Statement of the Presidium of the Democratic Party During these past three months, reforms in Albania have also achieved serious progress in foreign policy as well as in the legislative and economic fields. The DPA is committed, with all its energy, to accelerating the pace of reforms and achieving the objectives of its program. It has made, and will continue to make, repeated attempts to achieve the broadest possible consensus on the fundamental issues of reform in Albania. While the current head of the Albanian Socialist Party is deeply shaken by these achievements and is experiencing an unprecedented internal crisis, rooted in his convictions and platform—that is, the massacres of February and April in the dark year of 1991, the corruption and looting of state property by leading figures of the SP, as well as profound despair at the complete failure of the all-out efforts they made over the past three years to block reforms and obstruct the country’s integration into Europe—in these circumstances he has embarked on an unrestrained campaign of attacks, insults, slander, deception and threats against the institutions, order and laws of the democratic state and its leading figures. The [property?] seized with the signatures of Nano, Ruçi, Dokle and someone else is only the tip of the iceberg of the corruption of these figures who have usurped the leadership of the SP. The fate of the millions of dollars in the PPSH solidarity fund, which it used to finance terrorists around the world, as well as the other millions from this fund withdrawn by SP leaders in a wholly illegal manner, is a matter for Albanian justice, and we trust that it will deliver its verdict independently. But for the DP, the abuse and appropriation of state budget funds by the head of the SP is continuing practical evidence of the same self-enrichment and plunder of this people’s property that the PPSH leadership practiced for more than half a century. With complete irresponsibility, the head of the SP tries in his statement to deceive public opinion by claiming that the President of the Republic supposedly labelled the SP a destructive force. This claim is as untrue as it is malicious. The President of the Republic and the DP have always maintained, and will always maintain, an open and loyal position toward all legitimate parties and institutions in Albania. They have not ... all of this is documented. You claim that you now agree that Albania should join the Council of Europe. Yes, it is true: you changed your position after Europe slapped you in the face and made it clear that it wanted nothing to do with you. In your statement you accuse us of having unfairly described you as bearers of the murderous principles of the Albanian Marxist and Stalinist doctrines. Gentlemen, we are not the ones accusing you of loyalty to Marxism and Enver. But we denounce as extremely dangerous to the country and democracy your daily defense of the principles of Marxism and the Albanian Stalinist doctrine in your press and propaganda. Was it not you who, immediately after the referendum, declared the principles of Marxism to be the theoretical basis of your electoral platform, and who celebrated the liberation of the country by cheering Enver? Was it not you who, on the first day of this year, described Enver’s dictatorship in your newspaper in your New Year’s message to Albanians as ... while portraying today’s democracy as a [barrage?], and who, in recent days, have turned your leaflets into leaflets of the Hoxha family? We have stated, and continue to state, that for Albania and the Albanian people, the principles of Marxism and Enver have ... been proven to be doctrines of genocide, collectivism and isolation. On the one hand you shout about a social pact; on the other, you insult, vilify and slander, and use the full force of political thuggery to accuse the elected representatives of this country and its democratic institutions. You call for a social pact while defending the criminal actions of the secret police, collaborating with its former officials and keeping them at the head of the Party. Could a political leadership in democratic Europe accept having at its helm a former minister of State Security who directed the police terror of 1991, during which dozens of people were killed and wounded? No; you stand alone in Europe in this. But keeping G. Ruçi at the head of the SP shows all too clearly what kind of democracy you want and what kind of social pact you seek. Gramoz Ruçi may have your past and future in his hands, but not democracy and its destiny in Albania. We make it clear to you that your calls for a social pact with G. Ruçi at the helm are merely the hypocrisy of criminals who, after committing a crime, seek to replace the rule of law with the rules of Marx[?], violence and terror. For us, the surest social pact is respect for the law and the institutions of the rule of law; we have not accepted, and will not accept, their replacement by any hypocritical Marxist or Enverist dogma. The DP is convinced that your campaign, threats, insults, blackmail and revenge will end in your certain failure. But it warns you: respect the laws and rules of democracy; otherwise, you will bear a heavy responsibility. The DP began 1995 determined to turn it into the year of accelerating reforms. This is in Albania’s interest. It will support the Government and the institutions engaged in these reforms, and calls on all democratic forces to support reform as the surest path to the country’s development and to preventing the establishment of neo-communism in Albania. for blocking reforms and hindering the country’s integration into Europe. In and laws of the democratic state, and against state dignitaries elected by the free vote of the Albanian people. The latest statement by the leadership of this party is also an expression of this angry campaign and of the deep crisis being experienced by the head of the PS. Using vulgar and aggressive terminology, the authors of this statement, at the head of the PS, are trying to pin on the Democratic Party, the Government and the President, the courts, the police, RTV, and the new institutions of the rule of law the true blame for what has been cooked up by the PS and for its future—Nano, Ruçi, Dokle, etc.—and their responsibility for all the actions, crimes, and illegal acts against democratic developments and reforms that they have committed from 1991 to the present. The accusations made in the statement of April 21 and in the election campaign that the socialist leader has been waging for several months to denigrate Albania are clear proof of these extremists’ complete irresponsibility and absurd attitude toward the development of the rule of law and the market economy and Albania’s ongoing consolidation. Thus, the PS leader’s statement defends F. Nano, who robbed us, during one of Albania’s darkest periods, of the food from the mouths of hungry Albanian children—and this is done because F. Nano shared the stolen money with some of them. On this occasion, we want to tell you openly: you may unite and love one another, but for the PD, Fatos Nano is not only an ordinary criminal convicted by Albanian justice for appropriating funds intended to relieve hunger and misery, but also [unclear] for dealing directly with the emergency; he is also responsible for the February 1991 massacre in Shkodër, and we consider not only him but also Gramoz Ruçi responsible for such a massacre. Justice will have its say on this. Whatever you may do, you cannot obstruct the functioning of the rule of law in Albania. In the PS leader’s statement, there is a complaint that the socialist leadership has been called “corrupt.” This is not true. We have declared that [unclear] the scandal of 400 million dollars has led to the PS being labeled a destructive force. This claim is as false the PD loyal attitude never confused or identified the PS, its membership, with certain individuals who, after changing the name of the PPSH to PS, seized its leadership and now abuse the party’s political mandate to defend their monstrous and illegal actions. But the PD also informs the PS leadership that nothing will prevent this party from denouncing the murder of Arben Broci and the violence against the other martyrs during the Black Year of ’91; those responsible are [unclear] Nano, Ruçi, and Dokle, who after their deaths called the martyrs terrorists, murderers, etc. In its statement, the socialist leadership at the head of the PS complains that PS leaders have been called nihilists and anti-reformists, that they engage in [unclear] nihilism and opposition to reform, that they engage in terrorism, show contempt for people, and seek clashes between people. Then we ask ourselves: are you not, gentlemen of the PS leadership, the ones who voted against the Charter of Freedom and Human Rights? Were you not the ones who voted against hundreds and hundreds of reform laws, who boycotted the vote and discussions on the distribution of securities and voted against the law governing them? Were you not the ones who gleefully joined in spreading the lie that the European Union had halted funding for Albania, when in fact it allocated 100 million dollars to the country? Are you not the ones who want to turn the bread problem into a bogeyman for people through your press, when Albanians now have bread of every kind? Were you not the ones who, three days ago, lied and spread disinformation through ZP about the value of investment in Albania, speculating in a truly wretched way? Was it not Kastriot Islami who, after giving the order to fire on people in front of Parliament in 1991, called at the July 31, 1993 rally for cafés to open and the elections to be delayed? Was it not the head of the PS in Kuçovë who, at the gathering on November 3, called for bloodshed? Was it not F. Nano who stood before the Albanian Parliament against Albania’s membership in NATO, and N. Dokle who told the Council of Europe delegation that the apple was not yet ripe? [The text repeats the following passage:] They label the PS a destructive force. This claim is as false the PD loyal attitude toward all legitimate parties and institutions in Albania. while on the other you insult, vilify, and slander, using the full force of political thuggery against this country’s elected representatives and the criminal deeds of the secret police, collaborating with its leaders a political leadership in a democratic Europe accept having at its head and wounded? No—you are the head of the PS he does not have democracy and its fate in Albania in his hands. nothing but the hypocrisy of criminals who, having committed crimes, of Marx[?], violence, and terror. For us, the safest of the rule of law, and we have not accepted and will not accept replacing them with any hypocritical Marxist or Enverist dogma. The PD is convinced that your campaign, threats, insults, blackmail, and revanchism bear a heavy responsibility. The PD began 1995 determined to make it a year of accelerating reforms. This is in Albania’s interests. It will support the Government and the institutions committed to these reforms, and all democratic forces should support the reforms preventing the establishment of neo-communism in Albania. You, Mr. Ashiku, belong to that type of uncultured and uninformed person whom the dictatorship created as its offspring. This is not the first time that “KJ” correspondent for Korçë, Gezim Ashimi, has insulted Korçë and its people. But we know you and know who you are. Petrag Kita RD correspondent, Korçë

