Prime Minister Meksi to representatives of international institutions : On our part, all efforts and assurances are being made for a free and fair campaign, creating the democratic groundwork for the holding of parliamentary and presidential elections in accordance with democratic norms. Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi received in a special meeting the representatives of international organizations accredited in our country, who will observe the upcoming parliamentary elections. The head of the OSCE Presence in Tirana, Mr. Frowick, and representatives of the embassies of the USA, Italy, France, Britain, Germany, Austria, Spain, Denmark, etc., as well as of the Council of Europe and other international organizations, representatives of election monitoring teams, were present at this meeting. Prime Minister Meksi informed the representatives of the international organizations about the measures taken by the government and the multiparty election commission to create the conditions for a normal campaign and the holding of free and fair elections. Emphasizing the fact that the election period is an important time for our country, Mr. Meksi said that the Albanian government's serious commitment to the smooth running of the electoral process will be maximum. "The Albanian government is determined to guarantee order, the enforcement of the law, and respect for the rights of political forces during the electoral campaign," said the prime minister. He noted that the government is working closely with the multiparty election commission and other institutions for the smooth conduct of the process. The international representatives expressed interest in the progress of the preparations and in issues related to election monitoring.

The guest, Albania’s ambassador to France

Today all the citizens of Kavaja, supporters and people of the Democratic Party, have gathered here together, with great confidence that we will achieve an unquestionable victory in the elections of 26 May. This is how the President of the Republic Sali Berisha spoke at the large electoral rally held in the city of Kavaja. Describing Kavaja as a strong center of anti-communism and of the democratization of the country, the President stressed that the city of Kavaja has played a special role in the democratic movements. He declared that the victory of democracy in Albania is irreversible and that Albanian citizens have broken away from socialism once and for all. In his speech, President Berisha accused the opposition of trying to hold the past hostage and drag the country backward, while the Albanian people have chosen the path of freedom, the market, and European integration. 26 MAR 1990 1996

(Continued on page 5)

The first anti-communist demonstration in Kavaja is mentioned

If the implementation of such a statute were to lead everything to the seizure of power by undemocratic means, if it were to lead to the differentiation and removal of nationalist and centrist forces through the creation of illusions toward a supposed prosperous socialist society, the PS's tendency toward totalitarianism cannot be denied. What is very important to understand is that if today it is important to call oneself a democrat, this comes from the fact that this ideology has become the ruling ideology of society and of democracy. To claim to be a democrat and at the same time to fight pluralism is an open contradiction. In essence, the socialists' project remains a return to state control over social life. This runs counter to the country’s current experience. Therefore, for the Albanian citizen the choice is clear: functional democracy or a step backward. (Continued on page 5)

Ersangeta Këlliçi, Chairwoman of the Anti-Communist Association of Politically Persecuted People, Kavaja, speaks to RD. I always kept diaries of memories, but I never thought there would come a day when they would be published in the press. Once I wrote a poem about internment, which was torn up and ripped apart by the rebels. I spent most of my time in internment in the hell of Gradishta. After 3 years of forced labor on the border, they sent me to the most terrible place, Savër in Lushnja. I was also under daily surveillance and constant pursuit. In 1990 I was among the first women to openly come out against the dictatorship. We were among the first to begin holding meetings with the ladies of the town and to openly discuss freedom and democracy. At that time this required great courage, because fear was still very strong. Afterwards I took part in all the first activities of the Democratic Party in Kavaja. We believed that Albania had to be definitively separated from the communist past. Many people have suffered and sacrificed for this ideal.

Letter from Ylberi in the French Senate with Vice President Mr. Pjetër Arhoul The President of the French Senate, Rene Monory, expressed to Albania’s ambassador to France, Ylljet Aliçka [?], the French Senate’s interest in the political situation in Albania, economic developments, and the process of European integration. The meeting emphasized France’s support for the democratic and economic reforms being carried out in our country. The importance of strengthening bilateral relations and inter-parliamentary exchanges was also highlighted. The interlocutors assessed that Albania has made important steps on its path toward Europe. (Continued on page 3)

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