- Echoes of the election of Comrade Ramiz Alia to the high office of President of the Republic - A major democratic step - TIRANA - Yesterday’s hours of discussion in parliament—hours of reflection, debate, and anticipation. Perhaps no other session has ever attracted greater interest or more attention directed toward parliament. Outside it, too, Comrade Ramiz Alia’s name was at the center of conversations. Just as this name has been at the center of the events we have lived through, at the center of an unprecedented process to democratize every aspect of our country’s political and economic life. And the moment arrived. With the election of Comrade Ramiz Alia as the first President of the Republic of Albania, this moment in history takes on the enthusiasm brought by another very important step on the road to realizing democracy. Yesterday we met some of the new friends who were waiting for the Assembly’s results. They told us: Fatri Sinani, secretary of the District Party Committee: Everyone says, “we expected Comrade Ramiz to be elected President,” because everyone sees in him not only a politician, but also a statesman, a figure perfectly suited to this great responsibility. Adelina Mazreku, doctor: I was very happy, like so many compatriots, both inside and outside the country. Albania needed a personality like him at this moment, and it is fortunate that this personality is now at the head of the state. Humane as a citizen of this country, humane in all his positions and actions. Mago Lakrori, university lecturer: He was the only personality who inspires us with great confidence. I also feel this: even at this stage of democratization, as Albanians, as Albania, we preserved our distinctive character; therefore, I am certain that with Comrade Ramiz we will continue to succeed. Osman Dapi, cooperative farmer in Baldushk: Even in earlier conversations, the people were asking for this decision by the pluralist People’s Assembly and expected it. The people are happy today. Shqipe Kola from Peza: We awaited this outcome with one accord. Perhaps there was no one else who could lead democracy as the people want and understand it. FRANO CAKA

- SHKODËR - People were anxiously waiting for the appointment of the head of state. Their concern was justified, but it must be said that, regardless of political affiliation, everyone’s thoughts settled on one person, one name: Comrade Ramiz Alia. This is no coincidence, nor is it merely a feeling of respect and trust. It is something broader and deeper than that. “In Comrade Ramiz we have always seen a man of his time, in whom wisdom and moderation, culture and tolerance come together,” says Hys Zaja, chairman of the Shkodër veterans’ committee. “It is true that he will no longer be the principal leader of the Party of Labour, but this once again shows that the people’s fate comes before parties, before everything else. The deputies elected Ramiz Alia, but history proclaimed him.” “We all know Comrade Ramiz Alia,” young specialist Arben Kullaj tells us. “Democratic developments also bear the thought, words, and wisdom of Comrade Ramiz Alia. By proposing such a personality, the Party of Labour once again demonstrated its maturity. It placed the interests of the homeland above everything. I cannot consider the objections made by some opposition deputies—that none of the Party of Labour’s members could be a candidate for president—to be timely or constructive. This does not show that the problems have been freed from politicization.” There is much discussion. It began immediately after the first pluralist elections and continues today in every home and every workplace. The people wanted a figure of such stature as Comrade Ramiz Alia to lead them forward. The way events have been handled so far, and their very course, show that the people have placed all their confidence in Comrade Ramiz for the future. “Nevertheless, I think we are now entering new democratic days,” worker Musa Hoxha tells us. “The many discussions that took place, the maturity of all the deputies, the vote, and the sincere speech show that our parliament has the strength and ability always to find new paths for the good of the people, the nation, and the homeland.” BEDRI ISLAMI

- Numerous activities in the districts on the occasion of the holiday - - Tirana - Yesterday, on May 1, International Workers’ Solidarity Day, thousands upon thousands of residents of the capital went to the hills of Tirana’s Grand Park. They strolled beside the artificial lake; the new sports center, the [unclear] and the park’s other areas were bustling with workers from workplaces and production centers, institutions, and members of the military together with their families, from [unclear], the artistic companies of the People’s Army, the Tirana variety troupe and circus, amateur groups from the Palace of Culture, etc. The literary and musical program echoed the processes of democratizing life in every field; songs were dedicated to the Homeland, our people’s ancient and new traditions, our working class, and more. Young men and women sang and danced to melodies played on tape recorders. In the grounds of “Rinia” Park and in the square in front of the University of Tirana, the wind orchestras of the People’s Army and the city of Tirana gave a concert of patriotic and partisan melodies. Meanwhile, an exhibition of works from its collection, in various genres and techniques, opened in the square in front of the National Gallery of Figurative Arts. There was also lively activity yesterday at the sports center, in the electronic games section, and on the sports grounds of the neighborhoods and schools, where competitions and matches were held. - Fier - In the district of Fier, too, tourist spots and green spaces were especially lively yesterday, on May Day. Town residents and their families organized picnics and informal outings. In the woodland on the hills of the neighborhood [lower part cut off]. (Photo N. Xhufka)

