Tired of poverty, hopeless, or confused by the “apparat-sat” that the opposition promises without limit, thousands of people have surrendered unconditionally to blind fate: “Let them try the DP’s rule once and for all,” they say. Under the weight of this ruinous psychology, they defend only the truth: IN FACT, THE PEOPLE HAVE TRIED THE DP’S RULE They tried it in the [unclear] that it did not have enough [unclear] to return the Albanian economy to its old pre-45 boundaries, leaving ordinary people with nothing. They tried it in the government of stability, which it overthrew when it saw that the people were actually being humiliated by the “genial reformers” of the DP in power. They tried it in the destruction and burning of schools, nurseries, bakeries, warehouses, stables, and water-supply systems, according to the infamous “gramazian theory of the brilliance of the situation.” They tried it in the blocking of the implementation of the land law in the districts of Shkodër, Krujë, etc., where the “democrats” of the DP [unclear] justice, in the many [unclear] that they [unclear] and are reviled by its supporters. They tried it in the paralysis of public order, with declarations in the style of “we are above protecting thieves and criminals.” They tried it at the “peaceful” rallies whose prologues were fires in Durrës, Elbasan, Laç... The consistent supporters of the DP themselves tried this rule, when for a moment they thought differently, as their own [unclear] indicates. Froiçi Çupi tried it, as did Neritan Çeka, who [unclear] for a time amid these entanglements, and the eloquent Gramozë, who [unclear] from England. This is the “Salinian democracy” that the DP promises the people. SO, WHAT DOES THE DP WANT TO TRY? What the DP wants to try has just one name: complete, undivided power. Its motto is one-party rule! It is practically shouting: All power to the DP?!

On 15 February, the RTSH news broadcast carried an announcement from the press office of the Democratic Party, claiming that, following a telephone conversation between Dr. Sali Berisha and the administrator Bernasoli, Prime Minister Xhulio Andreotti’s visit to Albania had been cancelled for political reasons. According to the Democratic Party press office’s announcement, the Italian prime minister had postponed his visit until after the 22 March elections so that the visit would not be exploited as support for the communist officeholders. The same announcement also claimed that the visit would take place after the elections, following a victory by the opposition led by the Democratic Party. Given the many questions raised by such an announcement, issued by a party office, the Socialist Party spokesperson contacted competent officials at the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who clarified: “The possibility of a visit by the Italian prime minister to Albania within six months is very rare. Such a visit would give impetus to the close and friendly relations between our two neighbouring countries. The matter is naturally being discussed with the Italian side as part of the state and diplomatic calendar, but the date of the visit has not yet been made public.” What sources of information Dr. Berisha uses is a matter for his party. But we are certain that a distinguished figure such as Prime Minister Andreotti will give his answer through the established official channels and will not rely on a telephone announcement from some senator. Prime Minister Andreotti and his government, expressing the goodwill of the friendly Italian people, have continued to provide valuable assistance to our people in coping with economic difficulties, thus contributing to the consolidation of democratizing processes in Albania. For these reasons, we find it unbelievable that an experienced politician like him would send, through official channels, a party announcement prepared for the Democratic Party’s electoral game. Moreover, as has been reported by the public information media, Mr. Andreotti received former prime ministers Nano and Bufi as representatives of the Albanian people, regardless of their party affiliation, and sent messages of greeting to the governments they headed. In view of this consistent and fair policy of the Italian government and Mr. Andreotti, we have the right to ask: Has the Democratic Party perhaps concocted this announcement in its own style and manner for electoral gain? If so, announcements of this kind harm the interests of our people, compromise the reputation of a distinguished politician, distort the Italian government’s friendly policy, and damage the close relations between our two countries. While awaiting official confirmation of the truth, the Socialist Party strongly denounces any irresponsible stance or action by any political force or individual that seriously harms national interests for party purposes. At the same time, we once again denounce the partisan conduct of many RTSH employees who are violating the most elementary rules of their institution. Albanian Television and official mass-communication media do not obtain information about state policy or relations between states and governments from party offices or party leaders. The time of the party-state is over. Meanwhile, publication of the announcement in question, fabricated in DP offices, constitutes a flagrant violation of the provisions of the electoral law, which prohibits foreigners from becoming involved in the electoral campaign. We therefore consider that the competent authorities should take action against anyone who violates the laws in force.

