(1912–1992) 1992. We have entered a year that makes us think and look back; 80 years ago, in 1912, when Albania was declared an independent state. Eighty years is very little in the millennia-long life of our ancient Nation, but it is clear evidence of our people’s superhuman efforts to live freely in their own lands, in peace and in good friendship with the nations around us. Many cunning and faithless enemies have, from time to time, driven in a barbarous knife to prevent us from living freely, but the dream has nevertheless not died. It lives because our people live; it lives because, as our great Sami Frashëri said, “To try to educate the desire for freedom born in the mind of a nation is like trying to drown a piece of steel filled with air.” Albania has now entered the path of democracy, convinced that this is the only way to integrate the country into the great European family, alongside other civilized peoples, as our people deserve. But for us Albanians, the past is meanwhile unforgettable, because as a people we have been Europe’s orphans. And Europe has often treated us as orphans are treated; often it has reckoned with us as a playing card to satisfy someone’s appetites. For our people, the wound of the national tragedy—the division of the Nation into two parts—is still open, still bleeding; this blood has continued to flow for about 80 years because of the deals made by European diplomacy at the infamous Conference of Ambassadors in London in 1913. This division of our people into two parts is the greatest tragedy. But now, in modern times, Europe has the chance to demonstrate its humanism and the principles of its civilization in its relations with a small people like ours, which, though divided, has shown great vitality and great ability to withstand all the waves and storms that have engulfed it. Although economically and spiritually devastated by totalitarian dictatorship, the Albanians, on whose remains all Albanians contribute body and soul, regardless of their political affiliations. Eighty years since 1912. 1992 marks the second year of political pluralism in Albania, a year that will continue to have the Albanian national question at its foundation. This question is no longer the monopoly of a few politicians; it has taken hold of the hearts of all Albanians, wherever they live, on both sides of the border. The Republic of Kosovo—the expression of the legitimate will of our Kosovar brothers—is now a reality, whose fate every Albanian follows with particular attention and dedication, wherever they may be. International recognition of it by the powers of Europe is now not only an aspiration but also a concrete objective, for which not only diplomats and politicians are needed, but every Albanian who lives with the fate of the nation at this end of the century. They must know this well, just as they must know that indifference or silence toward it would not be to its honor at this end of the century. Indifference or silence in no way serves to resolve the Yugoslav crisis; they would themselves constitute a remnant of the outdated policies of the past, when the fate of the Albanians was viewed as bargaining currency in the hands of secret European diplomacy. But for Albanians those times have now passed; therefore, it would be to the honor of the Hague Conference to grant recognition to the Republic of Kosovo as soon as possible. This would make possible a “green light” for the legitimate affirmation of the national rights of Albanians in Yugoslavia, as well as a realistic view of the Albanian factor as a stabilizing element in the Balkans and beyond. Lost historical opportunities and the blood shed for the national cause have made Albanians more prudent and more vigilant toward all those who, although declaring in words their support for the national rights of Albanians, do not serve this just cause through their deeds, and often minimize it within the framework of certain rights ... or, more precisely, replacing them with the rights and freedoms of the individual is nothing other than a trap and a distortion to the detriment of the Albanian national question. Someone may think that Albanians in pluralist Albania, their mother state, and those across the border, under the heel of Milošević’s dictatorship, are more susceptible than ever to being touched by the “viruses” of division and discord; but anyone who thinks this, and perhaps uses it, is seriously mistaken. National unity, reconciliation and National Unification are also served by the struggle for projects for everyone’s peace and stability; by democracy advancing through brotherhood and the alternatives of choosing the best ways to overcome difficulties; which means that Albania, secure on the path of democracy, can speak even more forcefully in defense of the pan-Albanian cause.

