CRIMINAL-STATE PLANS AND CAPITAL POLITICS IN THE PARLIAMENT OF THE PD AND OF ALBANIA The leadership of the PD and the group of PD deputies, analyzing the grave situation created in recent times and especially the one that has worsened recently with Prime Minister Bufi’s sixth statement and with his statement yesterday, wishes to inform the public as follows: If that part of the opposition, which before the elections had pledged that it considered the national stability government the only solution to the Albanian crisis until a period of free and fair elections, now, through some political maneuvers that are dishonest toward the national interest itself, falls prey to narrow party calculations and political adventure in order to seize power by any means whatsoever, what is most terrible is this: the nation and the national interests are being deliberately led into a dead end with no exit. The request made by PD on 3 June by Sali Berisha for a technical government, which was also made known to the wider public, explains with concrete facts all the arguments that made such a solution urgent. Then the Bufi government, with its demagoguery, undertook the old policy that brought about the country’s economic and social catastrophe; with the collapse of the currency, the sinking of the financial market, psychological and moral chaos, and the criminal irresponsibility of the government, the country is heading toward a point of total social explosion. For the opposition and for all Albanians it has now become clear that the government was unable either to stop the economic catastrophe or to restore calm to the country. In a country with such a government, with an incompetent administration and a parliament filled with conflict, there can be neither stability nor democracy. The PD has made many efforts to support the democratic process, but also to openly denounce its sabotage. Even today we believe that the solution must come through political and moral responsibility, and not through intrigue and manipulation. We warn that a policy aimed at replacing the will of citizens with backroom deals and momentary calculations will lead the country toward a new confrontation. It cannot be accepted that, in the name of power, freedom, pluralism, and the hope born with the democratic movement be sacrificed. The PD will remain firmly in defense of the national interest, free elections, an impartial administration, and public peace. We demand immediate political solutions that will put an end to the country’s economic and moral degradation and pave the way for free elections as soon as possible. (To be continued on page 6)

PASHKO: “What unites me and Berisha is stronger than what divides us” In ka e gjorë e sham. On Tuesday morning, before leaving for Greece, Gramoz Pashko gave a statement to the press in which he stressed that divergences within the PD should not turn into division and that the common points are more important than the differences. He said that the struggle for democracy requires political maturity and shared responsibility. “What unites me and Berisha is stronger than what divides us,” he declared, calling for the debate to be conducted in the interest of the country. Pashko also underlined that the economic and social situation cannot wait and that the country needs political clarity, functioning institutions, and free elections. (To be continued on page 6)

The article published in the Swiss newspaper “Weltwoche” is devoted to the latest developments in Albania and the political reactions that have accompanied the democratic movement. The article notes that the country is going through a decisive period and that the clash between old and new forces is still open. The author focuses on the impact of the economic crisis, on social discontent, and on the public’s high expectations of the opposition. According to the article, Albanian democracy remains fragile, but the civic energy that has emerged in recent months makes the process of change irreversible.

A return to the old that were meant to be different The democratic movement, which set out on its historic path at the end of last year, has aroused great hope in all layers of society. But in the months that followed, it became clear that it faced not only objective difficulties, but also obstacles deliberately raised by those who did not want change. News Tensions, expressions of dissatisfaction, and a general sense of insecurity are being reported in cities and districts. People are asking for clear answers about bread, work, order, and the future. This climate is being further burdened by the government’s incompetence and the delay in finding solutions. Chronicle Do we need fin e anasit In recent weeks, verbal clashes and attempts to relativize the legitimate demands of citizens have also been recorded. Instead of transparency and responsibility, the language of evasion and accusations has often been chosen. For democrats this is unacceptable. There is only one path: a return to free voting, to the law, and to public responsibility. (To be continued on page 9)

12 DECEMBER 1990 ALBANIAN DEMOCRATIC DATE LET DEMOCRACY GO DOWN WITH DICTATORSHIP THE BOOK DEMOCRACY WILL WIN 12 DECEMBER 1990 ALBANIAN DEMOCRATIC DATE DEMOCRACY DOWN WITH COMMUNISM FREEDOM DEMOCRACY DOWN