In many new democracies, ever since the time of the national Renaissance, this term has continued to carry many meanings. Sali Berisha, without entering into a political situation, has been very little appreciated in the governing circles of Albania as a militant anti-communist, but for an honest and constructive opposition he has always been willing to listen to and accept different opinions. The PSD, which also played the role of a legal opposition in 1991, was able to present itself to public opinion with a clear alternative to communism. Its people knew what they had lost and what they had gained with pluralism. They were not afraid of the competition of ideas. Later, part of this political force began to waver in the face of the responsibilities brought by the new era. Others moved toward old slogans, trying to preserve lost influence. This damaged the opposition itself and made it less credible in the eyes of the public. The other opposition parties have had an even harder time finding a clear political identity. Some of them have relied more on rhetoric than on a program, more on emotion than on political reasoning. Instead of serving as correctives to government, they often chose the path of denying everything, leaving no room for rational debate. A constructive opposition is not a submissive opposition. It does not lose its identity and does not become an appendage of power. But it knows how to distinguish national interest from narrow political gain. It supports what is right and opposes what is wrong, even when that does not bring immediate electoral profit. In Albania, the lack of such a political culture is still felt. Opposition for opposition’s sake has often been presented as political courage, while citizens expect solutions, programs and seriousness. Democracy is strengthened not by noise, but by responsibility. It is precisely for this reason that the question arises whether there is today in Albania a truly honest and constructive opposition, or only an opposition seeking to recover lost privileges. The answer cannot be emotional. It must be sought in actions, in attitudes, in the way parties behave toward institutions and the law. An opposition that respects the state, that does not stir chaos, that is not manipulated by nostalgia for the past, is necessary for a healthy democracy. (Continues on page 4)

President Berisha received Ambassador Ahrens. The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, received in a special meeting the head of the Monitoring Mission of the Conference on the former Yugoslavia, Ambassador Geert Ahrens. At this meeting, a broad discussion was held about the situation in Kosovo and the condition of Albanians in Macedonia. President Berisha expressed his concern over the continuing deterioration of the position of Albanians in these territories and underlined the need to respect their political and national rights. Ambassador Ahrens presented the assessments of the mission he leads regarding the latest developments in the region. It was emphasized that the stability of the Balkans is closely tied to a fair solution to the Kosovo issue and to guaranteeing the rights of Albanians in Macedonia. During the conversation, ways of cooperating with international organizations to closely monitor the situation were also discussed. President Berisha reiterated that Albania supports peaceful and democratic paths for resolving Albanian national issues. (Continues on page 4)

As if the Revolutionary Party of the Democrats of the South, with a pile of people eager to appear in a group photograph at any cost, had decided to turn itself into a coalition, this time of the opposition. What makes this strange creation unusual and distinctive is that, although it is called “new,” its composition is reminiscent of the old one. First, its chairman is Mr. Sabri Godo, who until yesterday was among the loudest voices of the permanent opposition. Second, its secretary is Mr. Fatos Nano, known for his ability to appear whenever the political climate heats up the atmosphere. And third, the other initiators are neither unknown nor new to politics. They are people who, at different periods, have been close to or inside the old system and who today seek to present themselves as reformers. This “initiative” has more of the colors of a political café than of a serious project. It resembles a table where dissatisfied people gather, each with his own account, each with his own grudge, but without a clear program and without a credible alternative. They have come together more out of spite than out of ideas. Instead of talking about the economy, the law, the state, the future of the country, they deal in jokes, insinuations and tactical moves. Part of the left-wing press tried to present this as a major political development. But the Albanian public is now accustomed to distinguishing between the noise of drawing rooms and the weight of ideas. Time will soon show that this initiative was launched not for the institutions, but for the café. (ATSH)

The Deputy Prime Minister of the Albanian Government and Foreign Minister, Alfred Serreqi, held a meeting with representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Tirana. During the meeting, some of the most important issues of Albanian foreign policy and the latest developments in the country were presented. The government’s commitment to good relations with neighboring countries and to strengthening cooperation with international partners was highlighted. The participants expressed interest in the economic and political reforms in Albania, as well as in stability in the region. The importance of international support for democratic processes in Albania was emphasized. (ATSH)

Kondi of humor

Offers you: 1- Aluminum doors, windows, verandas in any color. According to European standards with on-site closing together with glass. 2- Open in any type. 3- Grilles for your houses and premises. 4- Suspended ceilings as desired for premises and houses (bricks) with ALFER-TIRANA, which solves clients’ problems in the most reasonable way. Tirana 23-91 Tel. 280-05 Combinat i vj.