The March 31 elections for the new People’s Assembly have also concluded—the first pluralist elections in our country. This was the most important event of these months, on which the attention of public opinion at home and abroad was fixed. The people were swept into a vortex of political struggle without precedent in our conditions; they witnessed not only clashes among the opposition forces, but also the party’s truths being presented to the first pluralist electorate. Nevertheless, in the elections the people gave their vote of confidence to the candidate they thought would represent them best in the highest state body; they chose the political force they considered most capable and fair, wiser and more progressive, closely connected with the broad interests of people wherever they work and live, and with the interests of the nation as a whole. At this moment, too, the people recognized these qualities, voting overwhelmingly for candidates of the Party of Labour of Albania. This is a great victory for the Party of Labour, a high tribute to its name and its work, broad support for the democratic developments it initiated and is leading, and unwavering trust and complete confidence in this political force for the country’s future. Our Party repays the people for this support and trust, this esteem and honour, with boundless gratitude and, above all, with the weight of an obligation to work much harder, with justice and genuine dedication for the good of preserving freedom and independence, socialist values, calm and security in people’s lives, and the country’s rapid progress. But this victory belongs not only to the Party of Labour. Above all and more than anything, it is a victory of the people. On this March 31, too, they demonstrated the political awareness and commitment of our people, and how well they can find their bearings even in difficult situations. For the most part, the people knew how to rise above economic and political difficulties, the empty shops, and the dizzying psychological pressure exerted by the opposition. They turned to the Party of Labour not out of nostalgia for the past, nor simply because of its good name, but especially because of its serious commitment to renewing and democratizing itself and the life of the country, in the economy as well as in social life. This time, too, the people did not lose their bearings. They were not deceived by slanders or grandiose promises. They knew how to weigh values, not words; deeds, not promises. They knew how to distinguish who works for the people’s interests and who for their own; who is inspired by personal and party interests and who by a sense of responsibility for putting things right and for the country’s future. With the greatest calm and with their proudly free vote, they avoided political traps, withstood psychological blackmail, were not taken in by the mythological “sweetness” of the sirens’ song, and chose the only right, dignified and saving alternative. This is the alternative that Comrade Ramiz Alia once again expressed at his meeting with voters in constituency 218 of the capital: will keep us like agas, like rentiers. No, brothers and sisters, the people’s work. No one will help us, whatever political forces may lead the country, unless they see us all lined up at work. The road to Europe runs through production. Europe does not need tourists, but business.” The cooperative farmers and workers, and the healthiest part of the youth, chose this path rather than false illusions, because the path of work is the one that leads us to genuine progress. With the seats it won in the new People’s Assembly, the Party of Labour secured an important achievement. There will also be repeat voting in some electoral constituencies. It is appropriate for the Party’s propaganda in these constituencies to focus strongly on ensuring that its candidates win. This will also better serve the normal functioning of the new Assembly. But the March 31 victory was also accompanied by some unpleasant developments. In some cities, particularly Tirana, Shkodër and others, matters went so far that people voted for individuals of dubious merit, while genuine figures in politics, culture and science failed to win. This points to poor work by Party organs in these cities, and to their and the communists’ weak ties with workers, especially with the youth. Lessons must be drawn from this, and an end must be put to the euphoria-filled statements that we still hear in abundance. We must sit down seriously with people, persuade them without hesitation, explain the truth to them, and free them from inflamed passions and confusion. Likewise, in Tirana the candidate of the PPSH, its First Secretary of the Central Committee, Comrade Ramiz Alia, did not win; he had stood in constituency 218. Thus, the person who conceived and organized the processes of democratization in Albania did not win—the person who followed every development closely and maintained an outstanding balance under these conditions of social tension. But, as is entirely clear, the political manipulators are not concerned with democracy or its complete victory; they have other interests, new privileges and seats, for which they are willing to sell even the country’s highest interests. Under these circumstances, the Tirana Party Committee also bears responsibility, as do the communists in that constituency, who failed to withstand the opposition’s psychological and other kinds of pressure. This act has wounded the feelings of the entire people, who see in Comrade Ramiz Alia not merely a party leader, but a figure of such stature that he has already established himself as a people’s leader. The people want to see him as their leader, and that is how they will have him in the future too, because this—and only this—is in the interests of the country and the nation. Now, after the elections, we are entering a new phase. The Party of Labour is preparing for its 10th Congress. It approaches this new event bearing the weight of responsibility and conclusions about the times we are going through, but also with critical and self-critical assessments of its path to date. By ridding ourselves of everything unacceptable and mistaken, we will fully regain what we have lost. This is the only way to strengthen the Party, unite its ranks and increase the masses’ confidence in a party that has always placed, and continues to place, the interests of people, the country and the nation, genuine freedom and democracy, and the progress of the homeland at the heart of its program. We know that the opposition will launch further attacks, since it cannot accept defeat. It is up to members of the Party of Labour, and all honest people who care about work and property, the sweat of one’s brow, to stand up to any further passions that may arise, so that calm and order are restored everywhere and we can all return to work. Let us return to the fields waiting to be sown, to the offices where problems are discussed all day but few are solved, to the factories waiting for raw materials, and everywhere else. The Party of Labour’s broad-mindedness is well known; its tolerance has been exemplary, especially in these months. This demonstrates the democratic spirit that runs through it, not weakness. It will again be tolerant and ready to cooperate with all other political forces. This is how we members of the Party of Labour understand democracy and pluralism, and this is what it will also call for in its program, which it will present to the new People’s Assembly. Albania can be built by all of us together. No single political force should have to bear the responsibilities alone or claim the credit alone. Let us therefore turn the victory of March 31 into a true demonstration of work and unity for the good of the country!

