Meeting of the Secretary-General of the PDSH, Mr. Tritan Shehu, with intellectuals and supporters in Kuçove The aim of consolidating the DP in general for the ’96 elections is clearly noteworthy. This was one of the main points of the PDSH General Secretariat’s platform at its meeting with intellectuals in Kuçove. Speaking about the DP’s structures, Mr. Shehu said that Kuçova is mistakenly treated as an electorate dominated by the far left. He explained again that the DP was not a party based on particular personalities, but on the ideals and votes of its grassroots intelligentsia. In this connection, Shehu mentioned the DP’s reorganization at the meetings of the National Council and the Extraordinary Conference. The DP emerged from apathy and from certain artificial tendencies toward closing itself off. However, he criticized the work of the DP structures in Kuçove, anticipating changes that the party assembly and conference in this district would bring. Mr. Shehu once again stressed the need for the DP, now more than ever, to emphasize honest and knowledgeable people, particularly those committed to standing up to the sophisticated, destructive propaganda of the far left. The DP has accomplished the greater part of its program, having found a country devastated by the communist dictatorship. Mr. Shehu once again stated that the DP’s program had set out to establish a Marxist foundation for the Socialist leadership. He explained that there are indeed people calling for the renewal and reform of the PS, but “its leadership is in the hands of conservative, Marxist-Leninist elements.” Therefore, the Secretary-General stressed, the DP’s organization must make the party’s grassroots offensive against the opposition’s nihilistic propaganda, ensuring that “victory is possible even in Kuçove.” Responding to the DP’s role as an open party, Shehu noted that the DP must contribute honestly in the service of democracy, toward consolidating the foundations laid by the reforms and assistance of the democratic government. “At the macroeconomic level, there is progress that should make us proud,” said Mr. Tritan Shehu. While expressing confidence that Albania would be admitted to the EC very soon, Mr. Shehu made clear that Albania nevertheless remains the poorest country in Europe, because of the conditions inherited by today’s government from the post-dictatorial government. “It will be a long and difficult road,” Mr. Shehu stated. than ever, of honest and knowledgeable people, especially those devoted to confronting the sophisticated, destructive propaganda of the extreme left. The PD has carried out the overwhelming majority of its program after finding a country devastated by the communist dictatorship. Once again, Mr. Shehu stated that the PD’s program had provided for drafting a constitutional project and making efforts to give the country a constitution. “But the effort of just one political force was not enough for this,” said Mr. Shehu, referring to the opposition’s unconstitutional strategy. The discussion then turned to the intensification of the political struggle in the country. Mr. Shehu again mentioned the real danger of neocommunism because of its dictatorial nature. said. Finally, Shehu stated that the PD is the country’s leading political force; without it, the right cannot be understood. Reiterating that the PD had no pre-election coalitions, Shehu said that another victory for democracy in 1996 was necessary as a condition for consolidating democratic society. “To achieve this,” Mr. Shehu concluded, “a strong PD is needed, with people who know how to explain its program.” He stressed that the PD must be aware of its size and strength, describing the PD’s economic policy as an epic of the center-right. IDLIR AZIZI

French President Shirak writes to President Berisha In recent days, the President of the Republic, Mr. Sali Berisha, received a letter from the President of France, Zhak Shirak, who writes, among other things: “I wish to confirm to you my desire to deepen political dialogue and cooperation between our two countries, with a view to Albania’s gradual rapprochement with the European Union. France will continue to support Albania on the path of reforms to which you are committed.” In his letter, President Shirak also responds positively to the invitation to visit Albania and expresses his pleasure at the prospect of this visit. Press and Information Office attached to the President

Albania’s admission to the EC The BBC correspondent in Rome, Ilir Gurakuqi, met Mr. Mirko Tremalia, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Italian Parliament, at the seat of the Italian Parliament and interviewed him about the visit to Albania. Among other things, he asked him: Mr. Tremalia: Is there a chance that Albania will become a member of the Council of Europe at the end of June? I think this is something that has been definitively settled. We will strongly support it. Italy is in favor of Albania and the Albanian people, also because this is a people that has suffered more than any other under communist dictatorship and barbarism. Albania’s admission to the Council of Europe is an act of justice on the

Yesterday at midday, the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, received the Speaker of the Romanian Parliament, Mr. Adrian Nastasse. President Berisha expressed his satisfaction with the visit of Mr. Nastasse and the representatives of the Romanian parliamentary parties, considering it a further contribution to the historically friendly relations and cooperation between our two countries, as well as to working contacts between the two parliaments. He gave a brief account of the progress of the far-reaching reforms in our country, focusing on various issues such as privatization, the distribution of vouchers, etc. President Berisha stated that Albania and Romania, as countries entering a new but also difficult era, have ample scope for comprehensive cooperation. Mr. Nastasse, also speaking on behalf of the other members of the delegation, said he was pleased to be visiting Albania for the third time, and to see the great and rapid changes there. Our visit, he said, brings a message of friendship and a willingness to cooperate in all fields, and serves to revive the historical and friendly ties between our two peoples.

