On 13 August, the President of Albania, Sali Berisha, received a message from French President Fransua Miteran, in which he expressed his support for Albania and the Albanian people, and for their efforts on the road to democracy. President Miteran also assures Mr Berisha that France, which has supported Albania, will in future adopt a more open policy of assistance and credit toward it. He also confirms France’s support for a just solution for the Albanian people in Kosovo, and reaffirms his wish to visit Albania at a suitable time. (ATSH)

Looking at reality as it is and logically interpreting the new economic, political and social factors accompanying present-day Albanian society was an effort undertaken by the Extraordinary Conference of the Democratic Party. It stressed that the Albanian people, guided by a love of freedom and democracy, climbed another rung of their democratic ladder, marking one of the most important local-government events in all of Eastern Europe and demonstrating for the Democratic Party that communist and neo-communist propaganda had been challenged—the propaganda about the abyss that the new economic reform would create before our people. In this context, what was important about this popular choice was that the majority of Albanians declared themselves in favour of economic reform, conscious of the sacrifices that lay ahead, but also of its future. This showed that the Democratic Party, even today, when our people are facing the material consequences of the reform, has vital support in our society, giving it the courage and human resolve to stand with its head held high before Albanians wherever they may be in the world, since it is not evading the obligations the nation has undertaken: to turn Albania into a home for all Albanians and return our homeland to the European family. ... by choosing the candidates announced for the districts more carefully. The Party’s re-dimensioning and reorganization, and the necessary distancing from careerist elements, whose only connection to the DP is their career, were among the problems which, as was said at the Conference, are vital for the Democratic Party and for its decisive role in consolidating democratic society. These factors must be considered logically; colleagues will be recognized as democrats by observing its codes and laws, not through anarchy and confrontation within the Party itself, with a programme entirely different from that of the DP, as in the case of the platform presented by the people behind the “Motion.” Diversity had now moved into opposition, and after this Extraordinary Conference could no longer tolerate it. Everything in this world has a limit, including within a democratic party of the European type such as the DP. Support for the Meksi Government, the first democratic government of the Albanians, as was urged at the Conference, is the existence of Albania, its fate, its future, and democracy in our country. It was rightly said there that this government enjoys authority and support in the world; that it secures the country’s full support, expressed also in the fact that Albania has received five times more aid per capita than other Eastern countries, etc. At the same time, this government must be supported more, especially at the grassroots, where people face their great hardships. “Let us free ourselves from the spirit of euphoria,” said Mr Selami, chairman of the DP. Democracy is served every hour and minute with responsibility and courage; its entire architecture is built with courage and integrity. Only the explicit ...; careerists; anti-reformers; small-minded people, wherever they are, do not feel at ease in this human effort to affirm democratic and national values, in this mighty goal of building a society of free enterprise, the measures for which have only just been announced. MUJE BUGAPARA our country, which gives her the courage and human bravery to stand up for Albanians wherever they are in this world, since she is not shirking the responsibilities that her nation has taken upon itself: to make Albania a home for all Albanians, to bring our homeland back into the European family. Naturally, the victory of democracy would have been greater had the DP been more active during the election campaign, had more of its executive members held positions of responsibility, and had it better interpreted the factors preoccupying the Albanian world today,

