Interview of the first socialist Nyjer Shokët tanë QUESTIONS BY Shokë BUNO No one would dare deny that Europe is moving toward democratization, political and social pluralism, and the strengthening of representative institutions and the rule of law. In this peaceful process, with a strong social dimension, the great historical values of European civilization and the ideals of freedom, equality and solidarity are being reaffirmed. In these processes, comrade Nano, will Albania also be included, and what place will it take in the Europe of the future? - The question you raise here will accompany my attention and that of the leadership of the Socialist Party for a relatively long time. Everything has to do with a reversal of the realities and old concepts of our continent and of the entire socialist world. It has to do with the collapse of certain walls and certain borders, especially political and spiritual ones. It has to do with unlocking Albania and involving it in new, contemporary processes. Your question is extremely important because it concerns our identity as a European country, our natural place in the family of free nations. It is always clear that our country has been and remains part of Europe. But it has been and is isolated from it. We need to change not only institutions and structures, but also mindsets, political culture, and our relations with the world. This cannot be done overnight. It requires wisdom, patience, cooperation and will. The Socialist Party, which emerged from the PPSH, is trying to reform itself, to accept the truths of the time and to build bridges of communication with other political forces and with the European democratic opinion. In this sense we look toward Europe not as a slogan, but as a strategic choice for the country. We know that no one is waiting for us with open arms if we do not change seriously. We also know that no one can keep us outside the great integration processes for long if we approach them with standards of civilization, with an open economy, with respect for human rights. Albania will have to emerge from loneliness, fear, ideological provincialism. It must learn to communicate with everyone: with its neighbors, with the countries of the European Community, with international organizations. Only then will we gain credibility. On this road the Socialist Party will have a special responsibility. It must show that it is capable of changing without losing social sensitivity, that it is capable of combining the values of democracy with the protection of the weaker strata, that it is capable of becoming part of the modern European left. I believe that the Europe of the future will not be built on walls, but on bridges. And Albania will have its place only if it first succeeds in building these bridges within itself. (Continued on page 4)

, FOR THE GOOD OF ALBANIA! When you were prime minister, we only heard your voice when you passed by the television screens, under the bright studio lights, with a tired face and a low voice. Now that you have stepped down from that post, you speak more often, even more freely. And that, perhaps, is natural. But the question is a different one: what remains from that period of your government, what can be said about the decisions, the hesitations, the lack of courage? Today's Albania does not need blurred memories, but clear responsibility. People are waiting for explanations. They want to know why reforms were delayed, why the administration remained paralyzed, why the economy was left without direction, why the word "change" was often used only as a cover. If you have something to say, say it openly. We have no interest in anathematizing you. On the contrary, we want everyone who has carried a public burden to account before public opinion. This is part of the democratic culture we are trying to learn. For the good of Albania, Mr. Dejke, speak clearly. Not with hints, not with alibis, not with words that leave everything suspended. Recent history does not wait. (Continued on page 4)

Do movements create transparency? trust THE CONGRESS DECISIONS ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED AT THE BASE Do movements create transparency? trust - ELBASAN Responding to the new situation The work of the party organizations in the district of Elbasan has entered a new stage. After the decisions of the Congress and the recent changes in the country's political life, every party structure is expected to be closer to the membership, more open to critical thought and more determined to implement the new political line. In meetings with communists and socialists, emphasis has been placed on clarifying the party's role under pluralism, on the division of responsibilities, and on the need to overcome the old command-style approach. The debates have been open and often sharp, but precisely this has created a more sincere climate. In many basic organizations, new leaders have been elected, activists with social standing have been reassessed, and it has been demanded that decision-making should not remain only in the hands of a few people. Transparency is seen as a condition for restoring trust. On the other hand, difficulties are also being observed. Some cadres hesitate to accept a change in methods, while others confuse openness with a lack of discipline. These phenomena are being carefully analyzed. In Elbasan it is becoming clear that implementing the Congress decisions is not a formal act, but a political and organizational process that requires daily work. Only in this way can the party preserve its influence among the masses and regain its damaged authority. (Continued on page 4)

President of the Republic Alia received the delegation that took part in the KSEB meeting (ATSH) The President of the Republic, Ramiz Alia, yesterday received an Albanian delegation that took part in the KSEB meeting. During the meeting, they discussed the country's representation in this forum and issues related to the new political and economic developments in the region. The members of the delegation informed him about the meetings held, the topics discussed and the interest of international circles in Albania. The President emphasized the importance of such contacts and the need for our country to present itself with clear and constructive positions. The conversation also underscored the importance of regional cooperation and of creating a climate of understanding in Europe. (Continued on page 4)

Albania: It is being sought in Albania (Continued on page 2)

Sol Bercen moral decision of our parliament Sincere state opinions of Sofia?! After the discussions held in the People's Assembly, attention has focused on certain decisions related to political morality and the responsibility of institutions. In this context, different opinions have also been expressed about the positions of some state representatives and the resonance these positions have had abroad. The debate has highlighted the need for parliament to be clearer in its moral assessments, not only legal ones, especially in cases where public opinion expects examples of responsibility. Some speakers stressed that the decision taken has not only institutional but also civic significance. On the other hand, there has been no lack of doubts about whether these developments are being understood correctly outside Albania, or whether prejudiced readings of the Albanian reality continue to exist. It is precisely here that more sincerity and less rhetoric have been called for. (Continued on page 4)

And the people Two with little something are moved by deeds, not without notice. For both of them, at that same time, it became extremely clear that our city needed a different aesthetic and civic sensitivity. The statue, the square and the way we deal with them are part of a public culture that is still being formed. 20-06- (Continued on page 4)