At the invitation of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, a Romanian parliamentary delegation arrived in our country yesterday, headed by the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Adrian Nastase. The deputy chairs of the Presidium, Tomor Malasi and Shaqir Vukaj, a group of members of parliament, and Romania’s ambassador to Tirana, George Miku, went to meet them at Rinas Airport. At the meeting held in the morning between the Romanian parliamentary delegation and the chairman of the DP parliamentary group, a representative of the PS parliamentary group, and the chairman of the PSD parliamentary group, they exchanged experience gained in establishing and consolidating a democratic state governed by the rule of law, and discussed steps taken toward a market economy through the privatization process. (Continued on page 2)

As part of its visit to our country, the Romanian parliamentary delegation, headed by Mr. Adrian Nastasse, was received yesterday afternoon by the Speaker of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Pjeter Arbnori. “Friendship between our two peoples and countries,” Mr. Arbnori said, among other things, “is a strong historical foundation for making further progress along the path of cooperation, toward a market economy, the implementation of comprehensive reforms, and the full democratization of our societies.” Mr. Nastasse stated, among other things, that in Romania Mr. Arbnori’s character is well known as that of a figure who has (Continued on page 2)

At the meeting that Prime Minister Meksi held with Mr. Nastasse yesterday afternoon, they exchanged views on the avenues and opportunities available to Albania and Romania for increasing trade and cooperation in the economic sphere, as well as in education, culture, and science. Mr. Meksi emphasized the importance of the Joint Economic Commission in identifying areas for bilateral cooperation, as well as the need for exchanges between private businesses. It is the duty of our governments to create the most favorable conditions possible and to help facilitate trade between (Continued on page 2)

Every intellectual must be conscious of his moral responsibilities toward his country The Third DP Conference for the Agricultural University in Kamëz was held The Third DP Conference for the University was held in the cinema hall at the Agricultural University in Kamëz. Attending were the deputy chairman of the PDSH, Mr. Tomor Dosti, and the chairman of the FRPD, Afrim Krasniqi. The two-year work report on behalf of the Kamëz DP branch executive was delivered by the branch secretary, Luigi Vilumi. The report highlighted the DP’s good work with students and lecturers. This is also reflected in the DP’s membership of 520, of whom 8 lecturers hold higher academic degrees. There has been regular political activity and representation in the DP structures. The branch was also heavily involved in the campaign for the constitutional referendum. As part of the reorganization, care was taken to bring in all those lecturers, students, and employees who have committed themselves to the struggle to consolidate democracy. Mr. Tomor Dosti, in his capacity as chairman of the DP, began his speech by expressing his pleasure at taking part in such a conference of students and lecturers who, 4–5 years ago, became initiators of democratic processes in Albania. Mr. Dosti went on to praise the commitment of intellectuals within the DP. Their role is an important resource. They are welcome at all times to contribute and take part in democratic developments. At this time, when everything is changing for the better and Albania is fighting for lasting coexistence with democracy, every intellectual must be conscious of his moral responsibilities toward his country. As Mr. Shehu says, in the sense of great courage, initiative, and the commitment of others. Because it is the intellectual mind, their memory, work, contribution, and decisive role that will secure a better democratic future for everyone.

As reported by the spokesperson at the Ministry of Industry, Transport and Trade, the Trade Agreement between the Republic of Albania and the Arab Republic of Egypt was signed. The agreement aims to facilitate and improve reciprocal trade conditions between the two countries. On the Albanian side, the agreement was signed by the Director General of Civil Aviation, Mr. Perparim Zuna, and the President of Egypt’s air transport authority, Mr. Mohamed Nadin Ryad. The Minister, Mr. Albert Brojka, and Egypt’s Ambassador accredited to our country, Mr. Ahmed Nahawy Issa, attended the signing of the agreement.

SAMI MILLOSHI You read this very amicable statement by Mr. Parliament, and then reflect all the more on the shameless way the delegation headed by Mr. Tatar ela, which visited Albania a few days ago, was labeled in yesterday’s issue of ZP. “Profascists welcomed in Tirana,” writes an anonymous hickerkushian. And below: “We do not think this is the way to demonstrate a willingness to cooperate...” There is nothing to be surprised about. The nostalgists for Enver Hoxha’s and R. Alia’s bunkerism are fundamentally opposed to Albania opening up to the world; they are fundamentally opposed to the steps Albania has taken to integrate into European organizations. While they plead in words, through actions—as the “ZP” article clearly shows—they sling mud and prove that they are against Albania’s integration into Europe. But to those who write like that in “ZP,” one can say: look at what Albania is like under those whom you label “profascists.” say: all you know how to do is insult; nothing more.

