LORENC LIGORI It is important not only to undertake essential and successful actions. It is just as important to want and know how to explain the actions undertaken. It is very important to master the art of explaining the reasoning behind an action taken: the conditions and factors that make it necessary, what a particular action seeks to achieve in the present and in the future, the step forward it represents, and so on. The art of dialogue is an indicator of emancipation and civilization. Precisely today, more than three years into democratic developments, the importance of dialogue stands out more than ever. These are three years in which Albania has changed radically, three years in which freedom has worked for the Albanians. During this period it is difficult to list all the achievements, but it is every citizen’s duty to know and explain them. History offers no shortage of examples of people who have failed to understand a measure or progressive action, or who, because of its unfamiliarity, have not supported and backed progressive initiatives or undertakings without an explanation. Today there are very few who do not acknowledge the reality that Albania in ’95 is as far from Albania in ’91 as democracy is from dictatorship. But within this acknowledgment there are differences of attitude arising from economic and social circumstances, from emotional responses to events, and especially from intellectual level. Therefore, it is everyone’s duty to engage in an early dialogue with one another and with the electorate about the democratic developments that have been achieved. Above all, it is the duty of the state administration, the specialists employed by it, and press and propaganda workers to explain, through arguments, figures and concrete data, not only the profound contrast between the legacy and the present, but also to make every measure and action taken easy to understand. Dialogue, however, has a broad and comprehensive scope; its distinctive feature is that it can take place everywhere, in every setting. The means are varied, but conversation undoubtedly holds the central place. We Democrats can face the electorate with our heads held high. We have much to say. We found an Albania that was devastated, robbed, overrun by crime, on the brink of mass hunger, forgotten by the civilized world and abandoned, and deeply despised by the electorate. Together with the electorate, we have built an Albania of individual freedom, the flourishing of free enterprise, the rule of law, a market economy, the highest economic growth, and strong friends throughout the civilized world. So let us remember, compare, and explain patiently, tirelessly, without disparagement, using clear and highly optimistic arguments. We are winning at a steady pace. Let us engage in dialogue with the electorate and secure the victory we deserve. This is the fundamental factor; this is the key to success. Dialogue requires everyone’s commitment and everyone’s participation—in the office, in the fields, in the group, at school, in the shop, everywhere. We have what matters most: the work, the adaptability, the sacrifice, the hope, and the trust built through more than three years of hard work. In other words, we have the argument. Let us not tire of highlighting it and broadening the circle of people who support progress. So, tomorrow, let us all put this into practice; the same applies in the city: progress and prosperity bring advancement and democratic well-being. But today what matters is that democratic thinking reach everyone’s minds and hearts. This is our task today. This is what the times demand, and what Albania’s present and future require. This must be the guiding principle for the work of every executive committee, every group section, every section, and every member of PDSH. Dialogue also means benefiting from another person’s ideas, listening to their suggestions, proposals and criticisms. People are demanding more and more every day. This is where the philosophy of progress is expressed. PDSH is particularly committed to this. It is Albania’s most progressive, most Western-oriented force. The growth of the electorate must be synchronized with PDSH’s progressive spirit and with the joint foundation of its work and that of its elected representatives at every level of the state. Thus, dialogue with the electorate contains the future within itself and defines those who will carry out its mission. Meanwhile, it is easy to see that the propaganda of dictatorship’s true heirs in Albania unfortunately works against reform and progress. Party and non-party structures are led by former members of the secret police of the previous regime. Individuals carefully selected by Ramiz Alia now lead the socialist opposition. They have imposed on it Marxist alternatives, the dictates and party practices of the PPSH’s fifty years. Their position so far has been nihilism and a conservative, anti-reform stance. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been poured into the press market to blacken and obstruct democratic developments. Under these conditions, we must engage in dialogue with the electorate and make clear that, at best, the alternative offered by PS means blocking reform and turning back. The loss of headway for Albania, and so on, would be unforgivable. We have wasted enough time on Marxism, on wandering in distant orientations, on “originality” in the service of the red clique. We must not waste any more. At the individual level, let us explain to property owners that those who denied them property for decades now threaten it; explain to farmers the difference between ownership and use; explain to investors and citizens the importance of the approved legal framework and of free enterprise; and make it clear to everyone that the civilized world helps us when we help ourselves and take the right paths—the paths for which Albanian achievements have received the highest praise from prominent figures and well-known international institutions, and along which we have secured the declaration and establishment of support from our honored friends. Democrats now have not only the argument, but also the organization, the substantial numbers and the experience needed to engage in dialogue. Therefore, they should make dialogue an institution and consider it a determining factor in winning the next elections.

