The General Meeting of the Governing Council of the Socialist International, held in recent days in Santiago, Chile, accepted the Social Democratic Party of Albania as a consultative member of this major international organization representing the democratic left of the overwhelming majority of the countries of the world. Without doubt, the Democratic Party, which is fully aware that every democratic order necessarily requires a political spectrum and a left wing, warmly welcomes this achievement by the SDP and wishes it further success on the noble road to the victory of democracy in Albania. In a way, the DP also regards this positive event as one of its own successes, just as it would regard any other happy event for the SDP or the Republican Party, at home or internationally. But another fact in this announcement from the Andes has caught the attention of Albanian public opinion: the Socialist International’s firm decision not to admit the Socialist Party of Fatos Nano into its ranks. Not only that, but the meeting’s resolution emphasizes that former communist parties of Eastern Europe that have changed their names have no place in that organization. For us in the democratic opposition, there is nothing surprising in this announcement. We know our socialists well. The only surprise is that the world apparently knows them well too. In many articles published in «ZP», various scholars, politicians and philosophers from the SP have tried to convince their readers that the Party of Labour belongs to the European left. Craxi and the PSI have been mentioned several times, to the point that the SP leadership team considered the question of where that party stood in Albania’s political spectrum settled. According to assessments made by experts and semi-experts, the SP is the moderate, logical, political, social and even legal left. 1. It is said that the SP’s social base is the community of underprivileged classes and strata. If we take into account that 99 percent of our country’s population was in that position, we arrive at the conclusion that the other political parties have no social base whatsoever, and therefore no right to exist. Apparently, they are temporary and accidental. When the Albanian people understand this fact, all of them (at least 99 percent) will embrace the SP’s ideas and program. Thus we will return to where we were, to elections with one party!... Something entirely different emerges if we start from the concrete facts of 31 March 1991: the social base of the former PP (today’s SP) was the collective-farm peasantry. With the disappearance of the cooperatives, the SP will have as its social base only the State Security Service... 2. There is something Byzantine about the SP’s political morality. From June of this year until today, the prevailing principle for the socialists has been: «What is good belongs to me; let whoever wants keep the bad»! Despite the opposition’s victories, we must not forget that the communist-labourist-socialist political order and government have continued, in full force, from 29 November 1944 right up to the present day. Thus, everything that happens in official Albania is the work of the same political force, which was not elected three times: in 1941 by Popoviç, in 1948 by Stalin and in 1991 indirectly by Milošević. The attempt to find «fellow culprits» in the opposition is a very recent course of action. Some pluralist executive committees and village councils are mentioned, supposedly ruling Albania. But we can rightly ask: when the president is a communist and the parliament has an absolute majority, what role do ministers and members of executive committees or village and local councils play? It is as if, in the middle of a two-colour army, with generals and commanders from one side, the captains and sergeants of the other side were blamed for the defeat... We must never forget that we have been and remain a deeply communist state, with political, social and legal pluralism appearing only on the surface. On the basis of this concept, Mr Kastriot Islami put forward the thesis that democratic transformations in developing countries are the work of moderate political forces. We fully agree with this statement. But in applying it to our circumstances, Mr Islami makes a mistake. Well... He has placed the centre a little to the left. As we know the SP, it appears to us in a false light. The democratic left in Albania is the SDP. Meanwhile, the SP and the CP both represent the far left. And there is a range of arguments to support this… … is communist, the parliament is overwhelmingly communist; what weight do those executive committees or fascist popular councils of the localities carry? It is a farcical game in the distance between a two-coloured army, with generals and commanders on one side, to blame the captains and sergeants of the other side been and remain a deeply communist state, with only a thin democratic veneer appearing on the surface. And it is well known who makes the law in such systems: the president and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Order, SHIK). (Continued on page 2) SKENDER SHKUPI

