The delegation of the European Democratic Union, invited by the PDSH, as is known, paid a visit to our country. The delegation, led by Mr. Martens, held talks with the chairman of the PDSH, Mr. Eduard Selami, and other Albanian officials, and also held other meetings. It also met with the Democratic Chancellery. According to the newspaper «Aleanca» of 19 December 1993, «Aleanca» was represented at this meeting by its «PRESIDENT», N. Ceka, Secretary General A. Imami, Head of the Economics Department G. Pashko, Head of Propaganda P. Zogaj, and two others. Mr. S. Ngjela was absent from this meeting. It was also noted that Mr. S. Ngjela had a meeting, so that the others—especially President Ceka—could present a more complete picture, as well as that of PAD’s No. 1. In his presentation, Ceka tried to convince Mr. Martens that PAD «is a centrist party with a right-wing orientation and a genuinely European inspiration». But this remains only a statement, because the truth is otherwise. PAD’s «orientation» has in fact shifted to the left. All measures in the interests of democratic reform, opposed by the far-left party PAD, have also been opposed by PAD. And, on the other hand, whenever PAD has accused or opposed the DP, the government, the President, etc., the SP has been its ally. Mr. Buf(i)’s prime ministerial government is questioned by it for this sound macroeconomic measure of Mr. Meksi’s government, and it accuses the government of lacking a genuine reform strategy. The truth is different: the IMF, the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other international organizations have given the green light to the Meksi government. Many political and economic figures from various European and American countries are enthusiastic about what has been achieved and optimistic about the future progress of the reform, which will accelerate Albania’s integration into European political and economic structures. Could there have been such success without a professionally researched strategy? In Pashko’s terminology, «strategy» means destruction, as was his strategy in the Government of Stability. That is why we say that PAD’s leaders did not present themselves confidently to Mr. Martens. Meanwhile, PAD’s theory of «an Albania that is exclusively Western» shows not only political short-sightedness and amateurism, but also the old mania for finding «new paths» to isolation. It is a variant of the PPSH’s policy that destroyed Albania. Let PAD’s president tell us: which European state today pursues such a policy of isolation? Whether the «moncionists» know it or not, Albania is European, but wants to pursue an open foreign policy. PDA has absurd ambitions when it claims it will become a «popular party». Can a party become popular when its leaders are compromised figures, exposed in the eyes of all Albanians as anti-national, anti-democratic and pro-social-communist? The people do not forget who Neritan Ceka is. They have firmly in mind that Ceka has been, and remains, Ramiz Alia’s pampered favourite and tool. The people well remember how the electorate in the Elbasan district tossed him aside like a filthy rag into the communist back alleys. The people do not forget his plots with Slobodan Milosheviç, the bloodthirsty enemy of Albanians. Just as they remember Ceka, the people also know the other figures of this party well: the former-bloc member Pashko, destroyer of the Albanian economy with the Government of Stability; Arben Imami; Preç Zogaj; and others, all sharing Neritan Ceka as their common denominator. That is why PAD under Neritan can become no more popular than Begariri’s «National Unity» Party or Namik Hoti’s Ecological Party. At the meeting with the EUCD delegation, Preç Zogaj complains to Mr. Martens that «RTV never talks about us and our activities»... at a time when RT is extensively covering Selami’s meetings with that very delegation. Preç Zogaj «forgets» to mention the local elections, etc. … from the left. Everything that… the interest of the reform… democratic, opposed by the far-left party… also opposed by PAD. And, on the other hand, after the accusations or opposition by… against PD, the government, the President, etc., PS has been a firm ally. All the coordinates of these parties converge on the point of calling for new parliamentary elections, the overthrow of the government, the formation of freedom and human rights, and so on and so forth, which can be summed up in one unified expression: «To slander and appropriate PD in domestic and international opinion…» The visit and preparations with Mi… in Belgrade in the most difficult days… and the role of the co… in bringing PS the message of Slobodan, show the far-left’s… and not at all the center-right’s… That is why PAD was not sincere at this meeting. «President» Çeka, with the authority his office gives him, prefers to… his colleagues as well. According to… G. Pashko takes the floor. As an expert in economics, a socialist planner, Pashko, author of the famous 80… reconstruction, … the economic program of PAD… the only program that can… Albania. Former-/V … the «new» isolation. It is the version of PS’s policy that destroyed Albania. Let the president of PAD tell us: which European state pursues such a policy of isolation today? Albania, whether the motion sponsors know it or not, is European, but it will pursue an open foreign policy. For Çeka and company, the USA must be considered part of the East, given their ties to the Middle and Far East. In his presentation, A. Imami explains to Mr. Martens: «The National Assembly’s objective is to turn PAD into a popular party capable of competing for power.» To a foreigner’s ear, this commitment by a party creates a positive image of it. But has the EUCD delegation been informed about who belongs to this party, what socio-political elements it represents today, and what its reputation is today?! That is why we say that PAD was not sincere in its talks with Mr. Martens. The truth is that those 5–6 motion sponsors, former PD leaders, were not expelled from PD because of a diversity of ideas; they left because they did not get portfolios in the Meksi government, because they disagreed with PD’s program, because they had been planted in PD to cause disruption, and because the social-communists on the left defended racism and opposed the re-evaluation of history, because they sabot… … the president of PPD, Albania, whether they know…» At the meeting with the EUCD delegation, Preç Zogaj told activities»… at a time when RT extensively covers Selami’s meetings with the delegation in question. Preç Zogaj «forgets» to mention that RTV gave similar coverage to other parties such as PS and PSD. We remind the Democratic Alliance that it is a small party, like all the other parties that are not represented in parliament. If it manages to gain representation in Parliament in the ’96 elections, then it can expect RTV to take such an approach. PAD is not lacking any RTV regulation; rather, because deception, disinformation and endless complaints are its principles, it once again lacked sincerity, as always. At this meeting, Mr. Martens asked the PAD representatives: «Would you agree to be accepted into a section together with PD?» The report does not state what their answer was, although surely they gave one. PAD has publicly declared itself to be a centrist party. Why, in its meeting with Mr. Martens, does it declare itself a «center party with a rightward orientation»? Is that sincerity?

