From DP meetings and conferences in the districts • 320 new members in the town of Pogradec • In Pogradec, officials appointed by the PS are examples of “socialist democracy,” persecuting democrats. • Along with the issue of the destruction in Pogradec and Fushë-Arrëz, many dark points from the final days of the dictatorship will be clarified. • The conference of the Pogradec DP branch held its proceedings. DP chairman Mr. Eduard Selami attended. The 3rd conference of the Pogradec DP branch, which held its proceedings on Sunday, reviewed the work carried out by the branch between conferences. Present were DP chairman Mr. Eduard Selami and MPs Jemin Gjana and Arben Meçe. The DP Presidency’s delegate was Mr. Engjëll Hysenbegasi. The report of the branch’s governing council was delivered by its chairman, Mr. Sotiraq Hicka, who analyzed the work carried out by the Pogradec branch. The report showed that recently the Pogradec DP branch had grown by 320 new members. In his speech, MP Gjana focused on several problems in Pogradec that needed to be resolved. “The DP is not a state party,” he said, “but ultimately it bears responsibility for those in leadership.” Not only that, but PS members who were hired by the DP shout “We want jobs” at rallies. The conference was greeted by representatives of the Republican and Social Democratic parties, representatives of the association of former political persecuted people, a representative of the independent trade unions, the Pogradec FRPD, and others. Afterwards, other speakers raised land-ownership issues in the villages. Where the socialists are in charge, they are dividing the former cooperative property as they see fit. The issue of the ongoing destruction of fruit trees was raised, as was the issue of Albanian TV broadcasts not reaching part of the town, etc. In his speech, MP A. Meçe spoke out against conformism within the DP and noted that DP propaganda should have focused on several problems that needed to be resolved within the DP branch. ultimately it bears responsibility for those in leadership.” From the ensuing discussion it became clear that the DP’s achievements are quite obvious to everyone (except the socialists of “ZP”), so it is best to focus on what has not been done well. Speakers raised various specific issues. Many cases were mentioned in which junior PS officials had dismissed all the democrats from their jobs, while in the areas they now lead, they continue to employ discredited former communists. In Pogradec, the socialists go out and elect Nano, driving cars with signs on which they shout “We want bu…” and then, in those same cars, go… and feast in restaurants. …the branch has been strengthened with 320 new members. In his speech, Deputy Gjana spoke out against conformism in the PD, mentioned that PD propaganda needed to improve considerably, and also referred to the role of intellectuals. The conference participants asked many questions, which were answered by Mr Selami, deputy and chairman of the PD branch. The chairman of the PD, Mr Eduard Selami, who took the floor amid applause, first provided explanations in response to the questions asked. Regarding the development of tourism, he emphasized that Pogradec has been included in the development master plan, but that the first step now should be to encourage family tourism. Regarding the resignation of the Minis- (Continued on page 4)

On Saturday, the meeting of the Elbasan DP branch was held . After the presentation of the report reflecting the branch’s work in Elbasan over the year, the many questions and discussions enriched the report and enlivened the meeting. Elbasan is a large district with many difficulties and problems at this stage of transition and consolidation of democracy. Implementation of the economic and administrative reform during these 20 months of democratic governance has been decisive in helping us emerge from the difficult situation left by the dictatorship. Implementation of the land law made more than 24,000 rural families landowners. Ownership, work and the free market are rapidly changing the economic and social situation in the countryside. In the village of Shushicë, one speaker said, during the cooperative era we received no more than 70 old lekë for some jobs. Until yesterday, we did not even have money for bread, whereas today we have secured our bread from the wheat we grow ourselves; the land is worked with the farmers’ machinery, and almost every home has a television and household electrical appliances. We have also acquired transport vehicles and cars… …and the agricultural system has greatly reduced assistance and expanded employment opportunities with high wages. The construction sector and private commercial network are functioning satisfactorily. Thanks to good work by the authorities as well, the privatization of homes is nearing completion, and the transfer of olive groves to their legitimate former owners is almost finished. The results we have achieved so far, the speaker continued, give us the right and confidence to properly appreciate the policy implemented by the ADP and to continue deepening the reform everywhere. During the year, the party’s membership grew by more than 450 new members, most of them intellectuals, but given Elbasan’s particular character, with its educational and intellectual traditions, this is not enough, and doing more remains a constant duty. Both the report and the speakers highly valued the experience to be gained in the future regarding the ADP’s organizational side. The sub-branch of Cerrik and others found that the creation of group-sections was more appropriate as a link which not only did not diminish the role of the sections but, on the contrary, enabled a better connection between them and the DP branch. At the branch meeting, stronger coordination between the central body and the district branches was called for, something that would greatly contribute to revitalizing the ADP. Mr. Bashkim Kopliku, delegate of the ADP National Council, addressed the meeting of the Elbasan ADP branch. In his speech he praised the work carried out during the year by the DP branch and the authorities in implementing the ADP’s political line and the democratic government’s program in all spheres, especially in implementing the reform. At the end, the meeting moved on to nominations for candidates for branch party chairman and governing council. DHIMITER TAVANXHIU …their wishes. The problem of cutting down fruit trees was raised. whereas today we produce and have our own wheat secured; the land is worked with machinery and farmers’ [unclear], appliances. We have also acquired transport vehicles and passenger cars through our own free labor. Another speaker from the mountainous area recognized the achievements but emphasized that difficulties still remain. In most cases, these involve the high cost of working the land, the lack of drinking and irrigation water, and shortcomings in the telephone and electricity networks. Elbasan is a special case in the country as a whole, said a section leader in his speech. From the monist past, we inherited more than 24 thousand unemployed people receiving assistance, whereas today, as a result of implementing the rapid privatization reform and supporting initiative, their number has fallen below 50 percent. With the privatization of industrial enterprises- (Continued on page 4)

