BY ARTI VUNJARI, FOR FULLY LEGALLY u FAN S. NOLI UNIVERSITY, KORÇË During the nine months of rule by the left-wing forces and, in particular, during the government of the socialists, the Democratic Party has faced a wave of denigration and insults from all sides, but it has maintained a civic stance that has given it the right to respond firmly to all injustices. Even under conditions of a police state, it never lost its identity as a civilized political force, representing the interests of a large part of the Albanian people. The PD insisted in opposing the return of the old repressive structures, the use of the administration and the police for political ends, and the closing of the free public space. It demanded that political action be based on the law and on constitutional freedoms. In this sense, its response was not only political, but also civic. In democratic life, civic action is not a luxury. It is the foundation of social control over power. When citizens remain silent, power tends to expand its arbitrariness; when they organize, protest and demand accountability, the road to real democracy opens. Civic action is inseparably linked to the political responsibility of parties, the role of the free press and the independence of institutions. In Albania, after the collapse of the pyramid scheme order and the trauma of 1997, the need for active citizenship is even greater. It is not enough to condemn the mistakes of the past; new mechanisms of control, transparency and representation must be built. Only in this way can the return of violence and political adventures be avoided. For this reason, the Democratic Party must continue to communicate with the ordinary citizen, with intellectuals, with students, with honest businesspeople and with all strata that believe in the rule of law. Its political action is lawful when it arises from the Constitution, from pluralism and from the fundamental right of the opposition to oppose power. Democracy is not merely an electoral procedure. It is a culture of responsibility, public debate, respect for minorities and equality before the law. Therefore, civic political action is a necessary condition for its survival in Albania.

- The rally in Tirana and in the districts - TIRANA The appeals and messages of the participants in the rallies held in Tirana on the occasion of the presentation of the joint Platform of action of the PDSH, PR and PSD have been clear and direct: a technical government, free elections and the resignation of those who led the country toward confrontation and chaos. At the center of the gathering was the demand for respect for the free vote and for the building of a political climate in which the opposition is not treated as an enemy. Speakers stressed that the country cannot move forward with a politicized administration, with police used against citizens, and with double standards for justice. The participants chanted slogans in support of the opposition alliance and expressed their belief that only through civic and political pressure can the necessary changes be achieved. The speeches emphasized the need for a transitional government to guarantee uncontested elections. Many speakers also mentioned the bitter experience of recent months, the lack of public order and the consequences the crisis left on Albanian families. They called for the political process not to be dominated by revenge, but by reconciliation, law and institutional responsibility. In the end, the organizers called for the continuation of peaceful protests and for broad civic participation in every democratic initiative that serves the country’s stability. THE DISADVANTAGED PEOPLE ARE THE STRENGTH OF THE PEOPLE

Ambassadors from Western countries have called the Albanian government’s interference in their diplomatic activities and the request for telephone wiretapping unacceptable, actions that seriously violate the norms of international relations. According to diplomatic sources, some of the foreign missions have formally raised their concern about the climate of insecurity and the lack of institutional guarantees. This situation, their reactions say, damages the country’s image and creates a dangerous precedent in relations with international partners. In Tirana’s political circles, this development has been seen as a sign of further tension in relations between the government and the diplomatic corps. The opposition has used this issue as proof of the power’s authoritarian tendency and its control over security institutions. On the other hand, government representatives have denied the accusations, calling them political speculation. However, the lack of an independent investigation has increased doubts and prompted strong reactions both in Tirana and in Western capitals. (Continued on page 2)

Yesterday, at a meeting held in Tirana, Hungary’s Foreign Minister was received by Mr. Sali Berisha. The conversation focused on the latest political developments in Albania, the need to restore order and functioning institutions, and the prospects for bilateral relations. The interlocutors stressed the importance of free elections, democratic standards and international support for overcoming the crisis. It was noted that Albania needs institutional stability and a political climate that makes cooperation among political forces possible. The meeting also discussed the role that Central European countries could play in promoting regional integration and strengthening ties with Albania. Sources close to the organizers said the Hungarian side expressed interest in developments in the country and in ways out of the crisis. (Continued on page 9)

Why didn’t the leaders of Tropoja understand what the people need? Why so many promises with no follow-through? Who is responsible for the lack of order, for unemployment, for poverty and for the destruction of public services? The residents of the area, who for months have felt neglected, are trying to answer these questions. Supply problems, damaged roads, the lack of functioning schools and the climate of insecurity have created a grave social situation. According to local voices, the administration is unable to cope with the situation and often behaves arrogantly toward citizens. The residents are calling for urgent intervention and a concrete plan to restore order and normality. The article also points out that electoral promises were quickly forgotten and that the people’s disappointment is turning into a moral revolt against the irresponsibility of officials. (Continued on page 9)