On 1. 9. 1993, in the late hours of the night, a group of bandits inspired by the communist-fascists of our town carried out a Nazi-style attack, pelting the homes of the district education director with stones. The result was shattered windows and the endangerment of his family’s lives. The attack on the family of the citizen Islam Braja was not something spontaneous, but the result of a prearranged scenario. This attack is connected with the fact that the district education directorate, based on criteria received from the Ministry of Education, made several staffing changes, transferring some incompetent teachers from their jobs and replacing them with capable staff, in order to give new impetus to educational work in our town, and to teach and educate the miners’ children not with communist and Marxist-Leninist dogmas, but with scientific and contemporary knowledge. These attacks do not frighten, and cannot frighten, anyone who works and fights for true democracy, which frightens and concerns only the [unclear] of the communist rabble, who have spent their whole lives as servants of the red caste and imagining that everything works for them and belongs only to them. These attacks do not frighten; on the contrary, they raise the awareness of that social group which is thirsty for crime and revanchism. This attack is not individual but is an at-tack [?] against the reform that is a necessity. The people are understanding this more clearly day by day, even if conservative fanatics do not want to understand it—people who are ready to start [unclear] solely so that democracy will not advance, democracy which they cursed from the moment of its birth. We call on the democratic public of Memaliaj and honest socialists to remain vigilant and not fall prey to these acts, which are both anti-democratic and criminal. We ask the law-enforcement authorities to act energetically to find the perpetrators and bring them before the law. THE EXECUTIVE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEMALIAJ

ALBANIAN PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ALBANIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY, MR EDUARD SELAMI, AT THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS CENTRE - On the 16th meeting of the 60 parties of the European Democratic Union, held in Budapest from 1–3 September. - Greece’s New Democracy party uses its veto against the Albanian Democratic Party’s admission as a full member of the European Democratic Union. - All the other parties participating in this meeting expressed their appreciation for the Democratic Party’s contribution to overthrowing the dictatorship and establishing democracy. These parties supported the admission of the Albanian Democratic Party to the European Democratic Union without reservation. Mr Eduard Selami, chairman of the Democratic Party, at the 16th meeting of the EDU parties in Budapest, among other things, emphasized the values of the EDU as part of a region that is considered the hottest and of great importance for stability in the region. This meeting, held in Budapest from 1–3 September, was very important because it is an annual meeting at which the general policy lines pursued by the EDU are determined, one of the most powerful institutions in current European politics. After the overthrow of communism in Eastern Europe, 30 European states take part in this union. It is a union that dominates the main direction of European politics. The conference was extraordinarily important because, for the first time, Greece’s New Democracy party came out against Democratic Union. Former Yugoslavia today is a symbol of the hot-button problems facing the world after the Cold War. It should be emphasized that we agree in principle on various problems, but when it comes to putting them into practice, progress slows down; that is precisely where the danger lies. This is also the consequence we see today in Bosnia. Afterwards, the chairman of the Democratic Party answered journalists’ questions. Regarding opinion in Europe about recent political developments in Albania, Mr Selami explained that during the conference he met with all the leaders, and that there is now a lack of consensus among Greek politicians. «The pressure that the other EDU members will exert on the Greek representatives will also have an effect.» Asked again about the departure of the Greek priest from Albania, Mr Selami repeated that it was only a minor cause of something prepared in advance. Regarding the differing Albanian-Greek positions, Mr Selami explained that the Greek side was also made clearly aware at the conference that while Albania has and applies a very advanced law on human rights, Greece has still not even recognized the formation of the Albanian minority. — the general policy lines pursued by the EDU, that dominates the main lines of European politics. The conference was extremely fruitful because vital issues concerning Europe and the world today were discussed, in connection with European security and further integration. This conference was of particular importance to me because, as was known, the full membership of the Albanian Democratic Party in this important international union was expected. As is known, for two years we have held the status of permanent observer. Unfortunately, we did not achieve full membership at this conference. This was not because the Albanian Democratic Party failed to meet the criteria, but because Greece’s New Democracy party, which is a member of this union, exercised its veto. Under the EDU statute, all members must agree to a new member’s admission. New Democracy used this opportunity to vote against us, with the absurd argument: «that we do not recognize the rights of the Greek minority». Despite this, it was very positive that all the other parties—the CDU and CSU of Germany, the British Conservative Party, the French, Austrians, Swedes and all the other parties—were on the side of the Albanian Democratic Party. This was an assessment of the Democratic Party and its progress, but also of the democratic processes in Albania. What is most highly valued, not only by the EDU but also by a broader international public, is that the Albanian Democratic Party won the struggle against communism through a democratic revolution under more difficult conditions than in other Eastern European countries, because it faced the most brutal communism, the symbol of the communist regime. This was one of the other countries’ [unclear] challenges. On the other hand, until 22 March, Albania was the same country where people climbed aboard ships and wanted to leave the country, where the economy was completely destroyed. After 22 March ’92, even the most optimistic gave us no more than a few months in government. Today the