On 28 and 29 November, after a long time, Albanians have overcome the history of their ill fate, raising their resistance and their struggle to victory and independence, returning to history with living hopes for progress and creation in this part of our peninsula. The dimensions of 28 November and 29 November: after a long time, Albanians have overcome the history of their ill fate, raising their resistance and their struggle to victory and independence, returning to history with living hopes for progress and creation in this part of our peninsula. 28 November is a day when Albanians defied the great empires of conquest that came upon them to deny them freedom and homeland, to destroy their language and culture, and to dismantle their lives and their wealth. Beside Skanderbeg’s resistance of 28 November 1443 and the flag he raised for decades against the Ottoman Empire stands the hour of Ismail Qemali, who on 28 November 1912 raised this flag as a great hope for our existence, above the dust of that rotten empire and the ferocity of our chauvinist neighbors, who seized more than half of our national lands. 28 November 1944 marks the third November of our freedom, when the partisans and all the Albanian people, having defeated the Nazi-Fascist occupiers, raised again this flag, bloodied in a difficult and glorious war. It is precisely the redressing of this historical injustice by our parliament that further expands the national significance of 28 November, as a symbolic day for our nation. In this way, this day of great events is celebrated today in Albania and Kosovo, in our ethnic lands and wherever there are Albanians, as one of the days of great national destiny, a day that unites all Albanians in freedom and under the flag, on their land and in their democratic Homeland. This 28 November is special in some way, since for the first time Albanians are celebrating the day of their true liberation from the Nazi-Fascists, which the communist dictatorship and Enver Hoxha manipulated for 50 years. For the first time, the martyrs of the nation rest in peace, having earned deep honor and the respect they deserve from the new Democratic Albanian state and President Sali Berisha, as a true symbol of national unity. May this sacred day serve as a message of peace and unity for all Albanians, wherever they may be, and inspire a greater contribution to the nation’s progress, the development of democracy and the fulfillment of our national aspirations.

The question of the date of the liberation of the city of Shkodra, and consequently of all Albania, sparked many discussions, replies and debates, often politicized, both in the periodical press and in the People’s Assembly. … forgotten until the meeting of the Presidium of the KANÇ on 9 November 1945, which will be discussed below. The main document shedding light on the liberation of Albania on 28 November 1944 is that of the District Committee Q…

600 days of a program Democracy, the thirst for freedom of thought, expression and action, inspired all those who signed their names in December 1990, in the most precious constellation of Albania’s half-century history. The students and their anti-communist professors formulated the program of the political alternative of the center-right in the political spectrum, under the initials PDSH (Progress-Justice-Albanianism). For every political analyst—… on 9 November 1945, which will be discussed below. …ization of every civic and state standard. This is demonstrated better than anywhere else by the Nano, Meksi and Ahmeti cabinets, which, in their role as a state without a state and law without law, forcibly replaced the notions of democracy and freedom with crime, corruption, anarchy, violence, and the violation of every civic and moral value of Albanian civic life. With an exceptionally great historical responsibility, the PDSH triumphed and moved forward in the most brilliant manner, becoming one of the first states to enjoy the financial, political and economic confidence of international organizations such as the IMF, WB, EC, EBRD, CSCE, etc. The best-known names in regional and international diplomacy came to Tirana, from Ozal, Zhelev, Demirel, Tugiman, Kuçan, Gligorov, Micotaqis, Bulanikić, Scalfaro, Kosiga, Andre-oti, Gensher, Herd, Verner, Lalu-tovic, Papulias, and even the joba- [Continuation of the article; text cut off at the top] [... ] among the most distinguished generations in the history of Albanian education. The students and their lecturers became active and formed the program for the political alternative of the centre-right on analyst of Western politics, the transition from dictatorship to democracy remains one of the most historic stages in the history of the Albanian nation. It was the achievement of the democratic opposition, led by Dr. Berisha, that Albanians overcame their fear, established the rule of law, regained their pride, eliminated revenge and secured justice. It was the achievement of the PD and its leaders to cultivate freedom and human dignity, free political prisoners from prisons and concentration camps, put an end to class warfare, depoliticize the state and create a new, educated political class. Above all, it is the historic achievement of the PD to have brought down Albanian Bolshevik communism and won a victory for free Europeans of Albanian nationality. The former communists, stripped of their status as citizens, were driven from power without a war, but by the unanimous popular vote; without revenge, but with the tolerance and composure of every Albanian. As they relinquished 50 years of power, the communities created the transition, this calamity which manifested [unclear?]- With an extraordinary sense of historical responsibility, the PDSH triumphed in the March 22 elections and undertook to establish democracy in Albania politically, legally and economically. Its campaign, program and political struggle became a model for all the former communist countries of Europe. It succeeded in persuading two million Albanians to vote against communism. It built a policy for the people, a program for the people and a state for the people. In its program, the PD promised integration into Europe and [unclear?] 50 years from God and the world that it had made it a reality. And thus Albania became the only Balkan country where the man of God on earth, Pope John Paul II, came, blessed the land, its people and democracy. It was the undisputed contribution and achievement of the PD that Albania acceded to the CSCE and established diplomatic relations with the five major international states, including the USA, England, the former USSR, Israel, the Vatican, etc. Within a few months of the PD’s government, Albania-[?] ... into the economic organizations of the world, such as the IMF, World Bank, EC, EBRD, CSCE, etc. Some of the best-known figures in regional and intercontinental diplomacy came to Tirana, from Ozal, Zhelev, Demirel, Tugjman, Kuçan, Gligorov, Micotaqis, the Balkan leaders, Scalfaro, Kosiga, Andreoti, Gensher, Herd, Verner, Lalumiç, Papulias, and as far as Jobamir, Klepsh, Kandsell, etc.; from dozens of distinguished parliamentarians to hundreds of heads of diplomacy, health, the army and culture, exporters and analysts, congressmen and senators. Albania quickly gained associate membership in the North Atlantic Assembly, acceded to the Conference of Islamic Countries and completed the formalities for joining the Council of Europe. In its program, the PD promised dignity and respect for the personality of speech, thought and the individual. It also contributed to and offered its platform on minorities and its implementation; it will go down in Albania’s history as a party of human rights. Faced with the communist opposition’s bloc and totalitarian politics, the PD gave Albanians freedom and human rights. It was the PD that succeeded in achieving the greatest [unclear?] in Albania. [Unclear?] of Albanian democracy. It legitimized freedom of the press and [continues]- (Continued on page 4)