Member of the Socialist Party Around 2,000 elderly citizens from various backgrounds filled the hall of the “Punedion” Palace in Durrës in recent days. Present were members and supporters of the SP, members and representatives of the Eurosocialist Youth Forum, as well as some members and supporters of the opposition. The meeting was held with Comrade Gramoz Ruçi, a member of the presidium of the PSSH steering committee, who announced the opening of the electoral campaign in Durrës as well. How does this campaign begin in the city? Economically, there is a complete paralysis that has suffocated the population and our entire Albanian economy. The Socialist Party, as before, will advocate and struggle for a return to work, especially where there are opportunities to work, because if things continue this way, any government that may come to power will find it difficult to achieve its objectives. The first principle of democracy is work. We must be more industrious in the eyes of the world, showing that Albanians have never been, and are not, lazy; on the contrary, they are capable, from applying their skills to using their intellectual potential, even though under the totalitarian system their work was not rewarded as it deserved. In this way Europe will look at us differently, with greater trust and warmth, and will be closer to us. There are, of course, many difficulties, including the depreciation of raw materials, but these cannot be overcome through inactivity and pleas, nor through [unclear] and anarchy. It is also known that there are many [unclear] in Albania where work can be done, for example in the mines, which yield millions, etc. (I believe all of us were encouraged when we saw on television the commendable work of the Bulqizë miners, who have organized intelligently and are producing [unclear], paying each worker up to 3,400 lek a month and, in special cases, up to 4,000 lek; or the “Marikaj” agricultural enterprise in Tirana, whose workers are not only not [unclear], but, with a new reorganization, are working normally. These and other examples should inspire us all.) Politically, pluralism has expanded, and this is a good thing for democracy, but the political struggle has become very tense in a way that is not at all objective, mainly because of the subjective and stubborn attitudes of some parties, which lead to the danger of the right. The danger of the extreme left is equally alarming. Both these poles are entirely unsuitable and unacceptable; indeed, they are alike, as extremes meet, and they cause great harm. With a measured stance, arguments, composure, tolerance and dialogue, and its own alternative, the Socialist Party will contribute as a friend to opposing these two extremes, so that all paths and developments may be considered and the best roads determined for the welfare of the Albanian homeland. The opposition makes many accusations against the Socialist Party: it insults and curses it, sometimes calling it the party in power and responsible for the country’s unprecedented recent ruin, and at other times [unclear], while it is not the one [unclear]. But the SP has not been, and will not become, a party that submits to the opposition’s [unclear] so that the opposition may reign. It is for [unclear], for social tensions and excesses, but for an honest political and electoral struggle. Indeed, it has often favoured cooperation with the opposition, but this does not mean that it should indulge it when it seeks to take power only for itself and by itself, as if it alone establishes democracy while disregarding any major force such as the SP and its electorate. This is an unrealistic position, which today may be explained by many factors, among them the many grudges and resentments that have come to the fore. The future will show that democracy is not a party passion, that it belongs to everyone and cannot be built without everyone’s contribution and participation. Socially, we are facing rapid processes of polarization among the strata of society. These are expressed particularly in the struggle for party-based parcelization, instead of tolerance, dialogue and democratic conduct in people’s outlook and civic relations, with [unclear] groups arising here and there among people who hold different beliefs. These are new wounds added to the body of exhausted Albania; we should not accept them, but heal them together. Whoever refuses to do so and remains [unclear] causes immeasurable harm to the unity of the people—harm that will be hard to repair in an unforeseen situation that might arise, and which we never wish for. It must be clearly understood that if someone wants to destabilize our country, they are seeking to set people against one another; they reason that the more they weaken each other, the better, so that they can [unclear] and seize [unclear]. The SP has struggled, and will continue to struggle, to ensure that the disaster someone wishes upon our people never happens. It will defend their interests and the country’s sovereignty, and will not allow the national flag to be replaced by a cosmopolitan one. On the other hand, it does not claim that it alone is the saviour of this nation, as the opposition claims for itself. The SP believes that, through common ground in meetings and programmes, and through the honest, clean efforts of all political forces, democracy in Albania will be strengthened. At the meeting it was emphasized that the SP is entering the elections to win. It does not see this as an end in itself (Continued on page 2).

