Albania 2000 - prosperity and dignity
President Berisha's speech delivered to the PDSh National Council
A deep and deserved victory, also at the local level
The speech of the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, before the National Council of the Democratic Party, which held its proceedings yesterday and was greeted with long applause, was followed with great interest. Below we publish the most important part of this speech:
The local elections constitute local government for the next four years. It is the government of every individual and every Albanian family. Local government has people at its core, the services provided to them, and their most essential needs. Therefore, elections for local power are, for every society, important elections for citizens' lives.
We are entering a new stage in the country's development. Albania is moving toward European integration, the consolidation of the rule of law, and the establishment of a modern market economy. This requires a more efficient, more honest local administration that is closer to the citizens.
The Democratic Party is entering these elections with a clear, realistic, and workable program. This program aims to improve urban and rural infrastructure, the supply of drinking water, road repair, cleaning, greening, lighting, and the creation of better living conditions.
We are convinced that Albanian citizens will vote for progress, for stability, and for the continuation of reforms. Our victory in these elections will be a victory for democracy and for the Albanian citizen.
Albania in the year 2000 must be Albania of prosperity and dignity. This is our vision, this is our commitment, and this is our faith in the creative forces of this people.
Fatos Nano, at the hour of sublime truth
Fatos Nano finally admitted the bitter truth, having been left with no cards left to play for any scenario other than final defeat. Alarmed by the deep defeat of the socialists and their allies in the elections of 26 May and 2 June, the incumbent chairman of the Socialist Party came to that great peaceful opposition from his prison throne.
The incumbent chairman of the socialists did yesterday what he had long been obliged to do. He acknowledged the defeat of 29 May. The victory of the majority of Albanians and of democratic reforms was determined by vote in a process that Western observers have assessed as the fairest ever held in Albania.
However, with yesterday's statement, Nano sought to give that defeat another political meaning, one that reality does not contain. He tries to present himself as the man who supposedly chose the path of calm, while in reality he had been hostage to his own strategy of boycott, tension, and non-recognition of institutions.
Instead of reflecting on the reasons for the defeat, the Socialist Party for months tried to keep the climate of confrontation alive. It encouraged protests, used harsh political language, and gave oxygen to destabilizing scenarios.
Today, when Albania needs a real, responsible, and parliamentary opposition, every step toward accepting democratic rules is welcome. But this cannot be presented as personal heroism. It is simply a return to normality.
In the end, the sublime truth about Fatos Nano is this: Albanians voted against him, against the politics of blockage, and against nostalgia for the past. The sooner he understands this, the better it will be for the Albanian left itself.
The agenda of the talks is set
PD - PS after Wednesday's meeting, dialogue at expert level
PAGE 2
The agenda of the talks between PD and PS is being defined, which means the important technical issues have been formalized. Experts from both parties will meet again soon.
A deep and deserved victory, also at the local level
President Berisha's speech delivered to the PDSh National Council
continued as follows:
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
Elected representatives of the sovereign,
This council meets after an excellent victory in the parliamentary elections of 26 May and 2 June and before the local elections of October.
We achieved a deserved victory. Albanian citizens voted for the path of reforms, for political stability, and for the continuation of democratic transformations. This victory proved that the majority of Albanians trust the Democratic Party and its program.
The local elections are an important test of our governing ability. They require organization, responsibility, and maximum dedication from us. Our candidates must be people of integrity, with strong ties to the community and the will to serve.
Our objectives are clear: improving living conditions in cities and villages, expanding public services, building and reconstructing infrastructure, as well as supporting free initiative.
I am convinced that the citizens will once again support the Democratic Party, because it represents the force of change, responsibility, and the national interest.
Let us work with dedication so that the parliamentary victory is followed by an equally deep and deserved victory at the local level.
The Democratic Party presents the program for the local elections
The official activity of the PD National Council
The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, takes part
page 2
Prime Minister Meksi launches the Government Program in Parliament
