President Berisha's speech at the National Council of PD The four progressive steps our society is taking are passing quietly, are passing stormily through a difficult path of consolidating democracy. Albania is leaving behind a distorted history and is entering the path of the modern nation. If seven or eight years ago, for five decades in a row, in every speech, every report and totalitarian document, it was said and written that Marxism-Leninism was the science of the future, that socialism was the future, that pluralism and democracy belonged to bourgeois decadence, today these are the follies of a bygone time. Albania has chosen another path. Today this meeting is being held on the seventh day of the National Council of the Democratic Party, at an important moment for the party itself and for the country. In these years, in these months, great efforts have been made to consolidate the rule of law, to expand the freedoms and rights of citizens, and to strengthen democratic institutions. The past years have also brought great difficulties. The inherited economic and social crisis, the consequences of a ruined system, political clashes and the lack of democratic experience have weighed on our society. But despite these, the path of freedom remains our path. In this context, the expansion of freedom is the main source for consolidating democracy. Without freedom there can be no responsible citizen, no living civil society, no institutions that check one another, no market economy. Freedom is not only an individual right; it is the foundation of the democratic order. As for the party's internal matters, we must cultivate dialogue, dissenting opinions, open debate and the competition of ideas. The Democratic Party cannot be afraid of free thought. On the contrary, it must be nourished by it. Only in this way can dogmatism, closure and arbitrariness be avoided. We have the duty to defend press freedom, freedom of speech, freedom of organization and the opposition's right to exist and to act. Democracy is not measured by declarations, but by the real spaces given to citizens and political forces to express their will. If we want to build a modern Albania, we must strengthen faith in law, in property, in free initiative and in the dignity of the individual. These are the pillars of a free society. That is why I believe that the expansion of freedom is the main source for consolidating democracy. We will continue to work decisively for economic reform, for the rule of law, for moving closer to Europe and for improving the well-being of citizens. This requires courage, dedication and a political will that is not shaken by difficulties. Let us move forward with the conviction that democracy is strengthened by expanding freedom and not by limiting it. Only a free society can build strong institutions and a secure future for the nation. (text partially unreadable on the page)

From the speech of Mr. E. Sahani at the meeting of the National Council of PD A general conflict had to be avoided. The forced political conflict had to remain limited to proportions that do not destroy institutions and the democratic order. The people gave their approval, and PD made the consensus that saved the country from catastrophe. In the last elections, we lost the qualified majority, but the people again gave PD a mandate to govern. This result places new responsibilities on the Democratic Party. It must be more open to alliances, more attentive to tensions and more determined in defending reforms. Under the new conditions, politics requires realism and not empty rhetoric. We must show maturity in relations with the opposition and with our political partners. Dialogue remains the best tool for resolving crises. Without dialogue, trust cannot be built, and without trust, democracy does not function. The Democratic Party must strengthen its ties with citizens, intellectuals, the new layers of business and the young. It must remain an open, modern and reformist party. Only in this way will the trust that citizens have given be preserved. In this framework, advice and constructive criticism must be heard. The party must not close in on itself. It must analyze its mistakes calmly, correct its weaknesses and move forward. This is a realistic stance of the Democratic Party at this stage of the country's political developments. Tirana, 17.9.1993.

At the invitation of the American Senate, Mr. Selimi, Secretary General of the Democratic Party and chairman of the PD parliamentary group, has departed for the USA. During this working visit he will meet with senior representatives of American institutions and with leaders of various organizations. The visit is seen as an important step in strengthening relations between the Democratic Party and its international partners. The meetings are expected to focus on political developments in Albania, democratic reforms and support for the consolidation of institutions. (text below partially unreadable)

” Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha

- The spirit of dialogue must dominate political forces more strongly. - A tribute to all those who fought for the victory of freedom. - We must broaden the base, without accepting differences?