A tool for a problem THE SO-CALLED KUMBARO SITUATION The issue of the so-called politically persecuted and their compensation remains one of the sharpest knots of the transition. Instead of being handled with responsibility and sensitivity, it has often been turned into an object of political manipulation, a pretext for division and a tool of pressure. This is not about denying the pain of thousands of Albanian families who for decades endured prison, internment, executions and humiliation. On the contrary, it is a moral and state duty for these people to have their rights recognized and for them to be given a fair solution. But it cannot be accepted that under the name of a major issue, petty interests, personal showboating and attempts to keep the conflict alive are hidden. The so-called “Kumbaro situation” is being used by some as a symbol of injustice, but by others as a banner for a struggle that seeks more political effect than a real solution. Instead of calm, we see emotional agitation; instead of argument, we see slogans; instead of dialogue, we see ultimatums. Albanian society needs reconciliation, but not forgetting; justice, but not revenge; transparency, but not spectacle. This is exactly where the solution must be sought: in the recognition of the truth, in the moral reevaluation of the victims, and in an institutional treatment that will no longer divide society further. This debate should not be left in the hands of those who feed the crisis for their own interests. It must be turned into a national debate on responsibility, historical truth and human dignity. Otherwise, we will continue to have not a solution, but only noise.

The elections in three months will remain not only an extraordinary political date, but also a great challenge. They will once and for all mark the victory of the people over a regime that has driven the country down a dead-end road. We can see that the Socialist Party, emerging from the ranks of the PPSH and for a long time trying to preserve the status quo, is seeking to present itself as a new force. But the people know the past well and cannot be deceived by new names and old promises. Opposite it stands the Democratic Party, born out of the student movement and the people's aspiration for freedom and democracy. This party, despite all the difficulties and lack of experience, has brought the spirit of pluralism and the hope of another future into political life. Today the country needs not slogans, but solutions. It needs bread, freedom, justice and openness to Europe. It needs to emerge from isolation, fear and misery. This is the greatest test for every political force and for every person who claims to take responsibility. In this context, the elections are a test for everyone. They will show not only who wins power, but also in which direction Albania will move. If the people decide in favor of change, then no one will be able to stop the course of history anymore. This is the moment for prudence, civic responsibility and national duty. Every vote will carry its weight. Every word will have its echo. And every mistake will be paid for dearly. Therefore the political battle ahead of us is not only between parties. It is the battle between the past and the future, between isolation and Europe, between fear and freedom.

Humor of our days The big loser... The emigrant newspaper was publicly highlighted A lot of noise has been made about who is the winner and who is the loser in the latest political clashes. But in truth, the biggest loser is not the one who gets fewer votes in a forum or in a meeting. The one who lost the most is the one who lost the public’s trust. When politics begins to speak the language of slander, when the opponent is not confronted with arguments but with labels, then the damage is not done only to one person. The damage is done to public life itself. The emigrant newspaper was publicly called by terms that show more nervousness than strength. And that is the clearest sign of weakness. Instead of clarifying public opinion, it is poisoned. Instead of opening debate, communication is closed. Insult is not an argument. It is an admission of powerlessness. Therefore the big loser is not only the one who makes a mistake in a statement. The loser is the one who thinks he can win by humiliating the other. In the end, the public understands well who speaks to persuade and who speaks because he has lost his calm. And when calm is lost, authority is lost too.

Yesterday’s activities of the Democratic Party were characterized by a series of meetings, discussions and positions regarding the latest political developments in the country. Its leaders stated that the PD remains determined to carry the democratic process forward and not to allow any step backward. At the center of attention were contacts with the grassroots, analyses of the economic situation and concerns about the rise in political tension. According to party sources, the need for mobilization and for broader communication with citizens was underlined. There was also talk about the upcoming elections and the responsibility that political forces have to guarantee a fair contest. It was stressed that democracy cannot be built with pressure and fear, but with free voting and respect for the law. At the end of the meetings, a call was made for calm, self-control and the continuation of efforts for change.

Vazra went to the embassy first, brought the house home won, but not herself as well. Others spoke about the lists, the queues, the hope that was being pushed day by day. In Arvanitas people are still waiting for good news, an escape route, an opportunity not to remain hostage to poverty and insecurity. Their conversations reveal a strange mix of dream and disappointment. Some have lost all faith, others still hold on to the last word they heard. Emigration has become the only horizon for many young people, while the village is slowly emptying. It is not only the problem of bread. It is also the problem of dignity, of the feeling that no one hears you and no one helps you. When a person feels abandoned, he clings to every opportunity, even when it is uncertain. Arvanitas is not asking for miracles. It is asking for a sign that the country can change, that life can become more bearable and that tomorrow will not be a repetition of today.

In order not to leave this matter only to them and better, we sought to speak with representatives of the political forces. Everyone had an explanation, a reasoning, a justification. But no one could give a clear answer to what is happening. Some spoke of provocations, others of misunderstandings, still others of an artificially created situation. In the end the same void remained. Too many words, too little meaning. The ordinary person, the one who waits for bread, electricity, work and peace, listens to this cacophony and only shakes his head. In this country, words are worth less and less every day. When facts are replaced by statements, when responsibility dissolves in the fog of speeches, then commentary becomes unnecessary. See and judge for yourself. See on p. 5

A few days ago a report circulated according to which a group of citizens would be departing for Italy in an orderly manner. This fact was commented on with surprise, irony and suspicion, as if it were unusual for Albanians to travel as citizens and not as fugitives. This reaction shows how distorted our relationship with the world has been for years. We got used to seeing departure only as a dramatic escape, as flight by boat, as jumping fences, as a challenge to borders. Now that other opportunities are being created, it seems we still do not know how to trust normality. Travel to Ankona as citizens is not a news item to mock. It is a sign that another era may be beginning, one in which human dignity is respected and freedom of movement is no longer treated as a crime. Of course the road is long. But every step toward normality has its own value. And perhaps one day what surprises us today will seem completely natural.

Argentina is facing a difficult economic situation and the government is seeking new measures to cope with the crisis. In another development, diplomatic sources report new tensions in the region, while the international community is calling for restraint. Agencies also report an important meeting in Europe, where issues of security and cooperation were discussed. From the Middle East come reports of new clashes, while efforts for a ceasefire continue. In the United States, political debate is focused on the economy and unemployment.

TO THE ARTISTS RED-S’S CORRSP See on page 5 [?]