The First International Investment Conference opened President of the Republic Sali Berisha and Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi attended The First International Conference on Investment opened yesterday under this theme. The conference was attended by foreign businesspeople and figures from the field of economics, Albanian businesspeople and entrepreneurs, as well as managers of workplaces and production facilities. Following the opening remarks by Minister Abdyl Xhaja, speeches were given by Ministers Pirro Dishnica and Selim Belortaja, and by representatives of businesspeople from various countries around the world. The conference was also addressed by the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha. We will tell you more in the next issue. RD correspondent

The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, received Mr. George Soros in a meeting on 21 November. The President thanked Mr. Soros for his great interest and for his personal efforts and those of his Foundation in Albania in helping promote democracy in our country, and assured him that Albania would continue to consider cooperation with this foundation beneficial in the future. (ATSH)

- A plane crashes near Ohrid. - 115 dead, almost all of them Albanians. - This is the second time that aircraft have become the “graves” of Albanians in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. 115 dead, including 97 Albanians and 8 still unidentified, are the victims of the Ohrid tragedy. Only one pas-

- A plane crashes near Ohrid. - 115 dead, almost all of them Albanians. - This is the second time that aircraft have become “killers” victims of the Ohrid tragedy. Only one passenger survived, but is in serious condition. After failing to land at Skopje airport—because of bad weather, according to news agencies—the aircraft of a Macedonian airline headed for Ohrid. The tragedy occurred near Ohrid; the plane crashed for reasons that are still unknown. Among the victims were entire families and children. The Skopje–Switzerland flight had been chartered by a Ukrainian airline and was piloted by four Ukrainian and Macedonian pilots. As is known, less than a year ago another similar incident occurred, when another Albanian during a journey. Coincidence? On the plane that crashed on Saturday evening, most of the passengers were Albanians from the Republic of Kosovo, and some were Albanians from Macedonia who worked in Switzerland. Four of the Albanians from Kosovo had been escorted by Swiss police to the airport before boarding the plane, as they were political refugees. Almost all the Albanians from the Republic of Kosovo who were on the plane had left Kosovo because of Serbian repression. These facts cast a shadow of suspicion over this described “accident,” but, in any case, the relevant authorities must determine the cause of the plane crash. The Ohrid tragedy is a disaster that affects the entire Albanian nation, and history has shown that it is precisely in such moments of disaster that Albanians feel more connected and stronger, wherever they may be. E.P.