December students face the pseudo-Decemberists The Euro-socialist “parachutists” and Enver’s pioneers in FRESSH have no right to invoke December ’90 December students face the pseudo-Decemberists Don’t touch December The Euro-socialist “parachutists” and Enver’s pioneers in FRESSH have no right to invoke December ’90 Prepared by: EDI PALOKA Those who in fact lead FRESSH today, following the recent purges in that forum, have reacted to President Berisha’s speech at the Tirana PD Conference. They have the right to do so at all levels of the state. Dialogue with the electorate thus contains the future within itself and defines those who will carry out its mission. Meanwhile, in Albania it is easy to see that the propaganda of dictatorship’s true heirs unfortunately works against reform and progress. Party and non-party structures are led by former members of the secret police of the previous regime. Individuals carefully selected by Ramiz Alia now lead the socialist opposition. They have imposed on it Marxist alternatives, the dictates and party practices of the PPSH’s fifty years. Their position so far has been nihilism and a conservative, anti-reform stance. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been poured into the press market to blacken and obstruct democratic developments. Under these conditions, we must engage in dialogue with the electorate and make clear that, at best, the alternative offered by PS means blocking reform and turning back. The loss of headway for Albania, and so on, would be unforgivable. We have wasted enough time on Marxism, on wandering in distant orientations, on “originality” in the service of the red clique. We must not waste any more. At the individual level, let us explain to property owners that those who denied them property for decades now threaten it; explain to farmers the difference between ownership and use; explain to investors and citizens the importance of the approved legal framework and of free enterprise; and make it clear to everyone that the civilized world helps us when we help ourselves and take the right paths—the paths for which Albanian achievements have received the highest praise from prominent figures and well-known international institutions, and along which we have secured the declaration and establishment of support from our honored friends. The new leaders of PDSH branches invited to RD Interview with the chairman of the PD district branch in Vlora, Mr. Adhurim Musaraj Those who in fact lead FRESSH today, following the recent purges in that forum, have reacted to President Berisha’s speech at the Tirana PD Conference. They have the right to do so at every level of the state. Dialogue with the electorate thus contains the future within itself and defines those who will carry out its mission.

AFRIM KRASNIQI The statement by the appointed leaders of PS in FRESSH, published yesterday in ZP against President Berisha, seems normal to me, since it comes from anonymous people whose only contribution to democracy and FRESSH has been their primitive servility toward Nano and Ruçi. President Berisha’s description of the alternatives within PS as Marxist and archaic in terms of democracy is a normal observation in today’s civilized and democratic Europe. The appointed leaders of FRESSH had understood this, and in responding in order to eliminate it, they eliminated themselves. It is just as normal for President Berisha to observe that the December students have nothing in common with the chairman of the PD; the students are specific in this regard and have a past of their own. (Continued on page 2)

“...To set father against son and husband against wife; without fear, without hope, without a future, to suffer, to destroy, to take revenge.”—Oscar Wilde (from the drama The Nihilists) MYFTAR GJANA The words above, written a century ago and dubbed “The March of the Nihilists,” sound relevant today. This time they fit perfectly in the mouths of certain Euro-socialist leaders who, riding in the old carriages of the Marxist train, are trying to falsify the truth of the bright December of 1990 by appearing this time... (Continued on page 2)

SPIRO CURRA So many people are talking about December. Those who were there, those who were not, those who were sent, and so on. I would include C. Meta, Kryemadhare and Marena among the last two categories; they are making a scene about December and throwing mud at its dignified representatives. If they are speaking in the name of raising awareness about the new century, they should know that they are not new. If they like Marxism, let them keep it, but they should not lead me back onto the tracks of theories whose application destroyed this country. President Berisha is the central figure of December, of the democratic movement, and of the processes and reforms that followed. The Bolsheviks do not respect him, nor do the unidentified “Perteshem” [sic]. I sincerely regret that my contemporaries, who call themselves universalists, have gone bald and are under the complete dictates of Ruçi, Pellumbi and their associates, while the Euro-socialists are represented by over-the-hill young people.

BISLIM AHMETAJ Meta, Kryemadhi, Maroka and Shanku—surnames that sound more like pseudonyms—sat before Erion Brace and lectured him about the “largest party” in PS. Erioni believed them and published in “ZP” the article, with the subtitle “Berisha will be bitterly disappointed.” The FRESH bosses had congratulated themselves and were happy. They repeated the ordinary lie that they were December students, a claim they themselves have made, even though they may indeed have been students in that school year—students who heard the calls of their fathers, collaborators of the dictatorship. (Continued on page 2)

