Recently we have been hearing outbursts from a certain Albanian force, which is trying to present itself as championing the Albanian cause. Yesterday it issued a statement in threatening tones against the Macedonian institutions and in support of the Albanians imprisoned for anti-state propaganda. These displays of force, beyond the irresponsible and infantile statements, have nothing in common with the serious effort to defend the rights of Albanians in Macedonia. On the contrary, they create confusion and harm this cause. In Macedonia, serious Albanian political forces have long been trying to find institutional ways to solve the problems. Even when they have used strong instruments of political pressure, these have been carefully thought out and linked to the long-term interests of the Albanians there. Therefore, any verbal adventure or action aimed at creating the impression of a spontaneous revolt may in fact serve the circles that want to compromise the Albanian question. The Macedonian state is going through a delicate period. It seeks to preserve internal and external balances, especially in the face of the Balkan crisis. Precisely in this climate, any uncontrolled movement labeled as Albanian serves Macedonian nationalist propaganda, which seeks to portray Albanians as a destabilizing factor. Therefore, restraint, responsibility and unity of positions are needed. It is no coincidence that these “balloons” are released whenever important political developments are approaching. They create noise, frighten public opinion and damage the day-to-day work of the real Albanian political representatives in Macedonia. Often these balloons are inflated by invisible hands, which are tied more to dark calculations of regional politics than to the interests of Albanians. Albanians in Macedonia need strong organization, dignified representation and clear strategies, not folkloric displays of bravery. Their cause is defended with political wisdom, alliances, civic persistence and international support. Anything else only serves the smokescreen. That is why we must seriously ask: what lies behind the latest balloons in Macedonia?

A senior PPD official stated that the latest positions on the Albanian issue in Macedonia must be coordinated and must avoid provocations. According to him, heated rhetoric and uncontrolled calls do not help the advancement of the legitimate demands of Albanians. The statement says that Albanian political institutions must remain cool-headed and not fall prey to scenarios aimed at escalating interethnic relations. PPD believes that only organized action, a clear political platform and cooperation with international actors can produce concrete results. The statement closes with a call for unity among the Albanian political spectrum in Macedonia and with the demand that the voice of reason prevail over the political adventures of the day.

He was born in Ioannina in 1929. He attended higher education at the Faculty of Law of the University of Athens. Continuing his studies, he earned a doctorate in law at the University of Cologne, and later completed a specialization in international law. He was active in the resistance against the junta during the years 1967-1974. After the fall of the junta, he took part in the founding of the political movement PASOK. He has served several times as minister and has been one of the leading figures in Greek foreign policy. He has been a member of the PASOK Central Committee since 1974, a member of the political bureau since 1984 and a member of the Greek Parliament since 1977. From the earliest years of his activity he has played an important role in Greece’s relations with the Balkan countries. As of 10 October 1993, the government of Andreas Papandreou appointed him foreign minister. His visit to Tirana is awaited with interest because of Albanian-Greek relations and the outstanding issues between the two countries.

The Democratic Party’s program is presented as the basis of its political action. It emphasizes that organization, reforms and commitment to the public interest are the main pillars of this political force’s activity. According to the text, the party aims to strengthen democratic institutions, support the market economy and promote the country’s integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. The program is presented as a guide for daily activity and for drawing closer to the electorate. Emphasis is also placed on the need for transparency, the fight against corruption and the accountability of the leadership structures to the membership and the public.

In a parliamentary debate, it was emphasized that the existing law on property will continue to remain in force. Representatives of the majority argued that immediate changes would create legal uncertainty and new problems in the implementation of property rights. According to the discussion, the priority remains the gradual resolution of property disputes, the identification of documentation and respect for legal procedures. It was underlined that the process requires time and care in order to avoid social and economic consequences. On the other hand, the opposition called for a deeper review of the legal framework, considering it insufficient for the final resolution of the property issue.

17 - 20 November 1993 10:00 - 17:00 at the International Center of Culture, Tirana

Mr. Xhemal Xhaho, minister for the persecution of former communists (the only one on page 4) in the newspaper "Koha Jonë" of 7.11.1993 was made a fool of by the press, according to the published rumors, and was also accused of certain nonexistent actions. I publicly invite them to explain to the wider public who made this slander. Sincerely, Xh. Xh.