On March 22, the so-called intermediate phase came to an end, making way for a new phase, as long as it is difficult: that of the democratic revolution. From the very beginning of this stage, the DP showed that it was a mature and serious force, capable of pulling the country out of the mire into which the communists-socialists had thrown it. First, it formed a dignified government, with honest people, intellectuals and democrats. Second, it brought to power all those capable people whom the dictatorship had kept in the shadows (persecuted or kept apart from their own people). The selection of Arbnori, Mekshi and Serregji for positions of power, and of Dosti and Spahiçi, etc., for the DP’s top leadership, was a necessity. These people, emerging from the «forgotten class», are not revanchists or reactionaries, as the tiresome «Zëri i popullit» may portray them. On the contrary, they represent true intellectual and democratic types. The DP also brought in the overwhelming majority of intellectuals who had not been persecuted, and even disillusioned former communists, who had understood democracy’s vital necessity and were determined to contribute to it honestly. Third, the DP made a positive contribution through its members of parliament to the drafting of laws in parliament. Whatever the socialists may say, the reshuffling of positions of power was an immediate necessity. They complain that they are being dismissed, but that is not true at all; they are merely being moved out of leadership positions. What shameless audacity!.. They still want to govern a country they brought to the worst possible state. What is more, they were not ashamed to walk out of parliament when the law on the allocation of excess residential space was to be approved. They protest through their leaflets, calling this a right-wing action by the DP. Naivety or deception? Certainly the latter, because a measure of this kind, which favors those who have been cleared out, is simply social policy (quite normal for a centrist party such as the DP). On the other hand, the socialists’ demand that surplus residential space remain untouched (mostly owned by former holders of power) is a purely right-wing position, which, given the current situation in our country, can be called charlatanism. But that is not all. The DP showed that it represents the majority of the Albanian people and has no intention of making concessions. Yet, in fact, some democrats have become completely stalled over this. One person is dissatisfied with rising prices, another does not understand the necessity of liberalizing them. Someone else is guided simply by immediate circumstances and personal interest. There are those who care deeply about democracy and, after March 22, developed a desire for positions, even though their professional level leaves much to be desired. These people must understand that democratic power has nothing in common with communist power, which, from 1945 onward, handed power to those who had «helped» the movement destroy them, creating a circle of cadres who do not deserve the positions they hold. If we are to eliminate them, we must be clear about our complicity in the dictatorship and our mistakes (some more, some less), which undoubtedly still have repercussions today. The absence of relatives (one of socialism’s most monstrous crimes), or the infiltration of careerist and hypocritical elements, has become impossible to eliminate in the phase we are going through. But, on the other hand, these people, whatever their positions, do not represent democracy to such an extent that they can diminish people’s faith in it. I am sure that the important sieve (after the democratic government has been fully consolidated) will cast out the worthless, giving their rightful place only to the capable. Thus, judging objectively, the duty of each of us (with or without a party) is to mobilize fully to help carry out the reform, an action that must be consolidated as a sacred patriotic act. But the new government must also keep in mind the immediate resolution of certain problems. The time has come to open politicians’ files. This action should not be considered merely adolescent curiosity, but an avenue for increasing confidence in those holding leadership positions (in the party and in government). Nor should the trials of the red persecutors be neglected. While political prosecutions must be eliminated, since political opinion is free in a democratic state, the criminals who massacred thousands of victims must answer to justice. A serious problem for the new government is also the treatment of property. Democracy cannot have meaning if it does not help all those who were forcibly dispossessed by the red dictatorship. Former owners should be compensated to a reasonable extent, while also taking account of the state’s real capabilities. In any case, the government’s main task remains economic development and taking measures to make this period of transition as smooth as possible. These efforts by the government, together with our strong support for reform, form a bond that will surely lead us toward Europe. Every moment is being put to use, because time waits for no one. ... called this a violent act by the DP. Is it natural, or is it deception? Surely the latter, since such a measure, which supports the disadvantaged, is simply social policy (quite normal for a right-wing Socialists’ claim to keep the excessive areas of housing untouched (these are mainly owned by former power-holders) our country is going through, we can call political charlatanism. It is the Socialists who are weaving all kinds of intrigues and slanders against decent figures and democrats, who are provoking and encouraging new exoduses, and especially stirring the tired nerves of people (who have only just emerged from the Enverian hell) by reminding them of poverty. It is absolutely true that we are still poor—indeed, very poor. But can we escape this destitution without carrying out the much-needed democratic reform? To expect immediate change is like asking a doctor, who has just saved someone from death, to get them back on their feet within a day, or send them to work the next day. The Socialists’ systematic aggravation of this wound (which they themselves inflicted on us) is ill will toward the nation. It is the duty of every honest Albanian, regardless of their prejudices, to point out that the DP... Since the development of judgments ... separately by parts ... politics, since in a democratic state political opinion is free, justice. A serious problem for ... the state and does not help all those who were forcibly expropriated by the red dictatorship. Former owners must be compensated to a reasonable extent, while also taking into account the state’s real means. In any case, the government’s main task remains economic ... and taking measures to ensure as smooth a transition as possible through this period of transition. These efforts by the government, as well as ... strong support on our part for reform, constitute a bond that will undoubtedly use, because time waits for no one.