The chairman of the DPA parliamentary group, Mr Ali Spahia, announced yesterday from Strasbourg that the memorandum prepared by journalists concerning Albania’s admission as a full member of the Council of Europe had been distributed to the members of that organization’s Political Committee. This committee will review these materials in the coming days. Reporters note that the material is very positive regarding democratic, economic and political developments in Albania after the communist dictatorship. Press and Information Office at the DPA

Lord Finsberg contemptuously dismisses Dokle’s statements and the lies of the [kapertit?] Nazarko The Press and Information Office at the President’s Office reports, by way of a letter dated 20.4.1995 from the Chargé d’Affaires of the British Embassy in Tirana, Mr Stephen Nash, that Lord Finsberg wishes to make the following points specifically concerning what was written in “Dita Informacion” dated 9.3.1995: ... Albania’s membership of the Council of Europe. On the contrary, he has asked his 2. Mr Dokle, who is also quoted, is lying. Lord Finsberg has never had anything but the highest regard for President Berisha and his Government, and every ... The Information Office at the President’s Office reports, through wishes to make the following specific denials regarding what was written in “Dita Informacion” on 3.9.1995: 1. “Dita Informacion” is completely lying when it says that Lord Finsberg is an obstacle to [unclear]. 2. The quoted Mr. Dokle is also regard for President Berisha and his Government, and anyone who says that he has criticized the Albanian Government is not telling the truth.