situation is completely different; the facts speak in our favor. The successes are tangible. Our government is fully in favor of governing the country with authority, for this in the case of inflation 1. This is an important victory for the democratic government on the economic front, just as it has had victories on the political front. What was highly appreciated by We thank these serious European parties for the support they gave us at this conference. They helped build Europe after the Second World War and establish democracy in their countries, and they also helped us establish democracy. But we expressed regret at the position taken by Greece’s New Democracy party, which supported the Albanian Democratic Party at the beginning of our struggle. The position taken by New Democracy does not change; moreover, as a neighboring country, with two peoples of the same Balkan roots, this party ought to be more tolerant and not use such methods, which are unfortunately becoming a feature of Greek politics. We therefore call for a response to the position of New Democracy. The reactions were varied and unacceptable, and not at all agreeable; let me mention one detail. A party representative demanded that the statute be changed regarding the right of «veto», precisely because of the Greeks’ unjustified «against» vote, saying it was unfair that one vote should prevent the Albanian Democratic Party from being admitted as a member of this European Union. The most important point at this conference was the debate on security in the region, particularly European and global security. On this point I expressed the political position of our party and of Albania: we support stability in the region and peace. I expressed concern about developments in our Balkan region and called for greater support from the international community. The situation in the region is difficult. Stabilization is not easy. But if it erupts, things will be more difficult tomorrow if no preventive measure is taken today. Bosnia has taught us many things. It teaches us that preventing conflicts is far easier than finding further solutions after events have unfolded. On the other hand, there can be no compromise of any kind with the aggressor. Views were expressed there that Milošević is not simply an extreme nationalist fascist, but also an extreme communist who has chosen a way to survive; this very man has become the sole leader of Serbia’s criminal extremism. At this conference a very positive declaration was approved, calling for changes and commitments from NATO, intervention from outside in Yugoslavia to stop the conflict in Bosnia, and stronger measures to resolve the crisis in Yugoslavia. all the party leaders, and one of the main topics discussed was precisely the recent developments in Albania. «Everything in Albania is black and white. Everyone is impressed, and it was clear that Albania has entered the path of stability and democracy. The figures are impressive,» Mr Selami said, and continued: «There was understanding regarding the recent political steps and positions. They were “surprisingly” very well informed and fully agreed with our recent positions.» Mr Selami highlighted one moment at the conference, when a representative of the Greek New Democracy party, trying to justify his position, also mentioned the arrest of the «leader of the opposition». The response was immediate, Mr Selami said: «That is not the case: he was not put in prison as the leader of the opposition, but as an ordinary person in connection with a clear corruption matter, and not as leader of the PS but as a former prime minister of the PP. “I didn’t have to say a word about this,” Mr Selami said; “their opinion was unanimous on this.”» Asked whether Greek New Democracy had sought a compromise for Albania’s admission to the EDU, Mr Selami explained that lengthy talks had been held with the Greek representatives and an effort had been made to reach an agreement, given their somewhat unrealistic presentation of the issues. One compromise they proposed was acceptance of point 6 of the Greek government’s declaration. In that case they would withdraw their veto. «Of course,» Mr Selami said, «this is a compromise acceptable to us. We cannot make any kind of compromise that goes against national interests,» Mr Selami said. Regarding the Democratic Party’s strategy for overcoming this obstacle created by the New Democracy party, Mr Selami said that «the strategy is dialogue. “We have started the dialogue and I think the problems are not so deep that we cannot find solutions”» for I [fragment as printed]... find solutions» for I [fragment as printed]... Regarding the question of whether there is corruption in the Meksi government, Mr Selami said: «Of course not. But if such a thing were proven, our position would be the same as in the case of the corrupt F. Nanos.» Responding on the issue of deputy Kallakula’s statement, Mr Selami said that the statement was interpretative in nature, which is why he was content with removing him as a leader of the Democratic Party. «It was not an explicit statement saying “I am a fascist”.» In that case, the position would have been different. Continuing on the question of whether PS pressure influenced the measures taken against Mr Kallakula, Mr Selami said: «We showed the PS how we act toward those who depart from the Democratic Party’s programme», whereas the PS itself did not react even to those who declare that they will smash skulls. So in this case «we taught the Progressive Party a lesson». In response to the question about the return of PS deputies to parliament, Mr Selami said it was a forced return, since they had seen in practice the failure of their politicians’ strategy of leaving parliament, taking to the streets and launching a violent revolution. Let us hope that after these mistakes, the constructive forces within the PS will make their voices heard over its extremists. Speaking about the political propaganda that certain Albanian political forces conduct around Europe, Mr Selami explained that, according to the words of the chairman of the European Christian Democratic Union, of which the Democratic Party has been a member all along, the Democratic Party was accused of being an Islamic fundamentalist party. «But in that case we will not seek membership in a Christian Union,» was Mr Selami’s reply, approved by the chairman of the Christian Democratic Union. Speaking about the Democratic Party’s policy toward the coalition, Mr Selami said the Democratic Party remains faithful to the alliance: «The alliance is functioning, despite the difficulties. No one is against the coalition; on the contrary, it will grow stronger and stronger.» Regarding the position toward the electoral bloc, he said that this policy...

