Yesterday, the ceremony establishing the Albanian university was held in Tetovo, an important event for the Albanian language and Albanian-language education. The act of formally inaugurating the founding assembly of this university had been scheduled to take place at midday in the Tetovo municipal assembly building, but although the building was surrounded by a large number of Macedonian police forces, the announcement of the decision to establish the university was made in the morning at another venue, in the presence of representatives of the municipalities of Struge, Diber, Kercove, Kumanove, Tetove, Gostivar, Manastir and Shkup, representatives of the Albanians in the Macedonian government, etc. PDP deputy Arber Xhaferi also spoke at the gathering. Following the decision adopted by the founding assembly, the Albanian-language university in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was named “University of Tetovo,” with its seat in Tetove, and has the status of a legal entity. Initially, the university will have faculties of philology, philosophy, mathematical and natural sciences, law, economics, and arts. The University of Tetovo will base its activities on the Macedonian educational legal system. Its curricula are harmonized with those of the existing faculties in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Until funding is approved from the budget of the Macedonian Republic, the financial resources for the university’s activities will be provided voluntarily by the population and various donors. The university’s founding council is tasked with drawing up the university statute and all other regulatory acts within the next 60 days, while by 20 December of this year it will organize the admissions competition and enrollment of students for the 1994–1995 academic year. The opening of the University of Tetovo fulfills a long-standing dream of the Albanian people in Macedonia; it gives concrete form to their perseverance. They were not defeated by the violence of the Macedonian authorities, but responded to it with Albanian wisdom and ingenuity. No one could deny Albanians the right to be educated in their own language and to have their own university, which will be a center of knowledge and culture. The opening of the University of Tetovo was a legitimate right of the Albanian people, one that will contribute to greater understanding between the Albanian and Macedonian peoples.

