PLA TOWARD THE 10TH CONGRESS TIRANA, JUNE 10 10th CONGRESS PLA The words of a Party member who spoke at the Party plenary meeting of the Durrës district these days stayed with me: The 10th Congress will be the congress of its rebirth. If you look at this idea through dark glasses, with malice and prejudice, you may reach wrong conclusions. As for myself, I try to grasp and uncover its essence. The Party of Labour will not be reborn in the sense that it has died out. People too—not least those everywhere in the world—have known birth and rebirth. But being born does not mean that one had once died out. The Party was born as the bearer of socialist ideals. At that time it did not think about armchairs and privileges, but about the good of the people. Its ordinary members and the people themselves worked, fought and sacrificed for this. But it is a fact that the paths followed to attain these ideals—which no one can deny—were also riddled with mistakes. The bureaucracy that had been created and strengthened over time merely watched them, twisted them, made a few manoeuvres, but remained in its temple. And this bureaucracy was in the leadership of the Party of Labour, not among its vast army of members. In Europe, they understand the term “socialist ideal” correctly: it means an ongoing struggle for social welfare. Europe’s socialist parties have great influence; in some countries they are even in power. But other parties, with different names and in opposition to one another, do not confuse their role as opposition with the nation or the people. They wage political struggle, but their shared ultimate aim is for the nation to move forward and the people’s welfare to grow. And isn’t that a fine ideal? There is no room here for any kind of politicized interpretation. If in Europe they have known how to think about continuing to move forward, using different forms and methods, with creativity and courage, order, discipline and hard work, while continuing to seek other, more advanced paths through governing coalitions of different parties, from which they have seen only good things, and so on, then we must openly admit that here, alongside the positive aspects, we became nailed to dogmas. It is the Congress’s duty to come before the people and Party members with the true image of a serious party that fights and will continue to fight to be a party that is always clean, honest and as closely connected to the people as possible. Thus, the rebirth of the Party of Labour means condemning everything distorted and wrong in its line, completely distancing itself from those who exploited the ideals, who “milked the cow” solely for themselves. It means thoroughly cleansing itself, something we have no reason to fear. Blood becomes purer. All the more so now that we are in a pluralist system, where every party fights for its programme. The Party of Labour has gained ground during its existence, but it has also lost ground. The positions it has gained must be strengthened even further. This party has not lost its ground; without nostalgia, it needs a different stance, programme, tactics, thinking and work. On the ground it has lost, the fundamental issue is the crisis of trust. Its causes require full analysis and clear answers. In addition, the draft programme, with the amendments submitted and being submitted by Party of Labour members and its sympathizers, will be enriched—and it is essential that it be enriched further. In a sense, at its 10th Congress the Party must also tell itself that it is in greater opposition to its own past, in those directions that have harmed it; I am determined to raise the old qualities of my army of members—which are not lacking, since they are widespread and rooted at the grassroots—to a new level. I have taken up positions on new, advanced fronts for the comprehensive democratization of its own life and of the country’s entire life. This is a spiritual and political rebirth, and this effort must and will lay the foundation for great confidence in the Party of Labour’s progress. This rebirth presupposes, and entails, new content, a new structure and a new organization, fully adapted to circumstances, the times and the future, for the good of the people. SOTIRAQ GJORDENI