SOME OPINIONS OF VOTERS IN TIRANA Vasilika B., retired doctor, Vasilika B., retired doctor: I voted for the DP and its candidate for mayor, Mr. Sali Kelmendi. I voted once again for those who show that they will lead us toward Europe. I voted for the DP because I am convinced that its victory in this election too will get us out of the difficult situation into which they brought us, the communists, or as they are called today, the socialists. The socialists hope to win this election. I hope they do not, because otherwise the world would laugh at us. Shaban H., sculptor: I gave my vote to the youth, to democracy, to those who have shown over the decades that they are worthy of great achievements. I voted for the DP so that they will no longer erect monuments to monsters, so that young people will not fear that their future will be like their parents’ past. Sanije Gj., gynecologist: For mayor I voted for Mr. Krapiçi of the PR because I know him. As for the electoral entities—that is, the municipal council—I voted for the DP; it gave us the opportunity to speak and be free. I voted for the DP because I want democracy. Yesterday I saw Xhelil Gjoni on TV at the July 1990 rally. I remember that they forced us to go there. Anyone who did not go lost a day’s pay. I cannot vote for those who, even in this millennium, used to line us up like soldiers and take us to their rallies. Hena M., lawyer: I voted for the DP because in it I see a future for myself and my children, and the justice we need. I voted for equality and well-being. I voted so that corruption would not choke us. N. K and L. K, pensioners: We are both pensioners, and you can imagine how ... (Continued on page 2)

Interview with the newly elected mayor of Tirana, Mr. Sali Kelmendi — «RD» — Mr. Kelmendi, first of all, congratulations on winning these elections. Mr. Kelmendi — Thank you for your kind words. — «RD» — What would you like to say to the voters who entrusted you with the task of mayor? Mr. Kelmendi: — I am deeply moved and, at the same time, happy that the people of Tirana voted for democracy, for the Democratic Party. I understand this commitment as not being directly for me, because Tirana has plenty of honest and capable people, but as an expression of democratic culture and faith in democracy. I believe that this great willingness shown by the citizens of Tirana will provide full support for the profound economic changes and developments that the country and the capital so urgently need. I think that even those voters who did not vote this time will soon reflect, and the activity of the democratic forces will certainly have a positive influence. Much work is under way, other projects are in progress, and new laws and decisions by the Democratic Parliament and Government will further stimulate citizens’ free initiative. In this context, the Municipality of Tirana will do everything in its power to ease our concerns and difficulties and, further, to make people’s work as independent as possible, in accordance with the laws of the state. — «RD»: How do you envisage the organization and functioning of the Municipality of Tirana under current circumstances? Mr. Kelmendi: The Municipality of Tirana needs a special status. We have long been planning a new structure. Some of its components ha- (Continued on page 2)

