- ELECTIONS MUST BE HELD BEFORE MAY 1992. - THE LAW THAT MAKES THE PEASANT MASTER OF THE LAND, A GREAT VICTORY FOR THE DP - THE ATTACKS AGAINST THE DP ARE ORGANIZED BY THE RED NOMENKLATURA THAT IS LOSING ITS TYRANNY. - THE DISMANTLING OF STATE SECURITY IS A NECESSITY OF THE TIMES. - IN THE EVENT OF A MASSACRE IN KOSOVO, ALBANIANS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER WILL MAKE EVERY SACRIFICE TO DEFEND THEIR RIGHTS - . - Question: What is the relationship between the DP and the Government of National Stability? - Answer: First, I wish to emphasize that the current government is not a DP government, as the propaganda of the Socialist Party, the Enverists and the Albanian State Security are portraying it. The DP has 7 members in this government and has committed all its forces to stabilizing the situation. Naturally, we have accepted compromises with its program. I would add that when we joined this government, we did so to create political stability and prevent the bloodshed that was threatening Albania. Those who want to present the government as a DP government are seriously mistaken and cannot deceive anyone. The whole world knows that the Parliament in Albania is dominated by the PPSH (PSSH), and the Government is headed by the PPSH (PSSH). The communists hold the Presidency. Nevertheless, we have supported and openly support this government. It has worked and is working. We are asking the government to take a firmer stance in enforcing the laws, establishing public order, dismantling State Security, bringing in foreign advisers to solve the government’s problems in a quarter of the time, and to eliminate within one or several months the tragic consequences of 46 years of one-party rule. Every day, people are speculating about the “blank cheque” statement. The Enverist forces think they can drown the DP with this legend. I should add that the person who mentioned the blank cheque did so only figuratively, meaning that if the DP wins, the USA will help. The same thing was repeated by Mr. Bejken in the Albanian Parliament, when he said that we would support every step of your reforms. But the truth is that democracy has not yet won in Albania. Let us be honest. Given the position the PS sometimes takes in Parliament, the inexcusable delays in the fight against bureaucracy and in dismantling State Security, and the strategy of chaos put together by the reactionary Stalinist and Enverist forces, it is difficult for the world to believe that Albania is truly moving at the proper pace and resolutely along the path of reform. Therefore, there is no reason why elections should not be held. A political solution is essential. Any attempt to blame the DP for the situation of poverty, chaos and the wealth resulting from it [as printed]; people are waiting for social justice, and they must find it through the DP. Question: A general offensive by «Zëri i Popullit» and all Enverist forces against the Democratic Party and its leaders is evident. Answer: I do not believe that in the history of Europe a single party has achieved what this party has achieved in such a short time. With the historic act of overcoming fear, the Democratic Party opened the way to pluralism of thought and a multiparty system. Through its struggle and efforts, in a short time it destroyed the PPSH, which on 31 March did indeed win the elections under terror, but on 1 April awoke as a party without its base, without workers. The Albanian intelligentsia and youth voted for the DP. It awoke as a peripheral party, marked for death. It was forced to become a party with another name in order to regain at least some of its lost credibility. Through its struggle and efforts it also secured the release of hundreds and hundreds of political prisoners and will achieve their rehabilitation. It compelled a change in Albania’s foreign policy on the Albanian question and managed to bring Albania out of the self-isolation into which the PPSH had placed it, and to align it alongside the other countries of Europe in the KSB[?]. Through its engagement in Parliament, the DP succeeded in ensuring that Albania now has one of the most democratic provisional constitutions in Europe, limiting the President’s powers and preventing concentrations of power. Its historic victory in the Albanian Parliament will be the land law. During these months, a fierce struggle over Albanian land has been waged between the totalitarian ideology that wanted to preserve communist enslavement over ... (Continued on page 6) …the communists have it. has worked and is working. We call on laws, maintaining public order, dissolving the State Security service, and bringing in foreign advisers to solve problems in many, many fields. Before proceeding, it must absolutely quench its thirst. Nevertheless, the only way out of the situation is a political solution. We entered the government precisely in the name of achieving this solution, and therefore the timetable for the elections was brought forward from 1995 to 1992. We wan- [cut off] the elections to be held in December 1991, but this was not accepted. We believe the situation cannot wait until May 1992, so the elections must be held at an appropriate time and as soon as possible. I emphasize once again that no one can expect the seven PD ministers, who make up the— …Stalinist and Enverist; the world finds it hard to believe that Albania is truly moving at the right pace and is firmly on the path of reforms. Therefore, the solution should not be postponed. A political solution is indispensable. Any blaming of the PD for the poverty, chaos and misery in which the people are living is absurd, has no basis whatsoever and is regrettable. To think that a party making up one quarter of the government could stabilize the economy and, in one or several months, undo the terrible consequences of 47 years of dictatorial policies is an attempt to blame the PPSH, as the principal party responsible for the tragedy Albania is experiencing today. Naturally, by this we do not mean that people should not criticize the PD ministers and the PD itself. They make mistakes and must answer for the mistakes they make. The PD ministers, leaders and activists must bear in mind that this is a revolution, and in every revolution people do not wait [sic]—they paralyze every action of yours. You too, Mr. Minister, take action. the nation. ...with the paid... [text cut off] It was forced to move to a party with a different name in order to regain at least some of the trust it had lost. Through its struggle and efforts, the PD and will bring about toward the Albanian question and succeeded in bringing Albania out of the isolation into which the PPSH had plunged it, and in placing it alongside the other countries of Europe in ... This happened as a result of political and social events and changes in recent months, as a result of ... [partly illegible]

