On 14 July, President Sali Berisha met with the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Ibrahim Rugova. President Berisha stressed that changes are taking place both in Albania and in Kosovo, and said he was pleased that their direction was clearly positive. Helsinki 2 was a qualitative development for Kosovo, where the Albanian question took on a new dimension. The final CSCE declaration specifically confirmed the Albanian question, stating that the problem would be resolved through dialogue between the two parties, but that a third party should also be present as a mediator. Millosheviç’s policy, based on armed violence and political deception, is failing at every turn. Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova said that he fully agreed with Berisha’s commitment concerning the new dimension the Kosovo problem had acquired at the CSCE meeting in Helsinki. He again expressed the determination of Albanians in Kosovo to secure their future and their shared right to independence. In a plebiscite under international supervision, the people of Kosovo would express their will regarding its future status.

— THE DP CONSCIOUSLY ACCEPTS THE CHALLENGES FOR THE SAKE OF THE COUNTRY’S REVIVAL — — THE PS CANNOT BEAR TO BE OUT OF POWER FOR EVEN 4 MONTHS — From the campaign for the 22 March elections onward, the DP was aware of the many major challenges, old and new, it would face upon taking power. The 47-year communist-socialist rulers, through their deeply anti-national and adventurist domestic and foreign policies, their primitivism, and their unscrupulous and cruel hypocrisy and demagoguery—amounting to a national crime—had brought the country to the edge of the abyss through wholesale theft, while they had even been left with the country stripped bare and drained, dreaming up the illusion that it was the happiest place in the world, the sole island of paradise, and that they were leading it to the highest peaks of socialism and communism, and so on. The work the Communists left unfinished was continued and completed by the “Socialists,” who, with their scorched-earth scenario carried out up to 22 March, brought our country to the bottom of a deep abyss, from which it would take enormous sacrifices, superhuman efforts, and time to emerge. None of this was accidental, unexpected, or unplanned; it was carried out according to a scenario prepared by Albania’s second-greatest master of political scenarios, Ramiz Alia, and his most worthy students and successors, Fatos Nano and others. Their aim is quite “readable” and clear: when the democratic opposition took power, it would face a thousand and one difficulties, confronted by a people suffering countless shortages and making countless demands, with entirely human and legitimate dreams and wishes, but also disillusioned—a people barely able to believe in itself, exhausted and worn out, as though it would take many days or years, despite having endured 47 years, to demand 47 weeks from democracy. If we were to think hastily only of the party’s own interests, so as to put it in a comfortable position, the DP could have run a tepid election campaign and left power to the 47-year government until it became so discredited that the people could no longer tolerate it, tore it forcibly from its armchairs, and threw it out of the government offices. But the emergence of a comfortable situation in Albania with the Communists-Socialists in power was an unrealizable dream and utopia. They were no longer waiting, either domestically or internationally. A month’s delay for us meant changes that would have taken a decade, or perhaps even a century. Under the absurd rule of the PK, PP and later the PS, we had lost ground and fallen a further 50 years behind Europe. The national question, consciously buried in part by Enver Hoxha and his associates, was also posed by the new political situation in the Balkans and Europe as an alternative of “now or never.” Such an opportunity is given once, rarely—perhaps once in a hundred years—and it is not known whether, or when, it will come again. Under these extraordinary circumstances, convinced that it was the only force in the country and the world with sufficient credibility and ability to take responsibility for the country, the DP, as the nascent democratic movement was growing, accepted every challenge and took power. On 23 March our country was just one step away from being reduced to four bare walls, devastated by the battalions of communist-socialist commissars like Hiroshima or Nagasaki by the American atomic bombs in 1945. The PS handed over the keys to power with the economy completely paralyzed, debts of 600 million dollars, a gigantic bureaucratic army, an extremely extensive web of corruption whose threads reached the top of the state pyramid, a mountain of files concerning illegal and anti-national agreements, and food warehouses emptied and laid bare—so that the waves of popular discontent, outrage and disappointment would crash only upon the DP and its government. It had become clear that the only way out of this hell was to carry out political and economic reform. It brings great pain, felt by the body, spirit and nerves of our people even more keenly than by our neighbors, the Bulgarians or Romanians. Romania has already gone beyond the stage of assistance, price liberalization and restructuring the state apparatus by relieving it of numerous excessive, ineffective burdens that are very costly for our state’s empty budget. Carrying out these measures requires deep conviction and patience from the people. Many have understood that they must absolutely undergo this “operation” to be rid once and for all of the unbearable communist-socialist disease. But there are many others whose convictions have been clouded both by an inadequate level of political and democratic education and by the opposition’s feverish campaign to bring about failure by any means, exhaust the people’s patience and destroy their trust. These tired people echo the communist-socialist chorus and not only fail to understand the reform correctly, but also spew bile against it. It pains us, but the DP was convinced and foresaw that such people would leave its electorate. Yet it thinks and fights above all for the higher interests of the people and the country, and is determined to suffer defeat and make sacrifices for the sake of these interests, present and future. It may lose 5 or even 15 percent of its electorate in the 20 July elections and win 100 or 200 fewer seats, but if the reform succeeds from beginning to end, many generations of today and tomorrow will gain—and Albania will gain. In stark contrast to the DP, which is “sacrificing itself” for the good of the people and the country, the PS cannot endure even four months without power. It has launched a frontal assault to regain its lost paradise and privileges, sabotage reform, and drag us backwards so that we wander once again like a horse in the communist or socialist threshing floor. Who does this serve? Clearly, only Fatos Nano and his associates, pathologically obsessed with power, as well as their allies or friends in Belgrade and elsewhere. It does not serve the people or Albania at all.

