From the moment it was founded, the Democratic Party brought a new political morality into our political life, paralyzing the dogma and corrupt morality of the Party of Labour, and introducing a new spirit of practical thinking, a realistic vision of life, society, the human being, and social movements, all the way to the building of a democratic state. At the foundation of its work and development, the DP has placed open dialogue, tolerance, free thought, and sincere communication with the people. As a democratic party of European standards, it does not work behind closed doors like PP (S), does not keep party secrets underground, and does not frighten people with secret party decisions, as the PS does today—a party from which Albanians have had a tragic experience. Believing in the human spirit, the Democratic Party gives it the necessary space to preserve its individuality and freely express its thoughts, ideas, and concepts, which arise from its human experience. The DP never thinks of lining up its members according to iron communist discipline, as the PS does—a party that not only does not allow these norms of European democracy to emerge within its ranks, but, to its misfortune, misinterprets them when the DP applies them to reorganize and strengthen itself. The Democratic Party does not call on the people to «Forward to new victories», as PP (S) does, while concealing the country’s dire condition and the Party’s frozen state. It (the DP) will never allow practices that undermine direct ties with the people. It will never retreat into a party of declarations, as the PS is; into an underground party, as the PS is; into an anomie, as the PS is; into a disoriented and lifeless party, as the PS is. The Democratic Party is a powerful party with young people, new ideas, and powerful social messages. It is a party that takes ownership of the mistakes it has made. Nevertheless, it must be said that the DP has no stain of corruption, unlike the Socialist Party, which is deeply mired in it. The Democratic Party has a bright starting point—the student movement, led by Albania’s most distinguished intellectuals—whereas the PS has a dark foundation of Bolshevism, dictatorship, and mediocrity. Through its principles and organizational rules, the Democratic Party will not allow bureaucracy to flourish, whereas the PS has a 50-year-old bureaucracy represented by the Enverism at its base (just remember the Enverists and PK chairmen in the districts), people who have bureaucracy, corruption, favoritism, and revenge in their blood. and this is also evident in its efforts to strengthen order and discipline. This commitment by the DP, and its efforts to reorganize all party structures—which make it even stronger, particularly in terms of time, prospects, and the nation—have been experienced painfully by the Socialist Party. This shows that the DP is on the right track, and that its serious commitment to mastering the new directions of political developments in Albania is entirely reasonable. It is regrettable when «ZP» and the PS prejudge this qualitatively new direction of the DP. When «RD» addressed the organization of the DP branch in Kuçovë, it was guided by entirely democratic aims, which are qualities of contemporary European parties. But «ZP» tries to portray the reasonable criticism we make of this branch as characteristics of the DP as a whole, proceeding from base political principles and from a banal, primitive, Bolshevik standpoint. We remind them that the Leninist principle whereby criticizing one party organization implied the whole party, and criticizing one communist implied the entire communist nomenklatura, can no longer even be imagined in a democratic order. ...nd, the stature of people... people. It will not retreat into a party of declarations such as the PS, an illegal party such as the PS, an anonymous party such as the PS, a party that is directionless and lifeless, such as the PS. that commands the Albanian political arena through its strength and movement, its vitality and life force, which set it apart from all the new democratic parties of Eastern Europe. The historical significance of March 22 makes the DP a rare case in the modern history of Europe, a real example of an unparalleled organization in the worldwide democratic movement. The DP is a modern party that works to stand the test of time, as can be seen in its intellectual orientation, its human potential, the establishment of norms, its rights within its organizational life, and its process of correction... ...the reasonable criticisms we make of this branch, to characterize them as traits of the DP as a whole, as a low-level political party, from a banal, primitive position of shortcomings. We remind you first of the Leninists who, when criticizing a parliamentary organization, condemn the entire party; when a communist is criticized, they condemn the entire communist nomenklatura—something that can no longer be imagined in this democratic order. But, apparently, this is how the PS is renewing itself: preserving not only its structures, leadership, and principles of conduct, but, worse still, proclaiming its own rigid psychology as a standard by which to measure others. Nevertheless, it must be said that the DP will not interrupt its reorganization for even a moment. This is a demand that speaks to the contemporary dimensions of the DP, enabling it to withstand the future and social and political development in Albania. MUJE BUÇPAPAJ