Telegram To the Bektashi Community in Detroit I learned with profound sorrow of the death of the esteemed Baba Rexhep. I and the entire Albanian people share the grief at the loss of this distinguished figure. His precious gifts, great devotion to God and the nation, and charisma made him not only a distinguished leader of Albanian and world Bektashism, but also a beloved and treasured figure for Albanians of every faith. With his wisdom, kindness, compassion, reverence, tolerance, boundless love for people, and unwavering faithfulness to God, Baba Rexhepi became, for Albanians in the diaspora and in his homeland, a symbol of harmony, understanding, tolerance and the spiritual values of the Albanian people. With the death of Baba Rexhepi, our nation loses not only one of the most distinguished leaders of Bektashism, but also an outstanding man devoted to the national cause, a beloved and spiritual son of all Albanians. Baba Rexhepi will rest forever in the pantheon of the distinguished men of our nation. Respectfully, SALI BERISHA

For His Holiness Baba Rexhepi Bektashi brothers and sisters, admirers and friends, wherever you may be. With deep sorrow in our hearts, we inform you of the bitter news that the great spiritual leader and Honorary Chairman of all Bektashis throughout the world, the most distinguished figure of Bektashism, the great cleric and philosopher of the highest rank, the wise and learned father, the mystic BABA REXHEPI, has passed away from among us. His Holiness Baba Rexhepi was born in Gjirokastër in 1901. After completing secondary school, and after going into exile, he was initiated as a dervish at the Zall teqe in Gjirokastër. From there began his tireless work along the divine path of Haji Bektash Veli, healing and soothing hundreds of human souls. Baba Rexhepi was educated along this difficult but radiant path, and he never tired of doing good. His sermons were heard with respect by all Bektashis and admirers. The patriotism of Bektashism would rise in the eyes of Albania through Baba Rexhepi, and he would tell the fascist regime with all his strength: [text unclear]. He was willing to face death without taking power, thus showing his own resistance; but he survived amid the dangers that threatened him. Without entering his teqe of Bektashism, he continued his journey through Italy, Turkey and Egypt, and finally found peace in Detroit, USA. There he found friends, well-wishers and Bektashi brothers, and together with them he never stopped working for religious conviction and patriotism. In Albania, GOD was excluded by the system because it was not communist; but this worthy son of our country, without asking for anything and without tiring, kept the holy lamp of the Divine alight among us and throughout the world. In 1954 he opened the Bektashi teqe in Detroit, which became an important center in the service of GOD and of the Albanian cause. He preserved the beautiful tradition of the teqes, turning the teqe into a beloved place for all Albanians in America, regardless of religion or political affiliation. The great Fan Noli also held Baba Rexhepi in special esteem. Baba Rexhepi was an erudite and philosopher of... (Continued on page 2)

The Government of the Republic of Albania expresses its concern over the plan to install Serb refugees from Croatia in Bosnia-Herzegovina on the territory of Kosovo, a plan that is nothing other than a continuation of the chauvinist policy behind the creation of Greater Serbia, as well as a grave provocation against the people of Kosovo. It is an element of the ethnic cleansing begun some time ago, intended to overturn the ethnic structure in accordance with the infamous plan to colonize Kosovo with Serbs, devised by Belgrade’s chauvinist political circles and put into circulation by the infamous Serbian Academy of Sciences. The number of Serb refugees expected to be settled in Kosovo—in Prishtina, Deçan, Zveçan, Mitrovica, Gjakova, Vushtrri and Lipjan, and later in many other municipalities—may well continue to grow in the days ahead. Such a colonization plan further escalates the already grave situation created in Kosovo. We therefore call on the international community and international organizations to give particular attention to this acute problem, so that a second Bosnia is not repeated in Kosovo. The wisdom and political protection of the people of Kosovo and their leaders will once again stand in the face of this grave provocation carried out by Belgrade. The Government of the Republic of Albania once again stresses the need to expedite the Kosovo issue and place it on the agenda of every effort by the international community to resolve the crisis in Yugoslavia peacefully, since stability in the region cannot be ensured without an acceptable solution to the Kosovo issue.

Pogradec Failure of the PS leaders —S. Pellumbi, N. Dokle are inciting extremists to break the law Korçë residents also among those on the list of deaths foretold 732 people on the blacklists of the communist regime The new leaders of PDSH branches invited to RD Interview with the chairman of the PD district branch in Vlora, Mr. Adhurim Musaraj President Rugova describes plans to settle Serb refugees from Krahinë in Kosovo as a dangerous provocation A newspaper that can only be called “Albanian” “Oh God! Who made this ‘pësbqes’ of Al Capone’s pistol for us??” The election campaign and the experience of a party

On 10 August 1995, the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, on the proposal of the Council of Ministers, signed the decree on the Judicial Police. President Sali Berisha also promulgated the laws “On Public Procurement,” “On Investment Funds,” and the law “On Concessions and the Participation of the Private Sector in Public Services and Infrastructure.” Press and Information Office of the President