According to information sent to us by the audit and inspection authorities of the Tepelenë and Gjirokastër districts, the first report states that irregularities and theft of state property have been confirmed. Thus, — An inventory carried out at the Izvor pharmacy in Tepelenë, managed by Kastriot Xhemali, confirmed a shortage of 18,441 lekë. This inventory, carried out in January of this year, was requested by the chief employee, who claimed that the pharmacy had been robbed by outsiders. An inspection carried out by the financial police and the district audit authority at Kastriot Xhemali’s sales outlet found a large quantity of medicines embezzled, 79 items in all, worth 22,413 lekë. The inspection materials were sent to the investigative authorities for criminal proceedings. The director and chief accountant of the pharmacy enterprise, as well as the managers in the towns of Tepelenë and Memaliaj, were also removed from their posts because of the numerous irregularities confirmed in the recording and distribution of medicines. The enterprise’s operations in 1991 resulted in a loss of 50,732 lekë. At the Tepelenë agricultural enterprise, serious damage and sales of livestock in violation of the applicable legal provisions were found. A compensation order was issued against 24 people for a total of 120,102 lekë, and disciplinary action was requested against the employees at fault. — GJIROKASTËR — At the Gjirokastër hospital, the former hospital director had permitted medical aid arriving from Greece, worth 37,345 lekë, to be misused; the matter was referred to the investigation authorities for criminal proceedings. At this district’s meat-and-dairy collection and processing enterprise, actions contrary to the legal provisions on privatization were carried out. Many facilities were appraised below their real value, benefiting enterprise employees, including the director, who had bought one of the enterprise’s facilities without the approval of the privatization agency. Because of these violations, the director was dismissed, and the improperly acquired facility will be resold by auction. Similar violations were confirmed at this enterprise concerning the misuse of arti-

According to information sent to us by the audit confirmed. Thus,... — against the employees at fault. Violations of financial discipline and of the legal provisions in force were also confirmed at the bread factory, involving the distribution of flour to enterprise employees and private individuals. For these violations, the enterprise’s administrative managers were held financially liable for 32,670 lekë. — DURRËS — According to the second report, an inspection at NPA Durrës confirmed serious violations of the law in the administration of state property. On the order of the enterprise director, Azem Çelçima, raw materials and supplies were sold to private entities at their purchase prices, even though the enterprise itself needed them because it was continuing production. Other items outside the approved product range were also sold, such as sugar, construction materials, soap, etc. At this enterprise, fictitious transactions were carried out for 1,997 linear meters of cambric; a passenger car was purchased using irregular sources of financing; accounting rules were violated; unjustified telephone expenses and foreign travel allowances were incurred; bicycles, tires and inner tubes worth 5,930 lekë were sold to various people. These actions contravene the legal provisions in force and constitute violations of financial discipline. For these matters, the State Control Commission took the following measures: — It asked the district Executive Committee to dismiss the enterprise director, Azem Çelçima, and referred the matter for criminal proceedings. It also requested the dismissal of chief engineer Demir ... and of the head of the Economic Department, Haxhi Basha, as well as of the ... of the Collection Department ... Distributor Selami Rama...

We will not delve deeply into his «biography» (his deeds), since someone might say that that was simply how things were at the time... We will limit ourselves to just the last two years (’91, ’92), when people have been freer and more honest... Before getting to the subject, let us remind readers once again that Mr./Comrade Luan Hajdaraga (the deputy from an attempt at a «solution») was director of the Institute of Pedagogical Studies (ISP) in Tirana (he received his last salary there on 3.7.1992). The pseudo-politician... His long-standing ambition was diplomacy. It was Tefta Cami who did not let him advance to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, because that would have been a waste of time: he had been «specialized» in Italy. (Luan H. had been prepared as a cadre for the Ministry of Education. Lately, he has been nothing but a bad-tempered ...), whose symptoms would also become apparent in the attack on Minister Soreca, with whom, in fact, L.H. has nothing at all... We recall that when the DP was formed, at a gathering of the collective he declared forcefully that the country needed a new party; he does not remember that ... After July 26: in parliament or in court...? For 26 years an employee of the Institute (a research institution), where Luan (H) has written only one geography book. For children with intellectual disabilities, his area of specialization, he has contributed nothing. They say he knows two foreign languages, but at the last symposium, after speaking broken Italian, he said aloud that he would translate into English; just as he was about to begin, the interpreter «had something come up» and left the hall... Taking advantage of his position as director, he also benefited when obtaining the two academic titles he holds (ksh. and bvsh). For five years in a row, his work plan as a research employee included defending his doctorate. But what did he do and what did he write? Nothing. The «landlord» of the ISP Labor Party...: In the role of steward was Llani, publicly known as one of his people. Numerous objections were raised by the staff about the «clan’s» favoritism or parliamentarism, but: He also exerted pressure to force this staff to «use» ... confidentially...? There have been actions of ... (Continued on page 4) ... of Ministers, ... and U-... the district chairman, Mr. ... the chairman of Selami. “The orator said, ‘... roads ... the road of democracy. After ... of Fier as ...’”

The good organization and normal conduct of the July 26 elections, with democratic culture, in accordance with the law, without disturbances or manipulation, are clear proof of the Democratic Party’s governing ability and transparency.