Kossiga: “I greatly value the balance and foresight of your foreign policy” Yesterday, President of the Republic Sali Berisha received the former President of the Italian Republic and life Senator Francesco Kossiga, and His Eminence Cardinal Pio Laghi. Yesterday, President of the Republic Sali Berisha received the Kossiga, and His Eminence Cardinal Pio Laghi. He described Mr Kossiga as a valued friend of our people, esteemed and honoured by Albanians. On this occasion, he expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided by the people, government and institutions of Italy, and stressed the deep friendship that characterizes relations between our two countries. President Berisha asked Cardinal Laghi to convey his warmest greetings to the Holy Father and stressed that Albania and the Vatican have had a historic alliance. Mr Kosiga expressed his appreciation for the deep sincerity in the country and spoke highly of the regional policy pursued by Albania as an important factor for peace and stability. policy,” he said. “With a different policy, we might have been engulfed in conflicts as bloody as those in the north of your country.” Press and Information Office at the President’s Office

. The President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, takes part. Messages from Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. Sali Berisha, Cossiga, the highest authorities of Albania’s three religious faiths, clergy who came from Italy, representatives of the diplomatic corps, etc., took part in the ceremony held on the outskirts of Tirana,

According to the ANA news agency, commenting on President Berisha’s interview, Greek Foreign Minister Karolos Papulias once again stressed the importance of Greek-Albanian relations. Relations between Greece and Albania are very important not only for the two countries, but also for the other countries of the Balkans, he said in Ioannina.

The inauguration of medical services at the At Luixhi Monti polyclinic yesterday afternoon on Kavaja Street—the third event in two days in Tirana—concluded the series of inaugurations of cultural and healthcare facilities funded through combined investments and assistance from the “Our Lady of Good Counsel” Foundation. The first phase has been completed… This clinic’s first phase has been completed, including the mammography department, for breast cancer screening, and the pharmacy. Work is continuing on the dermatology, ophthalmology, and dental service facilities, which are expected to begin operating in September this year. Around 4 billion lire are being spent on this new healthcare facility. In the mammography department, where breast cancer examinations began in February this year, around 800 women have so far been screened free of charge; their number is expected to reach 6,000 within a year and a half. After greetings from the congregation’s superior general (Continued on page 2)

—The 150 thousand dollars have disappeared for good EDI PALOKA Waving two photographs of a printing press on the television screen, Dokle tried to sound convincing when he declared that they had bought the printing press and that now (after four years) it was merely waiting to be collected. Dokle, the signatory authorizing the transfer of 150 thousand dollars to Canada, and those helping him are trying to convince us that there is no problem whatsoever regarding the printing press. But, unfortunately for him, Dokle has no document proving that the 150 thousand dollars went toward the printing press. The contract Dokle talks about has so far been seen by nobody, not even by the interested people in the PS. Meanwhile, the “famous” telex in which, according to Dokle, the Canadian company informs “ZP” that it has bought a number of parts for the printing press is in no way a legal document. Having been informed that attempts were being made to fabricate false documents, “RD” exposed this fact before Dokle presented the telex “in English” on TV. In any case, Dokle has now understood that the avenues of escape for him and the others with their hands in the 4,000-thousand-dollar scandal are closed. The 150 thousand dollars sent to Canada have disappeared for good, and even if Dokle truly wanted them returned, that would be entirely impossible. It has now been proven that the other 250 thousand dollars were misused by PS leaders and are no longer in the Bank. So, regardless of how all the PS leaders and others raise their hands as if innocent, the 400 thousand dollars have disappeared, and they will be held responsible for it. On the “Alia-Nano-Dokle-Ruçi-Bene” scandal

Reply to Agap Prosi, alias Gjinmushi The godfather of Agap Prosi is Gramoz Ruçi Prominent figures of our “Nastradinjada” The two Namiks, two Nastradins of Albanian politics The decision on the appointment of experts is announced

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This weekend, President Berisha came to Korçë to wish Orthodox believers a happy Easter. He was warmly received by hundreds and thousands of people who were present to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those who were present know well how the citizens of Korçë, Orthodox and Muslim alike, gathered in the square of the “Life-Giving Spring” Church, received President Berisha—better than you, who choose the path of disinformation and deception. During his visits to families, President Berisha found the hospitality with which every Albanian honors himself, his family, his ancestors, and his city. President Berisha’s walk through the city of Korçë was of the same character. As for you, Gezim Ashimi, you are not from Korçë (although you write about it in “KJ”). You seek to call into question Korçë’s culture, traditions, its renowned hospitality, and the values for which it has always been mentioned and respected. Përtaq Kita RD correspondent, Korçë