We have just left behind an unusual year. As the first year of the final decade of the century, it will be firmly etched in the memory of the Albanian world. Anyone seeking to characterize it will say it was a difficult year and that it therefore wore us down badly. Indeed, that is so. Waves of disillusionment and dissatisfaction, a psychology of insecurity, swept over us quite often during ’91. Nevertheless, ’91 was a blessed year that put us on the path to democracy. And this must not be forgotten. This fact gives us joy and also gives us hope. Every birth is difficult, even in biological life, and all the more so an extraordinary birth that brings a new, democratic society into being. The difficulties we went through were therefore perhaps unavoidable; they were inherent in the movement of the historical process, and perhaps only in this way could we enter democracy more easily. In any case, we have set out on the road and there is no turning back. If ’91 was the beginning of the new process, 1992 must be its continuation and further deepening, toward its full consolidation. This is everyone’s aspiration and hope. It is not said for nothing that hope sustains a person. Indeed, this is true even for an entire people and nation. Without pretending to be prophets, we cannot help saying that ’92 will be a good year. It will certainly be a year of fertility and prosperity, understanding and harmony, not merely because this is what our hearts desire. That goes without saying. But there are also other reasons that lead us to be optimistic about this year. Our hopes are kept alive by the truth that democracy is now being institutionalized on the old structures; our hopes are kept alive by the fact that our country has become connected with European structures (even if late and in the last carriage), and that the old continent and the world are welcoming us into their midst, understanding and supporting us. Our hopes are kept alive by the great resources that not only allow us to recover but also guarantee rapid development and well-being for all. Our hopes are kept alive by the fact that the national question is closer to its resolution than ever before. Our hopes are kept alive by the new, free and democratic elections that will be held; they will produce a higher-quality parliament than the present one, in which all alternatives and all opinions of the various social strata and groups will be represented, for a more consolidated and democratic state. Our hopes are kept alive by the fact that we are a people with a strong sense of responsibility and patriotism and one of the oldest cultures. And an educated person knows what they think and what they do. Our hopes thrive because on both sides of the border we have intellectuals of such calibre that every civilized nation in Europe would be proud of them, and they will not fail to guide us along the path of reason ... We understand this message not only because it speaks Albanian to Albanians, heart to heart. Above all, we share this age-old summons because we now have many things to resolve together with Albanians. Therefore our ancient faith, religion, party, government officials, our thought and our work have no other purpose than Albania and Albanianism. We have experienced everything imaginable on our backs and among ourselves (indeed, even the strangest experiments), both the generations before us and we ourselves. This is now enough experience (though bitter today) to keep us from making mistakes about the tomorrow we wish to build, and to make us better masters of ourselves. Thus, as we enter ’92, although truly tired and worn out, we have ample reason to be optimistic, to have great hopes, to experience a Great Renaissance! SEJDIN CEKANI. Despite being economically and spiritually devastated by totalitarian dictatorship, Albanians on both sides of the border preserve with great devotion, in mind and heart, the traditions of their brothers in Kosovo, where the contemporary terror continues to perpetrate an unprecedented genocide, a genocide that has wiped from the face of the earth the most elementary national rights, such as education and information in the Albanian language, etc. The fascist-style scenarios of the dictator Milosheviq range from the poisoning of children in Albanian schools, now closed, to the suspension of the Government and Assembly of Kosovo, entirely arbitrarily, undemocratically and unconstitutionally. In denouncing this Serbo-Slavic inquisition to the whole world, we tell our witnesses and ill-wishers that the Albanian people are aware that no one will sacrifice their own interests for them. Therefore, while asking Europe to make it a reality, Albania knows well that only through its own work, only through its own ambitions, will it be able to stand alongside the world and join it. This is the path of democracy, the path of National Unification—