The question of the date of the liberation of the city of Shkodra, and consequently of all Albania, sparked many discussions, replies and debates, often politicized, both in the periodical press and in the People’s Assembly. press and in the People’s Assembly. The commission established for this purpose assigned the working groups, of which I was also a member, the task of determining the date of liberation. At the outset, I wish to emphasize that whether Shkodra and Albania were liberated on 28 or 29 November does not change the course of history at all, nor does it deny or in any way diminish the NÇ Anti-Fascist War of the Albanian people and its historical significance. Many important communists with pure ideals fought in this war; they worked and fought resolutely for the liberation of the homeland and the establishment of democracy. Organized in the Communist Party, they mobilized the people to fight the fascist and Nazi occupiers and their collaborators, regardless of the aims of its leadership and the influence of Mihal Popoviç and Dushan Mugosha. The NÇ Anti-Fascist War was a war of the entire people: the youth, intellectuals, townspeople and peasants, with differing political beliefs. The NÇ Anti-Fascist War of our people constitutes one of the most glorious epics in the history of the Albanian people. It pla[?] our people alongside the great anti-fascist allies and the oppressed peoples who fought for their liberation, and ranked them among the victors. The group of historians undertook research into the existing archival sources and concluded that, in order not to politicize the matter, a summary account was published in RD on 13 November 1992. Regarding the liberation of Shkodra, I will clarify two issues: 1) When was Shkodra liberated, and how was the matter put together? 2) Was the date of Shkodra’s liberation raised in the Presidium of Albania’s NÇ Council, and how was it raised? These two issues are connected and together provide conviction about the date of liberation. 1. When was Shkodra liberated? Study, analysis and comparison of the documentation with the accounts of contemporaries show that the final clash with the German forces took place at the Shkodra–Uta e Mesit line on the afternoon of 28 November 1944. On the night of 28 November and at dawn on the 29th, there was no more fighting either in the city or on the Shkodra–Hani i Hotit road. German chronicles, not from the time but written later, mention sometimes 29 November and sometimes 30 November, and are therefore inaccurate. According to various sources, small units from bases in the city on 28 November—and residents had even been organized and instructed by the Brigades beforehand—but the organized units entered the city [unclear passage]. Other units were organized in front of the people. The army [unclear passage] into the city. This was also communicated by Nako Spiru on 29 November, the second day of the youth demonstrations [unclear passage]. This date, that is, 29 November, was broadcast by Radio Tirana. Some [say] 29 November was mentioned only on 29 November 1944 [unclear passage] by Nako Spiru and Radio Tirana [unclear passage]. In contrast, [it was] 28 November 1944 is that of the PKSH District Committee for Shkodra, entitled “28 Nanduer,” published on 28 November 1944 on very good-quality pink paper and printed at the Franciscan printing press, which was located in the center of Shkodra. At the beginning of this proclamation, it says: “All Albania is celebrating Flag Day without occupiers and traitors. The blood of the heroic partisans and the sacrifices of our people have borne fruit. Five years of uninterrupted war, five years of suffering in the captivity of the Nazi-Fascist barbarians, have been crowned with a well-deserved victory… But we know that the German army would not have left Shkodra had it not feared the partisans and had they not driven it out by force of arms…” May the reader forgive me for dwelling at length on this proclamation’s wording. As I said above, the report was made brief so as not to politicize the issue, but since a deputy quoted isolated passages that did not convey the true meaning, I will quote it more fully to clarify matters for the reader: “And this gives us hope that our people will not lay down their arms until they have liberated the country from every barbarous and traitorous Nazi yoke… At this decisive moment, valiant Shkodra will know how to show its mettle. The blood of the partisan heroes Esati, Vasili, Manushi and Vaso, Perlat and Branko—the martyrs who call for vengeance from their graves. Therefore the workers, peasants, townspeople and youth of Shkodra, together with the partisans, will stand shoulder to shoulder against all the traitors who for so many years sucked the blood of our heroic people and youth.” Forward, ever forward, so that we may win and take revenge. As is clearly evident, there is no call to liberate the city of Shkodra from the Nazi army or its [unclear] forces, because not a single German soldier remained. The words “traces of barbarous Nazis and traitors” refer to the remnants—that is, the collaborators of Nazism in Albania. The leaflet dated 30 November 1944, also issued by the PKSH District Committee of Shkodra, entitled “Shkodra Is Liberated,” says: “Albania has completed its liberation. Shkodra has been liberated by the forces of our heroic army…” The second leaflet of 30 November does not say that Shkodra was liberated on 29 November and thus correct the leaflet “28 Nanduer” of 28 November 1944; rather, it supplements the first one with regard to the new tasks. The group of historians and the commission were of the opinion that the PKSH District Committee for Shkodra was better informed. 2. When and how did the Presidium of Albania’s NÇ Council raise the Day of Liberation? The Presidium of Albania’s NÇ Council held a meeting concerning the official holiday. The minutes of this meeting were published with the following resolution. By decision of the Presidium of the KANÇ, 9 May 1945, (Continued on page 2)

