Archaeological objects and millions of money, disappeared from the Archaeological Institute when Ceka was director Page 3

“When I saw the PS candidacies, I became convinced that PD will win all 19 electoral districts of Tirana” The former chief of the Tirana economic crime police station, Fatmir Xhafaj, said that 92 billion old lek are the lost deposits in “Gjallica”, “Populli”, “Xhaferri”, “Sude”, etc. He also said that senior representatives of the PD have benefited by about 25 million dollars from these companies. When Bujar Hoxha was labeling the PS as the “party of liars” in the hall of the “Ali Kelmendi” house of culture, a group of pensioners began to leave. “Why are you leaving?” asked Mr. Hoxha. “Because we are tired of hearing these things for 5 years,” one of them replied. What happened next forced Mr. Hoxha to interrupt his speech early. In the corridor he asked a pensioner what was wrong. “What do you mean what’s wrong,” they told him. “We have no bread, we are dying of hunger. Why do we come here? We worked for 40 years to enjoy our old age. You have ruined our lives with your lies about communism. Why are you taking my son into the army; I want to have him near me now in my old age.” “What are you talking about? What does this have to do with me?” Mr. Hoxha asked in astonishment. “It does,” they told him, “you must have been deputy chairman of the defense committee and your hands must be stained with blood.” Red in the face like a hot pepper, Mr. Hoxha addressed the hall again. “Have I lied to you? I am here to give you these apartment blocks. These premises you see, we will turn them back into shops.” But the answer was choral. “No, we want bread.” Those 200–300 people gathered on the Socialist Party side did not hide their surprise and indignation when they heard how much the democratic representatives were lying and slandering. They called what was happening at that meeting the “new democratic spirit”. More than the insults, they were troubled by the poverty and unemployment that had engulfed Tirana. One question some of them asked was: how is it possible that all these young men and women, who cheer Mr. Hoxha with such zeal, do not work anywhere, but spend the whole day going from one political meeting to another. In closing, Mr. Hoxha compared the head of the Socialist Party to Hitler. “Then who does Bloshmi resemble?” asked one of the pensioners. “Bloshmi draws funds that nothing can stop,” another replied. That was enough and everything escalated. Hoxha’s cheering young supporters rushed toward the pensioners, but Hoxha, keeping in mind the Paskuqan episode, ordered them to calm down. There were also some shoves, insults, and vulgar language among them. Bujar Hoxha ended the meeting by leaving amid the cheers: “Oh Enver, oh Hitler, we are ready when you call us.” According to Mr. Bujar Hoxha, Enver and Hitler had joined together in the person of Mr. Fatos Nano to fight democracy! Fatos Nano has always been a noble man. He was a very polite leader of the Socialist Party and not 3 meters away from any residential center or neighborhood. Its best leader, perhaps of all coalitions. It remains to be seen whether the PS manages to persuade voters to vote for it and not for the broad coalition of the Democratic Alliance. At least the situation in Tirana seems to leave hope for that. The PDS will be an integral part of the right-wing coalition “for democracy,” within which the people understand clearly that there are not only right-wing and center-right policies, but also regular interests. The chairman of the PDS also presented its reform platform. It provides for 8 priorities of a new governance, based on the capabilities of developed countries. Among these priorities, land privatization, housing, healthcare, and education occupy important places. The PDS promises measures against unemployment as well as tax cuts for small business. According to it, the future government should aim at integrating the country into Euro-Atlantic structures. Many of those present at this meeting applauded when Fatos Nano’s name was mentioned, but it was clear that they were disappointed by the empty promises. In the end, the meeting ended amid noise and strong objections. Page 4

D’Alema expressed for the first time the connection to Italy at Sforza’s place for Berisha Page 3

Today the Democratic Party election campaign opens of the Democratic Party Tomorrow is born today We all win “With us everyone wins” is the motto of the PD invitation for Saturday, 27 April. Ali celebrates its 7th anniversary with a series of activities. Today at 16:00, at Tirana’s National Stadium “Qemal Stafa”, the Alliance for the State, Justice and Welfare unveils its electoral alternative for the future. The democrats consider this day of the opening of the election campaign as a historic milestone and, alongside the interest of those present in the development of this event, many other messages follow it. The fall of the communist regime on 22 March 1992 and the victory of the Democratic Party were two historic events that created a favorable climate in Albania. Four years of democratic rule were four years of fundamental changes in all fields for Albanians. A four-year mandate of the democrats carried them forward to victories on many fronts, but it also definitively put our country on the path of reforms and major economic and social transformations. Yesterday, under the motto “With us everyone wins,” this party celebrated its 7th anniversary. Although the left-wing opposition has waged an indiscriminate campaign against the government, Albanians now know very well the advantages brought by democratic change. Although it is a society in transition, Albania today ranks among the most advanced countries in the pace of reforms. Political, economic, and social stability has been achieved in record time. The revitalization of political life and economic growth are some of the achievements mentioned everywhere today. On 26 May, Albanians will vote for their future. By choosing number 1, they vote for the continuation of reforms, for security and well-being. Albanian citizens will also vote for what they have achieved up to today in their lives. Along with winning the fight against poverty and unemployment, democratic developments will also support the creation of a new climate of hope for victory. Aware of the alternative offered to them, Albanians will choose on 26 May a new mandate for the democrats. This is the aspiration of the majority of them. Page 4

He is upset to leave the district The ancient city does not want Urdhën Ceka. The voices of the citizens of Elbasan are loud: “Democracy will win.” At yesterday’s Democratic Party meeting in the “Visarion Xhuvani” neighborhood, many citizens of Elbasan asked Mr. Ceka why he had left their city. In response, Mr. Ceka said that he was busy with commitments in Tirana and that the “people” had been with him. But the questions were many and the objections strong. At one point, one of those present asked him directly: “Why don’t you defend your own city?” Others recalled the issue of property, the lack of investment, and the departure of young people from the city. Some citizens shouted against him and the meeting grew tense. Toward the end of the meeting, supporters of the Democratic Party declared that Elbasan would vote for change and for stability. According to them, Neritan Ceka does not represent the interests of the city and for this reason has been rejected by the electorate. Page 5

“Bodyguards” of the PS members blinded with AKA hooligans today distort five days “Bodyguards” of the PS members blinded with AKA Those who distort the vote after the heads of the PS Page 5

“People of money, today so that we can give you back 20 times more, maybe on 26 May!!!”

Italy will continue to support Albania You have worked to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between our two peoples VITTIVI I BOTIMIT SATURDAY 27 April 1996 No. 93 (1327) PRICE 10 LEK 1,000 Italian lire 200 drachmas

Swiss Promotion Week From 24 April to 3 May 1996, Tirana International Hotel, in cooperation with the Embassy of Switzerland in Tirana and the Press Office, organizes in the Barja and Akvarta restaurant. During this week, a menu/specialty of Swiss dishes and the finest Swiss wines will be served. In the hotel there will be music and songs by a Swiss folk group. We welcome you to our premises during the days of this special event.