The President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Ibrahim Rugova, was received yesterday by the Prime Minister of Albania, Mr. Aleksandër Meksi. He met with members of the government cabinet, congratulated Prime Minister Meksi and his associates, and wished them success in fulfilling their duties during this period of transition. After the talks, the President of Kosovo made a statement to Albanian television: “The possibilities for cooperation are very great, particularly in the exchange of experience among officials, since Kosovo officials have been suspended and are unemployed. We will explore the possibility of establishing working groups as well as groups of experts. We will also offer our experience, which is suited to the mentality of Albanians on both sides of the border. As for rapid cooperation in the private sector, we cannot speak of that, because the industrial capacities are in the hands of the Serbs. Cooperation will begin to extend into agriculture, tourism, education, etc. Through cooperation we will draw ever closer. “Regarding the meeting that will take place in a few days with the Serbian side, Rugova said: ‘After receiving the invitation from the Serbian government, we agreed on a preliminary date. We seek dialogue without preconditions and without submission, from positions supported by the elections and the referendum on secession from Yugoslavia. It would be a good thing for a third party to participate in these talks. We are also optimistic about the outcome of the Helsinki 2 conference regarding the resolution of the Kosovo problem.’” (ATSH)

— Zëri i popullit has always been a communist organ — Although in your two articles on Tuesday, dated 14.7.1992, prompted by the President’s press conference, you did not put your name to them (the stamp you have lost, just as you have lost your way), nevertheless it is impossible not to understand who is behind them... Yes, “Zëri i popullit,” or the foreigners, with Machiavelli and “PZ—P.” Why are you hiding from me? Even though you may have regarded the name as unlucky, I have no time (nor need) to concern myself with names and their owners, still less with foreigners. Bravo! We have other troubles... Well, I want to tell you that, whatever your position, you have no right and no merit to speak of the “furrows on the brows” and “gray hair” of our parents, earned while alive through disappointment during the long years of dictatorship. You accuse the DP of “trying” to claim the success of attacks based on slander and insults. The DP has never needed “weapons,” not even when it was in opposition. Perhaps you are confusing it with yourselves: it is the PS alone that has compensated for its moral and political impotence with slander and insults... Naturally, you cannot “...” (Continued on page 2)

On 14 July, on the occasion of France’s National Day and the bicentenary of “La Marseillaise,” its national anthem, the French ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Jaques Faure, hosted a reception at his residence. Those attending included the President of Albania, Mr. Sali Berisha; the Speaker of the People’s Assembly, Mr. Pjetër Arbnori; Prime Minister Mr. Aleksandër Meksi; and ministers from his cabinet. Members of parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps, journalists and other foreign guests were also present. The ambassador and President Berisha honored the playing of the two countries’ national anthems and then greeted those present. The ceremony organized for the occasion began at around 18:00 and lasted nearly three hours. To the sounds of gentle music and beneath the tricolored lights, symbolizing the French flag, the guests enjoyed a pleasant evening. RD correspondent

