- Culture is the soul of a nation - The Government must support the development of Albanian culture From President Berisha’s meeting with a group of artists, held on 8 December 1993 First of all, I want to congratulate you on the great success of the all-Albanian theatre week, President Berisha began his conversation with the artists. Among the many performances, I was able to attend and see “Waiting for Godot.” Recalling the long and difficult wait that we Albanians have endured, I savoured the level and magnificent power of the art and the artist. I want to congratulate Messrs. Kumbaro and Hila, the artists Radoja and Qirjagi, and all those who contributed to this great achievement of the Albanian stage. I also take this opportunity to congratulate the renowned artist Enver Petrova on the high standard of his performance. The development of culture, as the soul of a nation and a factor in its survival, is especially important to us, because it is a fact that nations have disappeared from history when their cultures have died out. The eternal aims of art are beauty and truth. To look at Albania with an untrained eye is to see the stark contrast between the natural beauty God gave it and the great traumas inflicted on it by the communist regime, which filled it with camps, prisons and bunkers. But an artist does not see it that way. I think Albania has never been more beautiful, more richly adorned and more widely heard than it is today, because its greatest beauty is the will for freedom. It is this great will that gives the artist and the great creative genius of the Albanians the opportunity to burst forth in Albania, Europe and everywhere. Today the artist is completely free and cannot help but experience the power of this will. The artist takes direction from the observer, and the only demand made of them is that they be true to themselves. And this is a demand that should bring them satisfaction. Art is a spring, a revered presence in the countries and nations of civilised Europe. Someone might say that the dictatorship also praised some of the giants of the National Renaissance, but this is unacceptable and absurd. It is true that Samiu or Naimi had busts in some places, but the Albanian world was impoverished, like a novel by George Orwell, and we, the great Frashëllis, felt as though we were in a foreign, lifeless space for their ideas, names and ideals. Their ideas are only becoming reality today. Likewise, it is essential that we protect our past creations from the nihilistic attitudes some people display towards them. No one can deny that Albanian artists continued to create even under the dictatorship. They kept our culture alive. It was clear to everyone that when Bardhyl Londo wrote about the vacan-cies in Vienna and the president’s daughter, he meant the dictator’s family; or when Ismail Kadare, in “The Palace of Dreams,” described the PPSH Committee, and Agolli did so in “Comrade Zylo.” Everyone knew who was meant. The same subtext was present in Dhimitër Xhuvani’s “The Tunnel,” the writings of Kasëm Trebeshina, Kapllan Resuli and Bilal Xhaferri, the works of Janaq Paço and Paskali the Curious, and the Impressionist paintings of Abdurahim Buza. Naturally, it cannot be denied that the creative work and works of the dictatorship also bore pseudo-cultural influences of Hoxhism. But today every artist has the right to rework their own work. Certainly, everyone has the right to change their opinion and to apologise; indeed, asking forgiveness is an expression of remorse and an act of civic responsibility, a human effort to free oneself from that stranglehold once and for all. It is essential for the Government to support the development of Albanian culture wherever Albanians live. Among other things, it should support and help establish studios for young painters, such as Buza, Paço, Paskali, etc., not only because they preserve valuable works, but also because these studios beautify and bring to life the values of the city of Tirana itself and of our culture. I take this opportunity to congratulate those who organise pan-Albanian cultural events, which give national culture a particular boost. Government support should be greater. The artists thanked the President for receiving them and for the recognition he gave them personally and to the theatre week. Taking the floor, Mr Kumbaro raised the need for the Government to support the arts through specific projects, to support genuine talent and to create opportunities for artists. “In his remarks, Mr Petrovci pointed out the need to support the development of theatre, quoting Shakespeare, who said that the more theatres a country has, the more developed it is. He supports the idea put forward by Guljelm Radoja and Agim Qirjagi to open an experimental theatre. Minister Anagnosti said that the Government would support the develop- experience the force of this surge. He takes his instructions from his conscience, and there is only one demand made of him: that he be true to himself. This is a demand that should bring him satisfaction. Art, as the spring that nourishes the roots of culture, is of extraordinary importance. We are a small nation, but one with a great culture and creative genius; a small nation, but one with great literature, culture and art. Therefore, it is extremely important to save its values today, to live up to our cultural heritage and develop it further. Our culture and civilization shine among other cultures, and let us not forget that while others have inherited the idea of ethnic cleansing in their creations or literary works, Sami Frashëri, in his immortal work, shows us the way to unite with Europe. His work and that of our great National Renaissance figures are the testament to Albania’s integrity. With truth as his objective, the artist must, naturally, describe it as he himself feels it. I see that the exoduses of Albanians have attracted the attention of foreign artists, and this is normal. It is part of the consequences of distortion and barbaric policies. But I would say that it is useful not to forget the causes of this tragedy and to portray them, because the more time passes, the less credible are those of us who lived through the long, infernal wait for Godot. I want to congratulate Koço Devole, VasilIaq VangjelI, Mirush Kabashi, Leka Bungo, Lumturi Billoshimi and many other writers, painters and sculptors who have directly engaged in presenting their work, for «ZP» fact that e Cana... [following text] That [unclear text] GjelIimi Radonja and Agim Qirjaqi for the opening of the experimental theater. Minister Anagnosti said that the Government would support the development of art and announced that the law on the foundation, under which Albanian artists in Albania and the diaspora will not be taxed on the portion they contribute in support of cultural activities, is now almost complete. Mr. Anagnosti supports the idea put forward by Messrs. Radonja and Qirjaqi that the National Theater should become a stage where the most talented can make their debut. Messrs. Londo and Hila supported the idea of the role played by artistic testing and the creation of an artistic elite in the development of a nation’s art and culture. At the end, the President told the artists that he regarded the theater as a nerve center connecting literature, the stage and television, and assured them that they would have his full support for projects to establish an experimental theater.