During his private visit to the USA, Mr. Eduard Selami held meetings with the U.S. administration at the White House and the State Department. At the White House he met Mr. Daniel Fried, Director for Eastern and Central Europe at the National Security Council. During their conversation they exchanged views on the situation in the region, Albania’s relations with its neighbours, and the progress of political and economic reform in Albania. Mr. Selami thanked his interlocutor for the support the Clinton administration has given and continues to give to the development of democracy in Albania, and highlighted the role of the USA in preserving peace and stability in the region. Mr. Fried, for his part, expressed the support and sympathy for Albania and President Berisha that exists within the U.S. administration, and praised the successful progress of democratic processes and reform as a whole, as well as Albania’s peaceful policy in the region, which have increased this interest and sympathy in the USA. They went on to discuss the possibility of Albania’s further integration into NATO structures and bilateral relations with the USA within the framework of these structures. At the State Department, Mr. Selami met and spoke with Mr. Ralph Jonson, Coordinator for Eastern European Assistance; Mr. Terry Snell, Director of the Office of Eastern European Affairs; and Mr. John Benton, who handles relations with Albania. Here, too, the discussions focused on the latest political developments in Albania, the progress of reform and related problems, developments in the region and Albania’s position and role in them, the difficult situation of Albanians living in their ancestral lands in Kosovo, Albania’s relations with Greece and Macedonia, and, in particular, recent political developments in those countries. Bilateral relations and the possibilities for further strengthening them were also given considerable attention. At the meeting with Mr. Jonson, the latter emphasized that assistance to Albania would continue and that what had been achieved was encouraging for the U.S. administration and institutions. At these meetings, Mr. Selami also expressed his appreciation for U.S. support. He stressed that Albania would continue to advance rapidly along the path of reform and, through its policies, would always be a factor for stability in the region. The Ambassador of Albania in Washington, Mr. Lublin Dilja, also took part in some of Mr. Selami’s meetings. PDSH Press and Information Department

— «When official holidays fall on days of rest, the time off is taken on the following working days» — — Deputy Kalakula issues a protest statement — «When official holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the days off for those official holidays are shifted to the following working days»—this was the provision in the law «On Official Holidays» approved by the People’s Assembly at the start of yesterday’s plenary session. In other words, if a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the day off is taken on Monday, the first working day following the weekend. Meanwhile, Mr. Arbnori suggested that the government submit bills to the Assembly in good time if they are not urgent, and take a long-term view in preparing them. Nevertheless, the Assembly approved the inclusion on the agenda, under expedited procedure, of two bills ratifying two development credit agreements between the International Development Association and the Albanian Government. These were credits granted by the Association for the Labour Market Development Project and for Technical Assistance for the Social Protection Network. The session then continued with discussion and approval of the bill «On the Local Budget». The organization of government at two levels made it necessary to organize budget administration at these levels as well, which are independent of one another. This bill was therefore drafted to legally establish the new relations and create conditions for the normal functioning of local government. At the end of the session, deputy Petrit Kalakula read a protest statement concerning an article published a few days earlier in the newspaper «RD», which published a facsimile of a statement by Mr. Kalakula. The Assembly continued its work in the afternoon session with the bill «On Certain Amendments to the Tax System». «RD» correspondent

The number of self-employed individuals engaged in trade, handicrafts, transport, etc., in the district of Durrës has reached 3,880, up from 2,115 at the beginning of this year. During this period, these individuals have employed more than 700 other people. The number of private companies has risen markedly. There were 120 such companies, with around 570 employees, at the end of 1992; there are now 275 companies, employing more than 2,000 people. Interest in this sector is high, although a slowdown in large-scale hiring is being observed.

