PEQIN: As of 2.11.1993, 165 new members have been accepted into this PDSH branch, 25 of them with higher education. KOLONJË: 100 new members have joined the PDSH, 25 of them with higher education. PUKË: 290 new members, including 78 intellectuals. 80 workers from N.P.XH, jp of Tirana, joined the ranks of the PD. CAMPAIGN COORDINATION CENTER

On 7 November, the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, promulgated Law No. 7762, dated 25.10.1993, “On the establishment and dissolution of certain ministries.” Under this law, which enters into force immediately, the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Cooperation, the Ministry of Finance and the Economy, and the Ministry of Industry, Mineral Resources and Energy are dissolved; and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy are established. ATSH

The expansion of the PD’s reach, or its extension through a modern organizational system—which shone particularly brightly during the historic campaign of 22 March 1992—has made this party a powerful, active organization. The precise forms of action in its political campaigns have always been of a kind that even political forces with a 50-year-old ironclad organization, such as the PP(S), have been unable to match. This means that the PD acts in an organized manner at every level, in every sector, and throughout the country. It means that the PD brought a new experience to the way a party operates. The PD has built its party work, discipline, and proper commitment to fulfilling each member’s duties simply by relying on the democratic disposition of its members and supporters. This has taken place far from any old, rigid scheme, far from bureaucratic compulsion or careerism. In the PD and its sections, work has been and continues to be carried out with a profound democratic rationale, and with a scientific approach to guiding Albanian society toward new levels in accordance with European standards. In practice, the PD has functioned in a modern way in terms of its organization and operations, decision-making, and confronting the transition and difficult economic reform. In practice, every part of our country is covered by 37 branches and two sub-branches of the PD. During this campaign, party sections were also established in the few villages where none had existed. In this way, the PD has put in place a complete political-action framework based on the initiative and independent activity of each section, and supported by the free, creative thinking of every party member. During this election campaign, the PD further consolidated this approach to organizational development. In this way, although still very young in terms of its experience in building an internal structure, the PD achieved effective functioning in a short time, following the experience of Western parties. The PD remains nev- (Continued on page 2)

From the proceedings of the 4th conference of the PD branch in the Durrës district THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF ECONOMIC REFORM—PART OF THE PD PROGRAM Also attending were the chairman of the PDSH, E. Selami, Prime Minister A. Meksi, and the chairwoman of the LDG, F. Fllashko Some of the achievements of economic reform in recent years include privatization; 6,200 title deeds distributed (52 percent); 320 tractors bought by farmers; and wheat and milk production doubled compared with the previous year. This year, 400 homes have been built and another 180 are under construction. Seven private enterprises with foreign capital have employed 3,269 people. With activ- On 6 November, the 4th conference of the Durrës PD branch held its proceedings in the “A. Moisiu” theater hall. In addition to 533 delegates, including 256 from Shijak and the villages they represented, who represented 152 sections with more than 4,000 members, guests also included members of parliament, local government officials, representatives of political parties described as anti-communist, the independent trade union, various associations, the Democratic Women’s Organization, and the Democratic Youth Forum. The branch chairman, Mr. E. Kapidani, presented the report on the branch’s activities over the past year. He emphasized the extremely difficult situation when the PD began governing. Now the successes are very visib- in the first years of the movement. During this period, various enterprises have employed 5,775 people. The number of unemployed this year has fallen from 20,818 to 10,565. 99 percent of the trade and handicrafts sector has been privatized. Housing privatization is in its final stages. The electricity and water-supply networks have improved markedly. The poor performance of the justice authorities has been a serious concern. Not only is corruption not being fought, but in many cases these authorities encourage it and criminality. We support reform of the justice authorities so that they can be cleansed of what is called criminality. Regarding the branch’s organizational affairs, the governing council has worked in the following areas: regrouping members from enterprises into neighborhoods; screening PD members; expanding the ranks of the PD, particularly with intellectuals; improving the work of sections; membership dues; and documentation. Throughout its year of work, the branch has consistently had these issues as ongoing objectives: 1. Political struggle with the opposition; party-government relations; the PD’s relations with other parties; relations with associations and trade unions; relations with religious communities; relations with members of parliament; relations between our branch and the PD center; relations with women and youth; and relations with foreign countries. After the report, discussion began. Our program contains points that we have not yet properly implemented. This is precisely where our attention will be focused in the future. The democracy we want to build belongs to everyone; it is Albania’s; that is why we have worked for all Albanians to enjoy its fruits. We have spoken out against the extremes of the left and the right as two real dangers to democracy. Let the extremes join one another, so that all Albanians can build democracy. For the PS, it is a national misfortune that it is led by a clan of extreme leftists and conservatives. They have also usurped “ZP,” that ultra-extremist newspaper founded by E. Hoxha, leaving the Socialists founded without a newspaper and without a party of their own. Finally, Mr. E. Selami took the floor. After once again emphasizing the achievements of the period of PD government, he continued: Messrs. Ll. Bozgo, H. Misiri, V. Papaj, N. Miço, T. Golemi, R. Mimili, S. Dika, I. Bekteshi; E. Favu liu, H. Lashi; and I. Mani spoke. The conference was greeted by representatives of the PR, PSD, PBK, LDG, the “Çamëria” Association, “Property with Justice,” former political prisoners, etc. In his remarks, Mr. Meksi spoke about the successful progress of reform, the principles of the rule of law, the fight against corruption, and creating a more favorable climate for foreign investors, etc. Mr. Meksi emphasized the need to strengthen the PD and its structures intellectually by bringing in intellectuals. Their joining the PD will-