Today marks exactly three years since that unforgettable day in December 1990, when, in the heart of the city at “Studenti,” transformed during that stormy December into the heart of everything in Albania, a group of anti-communist intellectuals and students brought joy to the people and challenged the Ramizian dictatorship by creating the Democratic Party of Albania. This date also marks the birth of Albania’s first opposition party and of the era of pluralism. 12 December was prepared and brought about by the aspirations and popular uprisings for freedom and true democracy, by the mass revolt that boiled like a volcano against the half-century-long dictatorship and the false socialism of Enver Hoxha and Ramiz Alia’s adventure. 12 December was prepared and brought about by the demonstrations and all the protest rallies in Kavajë, Shkodër and Vlorë; by the living and dead victims of 2 July; and by the day of the DP and pluralism in Albania. It was also prepared and brought about by the courageous, impassioned articles of prominent intellectuals such as Ismail Kadare, Sali Berisha and Ylli Popa; the ennobling poems of poets such as Bardhyl Londo; the “Voice of America” broadcasts, etc. 12 December was opened up and made easier by the great democratic revolutions in Eastern Europe, the collapse of the socialist system and the dissolution of the USSR. Nevertheless, 12 December 1990 was entirely the work of the spirit and sacrifices of Albanian democrats. From the very first day of its birth, the DP won the support of the majority of the Albanian people and, at the same time, raised the flag of the PP to power, showing it that on 12 December 1990 the era of monism and its absolute, unlawful power had ended once and for all. Conceived and built as a genuine modern democratic party, it drafted and announced to the country a scientific, concrete, clear and workable programme, which became a banner and catalyst for democratic movements and transformations in Albania, and a gravedigger for dictatorship and communism. With this transparent, long-term programme, the DP achieved the historic victory of 22 March 1992. Around 20 months have passed since that day—nearly two years—but within this short period Albania has undergone upheavals, transformations and reforms that have made it a country with genuine freedom and democracy, with order and a stable political and social situation, and with faster, higher rates of progress in economic reforms and the transition to a free-market economy, etc. From being the most isolated country, Albania is now integrated into the most important European and international structures and pursues an independent national policy that is respected and valued. Faithful to its programme, the DP has tried and will continue to try to achieve all its objectives and fulfil its promises. They have so far been achieved in ways that everyone can see, but not, apparently, by our opposition, which blackens and denies even the successes it can see to be real, out of petty, fanatical party motives and ill will. In the future too, the DP will fight with the same resolve and civic and national commitment to fulfil its programme completely, to bring the country out as quickly and with as little pain as possible from the abyss into which Enverian socialism plunged it, and to make it a country worthy of modern Europe. From one December to the next, the DP has become stronger, more mature, more consolidated and more effective. This was clearly expressed at the Second National Congress, where milestones were set for even greater successes and still higher stages.

TIRANA: — At the invitation of the President of the Austrian Parliament, Dr. Heinz Fischer, a delegation of the People’s Assembly, headed by the Chairman of its Presidium, Pietër Arbori, is on an official visit to Vienna.