MONDAY, 12 DECEMBER ■ Four years since the founding of the first opposition party, the political force that brought down the communist dictatorship in Albania and marked the revival of Albania and the Albanians; four years since the founding of the PDSH. Albanian democrats, their supporters and sympathizers celebrated the day throughout Albania. All those who, in December ’90 and afterward, filled the squares with calls of “Down with the dictatorship,” “Freedom—Democracy,” “Albania is with you,” and others remembered it with nostalgia and pride. The symbolic ceremony, however, was held at the International Center of Culture in Tirana, with more than 500 people in attendance, including initiators, members, intellectuals, sympathizers, etc. In his welcoming remarks, the leader of the Albanian democrats, Eduard Selami, emphasized, among other things: “The PDSH is not simply a political force, but a historic opportunity, a national mission, a path set in the right direction toward freedom and human rights, toward national success and progress.” ■ On Monday morning, proceedings opened at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana for the 4th Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of ... One of the messages of the history of these countries, President Berisha emphasized, calls on all of us not to allow the totalitarian ideology from which we suffered so much to be replaced by another totalitarian ideology—that of aggressive rationalism—which has been and remains a source of misfortunes and catastrophes, like the horrors caused even in our own time... With the firm commitment of all our countries, President Berisha continued, we can curb the spread of new hotbeds of conflict and help create a climate that favors the resolution of existing conflicts. The welcome on behalf of the host was delivered by Mr. Arnbori, the current president of PABSEC. Mr. Moroz emphasized in his speech: “Resolving our common problems is a guarantee of peace in our region.” Discussions by the other members followed. ■ Paris—Prime Minister Meksi and French Foreign Minister Alain Zhype sign the Treaty of Understanding, Cooperation and Friendship between the Republic of Albania and the French Republic. The agreement thus provides for the establishment and further development of relations between the two countries. France supports Albania’s admission to the Council of Europe. ■ Increasing economic cooperation was at the center of the meeting between the President of the Republic, Mr. Berisha, and the delegation of the Italian Guardia di Finanza. TUESDAY, 13 DECEMBER ■ The hunger strike by residents of the flooded areas in Kukës has drawn the attention and care of the official authorities; President Berisha and the deputies from Kukës have lobbied on the issue. The President has asked the Government to implement the decrees and calls on them to [wording unclear]. Responsibility(?) They should be granted the loan to which they are entitled under the law. The Government is making 200 million new lekë available. 2) Work intensively toward full compensation for the residents of the flooded areas. ■ Subsequently, Deputy Prime Minister Vrioni signs the order establishing a working group that will report to the Government by 27 December 1994. The head of the Ministry of Finance confirms that funds have begun to be disbursed for the construction of homes through the National Housing Agency. ■ Asked by “RD,” deputies Hoxha, Mustafa and Jaku say the strikers’ demands are justified, while suggesting that some may be exaggerated. ■ Paris: Prime Minister Meksi is received by the Minister for European Affairs, Alen Lamasyr. ■ Meeting of the PDSH with the Association of Former Kulaks, victims of economic and political persecution. ■ “RD” publishes a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Woren Kristofer, given to the ABC network: “We have made it clear to the Serbs in Belgrade that we will take specific action if the conflict spreads to Kosovo.” ■ The first session of the Assembly ... fourth of APBEDZ concludes successfully. Mr. Pjetër Arbnori assumes the rotating presidency of this Assembly. WEDNESDAY, 14 DECEMBER ■ Prime Minister Meksi concludes his visit to France and leaves for another working visit, to Egypt. ■ Parliament. Deputies from various political forces call for the presidential decrees concerning the dismissal and appointment of several ministers to be reviewed when Prime Minister Meksi comes to Parliament. The law “On the Status of the Disabled” is approved, and it is decided that the Association of Work-Disabled People will be funded by the state. Once again, the system’s care for this social group is highlighted. The agreement concerning the loan for the rehabilitation project for the Durrës water supply system is also ratified. ■ The EU Ambassador Elio Germanio confirms to reporters the European Union’s political goodwill in supporting reforms and democratic processes in Albania. The future is more promising: long-term programs with maximum impact are envisaged. THURSDAY, 15 DECEMBER ■ In the next two issues of “RD,” in the news broadcasts on RTVSH, in “Rilindja,” etc., the “Adoption of the Draft Resolution on the Human Rights Situation in Kosovo” is reported. It is a success for Albanian diplomacy. Albania initiated this Draft Resolution, whose adoption will place Kosovo on the agenda of the UN General Assembly. The Draft Resolution was adopted with 105 votes in favor, 3 against and 36 abstentions. This success confirms the sound policy pursued by Albanian diplomacy in resolving the national question. ■ In Cairo, following a high-level meeting between Prime Ministers Meksi and Ezkin, cooperation agreements are signed in (Continued on page 2)

—For the first time this century, precipitation in the northeastern part of the country is at zero, and water levels in the lakes of the Drin Cascade are such that, unless electricity is rationed, these hydroelectric power plants may have to stop operating— At the proposal of the Ministry of Mineral and Energy Resources, the Government decided to declare a state of emergency over the energy situation that has arisen in our country at a meeting held yesterday at midday with the prefects and directors of the country’s energy enterprises. The decision adopted on this occasion sets out the measures needed to address the situation. 1. All power-generating units are to operate at full capacity, regardless of financial considerations. 2. Efforts to import a greater quantity of electricity are to continue. 3. The number of industrial facilities consuming electricity is to be limited. 4. Hydroelectric power plants, thermal power plants and power-generation facilities with a voltage of 35 kW or more are to be declared facilities of particular importance. These facilities are to be guarded by law-enforcement forces. 5. Electricity consumption is to be reduced by district, while ensuring uninterrupted supply to hospitals, drinking-water pumping stations, communications and mines that are affected by the lack of electricity. 6. A government task force and task forces at the prefectural level are to be established to oversee the specific measures, beginning at 01:00 on 18 December 1994.

Interview with Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Dashamir Shehi, given to TVSH Mr. Shehi: “In reality, the electricity situation is extraordinary; unfortunately, it has been like this for some time.” Mr. Shehi: “In reality, the electricity situation is extraordinary; unfortunately, it has been like this for some time. Today it has been definitively established, although we are not going to alternate—[the water levels] have fallen below the levels historically recorded here. This concerns meteorological phenomena that have not recurred for around 100 years. This is the kind of situation that has not been seen in the circumstances of the...”