— Reply to some complaints by senior officials about criticism in the newspaper. — Let us open a parenthesis. Not to boast, nor to defend ourselves against some opposing opinion, but to state a truth. Recently, Zëri i Popullit has published several criticisms denouncing the bureaucratization of our state and Party apparatuses and the privileges enjoyed by some former officials of these apparatuses. This reflects the newspaper’s commitment to the broader commitment of the people at large, the PLA and its honest members to the profound and comprehensive process of democratizing the country and genuinely renewing the Party. Accordingly, there have been many people who, in various ways, have thanked and congratulated the editorial office. But in recent days letters have arrived at the newspaper’s editorial office, phone calls have come in, and explanations have been sought in face-to-face meetings. Indeed, one person even tried to “defend” himself before the People’s Assembly. From whom? From some of the former officials who have been the targets of criticism in various articles. Why? To “argue” that these criticisms directed at them contain “inaccuracies” or are “unfair.” They have the right to react and judge as they wish. But this “right” has limits. It is supported only by logic, argument and truth. So what are the “arguments” put forward in this case? One of them, the strongest, is this: “I was treated in accordance with the relevant decision of the Political Bureau.” And, so as not to do them an injustice, we are referring to this decision, which time has “demolished”—that is, the decision by which they claim to be exonerated (No. 39, dated 23.3.1976). “On the treatment of leading Party and state cadres,” it states, among other things: Point 10. “The Reception Directorate shall, for payment, provide food and other products to the families of members and candidate members of the Political Bureau, the chairman and deputy chairman of the People’s Assembly, deputy prime ministers and secretaries of the Central Committee.” So it is true that there is a decision on this matter. But it is equally true that the way it is worded leaves room for abuses and privileges. We have said this before in our articles, and we say it again. Yet one thing about some former senior officials is striking: Why do they want these decisions retained? Why do they want to give them force?! The newspaper has not undertaken to judge how, or to what extent, the decisions were implemented, but to set out a reality from which anyone can draw conclusions. It is true that the decision in question grants them the right and privilege of preferential food supplies for their families. But how much, and in what manner? There is supply, and there is over-supply; there is supply according to reasonable and acceptable standards, but there are also privileges beyond all measure. But can figures such as those cited as examples be considered normal? We have said this before, considered normal? We have said this before, considered normal? We have said this before. In view of these facts and this reasoning, it seems more appropriate for anyone, before complaining and seeking to be exonerated, to appeal to reason and conscience about what they owe the people.

— KORÇË — These days, on the eve of the 10th Congress of the Party of Labour, there is particular vitality and activity in the PLA grassroots organizations in the Korçë district. Meetings have been held in all areas to strengthen the cohesion of the organizations and address political, social and economic issues that have concerned the people. As part of the Party’s renewal, the elections that were held brought people into leadership whom we can hope and trust. And what exactly is that? First and foremost, the complete process of renewal, so desired and welcomed by everyone. Does not the abandonment of the former ideological basis, the dogmas of the past, and principles once considered untouchable and taboo—such as the indivisible leading role of one party, the dictatorship of the proletariat, class struggle, etc.—bear witness to this? Secondly,

— PËRMET — The delegates of the Party of Labour from the Përmet district are preparing to set off for the 10th Congress as they have done on previous occasions. There is no fanfare or demonstrations with slogans and banners, flowers and flags. They set off carrying with them the requests of the members and sympathizers of this party that the congress become a platform for transformation. They demand that the Party be completely renewed, reformed and transformed, casting aside everything that conflicts with its programme and with the times we live in—a period of full democracy through which the country is passing. It is to the delegates’ credit to fulfil the wishes and demands of the cooperative farmers and the rural intelligentsia, who have been sidelined in many respects.” The Congress opens a new phase in the history of the Party of Labour, to make way for solutions to the many accumulated problems and difficulties. It is the wish of the mass of farmers that the agricultural cooperatives, with fundamental changes in their organization, be preserved, with particular care taken to support and strengthen them, by (Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 2)

Yesterday morning, during both sessions of the People’s Assembly, chaired by Lush Përpali, Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of this Assembly, discussions continued on the 11 articles of the draft decree “On the use of firearms by border guard forces, public order forces, and armed military and civilian guards.” Deputies expressed their views and proposed additions and clarifications aimed at further improving this decree, which concerns the circumstances in which firearms may be used and civilian guards to protect the state borders, the state and social order established by the Constitution of the Republic of Albania, and persons acting lawfully from an unlawful attack by one or more persons, as well as circumstances in which firearms may not be used. In connection with all these matters, the decree instructs the public order bodies, the national security bodies and the Ministry of People’s Defence to issue the relevant regulations for its implementation. Alongside the views expressed and observations made by the Defence, Public Order and National Security Committee, the Committee on Laws, the Committee on Human Rights and Ethnic Minorities, the parliamentary groups and many deputies, the specialists invited to this session also provided the necessary explanations. The deputies approved the public order forces, and armed military and civilian guards” in principle, article by article and as a whole. In the afternoon, the Committee on Laws, the Committee for the Protection of Human Rights and Ethnic Minorities, and the parliamentary groups will meet to discuss the decrees “On the right to strike” and “On certain amendments to laws and decrees,” which will be considered at the plenary session that opens this morning at 9:00. (ATSH)

