Labor; but then the Party of Labor was in opposition to the people, while today I am in opposition to Sali Berisha, to the Meksi government, and so on. Third, I am not against anyone who thinks differently from me. I think that a large party like the PD should accept different opinions, debates, discussions, and carry pluralism through to the end. I will not engage here in any personal attacks. What I have said, I have said publicly, and I do not take it back. Nor do I regret today what I have written and said. I have no intention of leaving politics. On the contrary, if we leave the country without critical voices and without independent thought, then we risk returning to a new monotony. I have declared that I am politically independent, and I consider that a value. I have been and remain for a democratic Albania, for an honest political life, for institutions that respect the law and the citizen. If some people think that freedom of speech is treason, then we still have a long road ahead of us. If some of you want to expel me, that is their business; but I will continue to be part of public debate and of the political life of this country. (continued on page 4)

BLERIM ÇELA DECLARES Enemies, the 19th control group IN THE NEWSPAPER “KOHA JONË” Last night the 19th control group arrived in Lezhë. Their move had the objective of announcing candidates for the “Democratic Alliance of the People” grouping. Its members included three Republicans, members of the Movement and of the People, and representatives of the Agrarian Party. According to unofficial sources, next week, since there are also other control groups with President Berisha, a consultation will be held for a general meeting of the 19th group. Such a meeting is not excluded in order to support President Berisha or for the formation of President Berisha’s cabinet. Blerim Çela emphasized that the main opponent remains the Socialist Party and that the votes may be given to anyone else, but not to the Socialist Party. He said that the Albanian people must not allow the return of the past. Mr. Çela also spoke about Albania in the coming years, about solidarity, and about democratic hope. A. FRANGAJ

Authors of the motion are excluded without any argument concerning the existence of the motion PD motionists announced the withdrawal of Ali Spahiu, who will be an independent candidate for the PD in the upcoming elections. Halapi and Pataricësur in the PD give indications that they are above the motionists. The session continued in a harsh tone. In the hall, accusations were raised of backstage maneuvering and deviations from the party forums. Various speakers demanded clarity about the motion, its lists, and its initiators. Some of the delegates considered the way the motionists’ group was treated to be unfair. Others defended the decision of the leadership structures, stressing the need for party discipline. At the end, the withdrawal of Ali Spahiu as a PD candidate was announced, along with the possibility that he will run as an independent candidate. (continued on page 4)

Starting with this issue, “Koha Jonë” will be published twice a week. This is being done not only because of our readers’ requests, but also for reasons that better serve the informing of public opinion. At the same time, the newspaper will expand its distribution network and its collaborators. We hope that this decision will be welcomed and will help us be closer to our readers. A. FRANGAJ

In the article “Vjerrë...” signed by politician El. Kuçuku in issue no. 18 of the newspaper, it was written that her brother had been killed in 1992. When then and with companions... [?] The above writing is not welcomed, especially as it concerns the brother’s private life, where even the events have sometimes been presented differently. Since the family has been affected, the editorial office is publishing this short clarification. AUVSH[?]