It is regrettable that, from the outset, those who want power everywhere! The PS seems to have found the latest 8 March event so convenient that, with a handful of pensioner women, it insults, blackens and humiliates the government of the state. It has not been enough to use this date and this demonstration for political purposes; it has also created an imaginary trick to present everything as a general revolt against the democratic government. As if that were not enough, even elements who yesterday did not dare to speak have been taken under protection. If the PSH seeks to win sympathy by hiding behind women and pensioners, this shows deep political poverty. When speaking of pension reform, one must speak with responsibility and with numbers, not with hysteria. We do not deny that there are troubles and difficulties, but we do not accept poverty being turned into a political weapon against the new democratic state. It is enough to recall what role the woman had under the former regime: applauded on podiums, oppressed in real life. Today she has more dignity than yesterday, because she has the right to choose, to speak, and not to be used as decoration. No one should snatch that right away from her. For this reason, whoever truly loves Albanian women must not use them for political intrigue. Albania will not be saved by demagoguery. It is built with work, courage and real democracy.

- They lower the age, plunder and loot Albania - In the first democratic review On the 10th anniversary of this 8 March, I cannot remain a spectator like many others who try to call the protest of a handful of pensioners against a discriminatory law a major political act. I understand their anger toward the government, but not that of those who use this anger to strike at the government. Then, for example, where were these right-wing brave men when the pensioners were being hit over the head by the baton of the red policeman? Or was there no 8 March then? At least as far as I know, 8 March is Women’s Day and not Pensioners’ Day. How can a protest against pension reform be turned into a feminist celebration? To this question, with all due respect for Albanian women and mothers, I find no answer other than political hypocrisy. This day should be a day of respect for Albanian women, for their role in the family and society, not an occasion for low-level agitation. We know that the economic difficulties are great. We also know that many families, many women and many elderly people live with great sacrifice. But to use women as a shield to attack a government that is trying to pull the country out of the ruins is unjust. There have been 45 years of deception and exploitation, and now everything is expected to be fixed in one day. That is not how things work. But let us also look at what is happening with those who shout the loudest. They are the same ones who yesterday silenced the people, who banned free speech, who made women into folklore decoration on political platforms. Today they present themselves as defenders of women. I am sorry, but that does not hold water. Albanian women know very well who has used them and who is trying to respect them. In fact, 8 March has arrived at the right time: at a time of freedom, at a time of pluralism, at a time when women can speak and choose for themselves. And if there are protests, they must be sincere, not manipulated. Albania does not need political theatre, but work, patience and reform.

Before all others, President Berisha would have to face Serbian President Milosheviç. Although the opposition delegation has not yet clearly defined its own positions or the topics on which it will hold talks, the view that these talks will be unsuccessful cannot be taken seriously at all. Now, placing the Kosovo issue on the negotiating table is of utmost importance. And Mr. Rugova has stated without hesitation that without a just solution to the Albanian issue in Kosovo, there can be neither lasting peace nor genuine stability in the region. Likewise, Mr. Vanco and President Berisha, in their earlier conversation, also considered the Kosovo issue to be an unresolved and destabilizing problem in the region. Meanwhile, President Rugova has stressed that the Serbs have already found a pretext for repression in Kosovo, presenting their regime as supposedly protecting against so-called Islamic fundamentalism. Talking with the Serbs means taking a serious risk, but at the same time it is also necessary. The Serbian opposition and the government undertake an obligation among themselves not to evade the solution of the Albanian issue in Kosovo. And despite the questions surrounding this process, it must be seen as a necessary step. (for the end see page 2)

TIRANA, 6 March, 93. A letter to the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, and to the head of government, Aleksandër Meksi. In this letter Mr. Wener maintains the same position as the one expressed during his visit to Albania. NATO has informed President Berisha that the North Atlantic alliance is seriously assessing the situation in Kosovo and considers Mr. Rugova to be the representative of the people of Kosovo. Sali Berisha, together with the chairman of the Democratic Party, Eduard Selami, yesterday held a conversation with the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Manfred Wörner. The discussion focused on regional relations and the situation in Kosovo. Mr. Wörner stated that NATO is concerned about the worsening situation in former Yugoslavia and the risk of destabilization in the region.

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In the Parliament of Albania, the government needs an emergency financial solution. The Assembly has examined the draft on procedures in the economy.