- THE FIRST NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE ALBANIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONCLUDED WITH COMPLETE SUCCESS -

Yesterday's election, my election as PD Chairman, has given us satisfaction, but it also imposes a greater burden of responsibility. You dragged me up to that podium, and I found the strength to come back here. First of all, I want to thank you and express my deep and unshakable conviction that our strength comes from our faith in the justice of our cause, from our ideal of a democratic Albania, from our will to contribute to its peaceful triumph. Dear Congress, in this Congress I have gladly joined your conviction that we should gather together as soon as possible. From this Congress we must emerge united in our program and in our statute, in our goals and ideals. Yes, because with united forces we can do a great deal. We are the force of democratic reforms and national salvation. I know that we have been strong in the most difficult days, but from this day onward we must become even stronger in the days of freedom. With this Congress, with this statute, with this program, with this new leadership, we have taken an important step in the life of our party. The First Congress of the Democratic Party is an event of historical importance for the development of Albanian democracy and for the country's political life. It demonstrated our determination to carry forward the path begun with the student movement and with political pluralism. From today on, we must work with greater seriousness, greater discipline, and greater responsibility toward the membership and toward the Albanian people. Democracy cannot be built with hatred, but with understanding, civic courage, law and justice. We are not against anyone as an individual; we are against the system that oppressed Albania for decades. Therefore, our path is the path of peace, dialogue, fair political competition, and trust in the free vote. The Albanian people deserve a European future. Young people, intellectuals, workers, peasants, women, and the politically persecuted expect seriousness and moderation from us. Let us live up to that expectation. Only in this way will democracy prevail without pain. (Continued on page 6)

Just one year ago, on 12 December 1990, the Democratic Party of Albania was founded in Albania. Its birth and growth have been inseparably linked to political pluralism, to the collapse of the communist monopoly, and to the hopes of Albanians for freedom, welfare, and Europe. The First National Congress of the Democratic Party declares its determination to continue without hesitation along the path of democratic reforms, the rule of law, the market economy, and European integration. We consider this Congress a great act of political responsibility toward Albanian citizens, who have suffered for a long time from poverty, isolation, and ideological violence. The Democratic Party will defend fundamental human rights and freedoms, private property, free elections, independent press, and the separation of powers. It will fight against corruption, state arbitrariness, and every form of political discrimination. Albania needs national reconciliation, work, and credible institutions. The Congress calls on all citizens, regardless of belief, to contribute to the democratic transformation of the country. Only through dialogue, tolerance, and fair political competition can we build a modern, European Albania. (Continued on page 6)

[text partially illegible due to image quality and orientation]. For women and youth [?...]. democrats, on unity, discipline and political action to carry forward the program of the Democratic Party. [Continued on page 6]

The First Congress of the entire democratic part of the Albanian people of Albania and Kosovo considers the Kosovo issue an unresolved national problem and one of the greatest historical injustices against the Albanian nation. [further text partially illegible] The respect of the political and national rights of Albanians in Kosovo is demanded, as well as an end to violence and repression, recognition of the free will of the people, and support for democratic forces. The resolution calls on the international public to react to the situation in Kosovo. (Continued on page 6)

[text partially illegible]. At this first meeting the central slogan [?...]. political pluralism in Albania. [Continued on page 6]

LET US DO MORE FOR TOMORROW The lively and varied scene of the discussions, greetings and experiences of this democratic congress testified to the new political energy that was emerging in the country. [text in small columns, partially illegible] the discussions focused on the organization of the party, relations with the electorate, the economic situation and the need for greater grassroots engagement. The conviction was expressed that democrats must work more for tomorrow, be closer to citizens and firmly defend national interests. (Continued on page 9)

positions: 1. Sall Berisha, Chairman 2. Arben Imami, Deputy Chairman 3. Tritan Shehu, Secretary 4. Adnan Haxhi, member 5. Aleksandër Meksi, member 6. Abdi Baleta, member 7. Ylli Bufi, member 8. Azem Hajdari, member 9. Bashkim Kopliku, member 10. Leka Zogu, member 11. Sali Selfo, member 12. Teodor Keko, member 13. Ylli Vejsiu, member 14. Edi Alushi, member 15. Jemin Gjana, member 16. Blerim Çela, member 17. Ylvi Zajmi, member 18. Besnik Mustafaj, member 19. Ali Spahia, member