At today’s meeting, the Council of Ministers, as part of improving the new legal framework in the banking sector, first approved the draft law “On certain amendments to the decree ‘On cheques’” To address the problems of those employed in the private sector, it must also be stipulated that, during their period of employment, pensioners will pay contributions to Social Insurance. To make all payments to persons whose income is sent to the address of the former Commission Company. Among a series of important decisions, the Council of Ministers

At today’s meeting, the Council of Ministers, as part of establishing new legal bases in the banking sector, first approved the draft law “On certain amendments to the decree ‘On cheques’,” adding new elements to cheque transactions that had not existed in the previous decree. establishing new legal bases certain amendments to the decree ‘On cheques’,” adding new elements to cheque transactions that had not existed in the previous decree. Taking into account the relatively low value of pensions, the Council of Ministers decided to permit pension payments to pensioners employed or self-employed in the private sector, also stipulating that, during their period of employment, pensioners will pay Social Insurance contributions. To resolve the problems of citizens who continue to receive income from abroad in the form of pensions, rent, and foreign-currency earnings following the dissolution of the Commission Company, the Council of Ministers authorized the Ministry of Finance to administer the Company’s archival documentation and instruct the Bank series of important decisions, the Council of Ministers decided to admit to the Faculty of Law, in the part-time study program, trainees who have completed the six-month law course. Notice from the Press and Information Office of the Prime Minister

The Minister of Public Order, Mr. Agron Musaraj, received the ladies Karmela Haçi, Dhurata Reçi, Valbona Coku and Qefsere Kallabaku a few days ago for a special meeting. They expressed their appreciation and satisfaction at how quickly order and calm had been established and, above all, life had been made safe in our country! They also spoke very highly of the public-order officers, who have devoted themselves to work that is both delicate and courageous. During their conversation with Mr. Musaraj, they also raised several issues of concern to women. They proposed a faster system for the road traffic network, since many traffic accidents are occurring and claiming the lives of innocent people. They also expressed the wish that the number of women in the police force be increased, since women, by their very nature, are more communicative and can help calm complicated situations more easily. Mr. Musaraj thanked his esteemed guests and promised to resolve as quickly as possible the legitimate problems they had raised during that friendly conversation.

