DEMOCRACY IS NOT JUST A PROMISE AA to lo?? Consensus with the new political class is beneficial for foreign policy and for stabilizing the economy. They do not prevent either of these from allowing Albania to have both democracy and a constitutional state. Alfred Serreqi The customs zones, mines, customs, police, security, justice are not the eternal property of those who have come to power. They belong to the state. They belong to Albanian citizens and must be open to the law and to oversight. For only then can democracy and the state have meaning. Otherwise, the promise remains a promise. The difficulties the country is going through, especially the economic ones, make understandable the tendency to seek compromise, avoid clashes and preserve a minimal political balance. This is acceptable, but only as long as the fundamental rules of democracy are not violated. Democracy is not only the rotation of power. It is control, transparency, separation of powers and accountability. Without these, any political promise turns into public disappointment. If the government seeks understanding because of the crisis, it must accompany that with respect for the law. Citizens cannot be asked for patience while turning a blind eye to arbitrariness, clientelism or the capture of institutions. Human rights, press freedom, the normal functioning of courts, parliamentary oversight and the independence of the administration are not luxuries. They are a necessary condition for the country not to slide back into authoritarian models. Therefore, democracy must be seen not as a decoration of the transition, but as its substance. An economy that stabilizes without justice, without guarantees for property and without trustworthy institutions is an economy without foundations. Albania needs political agreements, but not silence in the face of violations. It needs calm, but not submission. It needs a state, but not a party-state. Only thus will democracy not remain an election slogan, but become a tangible reality for the citizen.

The leader of the LDK in Kosovo, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, has stated that Kosovo’s independence is the only way to solve the problems. He said that problems with the Serbs must be solved by political means and not by violence. Rugova said that the people of Kosovo cannot accept going backwards and that their will must be respected. He called for international support for the Kosovo issue and stressed that peace in the region also depends on a just solution for the Albanians of Kosovo. His meetings in London have been seen as part of efforts to raise European public awareness about the situation in Kosovo.

Market relations and the supply of food goods remain among the most sensitive issues for the population. The authorities have expressed interest in the state and development of food trade, especially under conditions of price liberalization and rising demand. According to the data presented, there have been partial improvements in supply, but shortages, high prices and problems with the distribution network are still being observed. Private traders have increased their presence, while state structures are trying to maintain a balance in the market. Measures have been discussed to control quality, curb abuses and improve the transport of goods from production areas to the cities. The government is expected to follow this sector closely, since it directly affects the everyday life of citizens.

The final declaration of foreign currency will be made today near the building of the National Commercial Bank at 17:00. Note: beware of counterfeits [?].

Pedshkoi [?] Gler [?] received a reward

In today’s political debate, the question continues to be raised of where the responsibility for the grave situation inherited by the country should be sought. According to this view, the demons of the past cannot be hidden behind new names, but must be sought in the direct successors of the communist structures. This means that formal transformation is not enough if the mindset, administrative practices and old power ties remain unchanged. The author argues that without a real break from the model of yesterday, the transition risks remaining blocked and democracy distorted. For this reason, greater political courage, transparency and a break from the legacy of the former system are called for.

Year II of publication No. 211 Saturday, 10 October 1992 Price 3 Lek

EXCHANGE RATE At the close of 6 October, the US dollar stood at 46 lek. This message continues to serve as guidance for citizens and economic operators. (ATSH) The General Directorate of Customs announces that, as part of the new procedures, clearer rules have been established for the circulation of goods and their declaration. For further clarification, citizens may contact the relevant offices. Following the aid of “Pelikani” As part of humanitarian shipments, aid has been distributed to several institutions and families in need. Ujore [?] MIA S.p.A. - Via Nomentana, 995 - 00137 Rome - Italy Tel. (06) 8602015 - Fax (06) 8602470