The co-chairs of the Conference on Yugoslavia, Lord Owen and Cyrus Vance, were received at the Presidency by President of the Republic Sali Berisha. After welcoming them, he praised the contribution of the conference and its co-chairs regarding the measures and proposals adopted for Yugoslavia, such as establishing a no-fly zone over Bosnia, placing weapons under control, etc. The discussion then focused on Macedonia and political developments in that country. The President expressed his support for the constructive stance of the Albanian political forces in the country. The stability of this republic, it was said during the discussion, is in the interests of the Balkans and Europe. Regarding Kosovo, President Berisha expressed his support for President Rugova. He stressed that the European Community must take concrete and energetic steps to prevent the conflict from spreading into this area. Kosovo should therefore come under the supervision of the United Nations. A calm situation in the region would make it possible to resolve Kosovo’s status while respecting human rights. Lord Owen and Cyrus Vance expressed their appreciation for the views and concerns of the Albanians. They also expressed their commitment to achieving an acceptable peaceful solution. Finally, the discussion focused on the December federal elections and the possibility of Albanians participating in them. PRESS AND INFORMATION OFFICE AT THE PRESIDENCY.

— From President Berisha’s meeting with Mr De Marko — “I am pleased that you have come to Albania again,” President Berisha told Malta’s foreign minister, Mr Guido De Marko, at their meeting. Malta is a friendly country that has supported democratic processes in Albania. Mediterranean countries. The President then briefed his guests on the progress of reform in our country and the achievements of the democratic government, and addressed the Balkan issue, specifically Kosovo. He once again expressed his view that the countries of the international community should take new, concrete measures to prevent conflict in Kosovo. Mr Guido De Marko said that he understood our views and positions on the Kosovo issue. “It is a disgrace for Europe,” he continued, “that the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina is continuing, but it would be an even greater disgrace if it spread to Kosovo.” He also discussed the concrete support Malta could provide to Albania, specifically in oil exploration, training and professional development, emigration, finding ways and opportunities to secure trade credits in Albania, tourism, etc. The meeting also discussed the possibility of cooperation among small countries and the creation of institutions of this kind to encourage cooperation between the two countries, as well as cooperation among Mediterranean countries, etc. (ATSH)

The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, received Croatia’s Foreign Minister, Mr Zdenko Shkraballo. Mr Berisha welcomed the Croatian minister and emphasized Albania’s desire to strengthen relations and exchanges between Albania and Croatia in every way, as part of the integration process. In this regard, they discussed institutionalizing government contacts, signing an agreement of friendship and cooperation, the prompt opening of embassies in Tirana and Zagreb, sea routes between the ports of the two countries, and a plan for a highway along the Adriatic coas- [cut off] Foreign Minister Shkraballo also expressed the Croatian government’s willingness to cooperate as closely as possible with Albania. He also said that there are no problems with the Albanian community in Croatia and that Croatia rem- [cut off]

Can TV hold «rounds» of various debates? For more than two years, broad Albanian public opinion has been caught up in the fever of political «partisanship». No doubt this «partisanship» has roots. Of course—but interest is still at its highest. This is best demonstrated by the passionate late-night viewing, especially of parliamentary debates broadcast on TV. But this is not only about political debates. As it makes its way along this untraveled historical path, public opinion has been interested in learning the «enigmas» of the unknown. And on this newly embarked path, not only politics but many other things are unknown. Naturally, TV has the most effective means of helping us through these times with so many problems. The idea, then, is for our TV to stage debates on camera among specialists, politicians, and leading intellectuals from various fields, on current topics and issues—something along the lines of «political», «economic», etc. forums. We think that, in terms of technical capabilities too, producing these programs would present TV with fewer difficulties than some other categories of broadcasts. We discussed this issue with the director general of RTV, Mr Skënder Buçpapaj, who told us that they too had had such an idea in mind, but when it came to putting it into practice, at a certain point they had not found the necessary commitment and willingness among the intellectuals (politicians) they had approached (!). Nevertheless, there is no lack of intellectual interest in this. This is best demonstrated by the constant, insistent presence of intellectuals in the offices of our newspapers. Their debates in front of the cameras would be a more effective contribution, helping also to find optimal solutions to the many «knots» of our times. Let this suggestion serve as a call to bring together the commitment and willingness of intellectuals and those of TV... RAKIP SULÇE

