Speech by the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, delivered at the extraordinary conference of the PD on 6 March 1995 Ladies and gentlemen, Distinguished delegates of the national conference, Those present, First of all, I want to sincerely thank you for the invitation you extended to me to this conference. In more than two years in the office of President of the Republic, I have tried to create a clear distance from the political forces of the country, without making any exception, in order thus to respect a constitutional principle; but on the other hand, I have been convinced that, for the sake of the freedom and social peace with which Albania's future will be faced, a strong political leadership is clearly required as well. That was the reason why I strongly supported the implementation of all the reforms that were written into the program of the Democratic Party, the country's largest political force, especially those reforms that fully matched my ideals, convictions, and the national interests of the country. I have clearly proclaimed my conviction that the right-wing forces are naturally inclined and better able to build a market economy and a free society. Likewise, I continue to believe that only within the right-wing forces can one find the abilities, competence, energy, and will to overturn and ultimately uproot the tragic consequences of our past, whereas today's European and world experience shows that a humane, social-democratic society, represented by center-left forces, cannot be built and function unless first the free society based on freedom and human rights is built. Therefore, any weakening of the Democratic Party's right-wing profile or softening of its action against the communist legacy would seriously endanger the success of the reforms and their prospects. I have also supported the conviction that the new majority created on 22 March 1992 by the free vote of the Albanians must regard the democratization process, the building of the rule of law, and the free-market reform as the only way to save the country from deep crisis, to break its long years of isolation, and to put Albania on the road to European integration. Your extraordinary conference has been called at a moment when the reforms have entered a new phase, when their fruits have become tangible for citizens, but also when the difficulties and burdens of the transition are still being felt heavily. This requires not only political determination, but also the ability to analyze the path taken so far realistically, to correct mistakes, and to strengthen the party's political and moral unity. PDSH must remain the main force of democratic change, the guardian of political pluralism and of the country's Western orientation. In this sense, debate, criticism, and differing opinions within a democratic party are not weaknesses, but expressions of its vitality. But they must be guided by responsibility, by respect for institutions, and by the aim of making the party stronger rather than more divided. Albania needs a modern, responsible right wing, capable of governing and bearing the historical burden of transforming the country. Today we can confidently say that, in a short time, Albania has made steps that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago. A pluralist system has been established, free elections have been held, the foundations of a market economy have been laid, the new state administration has been built, and the country has opened up to the world. These are achievements that we must defend at all costs and carry forward. On the other hand, no one should close their eyes to the real problems faced by citizens: unemployment, poverty, inequalities, administrative delays, the lingering influence of old mentalities. It is precisely for this reason that democratic governance must be more sensitive to people's hardships, closer to the citizen, more determined against corruption and arbitrariness. Only in this way can public trust be strengthened and the legitimacy of the reforms preserved. The Democratic Party has a special historical responsibility. It is not merely a party of power, but the force that led the overthrow of the dictatorship and opened the road to freedom in Albania. This legacy gives it the duty to be an example of internal democracy, political honesty, and dedication to the public interest. If we know how to preserve these principles, to correct every deviation with courage, to work with humility and seriousness, I am convinced that PDSH will continue to deserve the trust of Albanians and lead the country toward stability, development, and European integration. (To be continued on page 2)

With 607 votes in favor, 47 against, and 10 abstentions, the conference criticized the PDSH chairman, Mr. Eduard Selami. It called for the PDSH program to be implemented and its alliances to be restructured With 607 votes in favor, 47 against, and 10 abstentions, the conference criticized the PDSH chairman, Mr. Eduard Selami It is called for the PDSH program to be implemented and its alliances to be restructured Until the new PDSH congress, the party will be led by the small presidency, the Secretary General, and 3 Deputy Chairmen Chronicle The extraordinary conference of the Democratic Party was held on Monday, 6 March 1995, under the direction of its chairman, Mr. Aleksandër Meksi, Mr. Safet Zhulali, Mr. Ferdinand Xhaferi, Mr. Tritan Shehu, Mr. Sali Berisha, Mr. Fatos Nano[?], Mr. Bujar Bukoshi[?], Dr. Sali Berisha[?], Mr. Eduard Selami and others. The first actions of the conference focused on examining the decisions of the National Council of PDSH and on discussions about the state of the party, its alliances, and the implementation of its program. After the discussions, the conference approved the National Council's decisions by a clear majority. With 607 votes in favor, 47 against, and 10 abstentions, these decisions were supported and remarks were made to the chairman of PDSH, Mr. Eduard Selami. The adopted resolution emphasizes the need to implement the PDSH program, restructure its alliances, and strengthen the party's internal organization. It was also decided that, until the new PDSH congress, the party would be led by the small presidency, the Secretary General, and three Deputy Chairmen. Messages and greetings from various party structures and supporters were also read at the conference. (To be continued on page 5) MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE In the undisputed determination against any anti-statute manifestation and breach of unity, considering carefully the importance and particularities over several months during the work of the PD's leading forces with its secretary, Dr. Eduard Selami, we, the delegates of the Extraordinary National Conference of the Democratic Party of Albania, gathered on 6 March 1995 in Tirana, decided as follows: 1. To express our complete lack of confidence in the Secretary General of PDSH, Dr. Eduard Selami, for serious violations of the statute and of the decisions of the party forums. 2. To ask the highest forum of the Democratic Party, the National Council, to take the necessary measures to restore the normal functioning of the party structures. 3. To invite all democrats to preserve the unity of the party, implement the program, and intensify political work with the membership and the electorate. (To be continued on page 5)

The full speeches of Messrs. Shuli, Meksi, Arbnori, Selami at the Extraordinary Conference of the PD PD leadership