Inside PD Kavajë Conference Instead of repentance, a call to return to the past The socialist “Magna Carta”

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R.Alia: “The fundamental task we set ourselves was neither to follow the fashion, nor to adopt the new strategies of world capitalism or the so-called perestroikas of the East. As always, the aim was to preserve as well as possible, under the new conditions, the freedom, independence and sovereignty of our homeland, people’s power and socialism in Albania. IN SHORT, WE HAD ONE AIM: TO PRESERVE THE FUNDAMENTAL STRATEGY IN BOTH DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN POLICY, WHILE CHANGING THE TACTICS FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION” From the meeting of the Political Bureau on Albania’s membership in the CSCE, on 23 August 1990 Five years ago, the communist regime had entered its deepest political and economic crisis. The changes in Eastern Europe, the fall of the Iron Curtain and the destruction of communism had left the regime’s leaders in Albania alone, facing pressure that was growing both from within and from abroad. The 2 July embassy incident was only the first sign of what was happening in Albania. Meanwhile, the Albanian economy had fallen into a true catastrophe, the shops were empty and people were struggling to survive. Under these conditions, sensing that the regime could no longer remain standing, the communist leaders made every move they could to prolong the life of their clique. Completely isolated from the world, they did not expect to receive help at a time when the crisis and the danger of its escalation could bring about the desperate revolt of the people. Thus, they decided, under duress, to make a number of tactical moves. One of these was Albania’s entry as an observer in the CSCE. The Security Council and the regime were in no way aligned with the principles of European democracy. Faced with these alternatives—that is, joining the CSCE and opening a window of hope for Albanians on the brink of survival, while risking the loss of power—the communist leaders once again showed that power mattered far more to them than the fate of the Albanians. This is best confirmed by the minutes of the Political Bureau meeting on 23 August 1990, where it was discussed whether or not Albania should become a member of the CSCE. In addition to the Bureau members, Nexhmije Hoxha also took part in the meeting. While deriding the “negative consequences” that individual freedoms would supposedly bring as a result of CSCE membership, the members of the Political Bureau did not hesitate much. “I think joining the CSCE would create insurmountable problems within the country,” says Sofokli Lazri, one of the most negative figures in the regime’s foreign policy. This is partly what “explains” to the ignorant Bureau members a document [text continues beyond the edge of the image]. The “consequences” of acceptance into the CSCE, but… The Bureau members’ discussions clearly show the immense pressure they were under, both within the country and abroad, to democratize life. This is precisely what worried the communist leaders. Their most frequently asked question during the meeting was whether, after acceptance into the CSCE, these pressures would decrease or increase. Their entire concern was to keep power in their own hands by finding ways to get through the difficult situation they were in. Acceptance into the CSCE was viewed in this light as well. Some Bureau members thought membership might reduce the pressure; others feared the opposite, but all agreed on one point: no changes should be made within the country. It was Nexhmije Hoxha who left no room for equivocation. She them. Being growing danger could lead to a desperate revolt by the people. Thus, they decided that they were compelled to make certain tactical moves. One of these moves was to admit Albania as an observer to the CSCE. The Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (today the OSCE) was an organization based on the principles of security, peace and stability in Europe; however, CSCE membership also imposed obligations on members, such as political pluralism, a market economy, freedom of religious belief, and signing the Charter of Human Rights. In this way, Albania, as they saw it, was faced with a difficult crossroads. If they agreed to become full members of the CSCE, they would then be obliged to accept the principles of the Helsinki Charter—obligations they had no intention of fulfilling. Their aim was to benefit from CSCE membership precisely in order to preserve their regime unchanged, the individual freedoms under the CSCE. The members of the Political Bureau had little hesitation. “I think that joining the CSCE would create insurmountable problems inside figures in the regime’s foreign policy. It was he who “explained” to the ignorant members of the Bureau the “consequences” of joining the CSCE, but… The discussions among the Bureau members clearly show the great pressure they were under, both inside and outside the country, whether these pressures would decrease or increase after joining the CSCE. Their sole in. In this regard, joining the CSCE was also considered. feared the opposite, but they all agreed on one point: no changes were to be made inside for ambiguity. She the measures they would propose were not about following trends, nor about adapting to the strategies of world capitalism or to the so-called perestroika of the East. The aim, as always, was, under the new conditions, to preserve as well as possible the line, the independence and the sovereignty of our homeland, popular power and socialism in Albania. Put briefly, we had one objective: policy, while changing the tactics for carrying it out.” Thus, there was only one objective: the stubborn preservation of the criminal regime. Let all those charlatans who still present R. Alia in “ZP” today as the man who took the first steps toward democratization in Albania read this carefully. These are the people who describe Albania’s admission to the CSCE as an act by Alia and the other communists.

