-Mr. Tomor Dosti, deputy chairman of PDSH, with the residents of Cërrik- Yesterday in Cërrik, the deputy chairman of PDSH, Mr. Tomor Dosti, together with Mr. Tomor Alizoti, the deputy representing the area, along with the chairman of the PDSH branch in Cërrik, Mr. Xhavit Haxhymeri, as well as the mayor of Cërrik, Mr. Ylli Topalli, held a meeting with the electorate of Cërrik. Those present spoke about the concerns currently affecting the city of Cërrik, such as the lack of drinking water, the lack of electricity, and the lack of jobs, which has consequently led to a decline in the living standards of the residents. It was further said that all these concerns will be submitted to the Head of Government and the President of the Republic in order to intervene as soon as possible to improve the situation. The residents asked for special treatment for Cërrik, also taking into account the serious events this city has gone through. The participants stressed that the city deserves urgent investment in infrastructure, water supply, and the restoration of economic normalcy. The meeting also discussed the importance of political stability and the continuation of democratic reforms. PDSH representatives emphasized that the government must listen directly to citizens and act without delay to solve the most pressing problems of the community.

The transition so quickly from “left” to “right” in Albanian politics, after half a century of division along ideological and political program lines, is called an unprecedented social impulse. This phenomenon is in fact explained by the extreme rejection of the past, the thirst for democracy, and the antipathy toward the totalitarian system. However disorienting the current movements of public opinion may seem, they are a direct reflection of the level of dissatisfaction with yesterday’s regime and of the hope for a new order. After the collapse of communism, an atmosphere was created in which many sought to place themselves as far as possible from the former left. Part of society identified the right with political freedom, with the market, and with the possibility of aligning with the West. This brought an emotional charge that was often translated into immediate and not always well-considered labels. All those who maintained ties with the old state were called leftists, while those who opposed it were called rightists, regardless of their actual convictions or concrete programs. Under Albanian conditions, this division cannot be understood simply according to classical European patterns. Albanian society emerged from isolation without pluralist experience, without a trade-union tradition, and without a consolidated culture of debate. Therefore, the terms were used mostly as signs of political and moral distinction. The lack of strong institutions and the weight of personal biographies made the boundary between ideological stance and attitude toward the past even more unclear. Today, if we want a serious debate about the left and the right, we must start from the programs, from the relationship with property, with individual freedoms, with the role of the state, and with the pace of reforms. Only then will the differences make sense and not remain slogans used as the occasion arises. Albania needs a political system in which camps are measured by alternatives and not only by yesterday’s memory.

Pursuant to Article 93, item “dh”, and Article 106, item “ç” of the main constitutional provisions, I D E C R E E : Article 1 The by-elections for the mayor of the Municipality of Krujë will be held on 29 May 1994, Sunday. Article 2 This decree enters into force immediately. Tirana, 20.4.1994 THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC SALI BERISHA

After the meeting in Minsk with military officials, the American general spoke about the new relations with the countries of Eastern Europe and about NATO’s role in the security of the continent. He stressed that the post-Cold War period has created opportunities for broader military cooperation, but also new requirements for transparency and stability. According to him, an important part of the transformation is linked to opening channels of communication with the states that until yesterday were part of the eastern bloc. In this framework, visits, joint exercises, and the exchange of information are considered necessary steps toward building mutual trust. He underlined that European security can no longer rely on the logic of closed blocs, but on partnership and shared standards. The interview also addressed NATO and its role in the new European order. The general said that the alliance remains a point of reference for stability, but that it must adapt to the new strategic challenges. Cooperation with the former communist countries, according to him, should not be seen as an action against anyone, but as part of a broader security architecture.

Yesterday, Mr. Hysen Çela, Albania’s ambassador in Madrid, presented his credentials to King Juan Carlos I of Spain. During the ceremony held at the Royal Palace, the desire for the further development of friendly relations between the two countries was emphasized. In the talks that followed, the need to strengthen economic, cultural, and diplomatic cooperation was highlighted. The Albanian side expressed interest in expanding contacts and in supporting Albania’s integration processes into European structures. The Press Directorate announcement underlines that the ceremony took place in a spirit of mutual understanding and respect.

ORGAN OF THE SOCIALIST PARTY OF ALBANIA Is ALBANIA becoming PALERMO? Thursday, 20 January 1994 No. 41500 Vëzhguesi

[?] Brief notice on new measures for controlling the carrying of weapons and prosecuting persons who act in violation of the law and constitutional order.[?]

In yesterday’s meeting of the Council of Ministers, it was decided to begin the production of new passports for travel abroad. According to official sources, the new model will have higher security features and will meet the standards required for travel documents. The authorities stressed that the new passports will facilitate the movement of Albanian citizens and will reduce the possibilities of forgery. It was also announced that measures will be taken to organize distribution and to gradually replace the existing documents.

CURRENT AFFAIRS ALLIANCE 3 Society will not become Palermo NO STEP BACK The voice of the 3 United of [?] governm[?] Vëzhguesi[?]