- BERAT - The day before yesterday in the People’s Assembly was full of emotion, says Ali Gega, director of NTSH-1 in Berat. It was a day when the deputies would vote to elect the country’s foremost person, the symbol of national unity. I have nothing more to add to the deputies’ praise and discussion of Comrade Ramiz Alia. I express my joy with this wish: may you live long and work well in carrying out the great tasks that lie ahead, for the good of the people and the flourishing of the homeland. “Above all the universities, the people valued a leader who has embodied the universe of his people’s virtues and aspirations,” says Petrit Çollaku, an employee of the pedagogical office. “In the figure of Comrade Ramiz Alia, I think the people, through their representatives in the Assembly, chose the person they wanted, the one who deserved it. In Comrade Ramiz Alia, a high-minded personality, commitment, and devotion to the people’s cause are embodied.” There are many impressions. Someone tells me about the emotions during Comrade Ramiz Alia’s solemn oath; someone else says that the election of Comrade Ramiz Alia as President of the Republic of Albania is another great victory for both Albania and democracy.

- GJIROKASTER - The People’s Assembly seems to be fulfilling the people’s will and wishes in everything. But above all, it seems to me, it made the people happy by electing Comrade Ramiz Alia President of the Republic of Albania. The people and history have been preparing him for years. And he vindicates that in every way. Today’s European and democratic orientation, with pluralism and democratic pluralism, is an orientation of great significance in Albania’s history. Comrade Ramiz Alia envisioned and opened this new page, this new stage. He understood it first, even when many of us did not understand it and did not readily accept it. He demonstrated a high democratic culture, tolerance, and stubborn patience, even as other measures went to extremes and excesses. He taught us and gave us confidence through his broad, well-rounded personality, his historical sense, his great national spirit, and his European and global outlook. He rose up and emerged as the leader of the era of democracy. One cannot help but be pleased with the way the Assembly’s proceedings have unfolded. After a truly tense period, with some confrontations, the highest organ of power is showing the essence of the world and the Albanian people: that it is more capable of listening than of being indifferent, of understanding than of quarrelling, of uniting rather than dividing. This message springs from history, but also from the present. It is taking responsibility for the country’s fate. Under Comrade Ramiz Alia’s leadership, we are all certain that another precious quality and virtue of the Albanians will soon burst forth: the energy to work and progress, to build and to prosper.

- ELBASAN - In conversations among comrades and friends, regardless of their views and party affiliation, how many times have we heard the opinion expressed that, in the present period of our country’s democratic development, the sole and most trusted personality, who embodies the unity of our people, is Comrade Ramiz Alia. Although there might also have been some opposing view in the assembly regarding this choice, ultimately the deputies who represent the people there could not go against their own wishes and choices, so to speak, or against the logic of the historical process we are experiencing. I was immensely pleased that Comrade Ramiz was elected President of the Republic, Kristaq Mosko, a technologist in the electrolysis section of the nickel-cobalt plant, told us—

- KORÇE - The wish of thousands upon thousands of people from among the public has been fulfilled. The chief engineer of the Faience Products Enterprise in Korçë, Trigon Çeç, expressed himself thus about this approval: “This pluralist era, this developing democracy, has embraced broad masses of workers, young men and young women. Democracy in our country now has an unquestionable future. Without a doubt, Comrade Ramiz Alia deserves great credit for this reality. With his clear visions as a democrat, he not only understood what was simmering and moving in our Albanian reality, but, in keeping also with international developments, created the necessary conditions for true democracy. The party’s separation from the state, the blows struck against bureaucratic barriers, and the liberation of thought from dogma—processes that he guided—brought the creation of pluralism closer. We have lived through months full of events. They have been of dramatic proportions. Thanks to the wisdom and good sense of this patriot who emerged from the people, for whom Albania is above all else, they did not turn into pain of extraordinary national proportions. This is why I want to state that the president did not emerge from parliament, but first and foremost from tens of thousands of people, from our people and from democracy, their most sacred aspiration.” KOSTAQ DUKA

