WHAT DOES THE PEOPLE WANT TODAY: For some time now the opposition, with all its might, has been sounding the trumpets for new elections, presenting them as essential, as the only way to save the country from the catastrophe threatening it; claiming that the current parliament has exhausted itself; that the government is incapable, and so on, and so on. Not only that, but with loud voices at rallies and with newspapers and capital letters in the newspapers, the opposition is trying to convince us that this is what the majority of the people want. According to this logic, the problem is quite simple: this exhausted people supposedly wants great things, having reached the end of its tether because it has not seen a single bright day. So, gentlemen, let the election campaign begin, through which the wisest, best-prepared and most devoted to the homeland and democracy will enter Parliament, and after them a first-class cabinet of experts will be formed, who will lose no sleep over the people’s troubles. After that, investments will be made, the plants and factories that are now being...? [text cut off] Who will bring about these benefits for the good of the homeland and the people; who will speed up the pace of development in the market economy in particular, and of the rule of law and the consolidation of democracy; the country’s principal merit, whatever their political colour or party; and regardless of what «biography» they may have. Whoever disagrees with this formula does not love the homeland, the people, or democracy! There is no other way. So, as you can see, up to this point I agree with the opposition. I had only one very «small» reservation: so far I have not been convinced that those who claim they should come to power are more capable, better prepared, more honest and more devoted to the homeland, the people and democracy than those currently in office. And what I say is not based on any prejudice: it is they alone, and no one else, who have convinced me that they are truly more devoted to the homeland and more so, but, on the contrary, this alternative could have held water had our dear gentlemen, who call themselves socialists, presented themselves differently through the discussions they have held and the positions they have taken in Parliament and at rallies, convincing us that they have evolved and abandoned the former party-mother’s malicious aims. Their chairman admitted in Switzerland, with admirable candour, that one does not disown one’s parents, as some «prodigal children» have done. In short, they should have convinced us that, although they changed their name overnight through the vote they cast at the 10th Congress, they have indeed renewed themselves and are trying to leave no room for anyone to call them pseudo-communists or worse. Honestly, I am surprised they do not do this, even just for appearances. I am sure that the «bride» in the proverb we mentioned above, once she had been scalded by the porridge, would blow even on the yogurt and behave differently toward her father- and mother-in-law, so as not to show them the door. But our oppositionists are extremely persistent and sincere: «power or nothing!» The matter that prompted the Greek authorities was the removal by the local Albanian authorities in Gjirokastër of the Greek priest Kosta Stamos, whose activities had gone beyond the religious sphere. In these activities, together with other Greek political and religious circles, he had been involved in claims of [text continues beyond the edge of the photo] open territorial claims, clandestine distribution of maps, leaflets and brochures that advocate or call for the Hellenization and union of Southern Albania with Greece. Greek radio stations in Corfu and Ioannina have also given these activities publicity. The aim of this policy is to undermine goodwill and cooperation between the two countries, peace and stability, which our region so badly needs. It is The wisest, most intelligent troubles. After that, investments will pour in, plants and factories that are now being sold off because of the current rulers will resume work; new jobs will open everywhere, so that there will not only be no more unemployment here, but so many jobs that emigrants abroad will begin returning. And the future rulers will also resolve the Gordian knot that has been talked about so much lately: that of winning votes. You may find it unbelievable, but their formula will satisfy everyone, especially the long-suffering [text unclear], although they themselves have been and remain just like that... Well then, could anyone disagree with all this?! Surely, if they do only what we have just said and nothing else, it would be worthwhile for new elections to be held as soon as possible. There is no point in going on at length with academic discussions and supposedly serious debates, because demands of this kind stem from careerist motives, meant to divert attention from the chairs they are going to occupy and the perks they will enjoy, while making efforts to bring us closer to Europe and the world, including those who deserve congratulations! I say it loud and clear, with all my hea- democracy than those currently in office. And in what I say, I am not acting out of prejudice: they are the very people, and no one else, who have convinced me that not only do they fail to meet the further requirements, but, on the contrary, whether intentionally or not, by their words and actions they have shown that they are very far from the current rulers. Why do I say this? Quite simply: are they not the ones we see today in Parliament and at rallies, stirring things up by calling on the people for new elections, even though until yesterday they held power and did not justify the people’s choice of them?! Quite the opposite: during that period the country saw many crimes and turmoil, along with other dark events, while in relations with foreign countries scarcely a stone was moved, because no one would open the door to them. Were people’s lives not put at risk through hunger strikes to get them out of power, immediately, without another moment’s delay?! When you remember these things, how can you not admire their audacity in seeking to return to where they were, even though no other politician in the world would accept such a thing, even if begged to do so? But still, let us be more broad-minded and not prejudge them. Our people have a wise saying: “Let me be a bride one more time, though I know myself how I hesitate!” Agreed! E-... Continuing, we must say that the new solutions do not guarantee us the solutions we so badly need in some areas of our lives. In saying the above, are we perhaps trying to say that the past elections were the most optimal and that we have no objections to today’s members of parliament and those in power?! Absolutely not! One can make as many observations and criticisms of them as one likes, even very strong ones. The pace of reform, for example, could have been faster; Parliament’s effectiveness could have been higher; the legal framework should have been completed; many of the laws could have been implemented more consistently; the justice system left much to be desired; the selection of people promoted to positions of responsibility could have been more careful... and so on—the list of criticisms could be very long, when it could and should have been shorter. The state of everyday services, municipal services in particular, is entirely unjustifiable, and so on. But I tell you again that even this is more understandable when we bear in mind that they