The Party must now focus strongly in these constituencies so work and unity for the good of the country!

Yesterday, on 3.4.1991, the Council of Ministers reviewed the tense public-order situation that had arisen after the elections, particularly the events in Shkodër, where there have been illegal gatherings and illegal anarchic actions. It charged the justice and public-order authorities, in cooperation with the General Prosecutor’s Office and the General Investigation Directorate, with submitting a detailed report on how the events unfolded and establishing the relevant responsibility of those who caused them. At this difficult and very important moment, the Council of Ministers and all government bodies have assumed particular responsibilities in carrying out the tasks assigned by the joint meeting of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly and the Presidential Council, in order to ensure the necessary conditions for stabilizing the economy and for the country’s political and social life to return as soon as possible to the normal parliamentary path, in accordance with the will expressed by the people in the free and democratic elections of March 31. To this end, the Council of Ministers calls on everyone to respect the rules and laws, restore discipline and order everywhere, return to work, and commit to reconciliation, so that there may be calm and national unity, and not to undertake actions from one-sided positions of any political form. This is a time for work, not demonstrations, strikes and illegal actions. It is a time for the functioning and strengthening of the rule-of-law state, in defence of the people’s interests, so that normal life can be restored and the future parliament can take charge of the country as soon as possible. The government is committed to responsible and disciplined work at every level of state organization: in the Council of Ministers, in ministries, and in the executive committees of the district people’s councils, with full confidence that the people will support their work.

— In enterprises in the district of Tirana — On Sunday, as we all went together to the ballot box, we were united by the desire to move towards democracy, towards its European level. Now, after the elections, each person’s daily “vote” for democracy is work—each person’s work, a contribution to the progress of the economy. Whoever understands this, and all the more whoever works for it, is a true democrat. The voting is over. Has work begun? Anyone asking this question hopes to receive a positive answer. Myfit Malja, deputy director of the Textile Combine: — The excitement kept growing right up to March 31. It was as if we had a magic wand: “March 31” was over. The obstacles and shortages that prevent normal work are well known. When we call for work, we do not look only to the worker, but even more to the sources of supply. In any case, we are starting with the administration and our own problems, to secure working conditions for the workers in matters that depend entirely on the combine. We are reviewing and re-examining unproductive jobs in order to make a more logical and economical distribution, and to cut positions that produce nothing and weigh on the income of the whole workforce. Such issues are being addressed. From the workers, for now, we are asking more for sound judgment and an understanding of the difficulties, but also for discipline in the bus fleet. The voting is over. Has the work begun? Anyone who asks this question does so hoping the Textile Combine: “[The pressure?], up to March 31, kept increasing. There were also opinions that immediately after the voting everything would be resolved, just as [—]”

— VLORË — At Llakatud, the farm director, Vangjel Dai, says that during the current processes they have insisted that people clearly understand that work is the principal pillar of democracy. And, in fact, full daily participation of people in work has been secured. As a result, progress has been quite positive in all the tasks. At the agriculture section of the district executive committee of the People’s Council, chief agronomist Izet Rexha also says that Llakatud is one of the farms distinguished by its work during this period. The same is true of Tragjas, which ended the previous agricultural year with abundant achievements. Above all, the mobilization of people in Tragjas is very good and ...

April — Turkey’s Minister of [—], Ahmetogjin, began [a visit to] Romania on Monday. [He held] talks with President [Iliescu], the prime minister, and the minister of [—], Adrian Nast[a], to discuss the creation of cooperation in the Black Sea, [involving] Bulgaria, the Soviet Union and [—]. President Milo- [—] control everything and “create [—].” If [—] the statement about [—] says that [—], she wants to [—] greatly [—], declared the spokesperson Mario Nobilo.

[—]. The daily newspaper “Borba”—writers and citizens of Serbia and [—]. For no reason [—]. Without specifying [—], that in this [—], 58.5 per cent [—] at least [—] Milosevic [—], [—], 28 [—] the former authorities [—] truly [—] Serbian [—].

Yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhamet Kapllani received Ivan Selin, Deputy Secretary of the US Department of State, and had a friendly conversation with him. During the meeting, both sides highly praised the restoration of diplomatic relations between Albania and the United States and, in this context, the importance of opening embassies in the respective capitals as a necessary step toward giving concrete effect to these relations. Muhamet Kapllani spoke about Albania’s irreversible commitment to the path of democratic processes; the importance of the pluralist elections of March 31 as a particular milestone in this process, in order to ensure the functioning of the rule-of-law state; and economic reforms to reduce unproductive positions that weigh on the collective’s income. Such issues are being addressed. We are now asking more of workers in terms of logic and reasoning about difficulties, but also discipline from the bus depot. Mr. Selin emphasized the importance of the post-election period for political and democratic life in Albania and for the creation of a pluralist parliament, and thus for the continuation of democratic processes in Albania, which, he said, have the support of the United States of America. (ATSH) the implementation of reforms in all fields. political and democratic life in Albania, the continuity support of the United States of America. (ATSH) (Continued on page 2)

At well Pa-6, the technical casing string has just been successfully lowered. The casing pipe was installed in the well, [—] the well walls, and the lowering of the string provides a foundation for continuing to deepen the well. The sweat of the brigade No. 2 workers has borne fruit. After the well work, the workers of this brigade—Mali Pasha, secretary of the PPSH basic organization; Dashnor Kazazi, secretary of the Democratic Party for Patos; Andrei Pani, a supporter of the Ecological Party; and Haxhi Panahori—[—] to celebrate, each took a glass. The conversation picked up and, quite naturally, they began to sing. “Let it be as it may!”—songs sung with ease, says poet Mimoza Ahmeti. And today, when our ears ache from the long, exhausting political discussions, we need songs so much. A song refreshes you, brings you together, calms you. A person does not become alienated. A song is not like medicines that consume your time, freeze your thoughts, stir up turmoil in your soul, and fray your nerves. A song is a joyful expression of understanding. This is about the individual song of a worksite. This is about the individual song of a worksite. But what if we thought more seriously about the various political parties? Let us unite our voices only in the song of work. Let us sing in unison for work! Naturally, we would have a great and joyful [—] of Albania. The race The oil-exploration workers’ settlements are temporary towns. They [—] Oil-exploration settlements are temporary settlements. They last only two or three years. What a short lifespan compared with the millennia-old cities! Yet they are extraordinary cities! Temporary settlements! When the well is completed, they will disappear, leaving behind their shared shadow. Unity. In these cities there are no quarrels, resentments, deceit, or bureaucracy. Everything here is pure. From these small settlements a great unity is born. Does that sound unbelievable? Here people from the PPSH, PD, PR, etc., breathe one another’s sweat. They have no intention of quarrelling over their parties, because they all have just one goal and one dream: to discover oil to feed this land. And for this, the brigades wh— (Continued on page 3)

On April 2 and 3, 1991, at police offices and in the districts of Tirana, Elbasan, Shkodër, Durrës and Kavajë, citizens residing in villages indignantly filed complaints about people—various young city-dwellers—who had attacked them. In a provocative, insulting and degrading manner, they kicked and put out of use agricultural and livestock products belonging to the citizens. In some cases, they damaged their means of transport and killed their animals. The perpetrators of these provocative and destructive acts accompanied their actions with the words that “you caused the Democratic Party to lose the elections.” A considerable number of citizens living in towns have also filed complaints about such acts, which stir people’s feelings, disturb their peace of mind, and violate public order and individual freedom—the very things all the country’s political forces are talking so much about today.

No comment The news on Monday afternoon was interesting: most of the parliamentary delegations that had observed the March 31 elections had left our country. They had come from far and wide and, as [—], learned the preliminary result—the dignified victory of the PPSH. They were quite surprised, like all of us, by the defeat of Ramiz Alia, the president who is paving the way for democratic developments, at the hands of an “unknown geologist,” as the foreign press described him, and became convinced that the elections in Albania were genuinely free. Well, when even the leader of the party in power and the president of the country are not granted the “courtesy” of victory, it is understandable that no one—not merely an impartial person, but even the most biased, the most hostile—has anything to say. The foreign parliamentarians were convinced: democracy in Albania has made a great leap forward. We believe they left with these impressions on Monday afternoon, and had no hesitation in declaring to their press that our elections were fair. How strange! Only RD does not understand this language. Yesterday, under the bombastic headline “Many facts show that the elections were manipu- [—] popular,” it concocted a list of “irregularities” in several districts, using a magnifying glass to search for “germs” that had been hungry on Sunday. Search, search, you “democrats,” but what an entire people is fighting for—the true democracy—appeared magnificently on March 31. Representatives from all over the world saw it; the overwhelming majority of them knew they had not the slightest common ground with the PPSH—in fact, many were against it—and they reported their views to news agencies and radio and television stations. Only RD keeps insisting like [—]. What a pitiful position! But you are not alone. The self-proclaimed king of Albania in exile, Leka Zogu, who appeared in a Reuters agency report on April 1, stressed [—] that the elections had been manipulated. “We know that the elections were manipulated,” the self-proclaimed king Leka told the French radio station “Franc Infos” in a telephone interview. We emphasize once again: what a pitiful opposition! RD speaks with Leka Zogu’s voice. SPIRO P. GJONI

The race

We do not feed the people illusions that the world will keep us like agas... The only injection that can heal our country’s economy is the people’s work. RAMIZ ALIA