“The debate” in the Italian parliament Some time ago the Italian press exposed, in several articles, the profiteering that Italian firms had begun engaging in, in cooperation with Albanian firms, over the procurement and distribution of food aid allocated by the Italian government for our people. The mechanism in this case was as follows: Italian firms guaranteed the food supplies, while their counterparts in Albania received and distributed them to consumers at «normal» prices. In all these cases, the food products were paid for at two or three times their price. Since the firms’ representatives are presumed to know market prices, the conclusion is clear: both sides had agreed on «extra» prices so they could divide the profits between them. Several of our newspapers have also written about this racket at the expense of thousands of people with empty stomachs. But in the whirlpool of press polemics, which also revolved around the facts, a shadow of doubt was cast. Under these circumstances, readers are interested in seeing official confirmations. Here, then, are the specifics. One of the Italian parliament’s bulletins published on 18 December a parliamentary question on this matter. We give the full text: DE GIUSEPPE — To the President of the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: — In connection with the accusations made in the Italian and Albanian newspapers concerning the serious irregularities discovered in the implementation of the aid plan granted by our country in support of the Albanian people, the questioner wishes to know: Is it true that the price paid to obtain the food products was extraordinarily high? For some of them it was almost three times higher than the international market price. Some invoices show, for example, that rice was paid for at 724 dollars per ton, when the market price was 320 dollars; canned meat was paid for at 7,200 dollars per ton, compared with a market price of 1,800 dollars. What role was played in this operation by its author, Ilaldin Behsadia, guardian of the interests of the Hoxha family, who accepted that the aid would arrive guaranteed by «ILIRIA HOLDING», a company in Italy, and who were the president of Albania, Ramiz Alia’s associates with an interest in it? The questioner wishes to know: What measures have been taken to stop the extremely vile profiteering on the hunger of a friendly people? How many billions have been spent to date on obtaining food aid for the Albanians? GENC TIRANA Editorial note The question raised in the Italian parliament makes it clear that precise, documented information is available on this matter. Our pluralist parliament could appoint a special group to obtain this information and submit a detailed report identifying the legal responsibility of the individuals or group that profited from this scheme. This could be an action that would show the public that the law is being applied.

To become familiar with the electoral law and some other issues, now that the start of the election campaign is near, the DP’s Central Electoral Commission organized a working meeting. The meeting was held in the city of Shkodër with all the districts of the Northern region. The new electoral law was discussed and explained, and attention was focused on drawing lessons so that the shortcomings of the 31 March election campaign would not be repeated. The electoral program must be promoted effectively both nationwide and in specific areas and villages. The DP’s work must now focus on the countryside, especially in those areas where the previous campaign was not conducted well. At this meeting, all the DP branches in the districts reported on the work done so far in carrying out the tasks assigned by the CEC. Mr Arben Imami, chairman of this Commission, explained the electoral law and answered other questions that were put to him. From the reports of some districts, it seems that the «feel» of the beginning of this important campaign has not yet been fully felt. There is sluggishness; people are waiting for every instruction from above, even instructions on the working methods to be followed in particular districts, areas and villages. Developing and implementing an efficient and productive method for the election campaign requires neither investment nor taking people away from their work. First and foremost, it requires the astuteness of those at the head of the DP branches and sections in the districts. GJOVALIN GJELOSHI

The many faults in Tirana’s electricity network are caused by electrical loads that have risen beyond the technical operating limits of electrical equipment, particularly power transformers. The main cause of the increased loads is the severe shortage of fuel for heating homes, which is currently being replaced by the use of electricity. Despite the electricity shortage and its use for heating, from a technical point of view I assure the public that the existing electrical network serving the city’s homes is not capable of handling the load required to heat homes, especially if we also take into account the simultaneous use of heating appliances by all households. Without going into a full technical treatment of the issue, I would like to emphasize the recommendation that electricity should categorically not be used to heat homes, and that household activities using electricity should be carried out outside peak hours, which currently fall between 18:00 and 21:00. Given the severe shortage of material resources and the fact that we have inherited an electricity network that is 50 percent worn out, on which the necessary investments have not been made for years, it is impossible to get through the current situation without disruption and interruptions to the electricity supply. In other words, preventing and easing the problem can be achieved only by securing fuel for heating the population. The relevant state bodies must therefore recognize their responsibility and provide it as soon as possible. Several articles in various newspapers have created the impression that the shortage of fuel can be offset by electricity. In my opinion, this demonstrates not only a lack of information and competence, but also a lack of responsibility in addressing this problem, which concerns the only energy source still available to us. Besides revealing the authors’ ignorance, the above «discovery» has also weakened and paralyzed the enterprises and relevant bodies responsible for securing fuel. Under these circumstances, to prevent at least some of the possible faults in the electrical network caused by overloads, we are forced to take measures that may include cutting off the electricity supply. We must understand that it is better to be without electricity for two to three hours than for 24 hours or even longer. PETRIT AHMETI Chief Engineer, Tirana Electricity Enterprise