On Friday, 19.11.1993, the Third Conference of the Dibër branch of the PD began at the city cinema. The conference was opened by the member of the governing council, Mr Gjyle Hasa- Mr Zhulali, deputy and chairman of the delegation of PD deputies, took part in this conference. The conference was greeted by representatives of the Prosperity Party, Dibër, Mr Hysen Skana, chairman of the association of political supporters, the Republican Party, the United Democratic Party, the Social Democratic Party, the Legality Party and Vatra. The activity report was delivered by … Zhulali from Dibër. At the beginning, Mr … Hoxha spoke. At the beginning of his speech … emphasized that the Dibër branch … … in terms of moral leadership and … that in terms of its content … Today, the PD of Dibër… … with the unified forces of … … all the anti-communist forces in the district. In assessing the national question, the report highlighted anti-Albanian positions, especially those of recent colleagues in Macedonia. Today the PD branch in Dibër has 3448 members who are actively involved in sections. During the election campaign, 541 new members joined, 40 percent of whom are intellectuals, which shows that the branch and sections of the PD have worked well. It was also emphasized that the PS in Dibër, as everywhere, has made maximum efforts to sabotage the reform, especially where it holds local power, but, as has become evident recently, the PS is seen to be losing its credibility. One of the speakers said that the people of Dibër today consume wheat grain that we did not know in the days of the cooperatives. Today the farmer has secured maize as feed for livestock. By this I mean that the bread and hunger card that the PS used here in Dibër has been burned. Mr Sali Zhulali also spoke at the Conference of … He greeted the conference on behalf of the Chairman of the PDSh and personally congratulated it on the very good results achieved by the PD branch of Peshkopi during the election campaign. Mr Zhulali pointed out that the Dibër branch is one of the strongest branches in the republic. This branch stands out for its organization and the continuous work of its sections, and does intensive work to implement the PD program. The fact that the PD won the local elections in Luzni was also the fruit of its work, without denying the assistance of the coalition parties. Mr Zhulali stressed the issue of recruiting new members, especially from among intellectuals and other social groups, while keeping away compromised elements of communism, such as Sigurimi agents and fanatical supporters of the PP. He also gave an overview of the situation in the Balkans. Regarding the assessment of the opposition, Mr Zhulali emphasized that “we do not face a constructive opposition. It is different, and a criminal group is at its head; it is compromised, made up of incorrigible communists, and pursues an anti-democratic and anti-national policy.” Therefore, true socialists must distance themselves from this policy and this group. Only in this way can it become an oppo- (Continued on page 4)

when we make mistakes On November 19, at the Palace of Culture, with delegates from Berat, Ura Vajgurore and the surrounding villages, and among the guests deputies, local government officials and representatives of political parties, various associations and the Democratic Youth Forum, the Third Conference of the PD branch of the Berat district held its proceedings. The activity report of the branch for the period between the two conferences was delivered by its chairman, Z. E Dollami. From a broad, in-depth and detailed perspective, it correctly addressed organizational matters, issues concerning economic and administrative reform, and problems relating to the PD’s ties with local government, institutions, enterprises, the directorate, etc. Twenty months of democratic government were enough to prove that the PD is a new but serious political force, capable and determined to implement its program precisely and to remain worthy and successful at all times. 500 new members, around 100 from among the la[?]… were recruited on the eve of this conference. New membership applications have been received in recent days. (Continued on page 4)

THE PRESIDENT OF CROATIA, TUXHMAN, RECEIVED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY, PJETER ARBNORI This was made known by the press office of the People’s Assembly. Continuing its visit to Croatia, the delegation of the People’s Assembly, headed by the Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Mr Pjetër Arbnori, was received on Friday by the President of the Republic of Croatia, Tuxhman. At the meeting, both sides expressed their satisfaction with this visit and with the need to further strengthen relations between our two countries, in the face of the danger of war spreading in the Balkans and beyond. In the conversation, Mr Tuxhman spoke about the Croatian initiative to hold talks with Bosnia on the division of territory and asked about the situation in Kosovo. In his remarks, Mr Arbnori praised Croatia’s role in the development of democratic processes in the former Yugoslavia and Mr Tuxhman’s personal contribution. “States that are against the same aggressor,” Mr Arbnori emphasized, “must unite and fight against him. A strong Albania and a strong Croatia are factors of stability in the Balkans. We Albanians respect the principles of Helsinki and the CSCE concerning the non-alteration of borders by force, (Continued on page 4)

On the afternoon of November 19, the citizen Lekë Ahmet Zogu fled at Rinas airport, accompanied by Abedin Musamani. A check of their documents by the Albanian police revealed that they had been forged and signed by Abedin Musamani. They stated, “the profession of citizen Teka Ahmet Zogu is…” (Continued on page 4)

TO PRESIDENT IBRAHIM RUGOVA TO THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS OF THE AIR CRASH IN KOSOVO, MACEDONIA AND EVERYWHERE. ON BEHALF OF THE ALBANIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND IN MY OWN NAME, I EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE AIR CRASH OF 20.11.1993. EDUARD SELAMI All of Albania was shaken and deeply saddened by the tragedy of the air crash in Ohrid. President of the Republic Mr. Sali Berisha also sent a condolence telegram to the victims’ families. The staff of the newspaper Rilindja Demokratike also stand with them wholeheartedly in this time of great sorrow. The RD editorial office