THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY, THE STRONGEST OPPOSITION PARTY IN EASTERN EUROPE, WINS MORE THAN 2/3 OF THE SEATS IN THE PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY ALBANIA FACES UP TO (In the teaching hours[?] Slobodan[?] "Stadelbaj[?]") On a long election day, Albania experienced a historic turning point. Preliminary results showed that the Democratic Party and its allies emerged as convincing winners. From the counting centers came reports of a clear opposition lead in cities and villages. Albanian voters spoke clearly. They condemned the old regime with their free vote and gave the opposition the mandate to govern. The victory of the Albanian right marks the end of monist rule and opens the way for building a pluralist state. According to the first data, the Democratic Party has won an overwhelming majority of seats in the People's Assembly. The opposition alliance, made up of different democratic forces, has achieved the largest result ever recorded in post-dictatorship Albania. This victory comes after months of protests, political tension and clashes with the old power. The people have made their choice. Now the creation of new institutions, the new government and the start of major economic and political reforms are awaited. The victory of 22 March will remain one of the most important dates in modern Albanian history. This is also a moral victory for citizens, for the youth and for the Albanian intelligentsia that supported change. Albania is emerging from isolation and entering Europe's democratic currents.

Our great hope was not simply an electoral victory. It was the restoration of the dignity of the Albanian citizen. On 22 March, the people showed that they know how to punish injustice and choose freedom. In all the cities of the country, from north to south, the spirit of change could be felt. People voted calmly, but with determination. This is a strong message to everyone who thought that fear could rule forever. The opposition's victory is not a victory of revenge. It must be turned into an era of national reconciliation, economic reconstruction and democratic justice. Albania now belongs to its citizens. Today a difficult task begins. The new government must face the crisis, poverty, shortages and the deep moral wounds of society. But it has the legitimacy given by the people and the trust to lead the country toward the future. Let us preserve this victory with moderation. Let us turn it into law, order, development and hope.

AZEM HAJDARI: In the era of the Enverists for other elections? For calm? The world must understand that the Albanians had their right. Our people knew how to decide wisely and show that they want democracy. This victory is a great signal for our country and for our friends in the world. We told the world that we know how to learn from our mistakes. That we will no longer accept the dictates of fear, nor isolation, nor imposed poverty. This was a vote for dignity, for the family, for property and for a normal state. Albania needs work, sacrifice and wisdom. Democracy does not end with elections; it begins with them. We must build strong institutions, restore the law and open the economy. Interview[?] continues on page 12

On 22 March we took a great step. Cast into the mud and suffocation of a regime and a dead ideology, Albania opened on Saturday the biggest door to democracy. From now on, after that Saturday and a Sunday packed with events unprecedented in our history, the victory of democracy, through parliamentary means, stands alongside the victory of freedom won with arms. It was the vote of the Albanian people for democracy that prevailed on 22 March and, regardless of prejudices, it will transform our entire national life. The complete, clear victory of the PD, together with its allies, has given the country new confidence and hope. The Democratic Party won the contest with 2/3 of the seats in the People's Assembly. This victory makes it the main political force and the chief bearer of responsibility for Albania's future. We Albanians have awaited this day with great anxiety, great hope and great sacrifices. Since last Tuesday until now, events have been dense and decisive for the country's fate. KSSH[?] also permanently lost the people's trust. The Democratic Party and its allies won not only the majority, but also the moral right to govern the country. We must defend this victory, make it lasting, and turn it into the foundation of the new democratic state. For many Albanians this is the first day of true freedom. For others it is the end of a long era of fear and deception. Albania has entered a new historical stage.

Democracy requires sacrifice and peace Press conference of the chairman of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha Prepared in the editorial office[?] RUDAT SELIMI Section 1, p. 11 Notice[?] ABEN ILJAZI[?], Naim[?]