President Berisha received the Vice President of the German Reconstruction Bank, Mr. Manfred Shuler Privatization of the banking system in Albania is one of the most urgent priorities of reform at the current stage President Berisha praised the conclusion of the agreement to establish the Foundation for Financing and Development of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, which will not only encourage the intensification of economic cooperation between our two countries, but will also open up good prospects for Albanian investors to use German loans for the benefit of their businesses. He commended Mr. Shuler’s contribution and commitment to the successful completion of this agreement. President Berisha also emphasized that Mr. Shuler assured President Berisha that the German side is convinced that there are good partners in Albania and that cooperation with them will be successful. The two interlocutors also discussed various aspects of the fund’s future activities and the many opportunities it offers for the development of Albanian small and medium-sized businesses during this difficult period of transition. Press and Information Office of the President

. From the press conference of Mr. Vrioni and Mr. Shuler, Vice President of the “KfW” Bank. Yesterday, at the Prime Minister’s Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mr. Dylber Vrioni and Vice President of the German Reconstruction Bank “KfW”, Mr. Manfred Shyler, held a press conference concerning the signing of the agreement between the German bank and the Bank of Albania, on the one hand, and the Albanian government for Reconstruction, on the other. Through its investments, it has provided the city of Kukës with drinking water around the clock, while in Korçë it has invested 14 million German marks in the Korçë water supply system, half of which was provided free of charge. In the district of Kavajë, 300 people have been employed by this bank, while in Kukës and Has, 180 people have been employed. As for the Foundation for the Development and Financing of Small and Medium-Sized Private Enterprises, which was established with [text missing/unclear], the response was that decisions would be made by the Foundation’s board of directors according to supply and demand in the market, but that the terms would in any case be favorable to Albanian private business. Mr. Vrioni added that the presence of 3 Albanian representatives on the Foundation’s 5-member Board of Directors once again demonstrates the importance and seriousness the German side attaches to the participation of the Albanian side. [text continues outside the image boundary] The objectives of the German Reconstruction Bank “KfW” were clearly set out at the conference. It aims first and foremost to help Albania’s private sector and develop the credit system in Albania. “The bank will be very close to the new owners who will emerge from the mass privatization currently taking place in your country. It will consider every effective business idea they have,” emphasized Mr. Shyler, the bank’s Vice President. Expressing the entire discussion at the Bureau, Mr. Manfred Shyler and Mr. Vrioni between the Albanian government the German Reconstruction Bank, on the other. — The commitment of this bank, one of the most prominent in the Federal Republic of Germany, — Mr. Vrioni said, among other things, — amounts to 150 million marks in Albania. Forty percent of this money will be given free of charge to our country. The bank aims to help the most important sectors of the Albanian economy: agriculture, transport, and light industry. To date, 29 fire engines have been purchased with its loans. The Albanian private farmers’ timely repayment of the first installments of this loan has greatly encouraged the bank to become even more involved in Albania. Through the actions of Alia and the other communists. The vision and the between the Albanian government the German Reconstruction Bank, on the other. The German Reconstruction Bank provided 7 million marks, of which 4 million are earmarked immediately for loans to Albanian private entities. It is expected that a further 10 million marks will soon be made available. “This foundation aims to become an investment bank for Albania within a short time,” Mr. Shyler said. Asked by journalists what interest rates this Foundation would apply to Albanian borrowers, Mr. Shyler

The New Code of Criminal Procedure has come into force . Ever closer to Europe. Yesterday, the New Code of Criminal Procedure came into force. Together with the other approved codes, the Albanian legal system is being completely transformed from a loyal weapon and enforcer of the dictatorship into a system serving the law. Together with the New Criminal Code, the two requirements that the EC had set for Albania have effectively been met. The effects of the New Code of Criminal Procedure coming into force will undoubtedly be felt immediately. The old Code has been definitively consigned to the past; through it, the communist dictatorship killed, imprisoned, tortured and persecuted tens of thousands of people—its opponents—without recognizing any of their rights. The New Code of Criminal Procedure gives particular importance to citizens’ rights. From the moment of arrest, through questioning and trial, the accused will be informed of all the rights provided for in international charters and applied in the established Western democracies. On the path toward professionalism and independence in the justice system, so that [text continues outside the image boundary] its citizens may enjoy European standards, the Code of Civil Procedure perhaps marks the most important moment. The Civil Code, the Code of Civil Procedure, the New Criminal Code and the New Code of Criminal Procedure demonstrate the full and serious commitment of the head of state, President Berisha, Parliament, the Ministry of Justice and judicial institutions to democratic reforms in the Albanian legal system. Only 3 years ago, when the Democratic Government undertook to implement the democratic reforms set out in the programmes of the DPSh and approved by the Albanian majority, the legal legacy—described as the instrument for enforcing the dictatorship of the proletariat—was among the most difficult challenges. Now, after 3 years, we can say that the reform of the justice system is overturning it. Naturally, shaping the legal framework, building the necessary experience and providing professional training will take the time required. But the most important work has been done. Yesterday, Albania took another step toward Europe. Yesterday, we came closer to it.