A few weeks ago, our broad public was informed about the fascist act committed by certain forces in the town of Bajram Curri, which forcibly prevented an event by Comrade Fatos Nano, chairman of the Steering Committee of the Socialist Party, with SP members and supporters and various citizens genuinely interested in democracy. The motives behind this fascist-style demonstration became apparent, just as the true reasons for the conclusions reached by the Ministry of Public Order are now also becoming clear. In any case, to prove that Tropoja, Bajram Curri and the Gjakova Highlands cannot possibly be represented by 20–30 hooligans, but by the patriotic people of this region, on this occasion the determined young men, citizens and supporters of the Eurosocialist Youth Forum organized several working meetings in the town of Bajram Curri on 12 February. Members of the presidium of this respected forum, Comrades Ndre Legjisi, Ilir Boçi and Shkëlqim Sula, took part. At the outset, they discussed the programme of the FFSH, openly explaining the purpose and organizational method of this forum. They also spoke about the very important results achieved during a short period of work characterized by perseverance and passion. Some young people in the hall wanted to know where this forum had its strongest foundations. In response, Ndre Legjisi said that the Eurosocialist Forum is present throughout Albania and even abroad. “We held our National Meeting on 15 January,” he stressed, “and it was greeted by young people from PSKOTI in Greece and young Italian socialists. But what pleased us most was the greeting message sent by some Albanian emigrants who left a year ago and settled in Bari, Italy. It is significant,” Ndre Legjisi continued, “that the first cells of our Forum sprang up again in a respected cradle of democracy, there where they received the impetus to...” (Continued on page 2)

In recent days, Fatos Nano, chairman of the Socialist Party, has received many letters and messages from our compatriots in various countries around the world. Here is what one of them says, sent by our compatriot Nazmi Kosova, who lives in New York. At the beginning of this letter, on behalf of our Kosovar diaspora in New York, we send our most fraternal greetings to you and to all the brotherly people of Albania, wishing you good health and success on the road to democratizing Albania. I want to say emphatically that you have our strongest support against [unclear] and the government, because we are aware that ideologies come and go. Now we must look at today’s work and the future, for the good of the Albanian nation, in accordance with circumstances and international principles, as we face a new victory. But we will never, ever allow the good things our people achieved through blood and sweat over 45 years to be trampled on merely to please enemies and traitors. How can everything good that has been done in Albania be denied, when until yesterday it was considered only a geographical [unclear] with little hope, unknown to anyone in Europe, and Albanians were even called savages and [unclear]. We will never support what is untrue. In an interview Dr. Sali Berisha gave to the Prishtina newspaper “Bujku” on 11 January 1992—“Opposition to revanchism, Dr. Sali Berisha. [unclear] the truth too.” In this interview, the chairman of the Democratic Party of Albania, whom I shall call Mr. Sali Berisha, denounces every [unclear] Kosovar who was [unclear] in various parts of Europe, and who were also murdered by the criminal hand of Serbia, such as Jusuf Gërvalla, Bardhoshi, Zeka, Enver Hadri and others. According to Sali Berisha, we Kosovar [unclear] were, and still are, the [unclear] of communist injustices. Young people, how can it be true that we were traitors to our country? Here we sat in Albanian [unclear] as [unclear] Albanians, for a [unclear] conversation or for the great national holidays. There is support for what Sali Berisha says, but it came late, because Serbia had imposed these things on us earlier. Who? Who supports Sali Berisha? It is true that Sali Berisha has the greatest support among a section of the Albanian emigrants from New York, who, after the Second World War, had [unclear] in Kosovo, generally, and, unlike Albania, [unclear], and from us, but not [unclear], from those who helped us, or those who established democratization in Albania. Never with the aim of negativism, the so-called violence, etc., [unclear]... (damaged text) Long live Albanian Youth Long live the Albanian Nation Long live the Sovereign Republic of Kosovo Glory to all the martyrs of the Albanian nation and to Albanians who fought for freedom and national independence.

