-Mr. Sla[m]i and Spahia took part- -Mr. Sla[r]mi and Spahia took part- Then the floor was taken by the newly elected chairman of the PD youth forum, student Mevlan Shanaj. On behalf of Vlora’s school and student youth, he declared that, despite all the sacrifices young people are making to obtain a diploma, they are and will remain the most steadfast ally of the PD. After him, Mr. Krenar Mema, a member of the PD presidency and one of the leaders of the working group that carried out the elections, spoke to the young people. After thanking those present for taking part in this meeting, he also thanked those young people who, being far from Vlora, had contributed to the smooth running of these elections. He emphasized that the youth meeting is a clear sign of the great potential of school and student youth, which firmly supports the democratic reforms and the party that launched them. He also welcomed the establishment of the PD youth forum structures in the districts and their increasingly important contribution to solving the problems the country faces today. Mr. Mema welcomed the decision to create youth centers, which will create new opportunities for entertainment and education for young people, as well as for their professional preparation. He said that the PD has been and remains convinced that without an educated and well-prepared youth, the country cannot move forward. Then, on behalf of the young people of Vlora, fourth-year university student Mr. Armir Hoxha addressed the meeting. He recalled that the meeting is taking place at a difficult moment for the country, when anti-democratic forces are trying to take advantage of economic and social hardships, but stressed that the youth of Vlora will stand by the reforms and the rule of law. At the end of the meeting, Mr. Slami, organizational secretary of the PD, spoke. He said that Albanian youth is the most vital force in our society and that it has a major role to play in the present and future of the country. He praised the massive participation of young people in the forum elections and described it as proof that Vlora has supported and supports the Democratic Party. Mr. Slami said that this gathering is not only about electing a new leadership, but about a renewed commitment by young people in support of democratic reforms and PD governance. He emphasized that the difficulties are great, but they should not discourage anyone, because Albania is facing the consequences of a difficult past and the challenges of the transition to a market economy. In closing, the greeting from Mr. Eduard Selami was also read aloud, in which he greeted the young people of Vlora for the seriousness they had shown and invited them to become active participants in democratic processes. The meeting ended in an enthusiastic atmosphere.

Interview with President Berisha given to the Austrian journalist Ingrid Stelzer, published in the well-known Austrian newspaper “Die Presse”, on 29.11.1993 Question: Before leaving, I prefer to visit Vienna and depart through Vienna. I was asking: Here [?!] did you pass for the first time as a student? Answer: Yes. And when I returned to Tirana, it seemed to me as if I were coming from another world. For us it was unimaginable to have lived even for a short time in real Europe. Question: What is the most difficult task you are currently facing? Answer: In most cases, building the parliamentary system. One of the central problems is the administration. No one had experience. Everything was oriented toward control. Nevertheless, we have laid the foundations of a democratic society. Question: Are there signs of economic stabilization? Answer: We believe so. We have significantly reduced inflation. We have stopped the decline in production and in some sectors have started growth. Private enterprises are increasing, agriculture is moving forward, trade is becoming more active. Question: What does rapprochement with Europe mean for Albania? Answer: It is a natural return. Albania belongs to Europe not only geographically, but also spiritually and historically. We want to become part of the European institutions and bring their standards into our life. Question: What are your country’s chances? Answer: I believe Albania has great human potential. Our people are young, energetic, and eager for knowledge. If we maintain the pace of reform, we will achieve the greatest growth in Eastern Europe. Question: And what about the opposition? Answer: In democracy the opposition has its place, but it must be constructive. Reforms cannot be blocked by destructive rhetoric or by incitement of tensions. Citizens demand solutions, not obstruction. Question: What is your message to investors? Answer: Albania is open. We are creating the necessary legal framework, we are privatizing, and we are guaranteeing economic freedoms. Whoever invests today in Albania is investing in a country with a future. (To be continued on page 6)

Burro signs this letter with an old saying: “When the mountain moves, the earth shakes.” That is also what happens with the real democratic movement. In the words, in the declarations, and in the writings of those who want to hinder it, it is clear that the fear of losing has blinded them. Tired of empty promises and of servile behavior toward the past, Albanians are demanding honesty, work, and dignity. Pretty words at round tables are not enough. It takes courage to tell the truth and determination to defend it. The bootlickers of yesterday, who today pretend to be democrats, cannot solve the country’s problems. They have neither a program nor political morality. They know only how to adapt to whichever way the wind blows, leaving disappointment and poverty behind. Albanians do not need empty rhetoric, but strong institutions, justice, and a state that respects the citizen. Whoever loves this country must work for it and not make deals at its expense. (ATSH)

Repikë One thing is clear: in faculties and universities, the conviction is growing every day that the era of the old tutors has come to an end. Students are demanding knowledge, standards, and equal opportunities, not ideological tutelage and rotten schemes. Those who once turned the lecture hall into a propaganda tribune are now trying to present themselves as defenders of academic interests. But the students know them well. They know who has held the institutions hostage and who has obstructed every effort at reform. The fiasco of the mentor is the failure of a mindset that does not accept competition, merit, or freedom. Instead of argument, it uses insults; instead of debate, pressure; instead of responsibility, self-victimization. The students will no longer allow themselves to be used. They are becoming the clearest voice of the need for a modern university and for a society where ability is valued. That is why they are moving away from the mentors of yesterday and seeking new paths. (To be continued on page 6)

Newspaper of the Democratic Party YEAR II / ISSUE II No. 524 Price 5 lek Thursday 2 December 1993

Rruga e Cukulit