— Political parties prepare for the election campaign; the people struggle to cope with great hardships. — It is December 31 in Tirana. It is the day when all work comes to a close, making way for celebration. That is how it should have been on the eve of the year that has just begun. But it was not. Endless coming and going, right up to the last day, right up to the final moment, to buy something, something that would at least make the family table different from other days. Exhaustion and the “shock” of prices take away everyone’s desire to enjoy themselves and celebrate. Let alone those who, on the last and penultimate days of the year that has passed, had to stand from morning till evening in the long queues outside bread shops. And there were many of them. It is December 31. Everywhere in Tirana, at the outlets where bread is sold, ironically for those who leave behind ... the seats of power and go to rallies, the last “rallies” of this year formed in front of the bread shops. At outlet 243 on Kavaja Street, a crowd of people waits with the patience of someone in need, who absolutely needs bread at home. The decorations have not yet been put up. No cotton, no traditional ornaments. Just two notices. Someone reads them aloud: “Supporters and members of the DP in Zone 221, as well as residents of these neighborhoods (56, 57, 58, 59), are informed that on Saturday, December 28, 1991, at 5:00 p.m., a meeting with deputies will be held in the hall of the Republican Party headquarters—” ... the last ... and ... day of the year that has just passed, they had to stand from morning until evening in the long queues outside the bread shops. And there were plenty of them. Elections can provide a way out of poverty. That is what the parties think. Even though it is the eve of the New Year and the ruling party members should be occupied with “Party business,” with the election campaign. Even though the city could not even count on having bread for the holiday table. Even though many families in several neighborhoods of Tirana spent New Year’s Eve and night with cold hands. For the political Party, nothing is amiss. The people can cope with the great hardships of this winter on their own. Let the parties continue their preparations for the campaign. “The Party above all.” The parties have no time to solve the people’s problems, because they need the elections, they need the votes. They need platforms from which the party’s “tribunes” can appear. FRANO CAKA

. Although difficult and turbulent like no other, when it passes into history, 1991 will be remembered as the year of historic changes, of Albania’s orientation toward Europe and democracy. This year we believed in a construction. Some things and some aspects of it are difficult to understand and grasp accurately now. But perhaps 1992, which we have just begun, will help us do so; it will surely ease the pains of the transitional period, the transition into democracy. Let us hope so; let us be optimistic about it. Despite the devastation, some shoots of the new society have begun to appear: most peasants have already become owners; many citizens working in trade and municipal services have become owners; the market has begun to come alive and is trying... trying to displace the black market somewhat; the streets have become livelier and more attractive with private cars. Despite certain excesses, Albanian traditions and many qualities continue to exert an influence and remain the best stabilizers. A broad spirit of emancipation may also come to the art of politics and governance this year, 1992. And perhaps we will all get down to work in earnest. 1992 will be a year of great events: the new democratic elections, which will give Albania today its true political picture, and the 30th anniversary of Independence. Great events are such that they themselves stir the people’s consciousness. That is surely what will happen to us this year. In the economic sphere, which was interrupted years ago as the year of Europe’s unification; let it at least be, for us, the year of closer rapprochement with it. Let us be optimistic! Correspondent of “Zëri i popullit”

The Socialist Party’s forum A few days ago, a meeting was held at the Presidium of the Socialist Party Committee to analyze its work with the creative intelligentsia. In addition to the presidium, the meeting was attended by the scholars and writers Moisi Zaqo, composer Limoz Dizdari, scholar Ali Xhiku and the directors Dhimitër Pecani. In his remarks, the writer Dritëro Agolli said that our creative intelligentsia, with its achievements, had fought for a free, democratic Albania, setting its own example in shaping democratic and popular opinion. The meeting stressed that the Socialist Party supports the demands and rights of all creators who, through their work, serve national ideals, progress and democracy. As a party of the European left that aspires to a democratic socialist ideal, it supports and backs artists whose works strive for a humane society in which the ideal of social justice can be realized. The meeting stressed that the Socialist Party is aware that the implementation of economic reform places our art in difficulties and hardship. Certain genres of national art and the creators who cultivate them may find themselves in difficulty. It was therefore pointed out that the Socialist Party believes that the state, society, and all political and social forces must make a practical commitment to ensuring that the development of national art is also materially supported and encouraged. Let us all work together to ensure that the enrichment of this valuable treasure is not harmed, and that artists are not left inferior and unprotected in the struggle for a livelihood and well-being. The Socialist Party considers it necessary, in order to support the noble work of writers and artists, to draft a democratic, contemporary bill in keeping with European standards on copyright, and to develop policies and concrete actions. For its part, it has planned a series of measures and proposals for the arts and is ready to cooperate with all political forces, state bodies and cultural institutions. This is a great loss. But we must be optimistic and convinced: we ourselves must and will make up for this loss. We must do all this objectively and resolutely, if we love democracy, Albania and a happy life. With this conviction, we say that the democratic world too will not ... [text unclear] ... a thousand times for democracy; if you do not put order in your soul, you cannot ... [text unclear] ... in your soul, and you cannot ... [text unclear] ... in what you ... [text unclear]. In reality, He wants to give ... [text unclear] ... best; them will also face difficulties. livelihood and well-being. this conviction, we say that even the democratic world will not ... [text unclear] ... order in your soul, you cannot ... [text unclear] ... in your soul, and you cannot ... [text unclear] ... in what you may be more at risk.