On Tuesday (an unlucky day, damn it!) the quixotic little ZP threw down the gauntlet for a duel. But against whom? Putting on a show without having a leg to stand on, trying to argue over an idea raised at the press conference given by Mr. Berisha, Zupi drew his sword and puffed himself up as much as he could over the matter. First, that scribbler of an organ itself—i.e. ZP (which is supposedly preparing to celebrate the glorious 50th anniversary of its continuity)—does not need anyone to help it with ink and paper. On the contrary, it wrote, underlining a truth: there are seven other newspapers that can barely get enough raw material for their pages. Among them is RD, the newspaper of the party that won a dizzying victory in the 22 March elections; even it barely manages to come out and publish with borrowed money. Meanwhile ZP, without a word from anyone, comes out calmly and without interruption every day—may its funders be spared! Such cynical boasting, with a swollen chest, in a country where all newspapers count their pennies and the people are poor, as is the state itself, cannot fail to astonish anyone who understands and reads it. Many say: this Zupi really is a shameless exhibitionist, but he is astonishingly transparent. He is open and does not hide that he plays with money; who supplies it is another question. Is this money part of the people’s stolen gold? Is it the 400 thousand dollars that ZP’s own mother, the PPSH, supposedly gave it (about four months ago the newspaper “Alternativa SD” also wrote about this with documents, but I don’t know whether there has been an audit by the State Audit Office or anyone else)? Are there other illegal sources coming through the black channels of politics and morality? The leaders of Zupi and their patrons themselves must know. In any case, what strikes you is not only the indifference in the face of poverty and the self-assurance these journalists reserve for themselves, but also the sudden enrichment of the main “stems” of ZP. Second, ZP does not forget its mother party’s habit of digging through people’s biographies (or the Bisha syndrome!). Once again it leaves us stunned by repeating its grand revelation that today’s democratic leaders had supposedly been members

On 10.7.1992, an electoral district assembly of the Durrës branch of the DP was also held in the city of Durrës. Secretaries of the DP sections for the city and countryside, the governing council and invited guests took part. The DP governing council member Bashkim Kopliku was also present at the assembly. The purpose of holding the assembly was to approve candidates for local government: candidates to represent the communes, mayors, the municipal council and the district council. Mr. Ramazan Beja, secretary of the DP branch, opened the meeting by giving an overview of the political situation in the city and its development over the past two years. The 26 July campaign was then discussed. He stressed that this campaign presents several difficulties because of the many major problems that have accumulated in succession. The DP wants to ... with ... key ..., and ... In his remarks, ... were discussed. The 22 March ..., will know ..., was presented ... THE DP’S VICTORY ON 26 JULY SERVED THE COMPLETE ERADICATION OF COMMUNISM, THE CONSOLIDATION OF DEMOCRACY AND THE ACCELERATION OF ALBANIA’S PROGRESS TOWARDS EUROPE. PEOPLE, DO NOT BE DECEIVED: THE PS IS TODAY EVEN WORSE THAN YESTERDAY, — THE PS WANTS TO WIN THE 26 JULY ELECTIONS SO THAT ITS PEOPLE, WHO WERE THROWN OUT OF THEIR ARMCHAIRS BY THE PEOPLE’S VOTE ON 22 MARCH, CAN RETURN TO POWER — At the end of the assembly, the candidates for local government were approved. There was discussion as the DP sections put forward their candidates. It was stressed that a sound selection of candidates, including non-party members, would greatly help secure a decisive victory for democracy.

KUÇOVË On the afternoon of 14 July, an assembly of the Kuçova branch of the DP was held in Kuçova. The chairman of the Democratic Party of Albania, Mr. Eduart Selami, also took part. The assembly emphasized the work of the Kuçova DP branch in the election campaign. Assessing the selected candidates, it stressed that the work of the assembly and its activities must be further invigorated to carry out this election campaign and overcome the sluggishness observed in this branch during the previous election campaign. That sluggishness had prevented the city of Kuçova, with its democratic traditions, from lining up on the side of democracy. As part of organizing the election campaign more professionally, the assembly decided to establish an elected electoral commission, including non-party intellectuals, to manage the campaign. Concluding his remarks at the assembly, the chairman of the DP ... (Continued on page 2)

...who see and read it. Many say: this Zupi really is a shameless exhibitionist, but he is astonishingly transparent. He is open and does not hide that he plays with money; who supplies it is another question. Is this money part of the people’s stolen gold? Is it the 400 thousand dollars that ZP’s own mother, the PPSH, supposedly gave it (about four months ago the newspaper “Alternativa SD” also wrote about this with documents, but I don’t know whether there has been an audit by the State Audit Office or anyone else)? Are there other illegal sources coming through the black channels of politics and morality? The leaders of Zupi and their patrons themselves must know. In any case, what strikes you is not only the indifference in the face of poverty and the self-assurance these journalists reserve for themselves, but also the sudden enrichment of the main “stems” of ZP. Second, ZP does not forget its mother party’s habit of digging through people’s biographies (or the Bisha syndrome!). Once again it leaves us stunned by repeating its grand revelation that today’s democratic leaders had supposedly been members

Year II of publication No. 150 Thursday, 16 July 1992 Price: 2 lek Published in the morning on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Investigative case files on the blockades submitted for trial — The Chairman of the General Investigation Directorate, Mr. Prele Martini, told the ATSH correspondent: “After completing the investigation into the blockades case, today we submitted the investigation files to the Tirana District Court for trial.” (ATSH)