Yesterday evening, President Berisha received the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Ibrahim Rugova. The two presidents discussed the results of Mr. Rugova’s visits to the United States and Germany, the situation in the region, and the latest developments in Kosovo and Macedonia. They underlined the deep concern of the United States and Germany over the repression being exercised in Mitje in Kosovo, and praised the support these countries provide for preventing conflict in Kosovo, as well as their full commitment to finding a solution to this complicated problem. Regarding events in Macedonia, the two presidents stated that stability in that country is very important not only for Macedonia itself, but for the entire region. They are of the view, however, that the opening of a university and higher education institutions for Albanians there, in accordance with international legislation as well as the constitution and legislation of Macedonia, is a very important event for the Albanians of Macedonia and the Albanian world as a whole. This increases the role, participation and contribution of Albanians to the stability, development and prosperity of this republic. Both presidents stressed that dialogue, not violence, is the way to reduce interethnic tensions and resolve problems relating to the protection of the human and national freedoms and rights of Albanians, something that serves the interests of all parties concerned with Macedonia’s stability. Press and Information Office of the President

—Also taking part are PD leaders: chairman Selami, secretary-general Shehu, Interior Minister Musaraj Yesterday in the city of Berat, the leadership of the PD branch in the city met to discuss the reasons for the result ... They raised their observations and objections regarding the weaknesses displayed by the branch leadership during the latest campaign ...

Mr. Shehi: In reality, the electricity situation is extraordinary; unfortunately, it has been this way for some time. it has been this way for some time. Today it was finally decided, although we see no other alternative because of the lack of rainfall, to take this kind of decision and give it precisely this name: “state of emergency.” Water levels in the Drin hydroelectric cascade have fallen below the levels historically recorded. This concerns meteorological phenomena that have not been repeated not seen even during the driest summer, let alone in winter, and it has caused some hydroelectric plants to shut down, such as those on the Mat River, which are producing no electricity at all. The northern hydroelectric plants, which have been Albania’s largest producers, are below their limits. If this same meteorological situation continues, we will face the closure of the hydroelectric plants. By yesterday, we in Albania had consumed around 13 million kW in 24 hours. These are the highest consumption peaks reached in the last two years; Albania has never had such consumption. Today we are able to produce (for the reasons mentioned above) 1.5 million using hydroelectric plants. We have put the Fier thermal power plant into operation, and it produces 2.5 million; we still have a very large deficit. We have contracted with all neighboring countries to borrow electricity. We have received some from Greece for several days, but even Greece is not able to supply us regularly every day. Other countries, such as Bulgaria, have problems of the same kind themselves, because the lack of rainfall has been widespread. We are trying to connect our electricity grid to the Balkan grid through the former Yugoslavia, so that the grid can be kept technically stable. This entire situation has only one solution: drastically reducing consumption by 50%. If this situation continues, we will be forced to reduce consumption by even more than 50%. For now, we consider a reduction in consumption to this level sufficient. How will you proceed with what you have said? —It will be handled through a central government commission, which I chair. Commissions will be established in the prefectures under this decision, which the government is approving today. The decisions of these… (Continued on page 2)

