27-28 SEPTEMBER - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY GRAND RALLY IN "SKËNDERBEJ" SQUARE - Democracy will win, let us uproot communism in Albania! - 75 thousand supporters of our party, gathered with hundreds of buses from the districts, filled yesterday the central square of the capital. The grand gathering of the Democratic Party had an extraordinary echo throughout the country. The rally slogans and the national flags were placed on the platforms. The stage set up in the center of the square became the place from which the leading figures of the DP and representatives of branches from the districts spoke. Amid the cheers of the crowd, the speeches were welcomed with enthusiasm and with calls for freedom, democracy, and the overthrow of communism. Numerous cheers were heard for pluralism, for free elections, for a state ruled by law, and for a European Albania. The banners read against violence, against manipulation, and against the poverty that had gripped the country. In his speech, the chairman of the Democratic Party, Mr. Sali Berisha, stressed that Albania can no longer continue on the old road of isolation and deception. He called for the unity of all citizens around democratic ideals and for the protection of the free vote. Other speakers pointed to the severe economic situation, shortages of goods, unemployment, and the deterioration of public order. They criticized the government and the PPSH for incompetence, delays, and attempts to keep power through outdated means. The rally ended with patriotic songs, the raising of flags, and the promise that the democratic movement would continue until its complete victory. Photo: DHIMITËR PAVA

That is how it made us unable to disagree. The deputies are still there, with swords and fighting in the square [?], but we know that other things are written on the pages of the newspaper. These days, when the media speak of a completely different situation, of tackling the problems of the time, of what is happening in the country, there you find only lines of propaganda. Even the blind would catch such things if they understood what we want to know and not read empty praise. But what does "ZP" tell us? That this and that has been done, that things are moving this way and that, that there is a struggle for bread, for order, for peace. But people know very well that words do not fill the stomach, nor do they move life forward. In truth, we want to know the truth and not its fog. And for this reason the press must be a mirror of life and not a curtain for it. If a newspaper is content with clichés and grand words, it remains far from the ordinary person. (To be continued on page 2)

On 7 and 8 September 1991, the first conference of the Democratic Party for the district was held in the city of Korçë. Delegates from the city and the countryside took part in its proceedings. The most pressing problems of the time, the economic situation, and the need for better organization of the party structures were discussed. The conference elected the leadership bodies of the branch and approved a series of tasks to increase political activity. During the discussions, it was emphasized that the people expect concrete changes and that the role of the Democratic Party must grow in every cell of society. The participants demanded honest elections, an impartial administration, and the establishment of the rule of law. They condemned poverty, abuses, and the lack of prospects for young people. The article also shows that the activity of the branches in the districts is gaining greater scope and that similar conferences are being held in other parts of the country as well. (To be continued on page 2) PRESIDENCY MOSHATA

Photo: DHIMITËR PAVA (To be continued on page 2)