— Dr. Servet Pullumbi in Ballsh — The electoral campaign cell for the 22 March elections of the Socialist Party in the Mallakastër area held its first conference to establish new organizational structures for the area. The conference took place on 14 February 1992 in the hall of the cinema club in the town of Ballsh. Those present included delegates from the PSSH presidium, the party’s deputy chairman Dr. Servet Pullumbi, and Comrade Flamur Metollari, a member of the presidium of this forum. In his speech, Dr. Servet Pullumbi spoke insistently and maturely, first addressing a well-known slogan about the future, strongly supported and advanced by the opposition, according to which “electoral politics helps Albania.” In response to this demand, [unclear] this slogan and political process have a clear purpose, but [unclear] must be characterized precisely as more stable. In this way, in the policy of [unclear]... (damaged text) ...is only a very small part of the income our country needs in order to develop; what is needed is to create conditions whereby, through investment, loans, the establishment of joint companies, etc., people can return to work and the country’s many resources and its very favourable geographical conditions can be put to use. And as for this latter point, the economic aspect is now [unclear], and only stability is required. The SP has presented itself, both at home and abroad, as a balanced political force with democratic tolerance, capable, with the will of the people behind it, of ensuring an improvement in Albanian life through its participation in such stability. Europe, Dr. Servet Pullumbi stressed, has already helped Albania, knowing that the party in power, as defined by political language, was the Socialist Party. It is clear that Europe has long since overcome the prejudices from which its opposition suffers. Flamur Metollari also addressed the conference. “The socialist alternative,” he stressed, “brings together Albania’s most progressive forces; it unites the most devoted and cultured people, the most honest and simple people, with no privileges in life. Students are among them too: the new generation. Therefore nowhere could we [unclear]; there is also a hopeful alternative. In a pluralist system, our young people have joined different parties. We young Eurosocialists declare that what divides us is far less than what unites us as young people. As with other things, nothing is dearer to us than the fate of the nation. None of us bears the responsibilities of the past, but [unclear] we are responsible for building the future.” Fatmir Zanaj also spoke at the conference. Afterwards, Comrades Servet Pullumbi and Flamur Metollari were congratulated on the various elections. At the end, the conference elected the governing bodies of the PSSH for the Mallakastër area.

— In Fier — That same day, at 16:00, at the young people’s “Biz” [venue], Comrades Servet Pullumbi and Flamur Metollari, doctor of philosophical sciences, held a meeting with members and supporters of the PSSH and other citizens of the city of Fier. The entire event was conducted in a question-and-answer format, with many interesting questions. Asked, “Would it not have been better if, at the 10th Congress of the PSSH, the party had been dissolved and the Socialist Party had been established for social-democratic progress?”, Dr. Servet Pullumbi replied that the process of reforming the PSSH had begun in 1989–1990. The reformist wing, with non-communist convictions, grew stronger and influenced the democratic processes that brought pluralism to Albania. The PSSH’s electoral programme for the 31 March 1991 elections belonged to this process; it was an almost socialist programme, as was the preparation of all the programmatic and statutory documents approved at the 10th Congress of the PSSH. These were socialist documents, not a communist programme. At the meeting, which lasted more than two hours, many other questions were asked and Dr. Servet Pullumbi and Flamur Metollari answered them courteously and warmly.