Bearing in mind Mr Imami’s motion, and without claiming to provide a full analysis of it, I think that the analysis of this motion and the position toward it and its authors have not been prejudged, because no one has the moral right to identify himself with the DP and democracy, nor the moral right to claim that the truth belongs only to us, as Mr Imami arrogantly and unethically declares: “we have an absolute consciousness of the truth.” Mr Imami forgets that there are no absolute truths, especially in the field of interpreting thought. The DP is not a party of people who are divided and compelled to stand to attention; it is not a party moulded according to the communist principle of loyalty unto death; it is not a party that follows a policy of “instilling fear...”. But this by no means means that it must accept every kind of dictatorship that would sketch the ruin of democracy. That would produce an exceedingly ugly portrait, of the kind dictatorship knows how to draw. If the DP’s mission is the institutional realization of democracy, its primary duty is to dismantle communist administrative structures. The communist state was not merely a dictatorship; that monstrous state machine was not drawn in the sand. Nevertheless, I repeat, it must in no way become a hunt for blind obedience and imposed submission. The DP is not a party of intrigues, backroom dealings and political acrobatics. Its political stage cannot be that of a theatre where every actor puts on and takes off whatever mask he likes. Politics, especially now in a democracy, can no longer be seen as a masked ball. In any case, logic, argument, dialogue and transparency must be the pillars of this analysis. On the other hand, the findings and conclusions of this analysis should strengthen the DP’s seriousness and confidence in reform and democracy. Mr Imami’s motion is pink in colour. Something made up of the glimmer of this colour’s light—the red predominates. Whether he likes it or not, Mr Imami essentially expresses the very same concerns as our socialist communists. It is regrettable, but communist prejudice is intimidating and becomes the interpreter of the problems raised in the motion. According to Mr Imami, the DP is not the party of the former overthrown classes, the people convicted and persecuted by the communist regime. The DP came into being as a party of intellectuals selected with spotless biographies. Opening its doors has changed the Party. Ninety and ... We did not have as our objective the overthrow of communist rule and the eradication of communism, but only the establishment of pluralism, co-governing with the communists, etc. Pure communist mentality, Mr Imami. Further on, you get carried away discussing social justice, paraphrasing Bonaparte: “For collective guilt there can be no personal responsibility.” This is a misinterpretation—or deliberate interpretation in a different sense—of Mr Berisha’s statement about complicity in the communist regime. No, Mr Berisha’s statement about complicity in the communist regime does not give you the right to declare that guilt is therefore potential for everyone. No one needs to be afraid if they are honest and ... On the other hand, why then are those who lead the DP, and are now also in the administration, directly accusing the imprisoned and politically persecuted? I would like to ask you, Mr Imami, what you think the “democratic investigation” should do for all those whom the dictatorship, for political absurdities, left disabled and harmed, and whom you, while calling yourself a democrat, insult by calling incapable? Disability cannot be cured with money, sir. Wash your eyes well with the blessed water of democracy, Mr Imami, so that you do not continue to see Albanian society through communist eyes. Your jealousy is an atavistic, primitive form of class struggle, which apparently still courses through your blood. I do not wish to comment further on other issues in your motion, Mr Imami. It seems to me that every honest and decent person, whether a DP member or not, who loves true democracy without prejudice, has the right to ask you: Who are you, Mr Imami—the honest and resolute democrat you were at the beginning, or the person you are now, a thoroughgoing neocommunist and careerist? ... On the other hand, the DP has neither declared nor ... it thoroughgoing neocommunist and careerist? ERLIND DRINI

— Durrësi will soon become a major transport hub in the Balkans. — Of 9,461 employees, 7,373 have returned to work. The state of transport enterprises today is very difficult. Although all the enterprises are operating, few are working at full capacity. But the new market-economy policy will open new horizons for transport in our city. The new managers of these enterprises have every opportunity to activate their enterprises’ idle capacity. And the work has begun. Thanks to their efforts and loans from the European Community, Durrës will once again become a well-known transport hub in the country and, why not, in the Balkans. At the General Directorate of Railways, four directors are working. The main task is the re-establishment of the telephone enterprises and the project-construction enterprises. A project exists to build a transport-centre building, with a fund of USD 100,000 secured from the European Community. As for the Community, construction is under way, and the work is continuing with materials and funds provided by the Community. The old sleepers on the railway line, which in its first ... [?] and via ... [?] old sleepers numbered 20,000; likewise from the government ... [?] from the Community there is ... [?] Moving this quantity will make it possible to repair around 150 freight wagons and 50 passenger wagons. Sixty passenger wagons are also expected to arrive from Italy soon. The final task is to extend the work fronts, and this requires a general commitment from both the managers of this directorate and the relevant directorates in the ministry. Work at the seaport is continuing normally. Although there is a large number of employees here, not one has been laid off. Cargo handling continues regularly, especially food supplies. This has enabled the seaport to achieve an initial figure of 40 million lekë for the five-month period. It has simultaneously begun implementing economic reform in several areas. First, restructuring has been carried out by separating [?] one sector that has no connection with its activity, the handling of ships. Thus, other small enterprises were created, such as the maritime service enterprise, the harbourmaster’s office, the maritime agency, etc., some of which have been privatized. Secondly, privatization has been carried out. Secondly, privatization has been carried out. Secondly, ... [?] in accordance with the pricing policy. It is thought that part of the initial proceeds will be used for renewal (Continued on page 2)

