For the future of the nation there must be reconciliation of all Albanians in the country and the integrity of their ethnic and historical lands; for this, full amnesty, pardon for everyone and everything, only when the guilty begin to face the judgment of the Albanian people. History must be written as it happened. The graves must be opened and all the martyrs must be laid to rest. In hope of the nation’s future there must be national reconciliation of all Albanians in the country and in the integrity of their ethnic and historical lands. A heavy, overwhelmed crowd went to the funeral of the murdered boys of Shkodër. Shkodër, once of sorrow, glory and pride, seemed to be moving toward a great awakening. A heavy silence fluttered through the streets of the city, speaking more loudly than any words. Many people, men, women, young and old, had come out to bid their final farewell to its sons. The atmosphere was solemn and charged with grief. Thousands of citizens accompanied the coffins of the fallen in a silent march. Their faces showed sorrow, but also the determination that their sacrifice should not be in vain. The words spoken during the ceremony called for truth, justice and national reconciliation. There was talk of the need to open the graves, to acknowledge the fate of the missing and to write history as it actually happened. Full amnesty and unconditional pardon were demanded, but at the same time it was emphasized that the guilty must stand before the judgment of the people. The ceremony turned into a great civic and national demonstration. Shkodër’s pain was transformed into a call for freedom, dignity and democracy. At this funeral, the city showed that the martyrs of democracy will not be forgotten. Their sacrifice will remain part of the national conscience. Among the crowd were banners, flags and flowers. People stood with bowed heads, while tears and anger mingled in silence. Shkodër, wounded but proud, escorted its martyrs with great honors. (Continued on page 2) It was made so largely by Shkodër itself in recent days

According to reports received concerning the voting in Albania, these have not been either free or fair. Various observers have recorded numerous irregularities, including voter intimidation, the lack of secrecy of the ballot, and the use of the state apparatus in favor of the ruling party. The United States, the American people and President Bush’s government support the right of the Albanian people to a truly democratic process. We express our deep concern over the climate of uncertainty and violence that accompanied the recent elections. The United States encourages the political forces and the Albanian people to continue seeking further improvement of the democratic process. The United States supports pluralism, respect for human rights and the creation of democratic institutions in Albania. The White House and the Department of State will closely follow future developments. The United States expects the Albanian authorities to reflect on these remarks and to take concrete measures to correct the violations. (Continued on page 2)

SPEECH BY SALI BERISHA AT THE FUNERAL CEREMONY Dear friends and family members, Those hopes and expectations that the Shkodër revolution for democracy gave birth to 4-5 days ago were brutally bloodied last Thursday. For the second time in 40 years, Shkodër became a sacrifice for freedom and democracy. Last Thursday, the forces of the PPSH shot at the people of Shkodër, wounded over 60 people, killed 4 young men and gave this land, washed in blood, 4 more martyrs of democracy. They fell for freedom, they fell for Shkodër and democratic Albania. They fell because they stood on the pedestal of the highest ideal of humankind, freedom. Dear parents and relatives of the victims, we can never comfort you, because your loss is a loss for the whole nation. Dear young people, you are the angels of our democracy. You made to it the sublime sacrifice so that, on solid foundations, a new, free and democratic Albania may rise. Let us swear before your bodies that the ideal for which you fell will never be extinguished. Let us swear that we will continue the struggle for democracy, for freedom, for a European Albania. Glory to your life and your work! Glory to the martyrs of democracy! (Continued on page 2)

— Released from prison by the philanthropist “Help Mother Teresa” [?] The fact that Albanians need a mother, a sister or a woman as great as a mother is being shown by the times we live in. Beside Mother Teresa, without dimming either her voice or her figure, another figure of compassion and human nobility is emerging. She is the Albanian woman with a big heart, who never stopped helping the poor, the persecuted and children. In the prisons and internment camps of this land, she left indelible traces of kindness. It is now learned that she was released from prison after an appeal made with the words: “Help Mother Teresa.” This story has touched many people and raises important questions about the time we live in. It tells not only the drama of one person, but also the true face of the system that is now fading away. The article continues with details about her life, her sacrifices and her human fate. (Continued on page 2)

INTERVIEW WITH ISMAIL KADARE GIVEN TO JETËS / VOICE OF AMERICA I listened carefully to the television program with Mr. Aleksandër Meksi. I have thought a great deal about this extraordinary victory. I have called it a model victory. This victory is such because Albania will be proud of it. It inspires hope and admiration not only among us Albanians, but also in part of Europe and the West. In my opinion, this victory is a victory of civilization, of emancipation, of civic spirit. As you know, the Democratic Party won convincingly in part of Albania, in its most enlightened part, in the main cities and in the more developed areas. This has a special meaning. Allow me to say that this is a moral, political and cultural victory. It is of great importance for the future of Albania. (Continued on page 2)

Arben Broci Besnik Ceka Arben Broci; Besnik Ceka

Democrats! Albanians wherever you are, join the hunger strike. This is a victory! Albania’s young age calls upon its sons and daughters for support to the very end. Protest peacefully, but firmly. Do not let go of hope. Gather in your centers and keep calm. Democratic Party Center, Tirana, 5 April 1991. THE UNDATED EASTER NEWSPAPER! [?] Tirana, 5 April 1991 Isa Banamata Duka Tirana Duma Intimaji Dusha Lilaj HAPPY EASTER HAPPY EASTER Charitable Association “Help the Queen Mother”