SARANDË: — While the “Butrinti” football club in Sarandë was on the verge of bankruptcy, the private company “Tipikon” granted it the sum of 100,000 lekë that day. Niko Vaso, president of the company, told ATSH that it was undertaking to sponsor the club in order to preserve the rich football tradition in this district. (ATSH)

TROPOJË: — In just the last three months, more than 200 workers have found jobs in the private sector in the district of Tropojë. It is reported that more than 5,000 people are employed there, compared with another 5,000 working in the state sector. Local employment in this area has been made possible by the state’s efforts to improve infrastructure. According to ATSH, [unclear text]…

It seems that the fighters for lost causes will keep writing their refrain in «ZP»: «Free Nano». If all criminals were released with the stroke of a pen, surely there would be no need for prisons today, since those criminals want them out on the streets. At a time when representatives of the justice authorities in Albania and Italy declare that there was corruption in the distribution of the first Italian aid to Albania, «ZP» tries to persuade public opinion otherwise by citing the words of the accused. E. Canale declares that the prices of the aid goods were higher than market prices, but «ZP» takes account only of Perniole’s words, and it is clear why the Court has decided that the Nano case should be investigated further, in order to examine and substantiate a more serious charge than abuse of office: embezzlement. Yet «ZP» writes that the decision to investigate further proves Nano’s innocence. Further investigations by Albanian investigators in Italy and by Canale in Albania have produced new facts confirming the accusations, but the far-left propaganda keeps up its refrain: «Failure of the mission of the Albanian investigators in Rome». Canale declares on Albanian TV that «corruption in the aid program has also involved former Albanian government officials». …But the fact that Canale did not take the trouble to ask Nano, according to «ZP», shows that the «Nano case» is a «political trap». And all this while the new information contained in the files of Erwibet and Qelesh for this case is still unknown. In this case Nano and his associates have left traces everywhere, but only «ZP» seems unable to see them. Signing, in the name of the government (without asking any of its members), documents that would lead to the «disappearance» of 9 million dollars is apparently not a crime, according to «ZP»! Making contracts and concluding government agreements through R. Alia’s private fax and his «special» «advice» is apparently proper conduct for «ZP», even though these are always accompanied by 9 million dollars. Or were the 9 million spent on faxing? Nevertheless, «ZP» and «Fatos’s volunteers» have the right to keep demanding Nano’s release. They can be sure that, if they persist, one day they will achieve their goal: the day Nano is kept inside, as stipulated in Article 106. Note: In upcoming issues we will publish: «Fatos Dervishi on Fatos Nano». What does the head of the investigation group say at this stage of the case?

At the invitation of the Minister of Mineral and Energy Resources, Mr. Abdul Xhaja, the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, Mr. Vladimir Dlouhy, arrives in our country today for an official visit. In June 1992, Mr. Vladimir Dlouhy was appointed Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism of the Czech Republic. He is also vice president of the Civic Democratic Alliance. ASTRIT KARADAKU Press spokesperson for the Ministry of Mineral and Energy Resources

- ALL THE DEFENDANTS QUESTIONED TURN OUT TO HAVE BEEN “DECEIVED” - - EVEN THE MEMBERS OF THE BLOC HAD RATION COUPONS! - Together with the defendants questioned on the first day of the trial, the number questioned during the two days of hearings against the former members of the Bloc has reached nine. Specifically, Pali Miska, Qirjako Mihali, Besnik Bekteshi, Vangjel Tërava, Prokop Murra and Llam bi Geprifti have been questioned. (The day before yesterday, in the absence of the court’s decision, the presentation of a faithful report from the courtroom was prohibited, in an effort to inform readers about the notable events and trends of the second day of the trial.) The defendants and their defense lawyers tried to put forward a defense of the type: «the prosecution was wrong; the defense is always entitled to its say». From the defendants’ own defense, it was easy to conclude that they had been «deceived»; that they «did not know what they were dealing with»; and that the creation of privileges had been justified by a party decision, while they «had supposedly known» that their base in the center rested on a decision of the Council of Ministers. So the former Politburo members do not think these were privileges. They supposedly believed that what the people called «Bloc privileges» were conveniences for carrying out their duties. Each defendant defended himself by explaining that he had not initiated the decision, but they forgot that this decision concerned an organization called the Political Bureau, of which each of them had been a member or candidate member. Thus every former Politburo member, through this defense, was effectively saying: «The Politburo was to blame. That small group of people united under the name Political Bureau was guilty, while everyone else was not!» It turns out that the members of the Bloc supposedly lived not in isolation; their homes were supposedly open to everyone. They supposedly experienced ration coupons and long queues; they supposedly lived like everyone else! They admit that they withdrew money from the banks like most of the [unclear text]. There were instances when our Bloc members refused to approve expenses for extensions to their homes and their renovation, but, as became clear from the defendants’ testimony, this happened only when one of their villas, renovated in this way, became an object of envy for another. In other words, it happened only because of their rivalries over who could live in greater luxury and comfort, and their efforts to preserve their own privileges while envying the «rival» who coveted the property. The testimony of the members of the Bloc so far makes one thing clear: the Albanian people must have been mistaken, because apparently there were no members of the Bloc. The members of the Bloc themselves say so!

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