Letters and telegrams expressing deep indignation over the terrorist act continue to arrive. Thus, in a letter to President Berisha, U.S. President Bill Clinton writes, among other things: “I was deeply saddened to hear that a car bomb exploded in your capital on February 26, killing several citizens and injuring many others. I am deeply shocked by this terrible, bloody act against innocent people. On behalf of the U.S. Government and the American people, allow me to express to you and the Albanian people my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences.” Turkish President Sulejman Demirel writes, among other things: “Turkey strongly condemns this barbaric terrorist act. We believe that these acts of terror are one of the violations of human rights. We believe that the fight against it must be considered a priority by the international community.” Greek President Konstantin Stefanopulos: “Deeply shocked by the news of the terrorist act against innocent people, I wish to express my sympathy to you. On behalf of the Greek people, and on my own behalf, [I extend] my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy.” British Foreign Secretary Rifkind writes: “I was shocked to learn of a car-bomb attack in Tirana. I share your grief. Please convey my sincere condolences to the families of those who were killed and my wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were injured.” Condolence telegrams were also sent by the Democratic Popular Party of Kosovo, the Party for Democratic Prosperity, Sulejman Rexhepi on behalf of the Islamic Community of the Republic of Macedonia, Iljaz Ramajli from the Office of the Republic of Kosovo, the Albanian Community in the Republic of Croatia, and the Democratic League of Albanians in Croatia.

The map published yesterday by the newspaper “Koha Jonë” divided Albania right down the middle. Such an initiative, originating at the headquarters of the Socialist Party and presented through its mouthpiece, the newspaper “Koha Jonë,” addressed Albanians by two different names. One is Albanian, but the other is not. Only the map’s authors can know what that other name is, on the map that divides Albania in two. Many maps have been drawn over Albania, and this is not the first map, as the newspaper that undertook to publish it points out. The first maps based on the notion of division were those of 1878, followed by those of 1913, which were then followed by the maps drawn at the end of the Balkan War, before the borders were changed again after the Second World War. This is the tradition of drawing maps of Albania that may also have inspired the mapmaker of yesterday’s map. A division based on a party’s political standing may exist anywhere, in any country. But those with a greater ability to understand the political landscape than the publishers of this newspaper know that maps dividing a country in half cannot exist. All of Elbasan cannot belong to the Socialist Party, just as this same city cannot be wholly Democratic Party territory. Nor can all of Saranda belong to PBDNJ, any more than one can say that this party will receive no votes in Gjirokastër. This map is not a map of the political division of Albanians, but a map of the division of Albanians. The division has precise boundaries and has been drawn according to the most anti-Albanian notion to emerge in Albania in recent years: the North-South division. Four years ago, this same newspaper spread rumors of a conflict between southerners and northerners, [as] dozens of intellectuals and journalists… Every according to the most anti-Albanian notion of recent years in Albania: rumors of such a conflict, and, often with the consequences… dozens of intellectuals and journalists rejected such a provocation aimed at fomenting discord among Albanians. They wanted to use the fact that the dictatorial regime had neglected the development of northern Albania to cement the idea that the democratic forces were not in favor of a democratic Albania, but of a strong government that would rule over communist Toskeria. But the elections of March 22 put an end to this, or at least forced such voices into silence. In several southern districts, the Democratic Party and the opposition of that time won by large margins, even larger than in some northern districts. But the leaders of this newspaper and their former-communist leaders did not let themselves be silenced. What they had said four years earlier was set in stone on the map, with lines replacing the Shkumbin River, where Toskeria ends and Gegeria begins. It seems laughable that this socialist boundary is crossed on a small scale when it includes Mati and Mirdita within it. Naturally, even this crossing does not infringe upon the boundaries of division that the socialists established there on the day communism fell in Albania. Provoking the unity of Albania has the effect of creating a political localism based on the country’s geography, which could lead to national division. The Socialists’ propaganda that the North is more democratic and the South is socialist is at the same time an expression of their fear that [their support] is not strong, not only in the North but also in their part of the South. Their departure from political terminology and their way of operating through propaganda show that they may base their election campaign on destructive elements and separatist propaganda that could have consequences for the country’s stability. It was precisely in the pages of this newspaper that strategies for creating an anti-communist bloc in Albania were devised. Only in this newspaper were they called an anti-national clique in Albania. Only in this newspaper, as [it] has explained ironically through a Mirditor voice. Something more or less like what… Naim Doke did in ’92, who put Kosovo in the South and swore by it in the North. The creation of distance between Albanians outside the ancient borders, and even more, the creation of distance between Albanians within these borders. In the example of anti-Albanians, it is not easy to do. For this, one must… so that it can be said, of all kinds. Thus, perhaps… “Koha Jonë” can say all day that they are not… represented by the Serbs, but they cannot say the opposite, that they are not funded by the Serbs.

Secret meeting of the leaders of the red front This photograph was taken during a semi-illegal meeting of the leaders of the PS, PSD, and PAD in one of the Alliance’s offices, after 23:00. The meeting took place just a few days before the announcement of the proceedings of the PAD Assembly and the PSD Congress. As is known, both these bodies decided to open the PAD and PSD to coalitions. The people appointed by the respective forums to form the coalitions for both the PSD and the PAD are seated at the table you see in the photograph. Read tomorrow in “RD” what was decided at this meeting, according to Edi Paloka.

President Berisha received UNESCO Director-General Mr. Federiko Major President Berisha stressed the importance of cooperation with UNESCO for our country and thanked the Director-General, Mr. Major, for the assistance the organization has provided to Albania so far. He said he would greatly appreciate an increase in assistance and cooperation, especially in the education sector, as this is a major priority for the country, given that the population’s average age is among the lowest. President Berisha also asked him to consider the possibility of a similar project for the city of Berat. The Director-General of UNESCO, Mr. Major, expressed his willingness to develop joint projects in education, culture, technical specialization, management, broadcasting, the internet, tourism and the sea. Regarding President Berisha’s request concerning Berat, Mr. Major said that, according to the report of his specialists, the city was a true wonder, and he would…

Parliament honors the victims of the February 26 terror attack Intensive efforts are under way to identify the perpetrators of the crime From the report by Interior Minister Agron Musaraj to the People’s Assembly on the terrorist act of February 26, 1996 p. 3

President of the Republic Sali Berisha receives Greek delegation The Greek delegation from the “New Democracy” party was received yesterday at 9:30 by the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha. The President expressed his satisfaction at the continuous improvement in relations between the two countries and his confidence in the very promising prospects for friendship and cooperation. “I look forward with interest to the upcoming visit of President Stefanopullos, with whom I have very good personal relations,” President Berisha stressed. Cooperation between our two countries is not only in our own interests, but also in the interests of peace and stability in the region. The assistance provided by the Greek people and government to Albanian emigrants, and their contribution, constitute a very important factor in the friendship between our two peoples and countries. The discussion then focused on increasing and strengthening cooperation between Albania and Greece in all fields, including the economic sphere and banking in our country, etc.

Interview with Mr. Bashkim Kopliku, member of the PDSH leadership In several Eastern European countries, left-wing parties, former communist-revisionist parties, have come to power. In no country have left-wing parties that were formerly Communist-Stalinist parties come to power. If one came to power in Albania, it would be a unique case in Europe. p. 4