This New Year will be celebrated like never before. To learn about the preparations underway in Tirana, we interviewed Mr. Buran Kaceli, Head of Culture at the Tirana City Hall, who explained: Preparations for the celebration of New Year 1994 have been underway on all fronts to create as festive an atmosphere as possible. The fountains are being repaired so that they will be working. Likewise, part of the work is being carried out in a more vibrant and higher-quality way to improve hygiene in Tirana. The decorations, as well as the festive urban lighting—with its intensity, new designs and distribution not only in the central square but also along the main streets leading from the square and in Tirana’s other squares—will surely create a new and unprecedented atmosphere. All commercial establishments have been asked to decorate and illuminate their premises. In central Tirana, opposite the National Museum, a small fair featuring manufactured goods and children’s toys will also be held to enliven the square further during this now-popular celebration. Artistic events have already begun and will continue intensively, building to a climax with the start of New Year 1994, which this time will be welcomed with fireworks. The European Festival of Feature Films has ended, and the series «Around Fate for 12 Weeks» is continuing. The Christmas concert by the RAX DEI vocal ensemble will give way to the Song Festival on RTV. The concert «New Year’s Greetings» with Odeon, through which the City Council extends its wishes to its citizens, will be followed by the Grand Festive Concert by children from the Children’s Cultural Centre, while Tirana’s central square will resound with humorous festive activities featuring carnival elements. This will be the result of cooperation between the Tirana Circus, the Variety Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Students’ Cultural Centre, the Youth Federation, students, and the carnival association, who believe that this and some other activities will get underway. The aim is to make them a tradition. Prepared by: Z. LLESHI

Truth never exaggerates. What kind of people does the truth have to exaggerate about… I believe you too, Frrok, agree with this thought of Hy…? I believe that you, like yourself, with little formality, consider the truth sacred, something that must be spoken at all times; after all, the truth is also an obligation… after a while, before oneself. If it is necessary to…? For ages, oneself and interest… in … Precisely for this… by way of … an order from…? (As the change was made of…) … in all … that would carry from…? … … Jean-Paul Sartre’s «development» was a circle—the delirium that has taken hold of you has made you forget. Now the truth, Mr. Frrok, is that Jean-Paul Sartre, in response to a question, said: «Development is a circle that ends with me.» And in this latest interview you say more or less the same thing. You put yourself at the centre of the world; you say that the President, the state, Shiku, and journalists must deal with you, as if no one besides you had another concern in this Albania. Doesn’t that seem a little absurd to you? Don’t you think that …? Why does grandeur frighten you? Jean-Paul Sartre really did say, «Development is a circle that…» … ends with me, but he was Jean-Paul Sartre. You, on the other hand, are Frrok Çupi, and apart from destroying Haxhi Lleshi’s chicken collective, I know of no other special merit of yours, either as an intellectual or as a democrat! And I do not want to believe that Haxhi Lleshi’s chickens were attacked by those foxes… Then why has this great commotion been made over your person?! Then why, beyond your absurd position, do you act as if the whole world is looking for you! From the publicity made about you, which … ours, we are in the world, Frrok, understand, we…? … For a learned and well-read person, you have never thought about this aspect. You only want to make others … and perhaps, because you lack sufficient preparation to understand, you fill the vacuum in your knowledge with pure fantasies and even try to convince others that your absolute fantasies are authentic truth. Absurd, Frrok, isn’t it?! I have always been amazed by you. First of all, I was amazed in the summer of 1990, when you began collaborating with the newspaper «Zëri i popullit». At that time the PPSH… (Continued on page 6) It ends with me, but he was Jean-Paul Sartre. Whereas you are Frrok Çupi, and apart from destroying Haxhi Lleshi’s collective chicken farm, by those foxes… Athens, why did all this great fuss about your person happen?! It is all the more striking given your absurd position, as though you were sought after by the whole world! Ever since the news item Frrok, understand, us…? … … as this sem… you try to make yourself… been astonished by you. First of all, I was astonished (Continued on page 6)

… technical … Social Protection. The proceedings of this session then continued with discussion and approval of the draft law … the new one, which is the first day following the official holidays. Meanwhile, Mr. Arbnori suggested to the government that it submit draft laws to the Assembly in good time when they are not urgent in nature, and take a far-sighted approach to preparing them in… … climaxing with the start of the way to the RTV Song Festival. The concert «A New Year’s Greeting» with Odeon, with which the Municipal Council extends its good Festive Concert by the children of the Children’s Cultural Center, while Tirana’s central square will ring with festive, humorous cooperation between the Tirana Circus, the Variety Theater, the Puppet Theater, the Students’ Cultural Center, the Youth Federation, students, and the carnival association, which believe that, like some other activity, it will get under way. Thus, it will become a tradition. Prepared by: Z. LLESHI

ON WATER RELEASES AT THE DRIN CASCADE HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS In recent days, the water levels in the lakes of the Drin cascade hydroelectric power plants have risen because of heavy rainfall in the catchment basin of this river. In this situation, the Fierza hydroelectric power plant was shut down, while production at the Koman and Vau i Dejës hydroelectric power plants was increased to near maximum capacity, with the surplus production being exported. In addition, water began to be released through the spillway gates, and this continued for almost 3 days. During this time, about 78 million cubic meters of water were released at Koman and about 90 million cubic meters at Vau i Dejës. As a result of this rainfall, the level of Lake Fierza rose by about 7 meters. Press spokesperson for the Ministry of Mineral and Energy Resources