22 March 1992–1998 “Democracy Day” Six years ago, on 22 March, the Albanian people used their free vote to overthrow the communist dictatorship. Today, neo-dictatorship and neo-communism are being rapidly restored. Today, 22 March 1998, at 12:00, in Skanderbeg Square. On Democracy Day, the “Union for Democracy” will gather to protest: -Against the establishment of neo-dictatorship -Against the war waged by the ruling clique to destroy the opposition -In defense of democratic constitutional institutions -Against extreme poverty and the daily increase in prices -Against the high taxes that are destroying business and trade -Against the deception about wage increases, while wages and pensions are not being indexed -Against the deception about returning the money deposited in pyramid schemes. Brothers and sisters, On Democracy Day, everyone to Skanderbeg Square to defend democracy and oppose the re-establishment of dictatorship. UNION FOR DEMOCRACY GALLOPING PRICE INCREASES DP government SP government 1. Oil 120 lekë 190–210 lekë 2. Pasta 30” 650 “ 3. Sugar 60 “ 100 “ 4. Rice 60 “ 90 “ 5. Flour 33–35 “ 80 “ 6. Cheese 220–240 “ 400–750 “ 7. Meat 350 “ 650–700 “ 8. Butter 300 “ 700 “ 9. Eggs 6.5 “ 18–20 “ 10. Beans 75” 190–230 “ 11. Salt 15” 30 “ 12. Kerosene 28” 72 “

A magnificent DP rally in Elbasan. Thousands of citizens await and cheer Berisha. The DP, the majority party.

Today, Tirana in the square

The SP’s newspaper, “DHL” and “TNT” share 600 thousand stolen dollars . Corruption runs through the newspaper “Zëri i Popullit”. ON PAGE 4. The deceived Albanians will take “ZP” and its associates to court, seeking compensation for around 20 thousand shipments sent to the false address.

Albania is heading toward the March of democracy. No longer is there talk of a left-wing majority or socialists, but of a wide gulf between the DP and a government of smuggling, deception, violence and poverty. The Democratic Party has definitively established itself as Albania’s largest party, creating a stark contrast between people’s aspirations and the parliament’s false composition, between what Albania needs and what the current government is doing. Yesterday’s DP rally in the city of Elbasan is another indication that the democrats are now Albania’s alternative; the democrats are the alternative of the future, both the choice and the solution to what the country needs. Exactly six years ago, Albanians used their vote to overthrow communism, finally leaving behind the 50-year communist dictatorship. On that March day, no one had imagined that former communists and former members of the Sigurimi would, five years later, join forces with foreign secret services that do not wish Albania or the Albanians well, in order to overthrow Albanian democracy by force. In those days, Albanians thought only of good things. For each person, democracy was an opportunity; for everyone together, it was an environment in which their opportunities could become reality. Five years of democratic government achieved a great deal for all Albanians. It was March ’92 that had decided the fate of Albanians and secured a happy future for them. With strong support and a referendum-like vote, the Democratic Party came to power, rewarding the trust of thousands upon thousands of Albanians who wanted a different life. During its five years in government, Albanians saw new opportunities, a free life, freedom of opportunity, the chance to become prosperous and improve their lives, and to aspire to ever more for the future. The former communists and members of the Sigurimi would not tolerate precisely this kind of development. The Leninist armed revolution they launched succeeded in destroying democratic institutions and much of what Albanians had achieved under democratic government. This was the punishment inflicted on the votes of 22 March 1992 by those who had been ousted by that very vote. Through a Leninist revolution with gangs and bandits, politicians dressed in military uniforms, and three Serbian fingers raised where the flag was hoisted, the Albanian socialists and their satellites gave the country 3,000 dead and more than 5,000 wounded. No war could have buried so many human lives—and, even more, people’s faith in the future. But just six months of communist government were enough for Albanians to become fully convinced that this government must go. The Democratic Party has taken firm steps toward bringing down the government. Those who sowed crime in Albania, who sowed smuggling and anti-Albanian sentiment, and who brought back to the old offices of dictatorship the same people as ten years ago have only one way forward: to leave as soon as possible. Thousands of Albanians are suffering from hunger today, whereas just two years ago a standard of living above the average was not even in question. Prices today are higher than in many European countries, whereas just two years ago prices were half what they are these days. More than 100,000 people have become unemployed because of the communist rebellion, while over 5,000 businesses have gone bankrupt. In six months, the socialists managed to ensure that not a single foreign investment remained in Albania, even though they had promised to return the money from the pyramid schemes. 22 March is an appeal to all Albanians. An appeal to give Albania back its future, its faith and the opportunities opened up six years ago. The country does not deserve communism and suffering. It deserves only democracy and a peaceful, happy life.

They had kidnapped him

Shocking testimony about the murder of Kujtim Kaçorri ON PAGE 4

“In response to Nano, Ceka and Rakipi’s personal attacks, the reaction will be historic” ON PAGE 3 “In response to Nano’s, Ceka’s and Rakipi’s personal attacks, the reaction will be historic”

The mysteries of Miriam Bubsi’s death According to his friends, lately the deceased had made a habit of insulting Prime Minister Nano, whom he said had betrayed him ON PAGE 2

The series of explosions begins. The police are the epicenter of the attacks of the attacks Explosive device at the Devoll Police Station ON PAGE 4

Indifference, contempt and accusations: the government’s 28th day of dealing with VEFA’s creditors ON PAGE 5

The opposition leader welcomes the elections in Kosovo. Nano should maintain his latest position ON PAGE 3

Operation by Italian police in Apulia BARI - The influx of Albanians into Italy through the Strait of Otranto continued yesterday. 259 clandestine migrants, all of them Albanian, were discovered on Monday in Apulia during thorough checks, according to a police source. According to the police, these Albanians landed on Thursday evening into the early hours of Friday and during Saturday. The nighttime weather conditions were unsuitable for crossing the Strait of Otranto for these small groups traditionally used by those seeking to emigrate, the same source added. 231 people, who had set out in several groups, were stopped in the Brindisi region, while another 22 Albanians were discovered on a train at Bari station. Immigrants were also stopped in Taranto. All these people will be repatriated, except for the minors, who will be entrusted to the juvenile court of Lecce. 132 clandestine migrants were caught by Italian forces the day before, while many others managed to enter the longed-for land. The difficult economic conditions are causing around 300 Albanians to stream toward Italy every day, and the government has taken no concrete steps to stop the illegal trafficking.

The pretext of the fight against smuggling and the judicial decisions in these cases After ships and trucks are impounded to be used for propaganda purposes as evidence of the state’s fight against smuggling, ministers and other high-ranking officials, who are seen acting on behalf of the owners of the goods, make sure those goods reach their destination by obtaining a ruling to that effect from the judicial authorities. ON PAGE 4

Interview with the writer and publicist Teodor Keko Government officials neither ask questions nor answer them. They are like calves fattened in the slaughterhouse, only to end up one day on the butcher’s hook ON PAGE 9