Pages 3, 4 Vlora, 14 in hospital. Tirana students beaten by “plainclothes officers”

. The people of Albania were shocked yesterday when they learned that the foreign ministers of the European Union countries had decided not to call for new parliamentary elections in Albania. It is rightly said that “the frost of Brussels cut our faces with frozen blood.” Before the Brussels meeting, the wretched Albanians had already been “cut” at the nape of the neck by the government of their own race (not a government representing their legitimacy). Berisha’s government, installed like a spider and a filthy mess, practices violence, theft, mercenarism, fear, and terror. Beyond all this governmental horror, Albanians see new parliamentary elections as the only political solution—elections from which a credible government, a responsible and representative parliament, and a normal president will emerge. Yesterday, people expected Europe’s ministers to voice this too. Why do Albanians expect this? Because throughout their lives Albanians dreamed of the European “family.” Because when they parted from their Communist “idols,” the Albanians received Europe’s promise: “we will be together; we will help you so that you are never oppressed again.” Because the model of democracy is found in America and Europe, which cannot support thieves, criminals, and dictators. Why did the expected words not come? We should not be saddened by this, although we were right to expect them. Europe’s ministers decided that the Albanian government should receive no aid; after that, no one could make a political decision. The Brussels meeting left the “check” in the hands of the Albanians: “Your government will not be helped by Europe; can you keep such a government?” This is the first message. (Let us not forget: there is room in Europe, too, for those whom Berisha deceives with the wealth of the Albanian people. Albanian gangsters have hunted down gangsters there as well.) The second message is the responsible one: Freedom is stained by those who enjoy it! Europe cannot pay for our freedom, after all. But what will we do? We will create democracy and Albania. Albania is not in Brussels; Albania is here, in Vlora. If we did not have Vlora, then dozens of “ambassadors” of Berisha would fill their suitcases with our dollars to give us lessons in democracy in poor Albania. But we have eyes that are clearer and more discerning than the blind. than the blind. than the blind. than the blind. than the blind. [The visible section continues:] Vlora. Vlora shows us that one must protest against a bad government with all one’s might. Vlora shows us that when the government becomes a “mule,” then those in government must be brought down by force. Vlora shows us that when the state robs and pollutes you, then this “state” must be shown where the limit lies. Vlora shows us that freedom is dearly bought, that even the finest people turn their lives into burning torches and the finest girls turn their lives into burning wings to achieve everyone’s freedom. Vlora shows us how rights are defended and a state is built. European ministers, too, can take lessons in Vlora. In the days after the attack, new darkness does not immediately give way to light; the sun appears in the sky through a patch of sky. Albania is now illuminated by Vlora, and is becoming like Vlora. We will be amazed by our country once we have cleaned out the garbage; let us believe!

U.S. Ambassador Mariza Lino