- Interview with the Minister of Internal Trade, Mr. Agim Mero - As we were conducting this interview, we saw on the table an order signed by Minister Agim Mero to immediately abolish all deputy-director positions at the Tourism hotels. These were State Security cadres officially employed as deputy directors of the Tourism hotels, but accompanied by dozens and dozens of other “invisible” people. We hope this first step will be followed by others. Question: The wretched state of the market is there for all to see. Readers in particular would like to know more. What can you say about this? Answer: The trade network is worse today than ever. But the shortage of food products is even more alarming. From the first day of its work, the country’s Government of Stability viewed the shortage with particular concern and considered measures to rectify the situation. I must say openly that the population’s food situation is dire. The country is heading toward famine. There is no point hiding the truth, because even if we do not say it, the people no longer believe us. This has happened as a result of the political and social events of recent months, the destabilization of the countryside, the abandonment of work, and so on. It is now clear what caused such nearly destructive effects on the extremely centralized economy that ruled our country for decades. They are the consequences of that anti-national policy of isolating our country from the world, of the extreme autarky that prevailed. Thus, for the second half of the year, food reserves are at minimum levels. For this reason, the government decided to take several extraordinary measures to guarantee a normal food supply for this period. I mean not that shops should be filled, but that the foods distributed by ration should be guaranteed. We must import large quantities of food that until yesterday we had not imported. To this end, two main approaches were considered: first, domestic foreign-currency reserves will be used to import food products. For this six-month period, we need to import hundreds of tons of wheat from abroad, at a time when, unfortunately, we had claimed that we could supply it domestically. Work is under way to conclude these contracts, although the entire quantity of wheat needed has not yet been contracted. The situation with fats is very serious, and 30,000 tons are needed to secure the minimum quantity. We have urgently opened a contract for 6,000 tons of oil, which will arrive soon. The same situation applies to meat, eggs, soap, milk, etc. These days, powdered milk has begun to be distributed by ration in retail outlets. All of this requires the corresponding foreign currency. It has been calculated that 150 million dollars will be needed by the end of the year, given the foreign-currency difficulties. People must understand that they are going through a very difficult phase. Building true democracy requires sweat and work. Everyone must understand this, but above all, mutual understanding, stability and social peace are necessary. This situation can be eased by the humanitarian aid that has begun arriving from abroad. Nevertheless, it must be said that this aid does not meet all needs. Question: How is the trade system progressing with the introduction of reforms and a market economy? Answer: The first step is the privatization of trade. In fact, we are behind here, because the centralized system still has us in its grip like an octopus and does not let us move at the necessary speed. The past continues to act in every way. Although we feel the necessity of beginning privatization in the trade system, ... (Continued on page 2)

On Sunday, 7 July 1991, at 1 p.m., an unexpected fire broke out in a solitary, forgotten, single-storey building belonging to Hospital No. 1, next to the wall of the «Skënderbej» school. The alarm was raised quickly, but the fire engines arrived a little late. Later, among the crowd of onlookers, police officers and soldiers—some of whom were helping remove the goods inside—the director of the medical personnel training course that occupies this building-dormitory, Drita Kule, daughter of former bloc member Rita Marko, was also seen. Beside her the whole time, I also noticed the caretaker Hyrie Kastriati, who has recently become a close friend of the director... [part cut off/continues in the next column] Note. And, in all fairness, it must be said that she has benefited from this friendship. As the flames grew, some soldiers and police officers continued to carry out belongings... As soon as they brought them out, at the director’s order... they quickly covered them with brand-new, snow-white sheets or blankets and hurried them away so that the hundreds of curious eyes would not see them—especially the sick women, the colleagues from the rheumatology ward, who followed this «film» with interest from beginning to end. But unlike what the director and caretaker Hyria heard, they watched it through to the end, and it prompted them to ask one another many questions. We can add one more: Could this fire be part of the dark forces’ scenario of terror, intended to obstruct the democratic processes by every means and method and to discipline any action of yours? You too, Mr. Minister, must act. The people expect you to act in accordance with the laws, for the sake of stability and the peace of the nation. Democratically credited? The greatest suspicions were aroused by the presence of refrigerators and washing machines... The article in «ZP» about the dozens of refrigerators, washing machines and televisions that had been used by the family of the “brothers” of Z. Nexhmije Hoxha reminded someone that some of the items found in this building may have originated from there. The expert examination concluded that the fire was caused by an internal electrical discharge. The investigation is continuing sluggishly. To help them, we recall a fact that speaks volumes, well known to many people who are neighbors of the block members. When the former members of the PP Bureau were ordered to withdraw from their paradise, they took it like a great calamity— (Continued on page 2)

