The new draft Constitution, drawn up by the Special Commission of the People’s Assembly and submitted for discussion by public opinion through the press on December 30 of the year just ended, is undoubtedly a landmark event in the course of the democratic processes our society has undertaken. The draft Constitution is not simply an amendment to the existing Constitution. On the contrary, these are qualitative changes that fully reflect the democratic changes that have taken place and are taking place in our country. The approval of the new Constitution will not only enshrine democratic victories, but will also provide powerful support for the unstoppable establishment of full and comprehensive democratization in every sphere of our political, social, economic, and other life. It is to the credit of the Party of Labour that it took the initiative in making changes and additions to the Constitution, demonstrating through its actions that it is a true supporter and initiator of democratic processes. Anyone who has become familiar with the draft Constitution and studied it carefully, we believe, will have noticed numerous differences from the Constitution currently in force. Once enshrined by the People’s Assembly, all these changes will bring about in practice a genuine state governed by the rule of law, which is so essential to a truly democratic society. Article 9 of the draft Constitution states: “State activity is the exclusive prerogative of state bodies recognized by law.” Thus, objective conditions are created for the state to act as fairly as possible toward its citizens, insofar as it does not act by issuing orders, but by applying the laws and the Constitution, which express the most essential interests of the entire people. Undoubtedly, enshrining pluralism in the Constitution makes the Albanian state a modern, law-governed state, where the rights of the individual and of society, and even more so human rights, come to the fore. In our country, too, the process of the irreversible deepening of democracy places human rights and freedoms at the center of attention. We therefore believe that the Special Commission of the People’s Assembly, giving voice to the most advanced democratic opinion, has drafted a chapter whose articles meet advanced European standards. Most importantly, these rights and freedoms of citizens are not merely proclaimed, but are also put into practice through the functioning of the state governed by the rule of law. This is not the place to present the articles concerning the rights and freedoms of citizens provided for in the draft Constitution, as there are more than 30 of them, but we can mention, even in passing, some that are absent from the Constitution currently in force: freedom of expression and of political belief; freedom of religion; free movement of citizens within and outside the country; the right to strike; the right to information; the right to complain about wrongful actions by public officials; protection of citizens during investigations or trials, including professional legal defense, that is, a lawyer; the right to work abroad, and so on. With the freedoms and rights provided for in the draft Constitution, we adhere rigorously to international norms and principles. Many of the articles enshrining human rights and freedoms in the draft Constitution are included in international instruments of the UN, the CSCE, and others. A separate chapter is also devoted to the changes regulating economic relations, which are not included in the existing Constitution. The new legal changes are intended to encourage economic development. Legal provisions facilitating the development of economic cooperation with the outside world also serve this purpose. … and the deputy’s return as a central figure of state power. Equally important is the further improvement of the justice system. Thus, the separation of procedural functions among prosecution, investigation, and trial is enshrined; this is one of the fundamental principles in the field of justice. What does this separation between the activities of the prosecution service, the investigative authorities, and the courts bring? Better protection of citizens’ rights. The establishment of the High Council of Justice, the Ministry of Justice, and the legal profession—which did not exist before—demonstrates the independence of the justice bodies, which in all their activities must obey only the laws and the Constitution. Now that we have the draft Constitution in hand, we are convinced that on many fundamental issues, such as those concerning human rights and freedoms, the functioning of state power bodies and justice bodies, relations with other countries, and so on, it is a Constitution for our times, a democratic one that successfully meets today’s needs as well as those of the future. With such a Constitution, the Albanian state presents itself as it should within the European family. Is everything perfect and flawless in the draft Constitution? Certainly not. This is also one reason why it was submitted for discussion to broad pluralist public opinion. It is above all a patriotic duty for our citizens not to stand aside from the discussion of the new draft Constitution. They are studying, and must study, this fundamental document with the utmost seriousness. Each person, with a strong sense of civic responsibility, can freely express their views in the most democratic way. Comments and suggestions on the draft Constitution will… … state to be as just as possible toward its own but by applying the laws of Albanian state a modern liberal state, like the most advanced states in the world. No one can say that the Albanian state protects the specific interests of this or that group or class, but only the interests of its own people. More than anything else, the true legal character of the draft new Constitution is conveyed by Chapter II: «The Rights and Duties of Citizens», which accounts for somewhat more than one-third of all the articles in the Constitution. Today, human rights are widely discussed around the world. As the state, democratic progress, science, and … become more humane, … … of the UN, the CSCE, etc. A separate chapter is also devoted to the amendments governing relations in the economic sphere, legal amendments are intended to encourage economic development. Their purpose also includes providing a legal framework that facilitates the development of economic cooperation with the outside world. The aim of these amendments is for Albania to integrate into European economic processes without compromising the freedom and independence of the homeland. A genuine state governed by the rule of law requires, among other things, a new state structure. That is why the draft Constitution also makes qualitative changes in this respect, such as establishing the President of the Republic as Head of State with extensive powers, increasing the legislative activity of the People’s Assembly, and enhancing the role of the Standing Committees— … sphere, Committees of… … to freely express their opinions in a democratic manner. Comments and suggestions on the draft Constitution should be sent to the Special Commission at the Headquarters of the Presidium of the People's Assembly by January 30, 1991. The more opinions, suggestions, and comments there are, the more complete the future Constitution will be. This is of great importance, because, as is well known, the Constitution cannot be renewed every year. We believe that our people, with their mature, free, and democratic thinking, will help make the new Constitution as accomplished as possible in every respect. This is how true democracy is genuinely advanced. … are studying it Everyone, every respect.