Minister of Mineral and Energy Resources Mr. Abdyl Xhaja speaks Asked about the energy situation and the measures taken by the government, the Minister of Mineral and Energy Resources, Mr. Abdyl Xhaja, said that so far there have been concerns about the distribution network connected with heating the population using electricity, because these concerns became evident after October. The distribution network, with the investments that have been made, has been able to handle lighting, cooking, and the operation of information services, despite the fact that over the last two years electricity consumption for these purposes has been about six times higher than before. Mr. Xhaja said that the country is now in an extraordinary situation in terms of electricity production, a situation described as the reverse of flooding, because perhaps for the first time this century, rainfall in the northern region is almost Drin River cascade are such that, after a few days, if water is not used rationally, the hydroelectric plants may have to stop operating. Because of the lack of inflows, the hydroelectric plants on the Mat River, Uznadhe and Shkopeti, have currently been shut down. The minister went on to say that water inflows into the Drin River cascade translate into the production of around 1 million kWh of electricity per day, which, together with the small hydroelectric plants, reaches 1.5 million kWh per day, while 13.5 million kWh are consumed daily. To cope with this extraordinary situation, Mr. Xhaja said, emergency measures have been taken by bringing the Fier thermal power plant and the other thermal facilities into operation. Electricity has been imported in recent days, and efforts are being made to increase the quantity imported, but it still cannot cover current consumption. Therefore, alongside the measures already taken to shut down several major industrial facilities, the government decided to declare a state of emergency. Government members and managers of the country’s energy enterprises, in their discussions, stressed the need to make the public aware of the situation and said that electricity cannot continue to be used for heating. They also called for concrete measures to supply the population with kerosene and other fuels.

Yesterday in the city of Berat, the leadership of the PD branch in the city met to discuss the reasons for the result of the referendum on the draft constitution, in the presence of the chairman of the Democratic Party, Eduard Selami, the Secretary-General, Mr. Tritan Shehu, and members of the leadership, Merita Zaloshnja and Interior Minister Agron Musaraj. for the result of the referendum on the draft constitution, in the presence of the chairman of the Democratic Party, Eduard Selami, the Secretary-General, Mr. Tritan Shehu, and members of the leadership, Merita Zaloshnja and Interior Minister Agron Musaraj. In his speech, the chairman of the Berat PD branch, Eduart Dollanani, highlighted the work carried out by the branch during the recent campaign, with its achievements and shortcomings. He stressed that the work done had not been insignificant, but that the results were negatively affected by problems such as water, electricity, and corruption noticed among certain individuals, which led to the result that is now known. He then emphasized the difficulties that had recently hindered the branch’s effective work. Other members of the leadership, including Secretary-General Illirian Peco, Afërdita Zere, Kudret Eskiu, Nasho Koroveshi, Gjalli Sina, and the chairman of FRPD Berat, Gjergj Hodova, presented their criticisms and objections concerning the shortcomings shown by the branch leadership during the recent campaign, the political visits to the villages, the personnel policy which in many cases missed the mark and was guided by personal connections and certain circles, relations between the PD and the Forum, and so on. In his speech, Mr. Selami praised the work done by the branch and at the same time considered the criticisms directed at the central and local authorities to be justified. “Without resolving the urgent problems and choosing people with a good reputation, we cannot move forward,” Selami said. He described the 1996 electoral battle as extremely intense. Selami spoke about the opportunities that should be created within the branch to hear everyone’s voice, a fairer balance regarding the presence of young people in the PD, coordination of the links in the party–parliamentarian–local government chain, etc. S.BALLA

Yesterday, the chairman of the PD parliamentary group, Ali Spahia, the State Secretary for Local Government at the Ministry of the Interior, Njazi Kosovrasti, and presidential adviser Fatos Harizaj met with representatives of the villages flooded by the waters of Lake Fierza, who have been confined in a hunger strike for 14 days. They were accompanied by Kukes MP Mustaf Mustafa, the prefect of Kukes, Hasite Tropojes, Selman Agolli, and the chairman of the Kukes district council, Uk Todaj. In his remarks, Mr. Spahia stressed that the resolution of the problems was on the right track, although there were difficulties that could not be resolved. (Continued on page 7)

The end justifies the means. This Machiavellian idea was one of the most significant elements of the criminal PPSH gang’s policy for seizing power in ’46 and holding on to it until ’90. This immoral, criminal idea, typical of dictators, has now become a favored strategy of PS leaders as well. PS Machiavellians have demonstrated this Machiavellian strategy at every step of their politics, at the most opportune moments for creating political destabilization, precisely when the course of democratic reform was proceeding normally in its social and political circumstances. One of the elements of the Machiavellianism of PS leaders (Continued on page 7)