A year has passed. It was unequalled in its political events over an entire 50-year period. We won democracy. But winning it is not enough. Democracy needs a strong, healthy body; it needs order and, above all, it needs work. When we mention this word, we feel an emptiness in our souls. Work has been killed. Who is to blame? Last year there were many causes. Political fog prevailed; the bitter struggle between the parties reached deafening levels; passions stifled every argument and every logic; there was general dullness, but also fatigue. People expected a miracle within a few months, which cannot happen. And they became disappointed and disheartened. Add to this major shortages of materials; add the disorder that reached the point of chaos, a highly negative intoxication with grave consequences for the country, and work fled from people’s hearts. not ... [text unclear] ... order in your soul, you cannot ... [text unclear] ... in your soul, and you cannot ... [text unclear] ... in what you may be more at risk. In reality, He wants to give ... [text unclear] ... the best. But ... [text unclear] ... his beautiful coastal city. To make it as beautiful as possible, so that everyone envies it, to make it as prosperous as possible, so that people can fully enjoy it. And he will do so. There are many difficulties, but there are also many fronts of work where we can take action. The port workers are making many sacrifices. They deserve praise for their work so far. They will work harder this year, but everyone must help and support them. For there are some circles that remain indifferent; they do not hear the machinery for loading and unloading goods, while boats arrive at the port carrying goods that are so necessary. We must all move together, brothers, and overcome the difficulties of this period together. No indifference can ever be forgiven. Hequrda is working, despite the difficulties. This year its workers will show themselves to even better advantage, for they are at the forefront of the working class. Let the district’s powerful mechanical industry not suffer ... “Correspondent of ‘Zëri i popullit’”

In the domestic retail trade system, 57 percent of the units have been assessed, operations have been privatized in almost 100 percent of the units, and 14 percent of the buildings have become predominantly private. The areas around Tiranë, Korçë, Lezhë, Përmet, and Fier have performed well. The districts of Shkodër, Pogradec, Dibër, Gjirokastër, Kukës, and Tropojë have not performed well. In the handicrafts and municipal services system, 93 privatized in around 80 percent of the units, and 15 percent of the units have become predominantly private. In the motor transport system of the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications, the condition of the vehicles has been assessed, and so far around 200 have been sold, amounting to 0 percent of the total number. In Lushnjë, brick factory no. 1 was privatized; from the road construction company and the ... of ... , a private association was formed by the collective. In the district of Librazhd, the first private enterprise for the construction of other facilities was established; in the district of Kukës, ... was privatized. In the production of alkaline tiles, ... have been privatized, along with other documents ... which comprise the entire area of 620 to 12,000 tons. According to the National Privatization Agency—

... the last ... and ... day of the year that has just passed, they had to stand from morning until evening in the long queues outside the bread shops.

On 1.1.1992 at 5:00 a.m., President of the Republic Ramiz Alia suffered a heart attack. According to consultations held with specialist doctors, the diagnosis is an anteroseptal infarction, with no complications so far. His general condition is currently good.