At the afternoon session of the Extraordinary Conference of the Democratic Party, voting was held for four seats on the DP Presidium. Of the eight candidacies presented, according to the introduction given by Mr Agron Musaraj, chairman of the Credentials Verification Commission, after the secret ballot the absolute majority of votes went to the following gentlemen: Tritan Shehu, Dylber Vrioni, Tomor Malasi and Engjëll Hysenbegasi. Voting was also held for seven other seats on the DP National Council. By an absolute majority, Messrs Arben Lika, Engjëll Hysenbegasi, Ahmet Bushati, Pellumb [?]alla, Fëdhon Meksi and Xhevat Merini were elected members of the DP National Council. It is worth mentioning that those elected are well-known intellectuals in their respective fields of scientific, political and social activity. “RD” correspondent

The Tirana District Red Cross intends to establish an emergency centre to assist the people of Tirana in cases of injury, trauma and road accidents; other injuries and accidents at workplaces and production centres; natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and fires; various emergencies in mines; mass poisoning in residential areas, schools and dormitories; and various social conflicts. It will also provide assistance at various national and international sporting and physical-culture events held in Tirana. To make this emergency service operational, retired doctors, retired male and female nurses, as well as medical students, must volunteer to help establish this highly valuable service. Doctors who are currently employed are not excluded from this call. Initially, the service will operate for 8 hours, divided into two shifts of 4 hours each. Volunteers may register at the Tirana Red Cross Presidium. Tirana Red Cross Presidium

«It is a great honor for us that you have come once again to the soil of Albania.» «It is a great honor for us that you have come once again to the soil of Albania. The whole world knows you, but we want to call you our own, because we know that among the 103 countries in which you have extended your work, Albania undoubtedly holds first place for You. I am very glad to see that you are enjoying better health than when we met some time ago. We are proud that our language is one understood throughout the world. And this language is the language of charity, respect for the personality of others, the language of high culture.» These were the words of welcome that the Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Mr. Pjetër Arbnori, said to Mother Teresa yesterday at Rinas Airport, at the moment of her arrival. Mother Teresa said to Mr. Arbnori: «I will pray for You. And if Albania gave India its Water, Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, India gave Albania its son, the Apostolic Nuncio, Ivan Dias, who even more ... [?]» Also there to welcome Mother Teresa were the Italian ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Torquato Kardelli, the Apostolic Delegate of the Holy See in Albania, Monsignor Diego Kauzero, the secretary of state for relations with the Catholic Church, Mr. Sokol Mirakaj, representatives of the “Mother Teresa” Charitable Association in Tirana, the head of the Franciscan Order for the Diocese of Tirana, Father Zef Pellumbi, etc. LATSHY

We, the people writing to you, are residents of apartment buildings 16 and 18/1 on “Irfan Toma” Street, in neighbourhood 33, Tirana. The peace of these hot days is being disturbed by the loud noise of machinery working to build a private establishment in front of our apartment buildings, taking up the entire courtyard between them. As we have also consulted specialists in urban construction, this building is impermissible because the required distance between the apartment buildings has not been observed and their natural light is being obstructed. But the worst thing is that the foundations excavated for this private establishment have exposed the main drinking-water supply pipe for our block and the Textile Combine, which cannot and must not be diverted. We have written to District No. 2 about our concern and spoken with the chairman and secretary of its committee, as well as with the designer who, in his role as head of urban planning, designated and approved this construction. Their conduct gives us the impression that there are still incompetent and corrupt people in state offices. Otherwise, how could this kind of illegal construction be permitted and cause such great concern among the residents of these apartment buildings? The construction permit is unjust, and we have the right to say that these actions involve abuse. Apart from a corrupt person, what designer would approve a building that violates legal and sanitary standards, going against the interests of 40 families for the benefit of one private individual? We ask these officials: what are they selling their authority for, and how long will they continue to do so? Addressing you as the most serious newspaper, we present our concern and ask you to help us resolve this problem. Respectfully, The residents of apartment buildings 16 and 18/1 “Irfan Toma” Street, Neighbourhood 33 (The names and signatures of the 40 heads of household follow)