We have just heard from the mouth of the deputy chairman of the Democratic Party, Mr. A. Kopliku, that on 26 July elections will be held for the local government bodies throughout the country. From our side, it could not have been more welcome news, because for two years now we have been fighting against the old structures and concepts of the state and local government, against the old administration and its methods, against the disregard for the needs of communities and for citizens’ right to freely choose their local leaders. But at the same time, this news is also a new test for the democratic opposition, for its organizational ability, for its seriousness, and for its responsibility before the citizens. Local elections are not just a repetition of parliamentary elections. They have a different character; they require the right candidates, concrete platforms, and people who know the problems of the area. Under these conditions, every forced victory, every imposed candidacy, every blindly partisan endorsement would be harmful. We should not be guided only by the desire for numerical victory, but also by the need to create an honest and efficient local administration. If we repeat the mistakes of the past, then we will lose the chance to create a truly democratic local government. Therefore, the battle for the local elections is a battle that must be fought wisely. We must not win it at any cost, but we must conduct it in such a way that citizens feel represented and not used. If our candidates are the best, they will win naturally. Otherwise, such a victory would be false. Local government is the first school of democracy. It is where our ability to govern, to listen, and to solve people’s concrete problems is tested in practice. In this sense, the elections of 26 July are more than an electoral contest; they are a test of our democratic citizenship.

Once again the primitive drama of the Serbs confronted with the timely awareness of the Albanians After 11 years since the suppression of Kosova’s autonomy and the banning of everything that is synonymous with its freedom, it finally became possible to hold its Assembly. The Kosovars chose not submissive peace, but a political representation emerging from the will of the citizens. This event marks an important turning point in the political life of Kosova. To make this event happen required not only courage, but also an unusual degree of organization. The elected deputies of Kosova gathered in an atmosphere heavy with pressure, threats, and surveillance, yet they managed to declare before the citizens and the international public their determination to continue on the path of self-determination. In this first Assembly, the main message was clear: Kosova cannot go back. It has entered an irreversible path of political and national affirmation. The dramatic nature of Serbian behavior, the attempt to portray this act as illegal, and the pressure on participants only make clearer the conflict between oppressive force and the awakened consciousness of a people. The primitive drama of the Serbs lies not only in physical or institutional violence. It also appears in the inability to understand the times, to read the signs of history, and to accept the other’s right to freedom. Standing directly opposite this primitivism is the timely awareness of the Albanians, which is more mature, more measured, and more determined than ever. The Assembly of Kosova, even under extraordinary circumstances, proved that Albanian political representation cannot be extinguished by decrees. It is the product of a deep civic and national will. This makes this event historic not only for Kosova, but for all Albanians.

Civil relations with the escalation of the crisis [?] Mr. Chairman, Honorable deputies, Yesterday, at the meeting of the parliamentary group of the Democratic Party, assessments were made regarding the progress of the reforms, the economic and social situation in the country, and the responsibilities that arise for the parliamentary majority in the circumstances created. The parliamentary group of the Democratic Party assessed that the country is going through a difficult period of transition, in which the legacy of the previous system continues to weigh heavily on the economy and on citizens’ lives. However, it was emphasized that the path of democratic reforms and a market economy is the only way out of the crisis. In this framework, the PD parliamentary group reaffirmed its determination to support the government in its measures for economic stabilization, the fight against inflation, the encouragement of production, and the restoration of trust in institutions. Particular importance was attached to maintaining public order and strengthening the rule of law. The deputies also discussed the need for civil dialogue with other political forces and with public opinion, so that the reform process can have the broadest possible base of support. It was noted that artificial polarization and crisis rhetoric only harm the country’s interests. The PD parliamentary group expressed concern about attempts to distort political debate and create unnecessary tensions in parliamentary life. It called on all political forces to show responsibility and self-restraint. In conclusion, it was emphasized that the Democratic Party will remain committed to advancing reforms, defending pluralism, and ensuring the normal functioning of democratic institutions. (continued on page 20)

Before the second session of a group — [the column text is partly illegible in the image; only the title is clearly readable]

Accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the President of the Republic, Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha, left yesterday for an official visit to Turkey. During this visit, meetings are expected to be held with the highest authorities of the Turkish state and issues of common interest for bilateral relations to be discussed. The visit is regarded as part of the efforts to strengthen political, economic, and diplomatic ties between the two countries.