The barriers that still make it possible to regard the intellectual as merely someone for speeches and cheers are being torn down. Albania is the country that had the communist and the activist as a social model. This was at a time when the intellectual, who represents the cultured stratum, was left in the background and pushed out of attention. He was morally killed by being excluded from the leadership of the state and society. A country that is economically poor, but rich in brilliant minds, cannot move forward if it does not place the nation's brain at the forefront. Most of the Albanian intelligentsia stayed outside political parties until recently. There are many reasons for this. First, tired of old politics and its schemes, it preferred to devote itself to its own work. Second, the great disappointment brought by politics in recent years caused a part of the intelligentsia to keep its distance. However, recent developments, and especially the creation of the PDSh, have brought many intellectuals closer to political life. It is no coincidence that professors, doctors, engineers, lawyers and various specialists are moving closer to this political force. Their involvement can bring a new spirit, a higher level of debate and responsibility. The joining of intellectuals to parties requires more quality work from the structures, more arguments and fewer slogans. Free thought must be respected and ground must be created so that the intellectual feels useful in decision-making and not just a formal ornament. Only in this way can parties gain real weight in society and Albanian democracy acquire deeper content.

Mr. Berisha held a meeting with members of parliament, the government and the parliamentary parties, during which order, economic issues and the political situation in the country were discussed. The head of state stressed the necessity of institutional cooperation and increased responsibility in public activity. The meeting addressed the need for a calmer political climate and for strengthening the rule of law. The participants expressed opinions on recent developments and on the role of the political forces in overcoming difficulties. It was underlined that reforms require broader support and that parliament must play a more active role. Relations between institutions and issues related to the normal functioning of the administration were also discussed. The meeting was seen as a necessary step to preserve political dialogue and guarantee stability.

It is not possible today to raise the issue of taking over the leadership of PDSh by figures who come from the administration and not from the political structures. If a new compromise figure were sought, it could not come from outside the party's internal processes. Eduard Selami was elected chairman at a delicate moment, when it was necessary to keep the currents united and avoid division. In this sense, his election had a broader political meaning than the name itself. It was a signal of continuity, but also of the possibility of renewal. PDSh must show that it can lead with internal discipline, free debate and respect for different opinions. Only then can it become a force that not only wins elections, but also knows how to govern responsibly.

Having clearly emerged as the solution, this name was welcomed as an administrative and political solution at the same time. Alfons Zeneli did not come as an exhausted figure, but as a profile that could guarantee institutional calm in diplomacy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs needed a less conflictual and more professional spirit. In this framework, his appointment was interpreted as an effort to establish balance in a sensitive sector. The main challenge remained representing the country in a difficult international moment and building normal relations with partners.

Without major surprises, this year's American campaign ended with the victory of the Democratic candidate Bill Clinton. He was presented as the man of change after the years of Republican presidencies. The result was received with interest around the world and has generated many comments about the future direction of American politics. Clinton's victory was linked to the economic situation in the USA and to his ability to communicate with voters. Observers note that the new administration will face important challenges domestically and in foreign policy. (ATSH)

PETRO DHIMITRI

In Tirana, an agreement was signed yesterday aimed at reorganizing this institution and improving services for children. According to official sources, the project envisages changes in organization, staff training and support with equipment. The agreement also aims to increase cooperation with other health centres and to create better conditions for study and research. The changes are expected to be implemented in several phases and to have an impact on the quality of pediatric services.