— Declares U.S. Secretary of Defense William Peri — The U.S. Secretary of Defense, William Peri, expressed the U.S. government’s concern in recent days over the risk of the conflict spreading in the southern Balkans, and warned that a war in Kosovo, Macedonia, and Albania would seriously jeopardize the vital interests of the USA. Analyzing the current situation in the Balkan region in a speech he gave two days ago before two committees of the U.S. Congress, Peri stressed that all the conditions exist for the conflict to spread in the southern Balkans and that, if this happens, he added, vital American interests will be put at risk. Peri, known for his continued commitment to deploying U.S. forces in Macedonia and extending the UN peacekeeping presence in Krocaci, described as essential and urgent the need to support European rapid-reaction units with 10,000 American troops. The U.S. Secretary of Defense’s warnings about the risk of war spreading in the Balkans came just days after the well-known Senator Robert Doli called on the U.S. government to take the lead in efforts to find a just solution not only in Croatia and Bosnia, but also to the Kosovo question. “It is America’s position as a world leader that demands this commitment,” the U.S. presidential candidate stressed. Similar calls were heard at the Congressional Armed Services Committee, where Senator Xhozef Liberman described the Serbs as international criminals and urged the U.S. government to abandon its passivity in the Balkan conflict. He also called for the arms embargo on Bosnian forces to be lifted, for UN troops to be withdrawn, and for U.S. military involvement so that, as he said, the mistakes made so far could be corrected. “What will be done for Kosovo?” Senator Liberman went on to ask, reminding U.S. congressmen that this is a vital issue that requires a solution.

Dialogue between police forces and residents of Kod er Kamzes and Bathore continued yesterday, sources from the Ministry of the Interior report. “Release the detained villagers” was one of their demands; then, they said, they would unblock the section of the Koder–Kamez–Bathore road that had been occupied for days. Yesterday, representatives of the residents whose illegally built homes were to be demolished also held talks with MPs, government representatives, local authorities, the Tirana Prefecture, and representatives from the Tirana branch of the DP, in order to find the best solution! After these talks, yesterday afternoon the residents opened the sections of the road connecting the capital with Kamëz that had been blocked. RD correspondent

As the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports, yesterday morning the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alfred Serreqi, received the delegation of the Chamber of Deputies of the Romanian Parliament, headed by the Speaker of the Chamber, Mr. Adrian Nastasse. During the meeting, which took place in a very friendly and constructive atmosphere, views were exchanged on the further development of bilateral relations, with emphasis on the need to intensify economic and cultural relations, which currently lag behind the high level of political relations. Mr. Serreqi also noted the good level of cooperation that exists in the sphere of multilateral relations. Views were also exchanged on the situation in the region, with emphasis on the efforts that our two countries should make to help resolve the crisis in the former Yugoslavia. Among other things, it was noted that importance (Continued on page 2)

Malesi e Madhe They were waiting to see the car that would bring (the friend of hearts scorched by sorrow); they were waiting for the professor, the faithful continuer of Enverism, the chairman of the P.S.D.SH. The hosts’ faces lit up when, at the expected hour, the car with Tirana plates appeared, and from it they expected to see descend (the friend of proletarian hearts (the friend)) who, with his brave words, would stain Democracy and its representatives in Albania! The audience of more than 40 people was divided into three groups: the P.P.SH. (Socialist) rank and file, Enver’s volunteers, and a third group made up of people with free time who wanted to hear the mission that the communist Gjinushi had set himself for the highlanders of Malesia e Madhe. Everything had been prepared to receive the (friend), but what particularly caught our eye, as we sat in the hall, was that two things customary for such a (meeting) were missing—things one used to see everywhere. Of things of this kind, the first was the missing photograph of Baca Enver, and the second was that familiar battle slogan that had been heard for decades: “Proletarians of all countries, unite.” These two things somewhat diminished the splendor of the (Gjinushi gathering) in Koplik. When the mourner Selam Musane lamented, among other things she said these words: “Mother’s son Selam/What should I mourn first?” Mr. Gjinushi, too, had a worry—and a major one at that—because he had still not decided which of these things to mourn first. Baca had died; the architect of continuity was in prison. The “NANO” affair was still not over. The 400 thousand dollars of Dokle’s corruption, and Gjinushi’s latest problems (problems that had to be tackled, but which one first)? Yet despite all these worries and troubles, he decided to carry out BACA’s instruction: “COMMUNISTS DIE ON THEIR FEET,” and he began, like a (man)! From the very first signs of the gathering, somehow the words seemed to bode ill, because a wise man does not break the rules of (Continued on page 2)

In his stale replies, Gjinushi continues to use pseudonyms. Up to this point, there is nothing surprising. He has been used to it his whole life—the force of habit. What makes the matter worse is that Gjinushi signs with the general details of the “RD” journalist, thereby insulting them both professionally and as members of the publication where they work. And that is before even talking about violations of the press law. NDREKE GJINI

ARTICLE BY STEFANO MENSURATI IN THE NEWSPAPER “IL SECOLO D’ITALIA” “Today, almost six years after the autumn of the anti-Communist revolutions in Eastern Europe, Albania under President Berisha is the only country, together with Vaclav Klaus’s Czech Republic, where the former Communists, neo-Communists or rebranded Communists have been unable to return to power... Published for the first time Chronicle of an infamous trial -E. Hoxha signs the order to arrest Catholic priests A monstrous crime by the leadership of the PKSH and the Yugoslav UDBA is uncovered One thousand Kosovars killed by the UDBA inside the territory of the PSR of Albania in 1945