Presentation of candidates for deputies in the People’s Assembly continues THE PEOPLE ARE THE ONLY ONES TO PLEASE Seit Alimerja, from Skrapar, a resident of Golem, does not have the biography of a “deputy.” But he has an oratorical gift to be envied. On January 10 he took part in the meeting of the Democratic Front organization in Golem, to attend the announcement of the candidates for deputy. It was indeed a fiery meeting, full of ideas, but we will focus on what Seit Alimerja said: “To tell the truth, my faith in the Party of Labour had wavered—the Party I, a man from Skrapar, have loved so much. So I was anxiously awaiting this meeting. Who would be proposed as the Party’s candidate for deputy…

These days we have occasion to visit many electoral districts where candidates for the People’s Assembly are being announced. There are various opinions and discussions, debates and criticisms, and requests to learn more about the particular qualities of the person being proposed. When expressing its opinion, the people never start from the candidate’s post or position, but from their life itself, their inclinations and personality, and the authority they have earned through honest work and sweat. But the people are also adding a natural question: What will you do for us, for the people of the district you may represent tomorrow? What undertakings can the candidate take on? Why do they say this? There is a reason. It stems from the weak connection some deputies have had with the people. Such comments are often heard: - “I’ve seen our deputy only on television.” (In the Golem neighborhood, Shkodër.) - “I don’t know what he looks like, and I haven’t even heard his voice,” says someone else about the deputy in the “Vojo Kushi” neighborhood. - “Although she lives in Shkodër, the deputy has met with us only once,” they tell you in the “Vasil Shanto” neighborhood. Thus, the people are reminding future deputies that, first and foremost, they must not forget that they are the people’s representatives; the people will give them their vote, but can also take it away if they do not deserve it. And rightly so.

An election campaign, not an election by the youth organization These days, during the presentation of candidates for deputy by the various electoral entities, it has been observed that some of them are not being accepted by the voters. At first glance, there is nothing wrong with this. Indeed, it is highly democratic for everyone to express their opinion about who might be a candidate and about ensuring the most dignified possible representation in the People’s Assembly. But is every judgment that may be made accurate and fair? This is open to discussion. After one candidacy is rejected, is the new candidacy a sound choice? Let us give an example. In electoral district No. 46 in the city of Elbasan, by the co-… … one other candidate in the elections. And those few young people who were there proposed that one of the … who were alongside them be chosen as a candidate for deputy. Who was he? A distinguished activist of the or… (Continued on page 2)

Labour. What is the truth? We put these questions to Ibrahim Toshe[k?]zi, director of the plastics factory in Lushnjë. “I don’t believe there is any honest person, whether they know me or not, who would fall for these propaganda tricks by Bujar Xhaferi, presented as if they were my own statements. So the article is fabricated from beginning to end. Why was it published? The issue is not Ibrahim; the issue is the Party of Labour. Such articles do it no harm… For the sake of truth, I should add that on the day the Democratic Party rally was held in Lushnjë, I was in Tirana. I returned in the afternoon for a meeting of the technical council. When I answer questions about such details, I ask: is it really worth engaging with slander? Apparently it is. Not for Ibrahim’s honor, but for the truth. “After the article was published, how did your workforce react?” “Before I talk about the workforce, let me say that I met with the author of the article, who, instead of engaging in a dialogue based on arguments, told me: ‘I have some statements from workers.’ He may have statements, but, according to the most basic standards of ethics, I asked him to come to the factory so he could confront the workers in person. He told me, ‘I’ll come with the editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Rilindja Demokratike” on January 10.’ As you can see, he did not come. Why? He knows why. As for the factory workers, I can tell you that on the day the article was published they gathered and prepared a letter addressed to several recipients, including “Rilindja Demokratike.” I would like the newspaper to publish my workforce’s response in its pages as soon as possible. That is what sensationalism means—not the inventions of certain people who are trying to gain political credit through sensations. Finally, I would like to add that, under all the rules, I have the legal right, as a citizen, to report the author of the article to the relevant authorities for slander. Before the law, we are all equal.” SOTIRAQ GJORDENI

The Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, Comrade Adil Çarçani, received last night at the headquarters of the Council of Ministers the president of the German company “Rukert,” based in Munich, Mr. Valter Cel, and a group of executives from state banks in Germany and Austria who had arrived with him. The Minister attached to the Presidium of the Council of Ministers and Chairman of the Committee for Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries, Farudin Hoxha, was also present at the reception. After welcoming them to our country, Comrade Adil Çarçani held a warm and friendly conversation with them. He thanked them for the interest they show in our country and praised the sound work of the German and Austrian banks and their relations with our bank. “Our public,” Comrade Adil Çarçani said, “has been informed about your financing of important projects and areas of economic development and has welcomed it.” He then dwelt on the need to make investments in various branches of the economy, such as the oil, copper, chromium, and hydropower industries, and the development of infrastructure in our country, etc., where the prospects are greatest. Speaking about these issues, he stressed the need to begin work at existing deposits, improve technology, and further increase production through reconstruction. Cooperation in agriculture would also be of interest to our country, Comrade Adil Çarçani pointed out, especially given the difficulties caused by the weather, in order to raise yields of agricultural and livestock products; as would cooperation in light and food industries, to expand the range of consumer goods and… (Continued on page 4)

As has been reported in the press, on January 13–14 the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Kostandin Micotaqis, will arrive in Albania on an official and friendly visit. arrive in Albania on an official and friendly visit. The delegation of 37 people accompanying the Greek prime minister includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonis Samaras; the minister without portfolio, Mikis Teodorakis; the Deputy State Secretary to the Prime Minister, D. Bakojani; the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, B. Ekonomu; the Secretary General of the Ministry of Press and Information, K. Pilarinos; the Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, P. Kontaulakos; the Secretary General of the Ministry of Trade, N. Psillakis; representatives and senior officials of the National Tourism Organization and the Department for Economic Affairs; and other prominent figures. The accompanying and technical group also includes more than 20 security officers. A group of journalists will also travel with the delegation, along with more than 50 journalists from the central press and Greek radio and television, as well as foreign correspondents based in Athens, etc. (ATSH)

Yesterday, Evgenij Ivanoviç Osadçuk, Deputy Minister of the USSR Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, arrived in Tirana. He heads the Soviet trade and economic delegation. As we have also reported previously, a working group from several USSR ministries is holding talks with our relevant authorities on signing an agreement on cooperation … (Continued on page 4)

Yesterday, the Democratic Party organized a rally in the main square of the town of Memaliaj. Speaking on behalf of the Initiative Committee for the Creation of the Democratic Party, Bardhyl Reso said, among other things, that in these historic moments, as we move forward with the democratic processes, everyone is called upon to show wisdom, good judgment and composure in order to preserve everything that has been achieved by all. Now more than ever, tolerance is needed, along with the achievement of democracy and development by democratic means. Speaking about the Democratic Party’s economic program, he emphasized the objectives it has set for itself: improving working conditions and the difficult economic situation, achieving higher rates of development so that our country, too, may join the great European family. After the rally, its participants demonstrated not only in the town’s main square but also in its streets, enthusiastically chanting, «Party–Enver, we are always ready»! «Party of Labour», «Party–Ramiz, unity will not waver»! From there, they themselves set off in cars, holding portraits of Comrade Enver in their hands, went to the town of Tepelenë and gathered in the square in front of the district Party Committee building. There, enthusiasm reached its peak. Thousands of people chanted in support of the Party of Labour and Comrade Ramiz Alia. Numerous speakers at this spontaneous rally, including worker Gëzim Kacori, student Agron Liaka, intellectual Nevruz Shehu and writer Hysni Milloshi, expressed their gratitude to the Party of Labour and its dear leader, Comrade Ramiz Alia. The participants again chanted in support of the Party of Labour and its program, and held up slogans reading, «In the February 10 elections, we will cast our votes for the candidates of the Party of Labour». For many, many minutes, the song «Long live Enver Hoxha» was sung. This spontaneous rally proceeded normally, and the participants dispersed peacefully on their own. (According to ATSH)

«It was President Ramiz Alia who, as a wise patriot, proclaimed political pluralism, and the people embarked on the path of democratization,» declared one of the speakers. In the square in front of the «Ylli i Kuq» stadium in Pogradec, the Democratic Party held a rally yesterday to mark the establishment of its branch in this town. The rally was opened by architect Gjergj Ilo. Writer Mirosh Markaj, speaking about the democratic processes in Albania in the tradition of democratic figures such as Lasgush Poradeci, said that it was President Ramiz Alia who, as a wise patriot, proclaimed political pluralism, and the people embarked on the path of democratization. Gramoz Pashko, a member Party, also spoke at the rally and explained the Democratic Party’s aims for developing the economy in Albania. Other activists of this Party also spoke at the rally. The rally was held in accordance with the rules and laws in force. (According to ATSH)

In Wednesday’s issue of “Rilindja Demokratike,” a typically sensational article claims that a manager promised workers he would reward them with 500 lekë if they cheered for the Party of Labour. “What is the truth? For whom— (the text continues on the next page)

… deep, the future …we would always … in the Turkish country. They were … reception in …loi in … friendly … (ATS…)