At this meeting, the main delegates of Pogradec attacked President Berisha more fiercely. An atmosphere was created, charged with the participation of not a few former members of the PPSH, who, in the name of criticizing the economic situation, have begun at a fast pace an offensive against the government and the president. According to the many voices of participants, from the podium there was an insistent call for the resignation of the government and the president, and the president’s speech was described as a “verbal aggression” against the socialists. It was also said that the whole country is threatened by the “establishment of a new dictatorship.” Hundreds of people gathered in the cultural hall to take part in the meeting. The organizers called this an “expanded active meeting” of the socialists of the district, but in the hall many familiar faces of former PPSH officials, former party secretaries, former cooperative chairmen, former directors and former chiefs of the old apparatus could be seen. In this sense, the meeting took more the appearance of a demonstration of strength by the old structures than of an ordinary political debate. Many speakers raised harsh accusations against the government over unemployment, prices, power shortages and problems with land distribution, but many of them kept returning to the demand for a “reversal of the current course” and for the “restoration of order.” In some cases the speakers openly stated that democracy was being used to destabilize the country, implying that the solution would be a return to earlier forms of governance. Part of the discussion was accompanied by ovations, whistles and political chants. Observers present noted that the spirit of the meeting was more revanchist than reformist. The names of former local leaders were also mentioned, who, according to the participants, should be brought back into leadership roles, which was seen as a clear sign of the spirit of returning to the past. In the end, a resolution was adopted calling for the government to step down and warning of “new protests” if current policy did not change. Sources among those present said the gathering ended with cheers against the president and calls for the “mobilization” of socialist structures. (continued on page 3)

The general situation in the country, both political and economic, the problems of local government, the progress of reform and privatization, are some of the issues and concerns raised yesterday in their meeting with President Sali Berisha by the leadership of the PD branch of Malësia e Madhe and intellectuals from this district. The meeting was attended by the district chairman, Mr. Qerim Pali, and the deputy, Mr. Gjon Boriçi. As for local government, the district chairman said that the previous authorities had been incapable and uncooperative. The PK, which dominates local government, especially in the communes, has blocked and paralyzed economic life. Regarding privatization and the progress of reform, the main concern was land. It was said that land distribution must also take into account other factors such as social justice, family composition, etc., especially in mountainous areas, where the amount of land allocated per person is extremely small. The lands of former lower-type cooperatives are often in areas without irrigation possibilities, while in the former farm, where most of the area is in deep mountainous zones, its owners cannot take them because the farms as a whole are still continuing to be state-owned. One of the main concerns was the state's failure to supply industrial goods that are very important for this area, such as sheet metal, cement, plastic sheeting, etc. It was also raised as a concern that the removal of experienced people from the administration is blocking the running of the state. Those removed should be replaced with capable people. President Berisha assured those present that the government is making every effort to make local government fully efficient. It must be understood that it inherited a chaotic situation and that local government has shown clear signs of inherited blockage from the communist party as well. Everywhere, the fight must be against bureaucratization and nepotism, which is appearing in some sectors of the administration. The government is making efforts to solve the property problem. Under the regulation on land distribution according to family members, mistakes have appeared, but this was the fastest way out of the cooperative system. In districts such as Tropojë, etc., land has also been distributed according to previous ownership. These are acceptable with corrections in certain areas, but overall the same criterion must be followed everywhere. State farms are being privatized and by the end of the year part of them will be privatized. Even in Malësia e Madhe, the situation of order and peace is not satisfactory. Cattle theft has become a frequent phenomenon. In the last 2 days, 45 people have been arrested by the security forces in this district. When asked about the election of the chairman of the PD in the district of Malësi e Madhe, Mr. Berisha said that such issues must be resolved on the basis of the party statute and the democratic spirit. PD members must not act hastily, even less in an undemocratic manner, as had happened in the case of placing the chief of criminal police in a post after he had been removed from duty for assaulting a citizen. A teacher from Koplik said that the villagers fully support the exclusion from the KP of all its former members and the removal of all pensions for the high nomenklatura. Mr. Berisha assured him that care would be taken so that all pensioners receive what they deserve and that there would be no hasty actions, but that the laws in force would be respected. Another concern was raised that qualified teachers are leaving the district. The President said that the government is considering granting benefits and incentives to these people, especially in border districts. He said that the fairest solution would be for the election of deputies to be direct in the constituencies. The meeting also mentioned several disagreements related to a plot of land with vineyards and trees, which had supposedly been transferred for administration to 22 families, but then one day a bulldozer reportedly flattened everything, so some asked for the President’s intervention. He said that although, regarding the property issue, the government and the president cannot take judicial decisions, they will ensure that judicial decisions are implemented and arbitrariness avoided. Mr. Saliu also said that the housing system in workplace centers, with the transition to a market economy, should be replaced by the system of long-term state loans for housing. (Condensed from “Koha Jonë”)

(continued on page 3) In the district of Malësia e Madhe we are today at a turning point. The political and economic life of the country, including the northern areas, is suffering the consequences of a long period of poor administration and lack of order. The President’s words, spoken with clarity and determination, have given people hope that the state is returning to its proper function. The people understand that there can be no progress without order and justice. Whoever has abused their duty, whoever has exploited the vacuum of power for personal gain, must answer before the law. Therefore, the reactions against the government’s measures should also be seen as a sign of the blow to old interests. On the other hand, the issue of land and private property requires care, prudence and a legal solution. In mountainous areas, the mechanical distribution by household members does not answer all cases. A more detailed review is needed so that injustices and conflicts can be avoided. The government must intervene firmly, but also justly. Another concern remains the departure of trained cadres from the administration and education. If these people leave, the gap is filled by mediocrity and amateurism. This would severely damage the state’s ability to govern and to face the difficulties of the transition. In this sense, support for the President and the government is not political blindness, but a need for stability. He has stood up for the country at a time when many are trying to drag it back into the past. LORENC LIÇORI

False accusations of a new dictatorship.

— They challenge the local entrepreneurs, but the sidewalk hardliner is blocking it. — PS challenges the local entrepreneurs, but the sidewalk hardliner is blocking it. — Can the association be called equal? — The local student has just put the name on his mouth, from this democracy. — The cousins send work or social welfare.