Today, President of the Republic Sali Berisha sent a letter to his Greek counterpart, Prime Minister Stam(os), explaining the circumstances surrounding the departure of Greek citizen Stamos and informing him about the mass operation to clear Albanian refugees out of Greece. He also informed the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Boutros-Ghali; the President of the Security Council, James Barnuevo; the Secretary-General of the CSCE, Vilhelm Hojnck; the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata; the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, Katerine La(r)umiere; and the President of the Commission of the European Community, Zhak Delors. President of the Republic Sali Berisha today sent a letter to his Greek counterpart, Prime Minister Stam(os), explaining the circumstances surrounding the departure of Greek citizen Stamos and informing him about the mass operation to clear Albanian refugees out of Greece. He also sent it to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Boutros-Ghali; the President of the Security Council, James Barnuevo; the Secretary-General of the CSCE, Vilhelm Hojnck; the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata; the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, Katerine La(r)umiere; and the President of the Commission of the European Community, Zhak Delors. The letter states: Your Excellency, - The purpose of this letter is to inform you of an action undertaken by the Greek authorities on 26 June 1993. The Greek police began a mass deportation operation targeting Albanian refugees who live and work in Greece, having provided assistance to all of them. They have also contributed to Greece’s prosperity, which the Greek Government has acknowledged. So far, 4,000 people have been seized, mistreated, beaten, had their documents torn up and been forcibly deported to Albania, without being able to collect the money they had earned or their belongings. A very large majority of them had valid visas and residence permits issued by the Greek authorities. The pretext for this action by been involved in claims of [text missing in source]. This is a clear expression of intolerance and shortsightedness, which fuels hostility and revenge in the Balkans. Unfortunately, some Greek diplomats and politicians have also joined this policy, thereby damaging the climate of good bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. We also emphasize that Greek citizen Kosta Stamos is merely a self-proclaimed archimandrite of the Albanian city of Gjirokastër, since the statute of the Albanian Autocephalous Orthodox Church does not permit him to perform such a function. We clarify that one year ago, the Patriarch of Istanbul, in complete contravention of the statute of the Albanian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and without consulting the country’s religious or state authorities, appointed four Greek priests in Albania: the archbishop and three archimandrites. Following discussions, it was agreed with the archbishop that he would remain temporarily as Archbishop of Albania, while the appointments of the archimandrites would be annulled. The Greek government authorities, which have legally insisted strongly on this matter, have received the same answer from us. Judging Mr. Stamos’s activities to be contrary to the country’s constitutional law and the statute of the Albanian Autocephalous Church, which are essential for the country’s integrity and bilateral relations with Greece, the Albanian authorities decided that he should leave Albania. This decision was communicated in advance to the Greek authorities through the Greek Consulate General in Gjirokastër, which accepted the decision. The incident that occurred during the implementation of this decision is primarily attributable to the improper conduct of officials of the Greek Consulate General in Gjirokastër and the church authorities who follo- [text cut off] This minority is recognized as such and may move freely, receive education in its mother tongue, and practice its religion in Greek; at present, many priests have come from Greece and freely conduct religious services in Orthodox places of worship everywhere, without any hindrance, as well as [text unclear] in the media, etc. All these rights are realized in practice, as various foreign official delegations have also observed. In this context, the mass deportation of Albanians from Greece, particularly the very large majority who possess valid documents such as passports and visas issued by the official Greek authorities, as well as their arrest and mistreatment, constitute a grave violation of human rights provided for in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to Refugees, the Copenhagen Document and the Paris Charter, and the conventions against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Finally, I wish to state once again that Greece and the Greek people have provided great assistance to Albania during this difficult period it is going through. We have therefore expressed our gratitude to them. But, naturally, it would be unacceptable for us to accept that this assistance be made conditional on the violation of our country’s sovereignty. Current developments damage cooperation and good bilateral relations, built on the basis of goodwill, to which we are seriously committed, with the Greek Prime Minister, Mr. Micotaqis. Once again expressing my willingness to work with dedication for the development [text cut off] of relations of friendship with Greece and the Greek people, I request the intervention of Your Excellency and the Organization you represent so that this situation may be brought to an end as soon as possible. Thanking you for your assistance, please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. SALI BERISHA Tirana, 28.06.1993