With Nano’s arrest, the PS leadership began a new campaign of slander against the Democratic Government in Europe. Statements, letters and protests, in which the words «dictatorship» and «revanchism» continue to be mentioned, were sent to international personalities and institutions all over the globe. In these protests, the man who made 8 million dollars disappear is presented as a victim, as a political prisoner, arrested solely for his «pure» socialist ideals. What is the result of these «protests»? Zero! First, because «Europe has got used to this kind of protest ever since it began regular correspondence with the families of the former communist elite, who protested every three days about the «persecution» they were subjected to. Second, Europe knows how to distinguish a political prisoner from a corrupt person. But what is most important is that PS leaders are making a big mistake. Their protests, in which they talk about the «dictatorship» established in Albania, are sent to prominent people, many of whom have seen and known democratic Albania at first hand. Isn’t it naïve to write to them? Wanting to make a visual impact on those influenced only by such effects (but who, fortunately, are few), «ZP» publishes at the top of its page the reply Mr Marjinez sent to the letter from the PS deputy chairman. In the headline, in large letters, it says: «The President of the Parliamentary Assembly of Europe, Mr Martinez, writes to the PS deputy chairman...» Notice the word «writes»: it looks (to people influenced by visual effects, that is) as though Mr Martinez misses the PS and is «writing to» it. But even if they covered the whole front page of «ZP»—enlarging the letters even more—anyone naïve enough to read the few lines of the letter would understand that this is simply a courteous reply in which the Assembly president thanks him for the information «concerning the political situation» in Albania, which, unfortunately for the socialists, he knows very well. Besides this, PS leaders forget that, when it comes to obtaining information, first and foremost this information is obtained from most important: the PS leaders are making a major that has been established in Albania, are heard by prominent figures, many of whom have seen and known democratic Albania firsthand. Isn’t it naïve to write to the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of Europe, Mr. Martinezz, trying to convince him that there is a dictatorship in Albania? They tried to do this during Mr. Martinez’s visit to Albania as well, but they remember well what response they received (K. Islami certainly remembers). Miguel Martinez is one of Europe’s most distinguished and impeccable figures, and this Albanian socialist knows that very well; therefore, they should not confuse him with Nano’s “friends,” Alesi or others. Besides this, the it is primarily obtained from diplomatic representatives, not from those who declare in the heart of Europe that E. Hoxha is their “father.” So, once again, it is best not to confuse respected and impeccable figures such as the President of the Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Martinez, with your own crowd. Mr. Martinez is a friend of Albania and, as such, has always strongly supported democracy and democratic processes in our country.

The current year has been the most successful for our police forces, especially in the Students’ City, where I work. Only a few break-ins and internal thefts have been recorded, compared with hundreds last year. No injuries to persons or endangerment «le»—these are the words of Gëzim Maqellari, the police commander at the Students’ City post. This post belongs to the former Police Region No. 1, now named Police Commissariat No. 1. Since 22 March, the police forces have had a great deal to do to ensure citizens’ lives and peace. For some time now, calm has been restored and the police have everything under control. Students’ City itself says a great deal about this. This year, the administrators of this city have had to spend very little money on windows and other student facilities, most of which have remained untouched, unbroken or undamaged; the era of the thefts, destruction, killings and rapes of the transition is over. Now is the time of law and calm, and the police unquestionably deserve credit for this. These days, the reorganization of the police in Tirana is almost complete. The new, qualified and highly encouraging leaders have taken charge of the commissariats. At Commissariat No. 1, Arbon Ujka is [in charge?], for whom Rina and experience have been highly valued and are evident. Albert Devishi, Lej- Prepared by EDI PALOKA MENTOR SHËHU This has been a successful year for the officers of the commissariat, which is extremely important for Tirana. This reorganization has its professional effects. Their new powers give the commissariats the opportunity to organize their work better for investigating and detecting crimes more quickly, eliminating them, and monitoring and planning the situation. The results achieved in preventing crimes of every kind are quite significant. The rule of law and public order have truly prevailed in an area that was more problematic in the past, where residents and citizens from various districts of the country live and work. Even during the period of police reorganization, which had to be carried out very quickly and as clearly as possible, public order and calm were maintained in parallel. The police services have raised their standards, which has led to a positive assessment by citizens. The school term is now approaching. Preparations have been made properly. Gëzim Maqellari says he is fully prepared to welcome the students. And, to put his assurance about calm into practice, he and the director of Students’ City took the necessary urgent measures for their service and security every day, although the supplementary works are still under way. Specifically, there are 1,? [sic] cent...