A truth that everyone experiences and wants In recent days we have followed various opinions presented on the Television Magazine of Television about the position to take in the current elections. The most varied opinions, but which, ultimately, converge on one point: I will vote for democracy. And who would want dictatorship, want and poverty; who would willingly and with conviction give them their vote? But one cannot help remembering the “opinion” presented to viewers by the leader of the PR, Mr Godo. He was trying to say that in Albania the issue of elections is not a matter of changing parties but a matter of changing systems. What systems are you gentlemen talking about? More than a year has passed in which the Albanian people have courageously fought for democracy, bearing on their shoulders the great burdens and sorrows of this struggle. Its sole and clear aim and aspiration was precisely the overthrow of the dictatorial, monist system, of proven communism. We do not want to go into the entire balance sheet of this struggle and of those indelible historic victories on all fronts. Everyone experiences them for themselves, of course, along with the turmoil and serious crisis that prevail. But one thing is clear: Just as the former political system has once and for all set, so too has the centralized economic system collapsed and is inevitably continuing to collapse. By now, it is already clear that the foundation of this system—the exclusively state-owned property and the state bureaucracy built upon it—has collapsed. This was enacted by Parliament in the Main Constitutional Provisions. Subsequently, the package of laws adopted by this Parliament outlined the market economy as the country’s sole alternative for development. Concrete steps have also been taken on this basis toward its implementation. The public is now familiar with the package of laws that put our economic reform into practice, a fundamental transformation of the economy. The law that makes farmers owners of the land: the privatization law will make it possible to become owners. The gates of self-isolation have been opened, and economic cooperation involving foreign investment and capital has been fully opened up. The free initiative of producers and traders has got underway. And there are other elements that complete the picture of a market economy. Of course, affirming the market economy in Albania legally and in public discussion does not mean that it has already been built. No. A great deal of work remains to achieve what the people desire and dream of. But talking about changing a system is one thing, and talking about its development is another. So, what system should our people expect after the elections of 22 March, according to the aforementioned “opinion,” other than one based on the market economy? Who would confuse systems with the Socialist Party, with what Albanians? This is the Party’s program and its struggle. It is clear about the continuity of the economic system “dysheshmë” and its commitment to defending an entirely new system, that is, a market economy. If the Republican leader is speaking of another system besides this one, then let him announce it to the voters. Let him announce it to the voters. SAMI RAMA?

Tirana, 18 February. The International Biographical Centre, based in Cambridge, England, which for more than 50 years has published the renowned “Who’s Who” (Who Is Who), devoted to the biographies of the most distinguished figures in politics, culture, music, science, and so on, announces that the President of the Republic of Albania, Ramiz Alia, has been chosen as “International Man of the Year 1991-1992.” This is a new distinction, being awarded for the first time this year. Its recipients are selected from the specialized encyclopedic dictionaries published each year by this research centre. Among other things, the letter that the director of the “International Biographical Centre,” Mr Ernest Kay, sent to President Ramiz Alia says: “The International Biographical Centre is pleased to confirm that you have been appointed ‘International Man of the Year 1991-1992.’ This prestigious medal is awarded to a number of distinguished individuals whose achievements and leadership stand out in the international community. The appointment as International Man of the Year is made by the editorial and advisory boards of the International Centre. Thousands of biographies are reviewed each year by these boards, and only a few are selected to receive this special honour. The International Biographical Centre, the letter further states, has come to be known worldwide as one of the leading publishers of biographical encyclopedic books, ‘Who’s Who,’ with 132 separate editions. ‘I am sure you will be pleased to accept this honour bestowed upon you.’ (ATSH)