I wish you a happy traditional New Year celebration for 1992. In the year now passing, through your struggle and millennia-long efforts, you marked a great turning point in the history of our country and nation—a turning point in which the half-century dictatorship was dismantled and Albania entered the path of freedom and democracy. As can be expected, great turning points are accompanied by severe upheavals; that is why we are now experiencing poverty, hunger and the chaos caused by the destruction of the socialist totalitarian system. The weight of the upheaval becomes even heavier when today we remember A. Broci and many others who fell on the road to freedom, bearing witness to the crimes of the system now coming to an end. But 1992 finds us stronger, more powerful and more hopeful than ever. This year we will achieve: - victory for democracy in the coming elections. - The establishment of democratic institutions and the development of reforms—in other words, the building of democracy, whose foundations we laid in the year now passing. We will certainly achieve these historic goals, because through our struggle and efforts we have won: First, personal freedom, and people who are free are many times more capable, stronger and more resourceful than others. Freedom works for everyone. Second, this year finds us with great faith and more united than ever around God. People who believe are stronger than others because they have God’s blessing and help. Third, 1992 finds us with many strong and true friends in whom we have placed our trust and who trust us. They are helping us on our path to freedom and democracy. Therefore, the coming year will fulfil our noble hopes and ideals. It will restore to Albanians peace, their deserved dignity and the values of their civilization, and will mark the final victory of democracy. Our toil and sweat will receive the reward they deserve. Once again, I wish that 1992 will bring greater happiness to our children, brighter days to our young people, and joy, peace, happiness and friendship to every Albanian home. HAPPY NEW YEAR Prof. Dr. SALI BERISHA

On Wednesday, December 25, Mr. Eduart Selami, secretary of the PD, Mr. Azem Hajdari, deputy chairman of the PD, and Mr. Përparim Rama, entrusted with rural issues, held a meeting with intellectuals in the city of Tepelenë and, on the same day, a meeting with the people in the city of Memaliaj. Both meetings took the form of discussions, during which the gentlemen mentioned above answered the many questions put to them by those attending. Among other things, Mr. Eduard Selami also exposed the PS’s tactics in its efforts to address the grave situation of the PD. “It is absurd,” he stressed, “that the accusations…” … of the country, the Partia e Punës, should be asked to put the PD right immediately, all the more so when it does not, in fact, hold legislative or executive power. It is strange, he continued, that the world does not trust the PS simply because it has changed its name. The PD’s victory in the coming elections will be not only the victory of a party, but the victory of our long-suffering nation as a whole. Mr. Azem Hajdari said that the PS is very afraid of the people, but accomplishes nothing. Although in power, it was unable to establish order, halt the economic destruction, or restore people’s hope. The PS changed its name from PP, thinking that this would pull the wool over the people’s eyes about the latter’s crimes, but with this act the PS only gained greater popularity, as people say, “May your name change!” Hajdari stressed that the PD considers establishing order the most urgent action for the victory of democracy. “We,” he continued, “have no need for the votes of thieves and criminals.” Mr. Përparim Rama explained several issues concerning the PD’s program for the countryside, conveying [unclear] especially in connection with land (I do this) when the law begins to be implemented. Correspondent 1 (…)

Dear Mr Berisha, thank you very much for your letter of 20 November 1991. I have taken note of all the views you express concerning the development of democracy in your country, and I can assure you that the European Parliament continues to follow the situation with great concern. In all its discussions, the European Parliament has made clear that the development of closer relations between Albania and the EC depends on the continuation of the process towards full democratization. Regarding the situation in Yugoslavia, the European Parliament has made clear that it supports recognition of the human rights of Albanians and all other ethnic groups in Yugoslavia. In this context, I am pleased to inform you that the European Parliament decided to award the 1991 Sakharov Prize to Mr Adem Demaci. I have sent a copy of the correspondence to the chairman of the Committee on Political Affairs and to the chairman of the European Parliament delegation for relations with Albania. Yours sincerely, ENRIQUE BARON CRESPO NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE

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