- The conference of the PD branch in Tepelene held its proceedings; Mr. Blerim Çela also took part - With 1,478 members of the PD branch in Tepelene, 168 intellectuals and 4 sections, these figures reported at the PD branch conference in Tepelene showed that the branch was gaining momentum. Compared with a year earlier, the number of members had quadrupled. Dozens of section chairs are now senior- and mid-level officials. Tomorr Xhani, chair of the PD branch, addressed in his report the political and economic problems affecting the Tepelene district, as well as achievements and shortcomings in the PD’s work. It was emphasized that the social-communists in the local government of Tepelene had now won 26 co- [continues]... [Text continues outside the crop] ... as an argument illustrating the weaknesses and other obstacles. It was recalled that the government should exercise oversight over this issue and hold those responsible to account. It was observed that the mass influx of intellectuals must be matched by an obligation to make full use of their abilities, assigning specific tasks to advance democratic processes. Also speaking was the delegate of the Democratic Party presidium, Mr. Blerim Çela, who emphasized that the supplementary task—and the greatest nepotism—fell to Tepelene’s democracy, precisely because of the need for specialists. The conference re-elected Mr. Tomorr Xhani as chair. RD correspondent

On Wednesday, November 23, the third conference of the PD branch for the Mirditë district held its proceedings in one of the halls of the Palace of Culture in the town of Rrëshen. Delegates from the PDSH Presidium were present at the conference. Mr. Tomorr Malasi and Ms. Shqipë Nebia of the Democratic Women’s League took part, along with the district council chair, Mr. R. Gjoka, and the mayor, P. Biba. After the opening address by Mr. Gjon Ndoka, the secretary of the PD branch, Mr. Zef Bardhi, chair of [continues on page 2]

The flag gathers the written memories of a nation into an unwritten language that the eyes and heart of every feeling person can understand. gathers the written memories of a nation into an unwritten language that the eyes and heart of every feeling person can understand. What memories does our Flag evoke as it waves? They are not memories of attacks against our neighbors, nor of greed and plunder; they are memories of self-defense, with tireless resolve and long, steadfast courage that have left their mark on the literatures of all civilized peoples. From this comparison we may take pride that our Flag, just as it is one of the oldest in the world, is also one of the most just. FAIK KONICA

We love the red flag with the black two-headed eagle because it is our flag, and beneath it we shall live free, honored and proud among the civilized nations of Europe. Let us build the red flag with the black two-headed eagle, for it is the flag crowned with honor and glory of the great leader and outstanding warrior who astonished the world with his bravery, defeating, for twenty-five years in succession, the strongest armies of that time, led by Turkey’s greatest Sultans. We raise high the great flag of Skanderbeg, for the one who carried it showed the world three times, with the sacred trumpet, what an Albanian can do when he joins courage with faith, honor and the grandeur of his country. The Pope, head of Christianity in the West, the Republic of Venice, queen of the seas, and all the kings and princes of Europe in Skanderbeg’s time greeted our flag with blessings, congratulations and praise. But when it was raised and flew again in Vlora, and was greeted in Durrës with joyful salvos from the ships of the European powers, the blessed bones of Skanderbeg trembled in the grave, and we, when we saw it as if in a dream, shed tears of emotion, joy, hope and national pride. We remember this historic day and celebrate it because we learned what a foreign flag means: sword, whip and enemy fire; burned villages and devastated fields; old people, women and children slaughtered without mercy, or fleeing to caves and ravines, stripped and barefoot, without bread, beaten by the cold, torn apart by hunger, ravaged by disease, their eyes darkened by poison and despair. O great, just and compassionate God, save our wretched people and country; clothe once more in freedom our glorious flag of Skanderbeg, the red flag with the black two-headed eagle. FAN S. NOLI