On Thursday, 29 October, at the «Dajti» Hotel, the Turkish ambassador to our country, Mr Ernekol, hosted a cocktail reception on the occasion of the 69th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic. President of Albania Mr Berisha also attended the reception. Members of the government, the diplomatic corps accredited in our country, parliamentarians, representatives of political parties, and other guests also attended. The reception created a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. Korçë, «RD» correspondent

On October 30, on the occasion of the “Day of the Romanian Army,” the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to Albania, Mr. George Micu, hosted a cocktail reception at the Albanian Army Cultural Center in Tirana. The reception was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Order, Mr. Bashkim Kopliku, the Minister of Education, Mr. Ylli Vejsiu, and representatives of political parties and the press. Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Republic of Albania were also present. The reception took place in a friendly atmosphere.

Yesterday, the President of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Alija Izetbegoviç, visited Albania. He was welcomed at Rinas Airport by the President of the Republic of Albania, Sali Berisha, and other senior state dignitaries.

In his statements to the press, Alija Izetbegoviç said, among other things, that he had come to Albania to establish future relations between Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina. In his statements to the press, Alija Izetbegoviç said, among other things: I came to Albania to establish future relations between Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Now we wish to have relations between our two states. Asked whether there was a risk of the conflict spreading to Kosovo, Alija Izetbegoviç replied that this risk was real and that it could spread from Sandžak to Kosovo and across the Balkans. Therefore, we must do everything possible to prevent the conflict from spreading. President Berisha, having emphasized the importance of this visit to Bosnia [wording unclear], drew a parallel: a concern for all humanity—when concentration camps are operating, when barbarity is at work... ...the laws of human savagery. Furthermore, President Berisha expressed his belief that the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina, under the leadership of Mr. Izetbegoviç, would receive the most concrete support from the international community in this just war. Emphasizing that the war there aims at ethnic cleansing, President Berisha continued that the Western world would be more energetic and more active, not allowing the widening of a gulf that is in nobody’s interest. It is essential that more forceful measures be taken for Bosnia, just as it is essential that concrete measures be taken to prevent the expansion of the conflict, which is based on ethnic cleansing. Its transfer to Kosovo would have the same aims.

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OBSERVATION on newspaper readership in Tirana Survey conducted by students of the journalism department at UT

Our newspaper will not be published on Saturday because of technical problems at the printing house. We hope and request that its management take measures to ensure that this does not happen again. THE EDITORIAL STAFF

Survey conducted by students in the journalism department at UT A survey of newspapers in Tirana shows that many readers want a radical change in the way newspapers are presented. Around 73 percent of those surveyed would prefer to read independent newspapers rather than party-affiliated ones. Thirty-one percent of those surveyed want more coverage of domestic news, such as matters relating to the economy and crime. Others want more international news, cultural activities from around the world, and humor. Many readers believe that even in newspapers that focus mainly on politics there is no dividing line between fact and comment. More than 60 percent of those surveyed think Albanian newspapers are inaccurate, while 52 percent do not trust newspapers. The survey was conducted among regular newspaper readers, 47 percent of whom read four or more newspapers a week. According to the survey, «RD» is bought most often by 33.9 percent, while «ZP» is bought by only 20.5 percent. This survey was conducted by students in the journalism department at the University of Tirana. The students carried it out over two hours at eight locations around the city where the city’s daily newspapers are sold. Ten questions about newspaper purchases and the way newspapers are printed were put to 250 newspaper readers. The survey’s results should not be considered highly accurate or scientific, but rather as providing a picture of public opinion about the work of newspapers here. If you need more information about the survey results, contact Ned Coli at the University of Tirana, Department of Journalism, telephone 241-09.