Parliament through the eyes of a lecturer and the small article within and often in template form brings the reader an interesting example and gives the means for a knowledge not only better but also more complete of the current, simultaneous and historical conditions and possibilities of the country for governance. There is a complete contrast between the behavior and consequences of the citizens of the parliamentary environment, and also of the current Albanian parliament, which in many moments has given evidence of a political culture and ethics that were previously lacking, but in other cases has fallen into old patterns, rhetoric, and rigidity. From this perspective the author’s attention is focused on the role of the deputy, on public responsibility, and on the way the word spoken in the chamber becomes a social influence. Parliament is not simply a place of numbers, but a space where the level of political civilization is measured. The citizen expects from the deputy clarity, integrity, and argument. If these are lacking, trust and the prestige of the institution collapse with them. The remarks made are not offensive in character, but aim to encourage reflection and improvement. Parliamentary behavior, the language of debate, respect for the opponent, the ability to listen and to build compromise when possible, are indicators of democratic maturity. The author notes that in the Albanian transition deputies have often faced many pressures, lack of experience, the legacy of an authoritarian culture, and high public expectations. However, precisely under such conditions, responsibility increases. The prestige of parliament cannot be defended by rules alone; it depends on the parliamentarians themselves. The public judges them not only by their words, but by the way they use words, by how they behave with one another, and by how they represent the public interest. This analysis seeks to look at parliament not only from within as a political mechanism, but also from outside, through the eyes of a lecturer who observes the civic education produced by institutions. If parliament gives a bad model, the consequences extend beyond the chamber. If it gives a good model, the social benefit is broad. These are some of the reasons why the prestige of parliament is in the hands of the parliamentarians themselves. (Continued on page 2)

- From the Madrid meeting and the Convention of the British Conservative Party in London - The second EDU and IDU meeting of the year, held in Madrid on 9 and 10 October, brought together in the capital of Spain almost all the democratic parties of Europe and the world. Local and foreign representatives, scholars, politicians, and well-known economists discussed with interest issues of politics, the economy, and the future of democracy. EDU and IDU, as international organizations that include center-right and conservative parties, pay special attention to the situation in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the countries that emerged from the communist system. The forum discussed democratic transformations, the problems of the market economy, European integration, and the role of democratic parties in this process. Participants praised developments in Albania and the interest in its inclusion in the European family. The Madrid meetings also highlighted the difficulties of the former communist countries, the need for political and economic support, and the importance of institutional stability. Representatives of the Albanian Democratic Party took part in discussions and in contacts with various delegations. Meetings were held with prominent figures in European politics and with leaders of conservative and Christian Democratic parties. In this framework, the importance of continuing reforms and supporting democratic transformations was emphasized. In London, meanwhile, the Convention of the British Conservative Party focused attention on the challenges of governance, the economy, integration, and international relations. The debates brought out views on the future of Europe and cooperation with countries in transition. Albania was mentioned as a country where the democratic process deserves support. The overall atmosphere of the meetings was marked by measured optimism and by the view that democracy remains the strongest European alternative.

The PD has learned through official channels, before the first actions were carried out, that it was informed of the fact that an aircraft of the Italian company ALITALIA was due to land at Rinas. By the time it arrived at Rinas, the country’s main airport, everything had already been completed. The aircraft had brought a considerable load of goods, sent by the Italian firm MANIFATTURA, mainly for the needs of the Socialist Party’s campaign for the upcoming elections. Taking advantage of the old ties that had remained from the time of the previous system and through interventions in customs and administration, the organizers requested that the duty not be paid and that the normal procedures be bypassed. These actions constitute a serious violation and raise questions about the political and financial connections of this shipment. The PD states that the case has been closely followed and that the institutions must act impartially and according to the law. Under no circumstances can there be privileges for a political entity, especially when it concerns goods brought in from abroad. According to the information gathered, the shipment included various materials for organizational and propaganda use. The names of intermediary firms and persons who intervened in customs procedures were also mentioned. This issue, it is further said, is linked to the need for transparency in party financing and to the necessity that the state administration not be used for partisan interests. Eduard Selami emphasized that the PD will seek official clarifications and will publicly denounce any circumvention of the law. He stated that this event is not isolated, but part of a mentality that seeks to preserve old privileges in a new democratic reality. In the end it was stressed that respect for customs-clearance rules and fair competition is a condition for the market economy and for the rule of law.

Nationwide school protest in Kosovo In Tetovo, Mytevelli, Hoxha, Musa. Thousands of protesters marched through the city streets demanding rights for Albanian-language schooling, for the use of the Albanian language, and for respect for national rights. Students, teachers, parents, and other citizens took part in the protests. The demonstration was peaceful and was accompanied by placards and slogans in support of Albanian-language education. The organizers said that participation reached large proportions and that this shows the determination of the Albanian population to defend its rights. Difficulties caused by pressure from the authorities and restrictions on organization were also reported, but despite this, the protest took place broadly and with discipline. At the center of the demands were the opening of Albanian schools, the permitting of textbooks and curricula in the mother tongue, and the ending of discrimination against Albanian teachers and students. The demonstration was presented as a powerful expression of civic and national unity. It was emphasized that the issue of education in Albanian is not only a school issue, but also one of dignity and identity. Participants warned that they would continue democratic forms of pressure until their demands were met. The protest was portrayed as an event with broad resonance in Kosovo and beyond.

On 9 October 1992 in the social building “Lidhja e Prizrenit” in the presence of a commission composed of Mr. D. 2, the following took place: 1. Luna malitzi - chairman (in place of Ard. Viti e Svelit) 2. Mehneti Bejzai - member (sazan near the expiration Mazrek) 3. Brahim Trevova - member (chief editor of Bulletin[?]) 4. Xhevah Musta[?] - member Secretary of the forum, I explained to him (P.D.) 5. Adem Duma - member (village) 6. Tahim Kizmi - member (administrator of tes.-PD) Chairman of the Initiating Council Q. O. Invitation of a character for the Albanian Youth of Kosovo. The following winning numbers were drawn: a) First prize - 1930 123 wins 50,000 lek b) Second No. 112,687 “ ” 4,000 c) Third No. 032011 “ ” 7,000 Prize was 062.525. No. 017549 “ ” 3,200 No. 198453 “ ” 5,800 No. 028779 “ ” 3,200 No. 922022 “ ” 3,300 No. 141742 “ ” 2,500 From the drawing the following winning numbers resulted: 2300 2500 3300 5800 3200 7000 4000 50,000 Prizes are collected at the association office in Prishtina. BY THE “LOTTERY” COMMISSION, announced by “RD”.