The 4th Conference of the PD Branch was held in Gjirokastër The Secretary General of the DPSh, Prof. Dr. Tritan Shehu, attended The 4th Conference of the PD Branch was held in Gjirokastër. The Secretary General of the DPSh, Prof. Dr. Tritan Shehu, attended. The 4th Conference of the PD in the district of Gjirokastër held its proceedings at the city cinema on 29 July 1995. The presence of many intellectuals, women and young people, who actively followed its proceedings, was noteworthy. The conference was also attended by the area’s MP Genc Ruli, and Messrs. Maksim Kononi, Rexhep Uka, Prefect Fatos Gjyrezi, and others. The conference was opened by branch secretary Nevruz Shehu. A minute of silence was observed in memory of Sabiudin Kicino, the initiator of the formation of the PD in Gjirokastër, who lost his life prematurely in an accident. After the national anthem was played, the chairman of the district PD, Mr. Syrja Barçi, took the floor and presented the work report on behalf of the executive committee. The speaker highlighted the work carried out during the conferences. The Gjirokastër PD branch, with around 2000 members, the report stated, has a good geographical spread, with 75 sections in the towns of Gjirokastër and Libohovë and in the villages. New sections have been established, such as the teachers’ section and sections in several minority villages where none had existed before, among others. 600 new members have been accepted into the ranks of the PD. The sections in the “18 Shtatori” and “Punetori” neighborhoods, and the Valare Kakoz doctors’ section, among others, have distinguished themselves through their good work. The report also highlighted the PD’s work with intellectuals, young people and women, as well as on reform, privatization and relations with local government. Despite the improvements, problems remain unresolved, especially in the prosecutor’s office, which has brought very few cases to court. On behalf of the DPSh executive committee, the conference was addressed by Mr. Tritan Shehu, Secretary General of the Democratic Party of Albania. Mr. Tritan’s speech was listened to attentively, praised for the issues it discussed, and warmly applauded by those present in the hall. Taking the floor, Secretary General Shehu wished the conference success in its work, in electing democratic structures and improving and expanding its work with the people. On the other hand, the 1996 elections are drawing ever closer; they are so important for the fate of democracy in Albania, for its further consolidation, for the normal development of the reforms we have begun, and for the country’s integration into Europe. “There is no doubt,” Shehu continued, “that these moments and these elements cannot be viewed separately or one-sidedly; they are one and the same, closely interconnected and extremely important.” Then, speaking about one of the most important changes brought by democracy, Mr. Shehu said: “The great change brought about by Albanian democracy was that it overthrew one political class and replaced it with a new one. It is true that we lack extensive experience in political life, (Continued on page 2)

The ceremony was attended by the Secretary General of the DPSh and MP for the city of Lushnjë, Prof. Dr. Tritan Shehu, the Secretary General of the Presidency, Mr. Kolec Topalli, and others. Yesterday morning, in one of the premises of Lushnjë City Hall, a ceremony was held to decorate Mr. Bardhyl Caco with the title “Torch of Democracy”, with the citation: “For his outstanding contribution to the consolidation of democracy.” Those attending the ceremony included the Secretary General of the DPSh, Mr. Topalli; the mayor of Lushnjë, Mr. Bashkim Haxhiu; members of the Municipal Council; MPs; and other guests. The mayor of Lushnjë, Mr. Bashkim Haxhiu, delivered the address on the occasion, highlighting Mr. Caco’s valuable contribution to the democratic movement and his work and dedication to consolidating democracy, among other things. The high decoration “Torch of Democracy”, awarded to Mr. Bardhyl Caco in the name of the President of the Republic, was presented to him by the Secretary General of the Presidency, Mr. Kolec Topalli. After receiving the decoration, Mr. Caco was warmly and most cordially congratulated on the occasion by the MP for the city of Lushnjë, the Secretary General of the DPSh, Mr. Tritan Shehu, as well as by other MPs from the district and other guests at this lovely ceremony. A cocktail reception was held for those present. “RD” correspondent.

At its meeting yesterday, the governing council of Albanian Radio and Television unanimously elected Mr. Bardhyl Pollo as Director General of the institution by secret ballot. Mr. Pollo, 44, has worked at Radio Tirana for 15 years and, since 1991, has been serving as Director of Radio. In his new role as Director General of Albanian Radio and Television, Mr. Pollo replaced Mr. Skënder Buçpapaj, who is expected to be assigned another post. ATSH