Mr. Chairman Honorable congressmen Senators, ladies and gentlemen! I want to thank you for the opportunity you have given me to present to you the situation in Albania and the necessary assistance that my country today needs from the USA. On behalf of the Democratic Party and of all those who believe in freedom, I express gratitude for your interest in the fate of the Albanian people. Albania is emerging from a long period of Stalinist dictatorship, the harshest in Europe. After decades of isolation, political terror, poverty, and denial of basic human rights, our people are trying to build a democratic order. But this transition is extremely difficult. The economy is on the verge of collapse, production has fallen, supplies are scarce, while the old administration is trying to preserve its privileges. The Democratic Party, as the first legal opposition force, has supported the peaceful path of change. We have called for free and fair elections, the rule of law, genuine political pluralism, and respect for human rights. However, electoral manipulation, control of the state apparatus by former communists, and the lack of democratic guarantees have prevented the free expression of the will of the citizens. Under these conditions, Albania urgently needs economic aid, political support, and institutional assistance from democratic countries, especially from the United States of America. Your aid would be an investment in peace, stability, and democracy in the Balkans. The Albanian people are deeply pro-Western and see their future in the European and Euro-Atlantic family. I assure you that the Democratic Party and all democratic forces in Albania are determined to carry the process of democratization through to the end. We are not asking for privileges, but only for support so that our citizens may have the opportunity to live free, with dignity and with hope. Thank you. [text around the photo and side columns partly illegible] (Continues on page 2)

Notes from the hunger strike ... from the only window of death there came to us the clear, heartfelt cries of the Albanian miners for freedom, justice, and democracy. I could not remain without answering them with all my being. Following in their footsteps, I descended into the gallery of the Valias mine. The miners, with their bellies tightened by decent bindings as if to prevent hunger from screaming even more loudly from the inner hollows of the body, had gone days and nights without bread, just as in a Dantesque hell. When they came out and rose for a moment from the narrow rails of the galleries to catch their breath, to touch once again with free hands the sky of freedom, they seemed to one like shadows that had emerged from the darkest centers of the earth. Often leaning one against the other, with pale faces, with reddened and sunken eyes, but with unconquered spirits, they spoke to you in a language at once heavy and clear: freedom is not begged for, it is won. In those moments one felt that their strike was not simply a protest for bread, but a cry for human and national dignity. In their accounts the long suffering of submission, inhuman work, contempt, lies, poverty, and the fear of a system that was breathing its last became clearly evident. Nevertheless, above all stood the belief that this sacrifice would not be in vain. Each miner carried within himself not only the wounds of the gallery but also the light of another Albania. This hunger strike was not an act of despair, but a testimony of moral strength. From the underworld of the depths came a message for all those who still hesitate: freedom requires courage, justice requires resistance, and democracy requires people who know how to sacrifice. [lower part of the text illegible in the image]

During his visit to the USA, the news and geopolitics director at “Voice of America”, Elez Biberaj, told a group of journalists that Albanian democracy is facing many difficulties, but that there is broad international support for reforms and democratic change. He stressed that developments in Albania are being closely followed and that foreign assistance will be important in the months ahead. According to him, the Democratic Party and the other opposition forces have played an important role in opening up the country politically. He praised the courage of Albanian citizens and especially the sacrifices of the miners who have undertaken a hunger strike. “This shows the Albanians’ desire for freedom and dignity,” he said. In his commentary, Biberaj also underlined the need for fair elections, respect for political freedoms, and economic support from the West. Without this help, he stressed, it will be difficult for the country to overcome the severe social and economic crisis. (Continues on page 5)

A general observation shows that yesterday a general strike was successfully carried out throughout the country. In most cities, enterprises, institutions, and shops were closed, while citizen participation was broad. The strike took place peacefully, without serious incidents, and was accompanied by calls for pluralism, democracy, and the removal of the old communist structures. In Tirana, Shkodër, Durrës, Elbasan, and other cities there were spontaneous gatherings and peaceful demonstrations. Citizens demanded immediate political and economic changes. In many places urban transport was halted, while normal work activity was almost suspended. Various sources said that the strike’s echo was also felt in industrial areas, where miners and workers expressed solidarity with the demands of the opposition and the hunger strikers. (Continues on page 2)

The strength of a people lies in its ability to take responsibility for its own destiny. At great historical moments, complaints are not enough, nor is passive waiting for others to solve our problems. Only a society that rises with courage and awareness can win freedom and build democracy. Albanians are going through a severe trial. The economic crisis, the legacy of dictatorship, and the lack of democratic institutions make the road ahead difficult. But precisely in these conditions the character of a nation is tested. If the citizen remains silent, fear wins. If he speaks, organizes, and acts, hope is born. There is no salvation without effort. There is no freedom without sacrifice. And there is no real change without the participation of the people themselves. Albania cannot wait forever for foreigners; their help is valuable, but decisive is our will to change ourselves and the state. In the end, the fate of a people is in its own hands. (Continues on page 6) Text near the photo illegible[?]

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