“Renewing courage” of the Party of Labour
At a declarative time it is becoming increasingly clear that beautiful, sweet words, like honey and milk, about democracy, the rule of law, the market economy, private property and the like, resemble the work of a person who falls asleep and shouts in his sleep. How could one not think so, when instead of being put into practice, they are proclaimed again and proclaimed with a pomp just as great from the podium of the Party of Labour. This happens at a time when two important documents, especially in terms of how they were treated and presented in public opinion, prove the opposite. The first is the report of First Secretary Ramiz Alia at the last plenary session of the Central Committee of the PLA, and the second is the content of the theses of the 10th Congress, presented for discussion. In his own words, Ramiz Alia, right from the start of his speech, asked the forums and organizations of the Party of Labour “not to adopt a wait-and-see attitude,” but to take an active part in the processes under way. This means that, despite demands for the depoliticization of state bodies, the army and the school system, he is in fact seeking to preserve the influence of the old party in all the links of public life. Likewise, in his report he speaks of pluralism, but of a controlled pluralism, in which the Party of Labour retains its political and administrative predominance. In the theses of the 10th Congress, while new formulations are used, the essence remains the same: preserving power by new means, adapting to the pressure of the times. What is presented as reform is in fact an attempt at political survival. Words about private property are not accompanied by clear legal measures; words about the market economy do not match the practice of centralized administration; words about democracy are not supported by respect for the opposition and for dissenting views. Hence citizens have reason to ask: are we dealing with a real turning point, or merely a new propaganda maneuver? It is hard to believe in the sincerity of this “renewing courage” when it comes after so many years of denial, repression, and unfulfilled promises. Instead of taking responsibility for the country’s deep economic and moral crisis, general formulas and calls for patience are offered. But the era of empty words is over. Albanians expect real change, not just new vocabulary from the very same people who kept the country closed for decades. If the Party of Labour seeks to convince public opinion that it has changed, it must prove this through concrete actions and not through the rhetoric of plenums and congress theses. Otherwise, “renewing courage” remains only another slogan.
THIS GOVERNMENT DESERVES TO BE SUPPORTED
Sali Berisha’s speech in Parliament
Honourable deputies!
Mr. Speaker! Ladies and gentlemen! The leadership of the Helsinki Committee for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms is, for me, one of the most important events in Albania since the establishment of pluralism. Because for the first time in the history of this country, people will have a powerful, lawful tribune in defence of their freedoms and rights. Such an institution is indispensable for democratic society and for the rule of law itself. We cannot build democracy with empty formulas. We must build institutions. We must create guarantees for the citizen. We must stop arbitrariness and administrative violence. Only in this way can we restore public trust in the state and in the law. Within this framework, the current government, despite all its limitations, deserves support. It has taken on an extraordinarily heavy burden at a very difficult moment for the country. The economy is in deep crisis, the administration is ruined, shortages are numerous, while citizens’ expectations are high. Nevertheless, the way forward cannot be the sabotage of every effort simply because this government does not belong entirely to the opposition. We must maintain a constructive attitude. Criticize it when it is wrong, but support it in the steps that lead toward democratization and reform. Albanians need stability, order, bread, and hope. In this chamber, the spirit of obstruction should not dominate, but rather the spirit of responsibility. Supporting this government is not an act of loyalty to individuals, but a duty toward the national interest and toward the democratic process. If the government fails, the country suffers. If the country suffers, the citizens lose. Therefore, despite political differences, we must act with moderation and with a sense of state responsibility. This does not rule out a deep reform of institutions; on the contrary, it demands it. But reforms need time, determination, and a minimum of national consensus. Albania cannot come out of the crisis through blind political hostility. It needs cooperation on fundamental issues. That is why I believe this government deserves to be supported.
THE HELSINKI COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP SUPPORTS ALBANIA’S MEMBERSHIP IN THE CSCE
The CSCE and, in particular, the European Parliament have paid special attention to Albania and to the processes of democratization in our country. Proof of this are the hearings in the European Parliament, its resolution on Albania, as well as the reception given two weeks ago to a delegation of the Democratic Party led by Mr. Sali Berisha. On 11 June 1991, a delegation of the Helsinki Committee for the Protection of Human Rights, headed by Mr. H. Horvath and four members of the European Parliament, came to Albania for a two-day visit. At the end of this visit, in the hall of the “Dajti” hotel, at a press conference, Mr. Horvath praised the changes made in Albania in recent months and expressed support for our country’s membership in the CSCE. He said that Albania had made important steps on the road to political pluralism and that this process should be deepened further through the creation of real guarantees for human rights and freedoms. In his view, Albania’s admission to the CSCE would be an important incentive for democratization and for bringing the country closer to Europe. The delegation held meetings with representatives of state institutions, with representatives of political parties, and with various organizations. During these meetings they discussed the situation of human rights, the functioning of institutions, and the next steps in the reform. Members of the delegation pointed out that Albania still has many difficulties, but they also stressed that there is a new political will for change. They emphasized the importance of free elections, the rule of law, and a climate of political tolerance. At the end of the visit, the delegation expressed optimism that Albania can move forward if reforms continue and if political forces show responsibility. (To be continued on page 2)
CHRONICLE CHRONICLE CHRONICLE
THE ACTIVITY OF THE PD IDEA TO INCREASE TIRANË In the premises of the parliamentary forum of the Democratic Party, a meeting was held yesterday with 180 activists from the PD branches in the capital, where the party’s further activity was widely discussed. In his speech, Mr. Azem Hajdari stressed that the Democratic Party must be transformed into a modern political force, capable of facing the challenges of the time and responding to the expectations of citizens. Problems of organization, broadening the base, and increasing the party’s influence in public life were addressed. It was suggested that the opposition parties should coordinate their actions on issues of common interest, while at the same time preserving their distinct political profile. The discussions also raised the need for greater transparency in relations with the grassroots and for broader involvement of young people. THEPLENËE [?] Kosovo, on the 31st. Kosovars, between 10 and 14 June, have become aware that most of the weapons they possess have been taken from them or blocked by the security forces. According to reports, tensions and checks have increased in several areas of Kosovo in recent days. TIRANË Baca of the PD? The organization of the Democratic Party in sector no. 20 sent a telegram of condolence to the family of Pjetër Arbnori for the loss of his mother. TIRANË In Tiranë, judges held a hearing yesterday with residents of several neighborhoods concerning supply problems and public order. (To be continued on page 2)
Two countries separated by only a river
Visas for Greece... have acquired the color of cost [?]. These days, long lines of people at Kakavijë, tired from waiting and uncertainty, continue to seek the chance to cross the border. On the other side there appears to be a more orderly, calmer, wealthier world; on this side remain shortages, poverty, and disappointment. This sharp contrast makes people feel that two geographically close countries can be very far apart in living standards. For many Albanian families, Greece has become a hope for work, for income, and for a less uncertain tomorrow. But crossing the border is not easy. Procedures, lack of information, the interference of middlemen, and cases of abuse weigh even more heavily on people. A river divides the two countries, but that river has also become the boundary between two social and economic realities. On one side, the desire to leave; on the other, the need for Albania to change so that people will not see emigration as the only salvation.
CINEMA ANGLO
(Continued on page 4) ‘A [?]’
