The speech of the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, delivered on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Congress of Lushnje Ladies and gentlemen, veterans of the Vlora War, descendants of the delegates of the Congress of Lushnje, esteemed participants... Ladies and gentlemen, veterans of the Vlora War, descendants of the delegates of the Congress of Lushnje, distinguished participants, Today we commemorate with respect one of the most outstanding events in the history of the Albanian nation. The Congress of Lushnje is undoubtedly one of the most important assemblies of our country, which, in the most critical moments of our national existence, knew how to rise above divisions and place the fate of Albania in the hands of Albanians. At the beginning of 1920, Albania faced a real danger of partition. The great powers, secret treaties and the unjust decisions of the time had called its existence as an independent state into question. The government of Durrës, formed under difficult circumstances, was not able to defend the vital interests of the country. In these conditions, the most enlightened men of the nation gathered in Lushnje and, with rare courage, decided to establish a new government, independent and born of the national will. The Congress of Lushnje marked the re-establishment of Albania's political sovereignty. It gave the country a national government, a High Council, a Senate and a clear orientation toward the consolidation of state institutions. Its decisions put an end to any illusion of protectorates or foreign tutelage and firmly proclaimed that Albanians would be masters of their own destiny. This congress was also a lofty act of national unity. Representatives from all regions took part, with different political and religious beliefs, but united by the ideal of freedom and independence. In this sense, the Congress of Lushnje was not only a political event; it was a fundamental moment in our national consciousness. After it came the Vlora War, which sealed with arms what the Congress had declared by political decision. It showed that when a nation unites around great ideals, it can overcome any danger and any occupation. Today we return to the Congress of Lushnje not only to honor the past, but to draw lessons for the present and the future. Albania always needs the spirit of that congress: the spirit of unity, of state responsibility, of the primacy of national interest over every other interest. Let us bow with respect before the work of the delegates of Lushnje. Let us honor their memory by building a democratic, free and European Albania. Long live Albania!

The Chairman of the Presidium of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, delivered on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Congress of Lushnje Today we commemorated the 75th anniversary of the National Congress of Lushnje with the highest honor and with our national longing, because it is the most popular, most inclusive, most effective and most decisive congress in our entire national history in our century. In its composition, this congress embodied and most worthily represented the most powerful political, ideological, religious and regional currents of the Albanian nation. The second Lushnje is the noblest, most humane and most advanced congress in the world in the struggle against aggression and against occupation. With its decisions it proclaimed before the entire Albanian nation the final break with the Ottoman concept of the Albanian state and society. With its decisions it laid the foundations of the modern Albanian state. The High Council, the government, the senate and parliament were elected. It sent to the world that the citizens of this country are determined to govern themselves in freedom and independence. On the other hand, it definitively cast off the claws of the anti-national policy of the government of Durrës. The Congress of Lushnje brought us back to the great hope of the Albanian nation for the freedom and independence of the country. The Congress of Lushnje was the congress of will and democracy. Representatives from all over Albania gathered there, regardless of beliefs or regions. This made it an example of political maturity and national responsibility. Today, 75 years later, we bow with respect before the men who made that great historical turning point possible. Republic of Albania

N. disinformers have been stoking, from the decision, without basis and at every aggressive time, that the laughs are going on, every day of the time that passes by them. The trait of this [text] is degrading. Albanian sheets, others not more determined, the hatred without restraint, and laughter only with times, the analysts and those who prepare this material, is completely without journalistic standards. From the very beginning of this [text] they confuse the giving, donating it in a rather noisy way even before tomorrow. There is no argument here. Only insinuation, fabrication and vulgar language. The path taken by this kind of writing is a symptom of a sick political culture. It aims not to inform, but to poison the public climate. That is why the honest reader rejects it. (continued on page 7)

"The Socialist Party's alternative is??? Alternative! PS. If the problem is with PDNJ's hooked nose, whose are the alternatives of the PS" DEBALCA Archives! PS, even with [illegible text] clarified, their alternatives change, [illegible text] their activations [illegible text] after [illegible text]. Democratic Albania, 17 January 1995 In the article titled "The alternative of the PS [..]" the newspaper [..] [..] [unclear text] ... (continues on page 7)

What they say is that the PD has gone out in force, "knowledge" in the toxic sowing of the dictatorship the more democratic processes penetrate in Albania; the more they feel threatened. They are the most compromised voice of the communist regime, former chiefs of the state security who testify to defend themselves but do not have the courage to come forward with names and act themselves. I would like to say together with a studio and with the Albanian lesson, together—not very dear. Exclusive interview for "RD" by Piti[t]init Your accounts are settled only by the court, comrade Sejdo!

Page 2 Your accounts are settled only by the court, comrade Sejdo! Page 3 How will securities be distributed? Page 5 Interview with the Director of the National Theatre Dhimiter Anagnosti Page 5 Football, championships in Europe - by Ildi Haveri Page 8