- Ilirsa and democracy from the first congress of the PD... After the enthusiasm, after the sacrifice, after the selflessness, after the strain, after the triumph, there was always something that pushed them to move forward. It was the idea of freedom, the concept of democracy, faith in the future. Above all, it was the conviction that the country had to break once and for all with the past. In this sense, the first congress of the Democratic Party became a point of reference not only for the political force that was born, but for all Albanian society. The theses that emerged from it, the orientations, the spirit of debate, the clash of ideas, and the effort to build a clear alternative remain even today a valuable testimony of that period. At that time, the word freedom was no longer a slogan. It was taking concrete form in people's daily lives, in the institutions that had to be built, in the new relationship between the state and the citizen. The first democrats, despite their lack of experience and countless difficulties, sought to turn this word into a program and the program into action. Many of the dilemmas of that time remain relevant today. How is the rule-of-law state built? How is property guaranteed? How is the individual protected from the arbitrariness of power? How is the economy opened to the market without neglecting those in need? These questions were asked then with great urgency and, although they did not always receive the best answer, they marked the beginning of an irreversible path. The first congress of the PD was not merely an organizational event. It was a formative moment for the political culture of Albanian pluralism. There, ideas, positions, and visions were crystallized that would later nourish public debate. There, too, the need emerged to break not only with the old system, but also with the language, customs, and mindsets it had left behind. Today, as time has passed and the first emotions have faded, returning to those theses is valuable not as an exercise in nostalgia, but as a need to better understand our democratic beginnings. The light of the theses of the first congress of the PD helps us read more clearly not only what we were, but also what we wanted to become. And perhaps precisely for this reason, they continue to be of interest even today: because in them there is hope, passion, vision, and responsibility. (Continues on page 10)

- President Berisha for the British delegation At the reception given by the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, to a British delegation, Albanian-British relations and developments in Europe were discussed. The President praised Britain's support and stressed that Albania's perspective is closely linked to an open, democratic, and cooperative Europe. He stated that the more united and stronger Europe becomes, the more open it will also be towards Albania and other countries aspiring to integration. The British delegation expressed interest in the democratic processes in the country and in economic and institutional reforms. The meeting also addressed the need for regional stability and the role Albania can play in the Balkans as a factor of peace and understanding. (ATSH)

(ATSH) Albania's relations with European countries are undergoing new developments. Official sources report that, in recent contacts, further steps have been taken to strengthen political and economic cooperation. The Albanian side emphasized the importance of international recognition and support for the democratic processes and for the reforms being undertaken in the country. The possibility of expanding cooperation in various areas of mutual interest was also discussed. (ATS H)

- Mr. Arbnori's impression from the 18th PPD congress without courage The highest values of a society are freedom and human dignity. In these years of change, Albanians have shown that they know how to endure sacrifices and move forward with determination. Participation in the 18th congress of the PPD was an opportunity to hear opinions, compare experiences, and see how European political forces today understand their duty toward the citizen. Mr. Arbnori, in his impressions, stressed that Albania needs more courage, more civic responsibility, and a political culture that serves human freedoms. He pointed out that the experience of other countries shows that democracy is not a single act, but a long and difficult process. In his view, Albanians must be free not only in words, but also in thought, in behavior, and in their relationship with the state. Only in this way can a modern, open, and European society be built. (Continues on page 4)

official villages are designated (ATSH) The People's Assembly yesterday approved several decisions concerning administrative organization and the functioning of local institutions. According to the announcement, several official names and divisions have been assigned to different units, in accordance with the legislation in force. The decisions aim to create a clearer administrative framework and facilitate the functioning of local government. (Continues on page 4)

(ATSH) The Chairman of the Presidium of the People's Assembly, Mr. Pjetër Arbnori, has sent a message of condolence to the family of the well-known Albanian writer and screenwriter Agim Nebori, on the occasion of his death. In his message, he says that the loss of Agim Nebori is a loss for Albanian literature and culture. (ATSH)

(ATSH)