In the district of Fier too, yesterday, on May 1, tourist spots and green spaces were especially lively. City residents, together with their families, organized picnics and outings there. Measures had been taken to sell various goods, refreshments and so on in the woodland on the hills of Fier’s “1 Maj” neighborhood and in the ancient city of Apollonia, where attendance was greatest. The various sporting activities and recreational games organized at these spots by young men and women and school students made the day even more enjoyable. Oil workers from Patos and Ballsh also spent May 1 joyfully in green spaces.

To celebrate May 1, yesterday thousands of residents of the city of Shkodër went to several tourist and scenic spots. Together with their families, workers, as well as groups of young people and students from secondary and eight-year schools, filled the leisure areas of “Rozafa” Castle. Hundreds of others strolled along the lakeshore and from the Buna Bridge went as far as the village of Shirokë, Baksallëk and other areas. In these and other places, with songs and humor, conversations, various sporting activities and recreational games, the people of Shkodër spent some happy hours.

The residents of the city of Durrës too, yesterday, filled the main promenade, and especially the seafront promenade, spending several happy hours strolling and talking. Workers, together with their families, young men and women, and school students climbed the city hill, where they had lunch in “Rinia” Park. Hundreds of young men and women also filled the beach areas, where they played various games on the seashore. Residents in other districts also spent May 1 taking leisurely walks in recreational areas.

I read Zymbyl Hasani’s essay “A True Anecdote” in RD with a smile. After everything I had heard in the People’s Assembly about “Zëri i popullit,” RD’s joke tickled me first thing in the morning. Nevertheless, I want to give Comrade Zymbylbyl a serious response. He and many others from the PD were disappointed that I put forward my candidacy for President of the Republic of Albania. I too would have agreed with them that I withdraw my candidacy because (to tell the truth) there are plenty of capable men in the ranks of the PD who are no worse than me—indeed, better than I am. I won’t list them, since there are so many, but let us call them, as in algebra, X, Y and Z. Since they are numerous and so capable, they found themselves in a great dilemma: “Whom should we put forward as a candidate?” Put forward X?! Y’s supporters would jump up in protest. Put forward Y?! Z’s supporters would be heartbroken. So they thought it best to “let me have my turn.” They have no idea how grateful I am to them. Especially to those who praised me while insulting “Zëri i popullit.” Thank you, gentlemen! But let’s leave the jokes aside. Every deputy voted as they wished and for whomever they wanted… Above all, they voted for the person the people wanted, their distinguished son Ramiz Alia… A wise man of this world, Winston Churchill, once said: “The difference between statesmen and politicians is that the former think about the future, while the latter think about the next elections.” Our People’s Assembly showed, with great maturity, that at present Ramiz Alia is the most distinguished man in the Albanian state. As for the two votes I received, although RD has uncovered the secret of the parliamentary voting commission and writes that they were given to me by two PD deputies, I have nothing left to do but thank Zymbyl and Hasani.

40th year of publication Thursday, 2 May 1991 No. 104 (13 360) Price 30 qindarka

Good work, Comrade A great guarantee With broad vision

To Comrade Ramiz Alia PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Tirana I sincerely congratulate you on your election to the post of President of the Republic of Albania. I wish you success in your work for the benefit of the Albanian people, in the interests of the country’s uninterrupted development along the path of democracy and progress. I express my confidence that relations between the Soviet Union and Albania will develop and deepen for the benefit of our peoples, peace and cooperation in Europe. MIHAIL GORBAÇOV Moscow, Kremlin, May 1, 1991.

● In the Drin valleys and other areas of the Kukës district, three applications of nitrate fertilizer have been made across the entire area sown with wheat, and in places where the crop is more advanced and developed, the fourth application of nitrate has begun. ● Workers at the food enterprise in Lushnjë fulfilled the industrial production target for January–April by 124 percent, while sales of goods exceeded the target by 700 thousand lekë.

the people. BEDRI ISLAMI