- Tell us what you plotted with Ramiz Alia! - What more would you do, Mr. Çeka, if you were in power? - Those applauding you are members and supporters of the PS. - A barrage of questions and accusations for Neritan Ceka and his entourage at the Bilisht meeting. On these hot summer days, when farm work cannot wait and the wheat is ripening, the gentlemen of the Democratic Alliance come to hold a meeting in the town of Bilisht. The Alliance Party had also begu- ...tur before arriving in Bilisht. And he came, yes, he came—who welcomed him, what did he say; who were the members and supporters? And finally, what opinion did he leave with? We want to answer these and many other questions like them. - The cinema hall was full. That is true, but how does the truth stand... (To be continued on page 3)

Statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs TIRANA, Regarding the departure from Albania of Greek citizen Kostas Stamos on 25 June 1993, carried out by the local public-order authorities in Gjirokastër, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania declares: TIRANA, Regarding the departure from Albania of Greek citizen Kostas Stamos on 25 June 1993, at the hands of the local public-order authorities in Gjirokastër, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania declares: The Republic of Albania has continuously made efforts to expand relations with the Republic of Greece. Meanwhile, we regret to note that in this cooperation, during this year, there have been elements encouraged by Greek chauvinist circles, which deliberately use violent methods, the distribution of leaflets and maps, and broadcasts by Greek radio stations and television channels, through ... and, regrettably, even religious preaching, to achieve their chauvinist aims of Hellenizing southern Albania. Greek citizen Kostas Stamos has repeatedly engaged in this reprehensible activity, apparently carrying out the instructions of the well-known chauvinists and Albanophobes Sebastianos, and not those of the Church or God. These actions have undermined the conditions for cooperation, seriously burdening not only [unclear] international conventions, but also the published positions and official policy of the Greek state. … (Continued on page 3) I fear that the case of Greek citizen Kosta Stamos is merely a pretext in a chain of retaliatory actions by a policy that could result in further destabilizing the situation in the Balkans. The Albanian government’s principal concern has been, within the framework of implementing human rights, to give considerable attention to the rights of the Greek minority, through the Greek Consulate General in Gjirokastër, which accepted this decision. The incident that arose during the implementation of this decision was due mainly General in Gjirokastër and of the ecclesiastical authorities who were there.

The wisest, most intelligent and most devoted to the homeland and democracy will enter Parliament, and after them a first-class cabinet of experts will be formed…

…honest and more devoted to the homeland, the people and democracy than those currently in office.

But still, let us be more broad-minded and not prejudge them.

I fear that the case of Greek citizen Kosta Stamos is merely a pretext in a chain of retaliatory actions by a policy that could result in further destabilizing the situation in the Balkans.

...tur before arriving in Bilisht. And he came, yes, he came—who welcomed him, what did he say; who were the members and supporters?

On the proposal of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and the Ministry of Trade and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries, the Council of Ministers decided: 1. The prices of standard bread and wheat bread, used for the sale of wheat, approved by Council of Ministers Decision No. 18 of 12 January 1993, shall be changed as follows: a) Standard bread made from wheat flour: approximately 96 percent — 21.7 lekë per kg; approximately 80 percent — 22.2 lekë per kg; approximately 70 percent — 24.0 lekë per kg; and wheat flour for standard rye bread, 75 percent — 25.8 lekë per kg; and wheat flour for standard wheat bread, 75 percent — 29.6 lekë per kg. Trade and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and Economy, shall, according to the standards and calculations in force, set the sale prices and the corresponding sale prices of flour for these products, without altering the price level set by their approval under this point. 2. For the products whose prices are increased under point 1 of this decision, the difference between their [unclear in source] prices and their sale prices shall be covered as a mandatory charge by the state budget, to cover their losses in relation to the market, which are limited by the state, provided that these entities accept such coverage, and also to ... 3. The Ministry of Finance and Economy, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, shall set the sale prices of wheat and flour for rural households, in relation to the prices of standard bread, the [unclear] and collection, processing and place of purchase, as well as their distribution. For the purpose of continuous monitoring of the 1993 wheat crop, the state budget will cover the interest on loans taken out by state enterprises for wheat collection, and will also cover additional expenses to be incurred in special cases for transporting wheat and flour from one district to another, arising from unforeseen supply shortages. Ministry of Agriculture and Food, shall issue the relevant instructions for this point, as well as concerning the manner of covering these expenses. 4. The Ministry of Finance and Economy, as well as the other ministries, shall subsequently issue the relevant instructions for implementing this decision. 5. The above prices and deadlines shall take effect from the date this decision enters into force. This decision enters into force on 1 July 1993. Chairman of the Council of Ministers Aleksandër Meksi