Yesterday morning, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Ylli Bufi, received in separate meetings the leaders of political parties and organizations: Xhelil Gjoni of the Party of Labour; Sali Berisha of the Democratic Party ; Sabri Godo of the Republican Party; Skënder Gjinushi of the Social Democratic Party; Mëno Gjoleka and Llambr o Billa of the Agrarian Party; Namik Hoti of the Ecological Party; Idajet Begiri and Pal Delia of the National Unity Party; and Jani Jani and Panajot Barka of the “Omonia” Organization. In the meetings, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers held discussions and sought the views of the political parties and organizations regarding the programme and composition of the new Government. (ATSH)

Damage to municipal property The ugly acts committed recently in the cities of Lezhë, Durrës, Kavajë, Shkodër, Vlorë and Tiranë have caused considerable material damage amounting to more than 5 million lekë. More than 5 thousand lekë have been damaged; cabins and other facilities have been damaged in places such as Shëngjin, Durrës, Golem and the beaches of Vlorë. In Vlorë alone, imported glass panes have been broken. Around 1,500 m² of imported glass has been broken. Extensive damage has been done to road structures, including damage to concrete slabs and road and pavement walls, and the breaking and cutting down of trees in parks and gardens, etc., etc. Despite the efforts of workers, assisted by law-enforcement agencies, such acts have not been prevented; not everyone, however, is aware of the vandalism being carried out, including damage to or forced entry into centers and beach facilities, greenhouses and ... [partly illegible] Citizens of the sectors ... [partly illegible]

1. On 5 June 1991, late at night, a group of 4–5 people attempted to steal various items at the freight station in Shkodër. They fired at the police guards, who also returned fire. The individuals left without achieving their aim. Police officers in the Shkodër district were reprimanded for their ineffectiveness in opening fire, including in this case. 2. The chief of police of the Durrës district reports that on 5 June 1991, at around 11:00, the director of the city ambulance service reported an incident that had occurred at midnight on 4 June involving an ambulance belonging to that institution, which was travelling to Shkozë. To verify the report, two police officers were sent to the scene, although nearly 12 hours had passed since the incident and the law-enforcement agencies had not been notified immediately. Their investigation found that a group of people who were drunk and wanted to go in different directions stepped in front of the ambulance, but took no concrete action. To avoid a possible scandal, the driver changed course and returned to the health centre. The gunfire on that date was reported by the military forces guarding the port and was unrelated to this matter. To prevent such incidents, the law-enforcement forces in Durrës are taking measures to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the outpatient health service. Citizens, managers of various enterprises and institutions should report incidents that threaten public order to the authorities responsible for this work. The sooner the information is received, the better it serves efforts to strengthen public order.

At the invitation of the Albanian Committee for Cultural and Friendly Relations with the Outside World, a delegation from the Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Boston, America, headed by its chancellor, Father Artur Liolin, arrived in our country yesterday. At Rinas Airport to welcome the delegation were Jorgo Mellica, chairman the Outside World; Gaqo Petro, chairman of the Council of the Orthodox Church of Tiranë; Reshat Baba Bardhi, chairman of the Council of the World Bektashi Headquarters; Pjetër Zej Përllumi, rector of the Church of Shënnaoit; and representatives of political parties and various associations. (ATSH)

(According to The New York Times) In its 6 June issue, in an article entitled “Albania Chooses a Democratic Prime Minister,” the newspaper reports, David Binder writes in The New York Times that the President of Albania today appointed a 42-year-old former economist to head a nonpartisan caretaker government until new elections are held. This is Mr. Ylli Bufi, who served as Minister of Food Industry in the government of Prime Minister Fatos Nano, who resigned on Tuesday. He is expected to appoint a cabinet of 22 ministers within a few days. The article also says, among other things, that Secretary of State James Baker has reportedly planned a visit to Albania for next month, accompanied by Deputy Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger. (ATSH)

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