On Monday, 15 June, American President George Bush, accompanied by Mrs. Barbara Bush, visited Albania for the first time in the history of our country, at the invitation of President Sali Berisha. The Albanian people, thirsty for freedom and democracy, welcomed him with magnificent enthusiasm. Countless people stood in the streets of Tirana and kept chanting relentlessly the name of President Bush and of America. This visit is an extraordinary political and historical event for Albania and for the Albanian people. It is a clear expression of the strong support that the United States of America gives to democratic processes in Albania and to its development toward a free, pluralist, and Western-oriented society. The Albanian people have always seen America as a symbol of freedom and democracy. President Bush’s visit further strengthened this conviction and hope. The extraordinary hospitality extended to him in Tirana clearly showed the trust Albanians place in friendship with the USA and in the democratic future of the country. In his speech, President Bush praised the courage of the Albanian people, the democratic changes taking place, and the efforts to build new institutions. He emphasized that the USA will help Albania on this difficult but necessary road. His visit became an unforgettable moment for all Albanians and a great success for Albanian democracy.

Not only the lack of zeal in applying the basic rules of the ethics of speech and writing, but also the content of part of today’s press shows that some defenders of the past are trying to bring back the old justifications. In the newspapers of recent days, articles have been published which, in nostalgic tones, try to soften the responsibility of yesterday’s system. Some authors do not hide their intention to relativize the crimes, repression, and backwardness that system brought to the country. The Albanians have experienced in their own flesh what lack of freedom, isolation, and fear mean. For this reason, any attempt to present that period as acceptable or as an alternative for the future is unacceptable. Democracy cannot be built by amnestying the past, but by recognizing it and drawing lessons from it. The free press has the duty to defend the truth, encourage debate, and expose any manipulation. Only in this way can society move forward, clearly breaking with the totalitarian past and the mentality it left behind.

(Continued on page 2) The preparations and developments related to the Socialist Party congress are being followed very closely by public opinion. This forum is seen as an important test for the direction this party will take in the new political period. In the preliminary discussions, different positions have been noted regarding how the past should be handled, the role of old figures, and the need for real reform. Some call for profound change, while others seem inclined to preserve inherited structures and mindsets. The congress will show whether the Socialist Party will succeed in definitively breaking away from the communist past and accepting the standards of a modern left-wing party, or whether it will remain hostage to compromise with the past. The debate remains open and public interest is great, because developments in this party directly affect the country’s political life.

The visit with the squad will be led by the instructor President Berisha’s visit to the United States is regarded as a step of particular importance for strengthening Albanian-American relations. It is expected to bring important political contacts and support for democratic processes in the country. At the center of the talks will be economic reforms, the consolidation of democratic institutions, and the assistance that Albania expects from international partners. High-level meetings are expected to create new opportunities for cooperation. This visit is also seen as proof of Albania’s growing international role and of the confidence being built in its new leadership.

English: RILINDA DEMOKRATIKE — Newspaper of democratic independence. No. 134. Friday, 19 June 1992. Price 2 lekë. Issued every Tuesday and Sunday. A SPECIAL AND VERY GREAT SUCCESS OF DEMOCRACY On Monday, 15 June, American President George Bush, accompanied by Mrs. Barbara Bush, visited Albania for the first time in the history of our country, at the invitation of President Sali Berisha. The Albanian people, eager for freedom and democracy, welcomed him with tremendous enthusiasm... Defense of the Past Not only the lack of zeal in observing the basic rules of the ethics of speech and writing, but also the content of part of today’s press shows that some defenders of the past are trying to bring back the old justifications... How the Socialist Party is going in its congress (Continued on page 2) The preparations and developments related to the congress of the Socialist Party are being followed with great attention by public opinion... About President Berisha’s visit to the USA President Berisha’s visit to the United States is considered a step of particular importance for strengthening Albanian-American relations... Italian: RILINDA DEMOKRATIKE — Giornale dell’indipendenza democratica. N. 134. Venerdì 19 giugno 1992. Prezzo 2 lekë. Esce ogni martedì e domenica. UN SUCCESSO SPECIALE E MOLTO GRANDE DELLA DEMOCRAZIA Lunedì 15 giugno, il presidente americano George Bush, accompagnato dalla signora Barbara Bush, ha visitato l’Albania per la prima volta nella storia del nostro paese, su invito del presidente Sali Berisha... Difesa del passato Non solo la mancanza di zelo nell’osservare le regole fondamentali dell’etica della parola e della scrittura, ma anche il contenuto di una parte della stampa odierna mostra che alcuni difensori del passato stanno cercando di riproporre le vecchie giustificazioni... Come sta andando il Partito Socialista al suo congresso (Continua a pagina 2) I preparativi e gli sviluppi legati al congresso del Partito Socialista sono seguiti con molta attenzione dall’opinione pubblica... Riguardo alla visita del presidente Berisha negli USA La visita del presidente Berisha negli Stati Uniti è considerata un passo di particolare importanza per il rafforzamento delle relazioni albano-americane...