- 10 million ECU in new food aid, or 3 billion drachmas - - A parliamentary admonition after a greeting - This was a statement by one of the speakers at the seminar for Greek businesspeople, held on Saturday in one of the halls of the National History Museum in the capital. The European Community’s EURODEVELOPMENT consultant, Mr. Gregori Hacios, after emphasizing the need for greater cooperation, particularly in agriculture, food, milk processing and other fields, said that a few days ago the EC once again stood by you. Once again, food aid for Albania was approved, and it is no small amount, said the Greek guest: 10 million ECU, or 3 billion drachmas. He then gave a positive assessment of the new law on foreign investment, which will come into force in our country in the future. Investors from Greece and the EC hope that from now on Albanian laws will no longer be changed so frequently and so quickly, since these changes seriously alarm foreigners who want to return to Albania. Let this also serve as a reminder to Parliament, for now, more than ever, the time has come for every law it passes to be designed to stand the test of time for 50–60 years—or even for a century. THELMAN KARAJ

Meeting with Mr. Bashkim Kopliku In the district of Elbasan, the campaign for elections in the DP has entered an important phase. Analyses and elections in the city sections are coming to an end, and work is continuing throughout the rural areas. Elbasan, one of the country’s largest districts, has 121 DP sections, of which 07 are in the countryside. During the elections in many sections, the spirit of sectarianism and jealousy, which had manifested itself in some cases, was overcome, opening the way for intellectuals and young people to enter the leading bodies. Care was taken to ensure that it was properly understood that the intellectual sphere includes not only those who had the opportunity and good fortune to graduate, but all strata who struggle for democracy, progress and social justice. According to the information available so far, more than 325 new members have been accepted into the DP, most of them intellectuals. Confidence in the policy pursued by the DP and its government has grown greatly, because during these 20 months of Mr. Meeksi’s government, Elbasan has changed in a positive direction. The lowland area has definitively embarked on the path of progress and prosperity, the mountainous area ... (Continued on page 4) ...the independent press, various associations, the Democratic Women’s organizations and the Democratic Youth Forum. was delivered by its chairman, Mr. E. Kapidani. He emphasized the extremely difficult situation in which the DP began governing. Now the successes are very visible and tangible in all areas—economic, political and social—and in maintaining law and order everywhere. Only the social-communists refuse to see and acknowledge these achievements, blinded by their passion and irreversible indoctrination. Administrative reform is progressing successfully in areas such as education, the army, public order, agriculture, healthcare, etc. We are a party that keeps its word, and keeping our word means implementing the program. The DP promised land and gave it to the farmer. It promised technical work equipment and, in addition to the 1,000 tractors we brought in, we have secured the arrival of 2,000 more. We promised a five-day workweek and delivered it. We promised the privatization of apartments and delivered it. We promised assistance for the unemployed and kept that promise even in mountainous areas. We promised the rule of law, and democracy is guaranteeing it. We promised freedom of the press and guaranteed it. Life in the city and in the countryside has changed greatly. For example, in the villages of Dushar, the spirit of the Durrës farmer has changed greatly; the income per capita of the Durrës farmer now stands at 2,400 US dollars, a figure that speaks volumes about the progress of democracy in Albania. Speaking about the organization of the DP, Mr. Selami emphasized the great importance of increasing the DP’s ranks with young people, especially those from the intelligentsia. A new approach is to establish sections based on profession, for example teachers, skilled workers, etc.—an approach that has produced considerable results in Tirana and Korçë. Membership should also grow in the countryside, because the greatest achievements in the economic sphere are also taking place there. Mr. Selami also explained other issues concerning the internal life of the DP and outlined the ways to resolve them. The meeting then proceeded to the elections. Mr. Edmir Kapidani was re-elected chairman of the DP branch for the district of Durrës. PËLLUMB DERVISHI AFRIM KRASNIQI

The Chairman of the PDSH, Mr. Eduard Selami, denies the news published by the newspaper “Zëri i Popullit” on 07.11.1993, concerning a statement made in an interview, saying that this is simply a new slander directed at him. He said that he owns no other property apart from his apartment, which was provided by the Municipality of Tirana. Press and Information Office of the PDSH