Zëri i Popullit, when discussing the events in Kamëz, implies that in events of this kind, such as those in Shkodër or Kamëz, it is always the deputies and leaders of the Democratic Party who are present. Yes, gentlemen, the Democratic Party deputies Azem Hajdari and Prof. Ylli Vejsiu were in Kamëz only because they had been called for help by the security forces: neither of them feared the dangers, and both always placed themselves at the service of calming the situation and reopening the blocked road. If it is only Democratic deputies, and not Socialist ones, who are present, is that the Democrats’ fault? Look for the reason, seek it in the people’s complete loss of confidence in you, as the Party of Labour and now the Socialist Party. On this occasion we would also say a few words to the security forces and the Minister of Public Order: the Democratic Party will always stand alongside the actions of the security forces to maintain calm and create full security for the people. Therefore, act in the name of the law to give the people the peace and security they expect. But do not buy into those Enverist forces that operate before your eyes and that act to ... destabilize and present ... [partly illegible]

For days now, Parliament has been waiting for Mr. Genc Ruli to report on the conclusions of the analysis of the major abuses and frauds committed by those in the Block with the people’s money, sweat and property. The report is being postponed from one day to the next. What is the reason? It was said that the report mentions President Ramiz Alia and that certain forces would not want this to become public. Is this true? The people are waiting to learn the truth about anyone who abused their office, who treated Albania as though it were their own private property.

The Reuters agency reported that Italy is preparing to return to Albania more than 10,000 Albanians who left five months ago. They will be returned against their will. For this purpose, Margarit Boniver will come to Albania to talk with the Albanian authorities. Italian government officials, no parent wants their child to leave the family home. But the economy, misery, insecurity, unemployment and absolute poverty forced these sons to leave Albania. At the very least, the children had to leave their loved ones so they could first earn a few lire in Italy. Gentlemen, show generosity. Do not add to the troubles and misery of Albania and the Albanians. Do not return them to destitution. Do this in the name of the humanitarian spirit that has always characterized the civilized Italian nation. Be sure that our sons will earn those lire through much hard work and sweat.

For several weeks, Albanian public opinion has been deeply troubled by the shocking facts reported in all our newspapers concerning the abuses, misappropriations and thefts of the people’s property by the highest leadership of the Party of Labour of Albania. Even more shocking are the recent facts showing that the children, sons-in-law and members of the red nomenklatura who held political power continue to this day to engage in shady dealings and become partners and co-owners in foreign firms, even establishing illegal operations. The Democratic Party firmly condemns the theft from the people during the communist dictatorship and the continuation of this corruption in new forms by the family members of the corrupt leadership of the party-state. The Democratic Party calls on all par- [text continues in the right-hand column] ... [unclear text] to take the necessary measures to block these corrupt elements and prevent them from evading responsibility under the law. It demands, first, that they be brought before the law as soon as possible; second, that the passports of all persons implicated in crimes be withdrawn so they cannot leave and escape justice. The right of all those implicated in business activities abroad must be suspended and revoked. All documents of a political, socio-economic, etc. nature must be protected from destruction wherever they may be, archived and kept by the Supreme Court, with a statement about this action also being made public. The relevant government analysis report and its results must be made public and presented in Parliament. The Democratic Party, faithful to the people’s cause, calls on all parties and state organizations to see this matter through to the end and ensure accountability. DEMOCRATIC PARTY

- From the land law - Article 2 The State grants land to natural or legal persons. They enjoy the rights of ownership and all the rights contained in this law. The sale and purchase of land is prohibited. Article 3 Agricultural land is granted, free of charge, in ownership or for use to domestic legal or natural persons. Article 6 Families residing in the countryside who are not members of an agricultural cooperative, and families who work and reside on agricultural enterprises, are granted agricultural land for use, the size of which shall be determined by a decision of the Council of Ministers. Article 25 Agricultural land acquired in ownership under this law shall be inherited according to the legal provisions on inheritance that will be adopted.

ZP HAS SHARPENED ITS SWORD On Sunday, Zëri i Popullit launched a full-scale attack, warning that this is only the beginning, because «Zëri and the ... [partly illegible]». Once again James Bejker and the USA are attacked for not giving us aid, for not signing at the ... Skënderbej «white ...», Deputy Prime Minister Gramozi Pashko is attacked, etc. You really are strong, you renewed ones! Come on, haven’t you grown tired of repeating the same thing from morning till night? Well, gentlemen, you should know that time proves there is no foolishness in the world that can help a “renewed” communist who, on cardinal issues, has Enverists and Stalinists such as Lutfi Dautllari as spokesmen. Traditional collectors of socialists in Parliament who want the land to remain with the State are among the freshest proofs of this “renewal.”