It has been awaited for centuries, and still many economically developed countries are striving to achieve it. Some have had it for a short time, lost it, and are trying with great effort to win it back. Democracy as a social system, but also its spirit, climate and tradition, are undoubtedly highly valuable gains for progressive peoples. It is therefore understandable that they become a special asset of a country, a powerful mobilizing factor for its progress. It is clear that democracy has its own value and weight not simply for its existence in itself, but for the opportunity it creates to serve the future of the country and the individual, both in strengthening human consciousness and personality and in realizing economic and social rights. It is also an indicator and factor of social emancipation, a great stimulating force for resolving acute national and international issues. These qualities of democracy, and so many others, attract and draw especially the broad strata of our people. But has it been properly understood and appreciated, and is it being used effectively in the conditions of our country? I believe that, although there is something positive in this regard, we are still far from the rational use of democracy as a state of mind, a favorable climate of freedom and emancipation, in order to carry democracy further and especially to overcome as quickly as possible the difficult road toward a market economy. Such a statement stems from observing not only Albanian political phenomena, but also economic and social aspects. Here the length of the economic difficulties weighs heavily, but also the fact that democracy, instead of strengthening the sense of responsibility and the discipline of work and thought, in a number of cases has created manifestations of carelessness and even abusive behavior. Not only in the center, but also in the districts, one often gets the impression that with the arrival of democracy a part of the people have gained the right not to obey rules, not to respect norms, to act according to the whim of the moment. Some understand democracy as permission to say anything and do anything, without tying themselves to civic responsibility. This is precisely where its distortion begins. Democracy is not anarchy. It cannot exclude the state, the law, or order; on the contrary, it rests upon them. Without these, freedom turns into arbitrariness and rights into a privilege of the strongest. Under these conditions, it becomes necessary for democracy to be accompanied by a new civic education. It is necessary to understand that rights do not exist detached from duties. Respect for different opinions, for institutions, for legal procedure, for private and public property, for work and merit, are inseparable parts of democratic culture. Only in this way does it become a constructive force and not a pretext for disintegration. Democracy needs to be consciously and prudently embraced. One must learn how to use the freedom of speech, organization and private initiative correctly. Otherwise, instead of development, it can produce tensions, unnecessary conflicts and disappointment. Instead of mobilizing creative energies, it may disperse them. This is why a realistic assessment of democracy is not a cold or suspicious attitude toward it, but a condition for it to bear its full fruits. In Albania, where democracy is still young, the task is even greater. It requires not only changes in laws and institutions, but also changes in mentality, in behavior, in the relationship between the individual and the state, the citizen and the community. Only by understanding its essence and using it correctly can democracy become a decisive factor in leading the country out of crisis and bringing it closer to the civilized world.

THE BALKANS OCCUPIED BY ...ALBANIANS -Albania saved by the imperialists- In order to achieve their own anti-Albanian aims, Serbian and Greek chauvinist circles and many, many others, enemies of the Albanian nation, try to portray Albanians as occupiers, as a danger to the Balkans, as a destabilizing factor in the region. This old propaganda, dressed up in the guise of alleged historical and political analyses, seeks to overturn the truth and justify the injustices committed against Albanians over the centuries. In reality, Albanians have been and remain an indigenous people in their own lands. They have not occupied anyone; on the contrary, they have often been the object of occupations, partitions and assimilation policies. From the Ottoman Empire to the plans of the 20th century, the Albanian space has been the scene of foreign interventions, while the Albanian population has paid a heavy price in blood, displacement and denial of national rights. To speak of a "Balkans occupied by Albanians" means to deliberately distort history. In many cases, the opposite has happened: Albanian territories have been occupied, annexed, colonized, while Albanians themselves have been presented as the cause of unrest. This propaganda scheme has been used to cover up repression and win international sympathy. On the other hand, intervention by Western countries in defense of peace, human rights and regional stability has often been a restraining factor against the adventures of aggressive nationalisms. Albania and the Albanian question have not been saved by some accidental mercy, but because their right has been clear and because peace in the Balkans cannot be built on the denial of a people. Writings and statements that seek to criminalize Albanians as a collective do not serve either history or reconciliation. They feed hostility, tension and mistrust. Therefore, in the face of these distortions, it is a duty to defend historical truth and national dignity by opposing every anti-Albanian thesis with arguments.

THE CATHOLIC WORLD CELEBRATED THE GREAT EASTER OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST On 11 April, on Easter Day, the Great Easter of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ was celebrated and the Holy liturgy was commemorated with the participation of many believers in places throughout Albania. On 11 April, Easter Day, the Catholic Community in Albania, represented by the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Shkodër and its Archbishop, Monsignor Frano Illia, celebrated this day. BAPTISM ON EASTER VIGIL Catholic believers in Tirana, Durrës, Elbasan, Korça and Lezhë, as well as throughout Albania, in the late hours of Easter night took part in a special vigil mass, during which the passage from darkness to light and the victory of life over death was commemorated. The liturgy was accompanied by biblical readings, prayers and special rites. ACCORDING TO THE EASTER MESSAGE To greet the Albanian Catholic world and especially that of Tirana, Durrës and all Albania on the occasion of the feast of Christ's Resurrection, Monsignor Frano Illia mentioned in his message the importance of peace, forgiveness and Christian hope. He called on believers in this difficult time to keep the faith and work for reconciliation and understanding. President Berisha wished Easter The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, to greet the Albanian Catholic world and the solemn mass, sent this congratulatory message in which it is stated, among other things, that: "The heart of our nation is breathing with feelings of joy and hope for Christ's resurrection. This message of life and peace is precious for every Albanian." He praised the role of religious faiths in strengthening solidarity and social morality. XHEVAT MUSTAFA

ITALY CONTINUES TO SUPPORT ALBANIAN AGRICULTURE The Ambassador of Italy, Paolo Foresti, during an official visit to the Ministry of Agriculture, spoke with satisfaction about the progress of cooperation between the two countries so far and about the prospects for further collaboration in this important sector. He declared that the Italian government considers Albanian agriculture to be an area where support should continue and expand. Mr. Foresti emphasized that Italy has provided and will continue to provide seeds, seedlings, agricultural machinery and technical assistance. According to him, this support aims not only to overcome immediate difficulties, but also to build productive capacity in the longer term. He underlined the need for better organization of farmers, the creation of a market for agricultural inputs, and improvements in rural infrastructure. The Albanian representatives praised Italian aid and said that it has produced visible results in several parts of the country. New projects were also discussed in the areas of irrigation, agricultural machinery and processing of products. Both sides stressed that cooperation should be based on concrete interests and on the effective implementation of joint programs. The visit took place in the framework of regular contacts between Albanian institutions and representatives of friendly countries, at a time when the country's economy is trying to recover and the agricultural sector remains of vital importance.

ONCE TELEGRAMS OF THANKS TODAY PETITIONS WITH ULTIMATIVE DEMANDS

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