Continuing reform to the end - a necessity for the full victory of democracy THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS MET More than 120 members and more than 1,200 invited guests took part yesterday in the meeting of the National Council of the Democratic Party, which was opened with a report by its chairman, Sali Berisha. An important part of this report was the analysis of the democratic processes and the economic reform in the country. In particular, the chairman of the Democratic Party, Dr. Sali Berisha, dwelt on the reform’s progress so far and on the difficulties it has encountered and is encountering. He said that the first 7-8 months had been the hardest period of the reform, due to the depletion of the country’s reserves. Some of the largest and deepest operations to de-etatize the Albanian economy had to be carried out and are being carried out; the return of property to the owner is being implemented and will be implemented. In the last 3-4 months, qualitative steps have been made in the progress of the reform. According to the chairman of the PDSh, these are mainly linked to developments in agriculture. Land is now 98 percent privatized. Trade and services have been fully privatized. Housing privatization has advanced rapidly and has now included 22,000 apartments. Such is also the auction privatization of several depots and warehouses. However, Dr. Berisha continued, in these 8-9 months mistakes have also been made, which must be overcome by always moving in sync with the new conditions that have been created. According to him, the government is determined to pursue firmly the reform’s perspective, which can have no other alternative than that of the market economy. Specifically, the chairman of the PDSh said: “Forward and not backward in the reforms of economic freedom and finance.” He pointed out that the delay in privatizing small and medium-sized enterprises, caused among other things by the subjective element as well, has been such that within the month of December about 500 such enterprises must go up for auction. Likewise, a second opportunity is being sought for the privatization of housing, in conditions where a considerable number of citizens have still not become owners. While valuing the fact that Albania is the only former communist country where the old regime has been overthrown by free vote, Dr. Berisha pointed out that the history of this country is in the hands of Albanians. In this context he said that safe steps must be taken toward a better future. “Above all we must have confidence in ourselves and in one another,” he said, “because this is a very important moment for the future of our homeland.” Noting that Albania’s transition to democracy and the market economy is being carried out successfully under the most unfavorable conditions and from a starting point much more difficult than in any other former communist country, he reminded the National Council of the Party and the invited public of Niccolò Machiavelli’s famous advice, according to which “there is no undertaking more difficult, more doubtful in its success and more dangerous than a reform. Reformers have sworn enemies in all those who have interests tied to the old order and half-hearted defenders among those who have hopes in the new order.” (To be continued on page 4)

The Albanian government will create better conditions for payment On the occasion of the 8th anniversary of the creation of G-8 Volonté et Developpement et de l’amitie entre les peuples with its pension home at the “1 Maji” dormitory center in Durrës, the French citizen Mrs. A[nn?]e de Peyrefitte received the “Gold Medal of Creativity” at the Durrës Children’s Home. The medal has been awarded to Mrs. Peyrefitte for her distinguished and fruitful activity in helping people in need, especially orphaned children and those living in difficult conditions. Mrs. Anne de Peyrefitte said in her remarks that this medal is a great honor for her, but that it is deserved not only by her but also by her French collaborators. In her speech, Mrs. Peyrefitte also thanked the French minister of cooperation and humanitarian affairs, Bernard Kouchner, who from the very beginning of the association’s activity gave it strong support. (To be continued on page 4)

Jubilee meeting dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the creation of our National Army As yesterday in the Artistic Assembly of Vlora activities were held in honor of 28 November, the declaration of Independence and the 80th anniversary of the creation of our National Army, a jubilee meeting was organized by the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense, in which veterans of the National Liberation War, representatives of veterans’ organizations, reserve military personnel and young people also took part. In his speech, Defense Minister Safet Zhulali described this 80th anniversary as a symbol of the sacrifice and patriotism of the Albanian people. He emphasized that our army, built on the finest national traditions, has the mission of defending the freedom, independence and territorial integrity of the country. (To be continued on page 4)

Surprise! A host of young people, as if by chance, discussed the glorious work of our Party. They concluded with a resolution in which, among other things, it was emphasized that membership in the Party honors anyone. It is a guarantee of success and of the career that awaits you. The words ended up saying that the Party opens clear horizons for you, gives you a job and a salary, an apartment, feeds you and clothes you. Whereas the opposing party throws you out on the street and leaves you without bread. But what about the comrades, the Party? If its glorious work is not proud of the motto “The world today, bread today!” and there are still people in need, this should not discourage anyone. Who assures us that the democrats do not lie and do not throw dust in our eyes? Then what? Let’s not drag it out. We promised that we would not leave our country in these difficult days. We registered and here we are. At least let us understand that even here there is “honey”. As for these things, - the day before yesterday. We were happy when we saw hundreds and hundreds of young people who joined. Among them are our peers, our classmates, students, young men and women. For a long time we had remained in an anxious and curious wait. What would happen to us? Would we find ourselves? Were we feeling lost among ruined values and undefined ideals? This period has passed. Now we know where we are and what we want. We have become part of a political force that believes in the European future of the country and in the free human being. Up to here, everything is fine. But there are also those who perhaps ask: for what reason this enthusiasm? For idealism? For career? For fear? For conformism? Surely a little of all of them. Because young people of every era move between dream and necessity. The important thing is that they are not used as decoration, but are heard as a force. Let membership not become a shelter you enter for privileges, but a responsibility to change the country. VIZA (To be continued on page 5) Kuko ’92

NATIONAL LIBRARY TIRANA

Medal for the press conference of AD on 30.XI.92!