After the American ambassador, on television (im)partially, Mr Sali is now being helped by the Bulgarian ambassador. Apparently Sala follows alphabetical order. Now it is Germany’s turn C (Canada, China, Cuba...). Next time none of the aforementioned ambassadors will appear, since unfortunately the Canadian is in Belgrade; as for the other two, the meeting could be very nostalgic. As for the Socialists’ departures from work, Saliu has experience with his soldiers Spahia and Kopliku. As for the Socialists’ departures in Bulgaria, Mr Sali, take and read the bulletins—the news given by the West and America, for which your heart burns. Finally, all the other ambassadors in Albania are hereby informed that Mr Sali is waiting every day from 12:00 to 14:00. Please observe alphabetical order. Note: We remind the television station of the reception hours as well. MIÇO GURI

SOFIA, 13 February — The Sofia branch of the international organization “Helsinki Watch” sent a letter yesterday to Bulgarian President Zhelju Zhelev concerning mass dismissals for political reasons. The authors of the letter specify that they are addressing the Bulgarian president regarding the recent dismissals at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, carried out personally by Minister Stojan Ganev. The Sofia branch of “Helsinki Watch” states that the dismissals violate international agreements concerning civil and political rights and the general declarations of [cut off]. human rights. “Helsinki Watch” warns President Zhelju Zhelev that he will become the subject of international organizations if he does not stop the dismissals (ATSH)

The people do not make the same mistake twice We, the members and sympathizers of the SP in the village of Ostren i Vogël, cannot remain silent without giving you the proper answer to your slanders, gentlemen of the opposition. We will begin with you, Mr Safet Zhulali, chairman of the PD branch in Dibër. On 1 February 1992, you, Mr Safet, held a meeting in Ostren i Madh in the name of Azen Hajdari, thinking that his name would draw people to you. But unfortunately, no more than 30 rally-goers came, counting cats and mice, as the people say. But what outraged us was the shameful act of Mr Sami Sleishta, who presented a handful of rally-goers, half of them children, as a “magnificent rally”—something we strongly protest, because he is making a habit of this service, deceiving public opinion through the screen. Drunk with the “success” in Ostren i Madh and red in the ears from the beating the people gave you, having had enough of your ridiculous promises, and especially irritated by the profascist acts with their eager scriptwriters and authors, your gentlemen from Ostren i Madh continued on to Ostren i Vogël, where you also brought along the horseflies, because the promises you and the television reporter had spread about a “magnificent reception” were crowned only by a handful of musicians from the village’s topuzi and cyrka bands and a few children drawn by the sounds and noise of the drum. And for this you scream and shout, blaming the PS’s basic organization here in the village. Are we to blame for your dance being rejected? You are badly mistaken, gentlemen! By now, even the most loyal voters of 31 March no longer follow you, let alone our Socialists and sympathizers. Are we to blame because we let you shout and insult the PS? We did so to show: First, to let the people of Ostren i Vogël see once again who they are dealing with. Second, to let you remain undisturbed in your culture, in which you have always equated democracy with attitudes and actions, with phenomena. Third, we Socialists do not measure our strength or get ourselves involved in events of the Tropoja type, because they are part of your politics. At this meeting you said that after this the Republic would provide people to bring over to the PS. No, gentlemen, you are badly mistaken and insult the people of Gollobordë, who, in the time of fascism, Nazism and monism, and likewise today, as we seek to build democracy with [a] sacrifice, have lived and continue to live only by the sweat of their brows, working throughout Albania, and have never accepted alms or bribes. The people of Ostren i Vogël will no longer mistake soap for cheese, because they have had enough of your old promises, Mr Safet, when you said you would build the school, that you would make a “mapo” from “s’duganin” and bring them olives, houses, right down to white simit, etc.—none of which we ever saw. And indeed, it is a fact that on 31 March last year you received 87 percent of the votes, but it did not occur to you even once to visit this village. Now you remembered that you needed votes again, gentlemen of the opposition, and you come here babbling once more like in fairy tales about kings. At this meeting you said that Socialists roam around at night with lanterns to buy votes. It is astonishing, and a disgrace to you, gentlemen, that you said these words in front of at least those children who were at that meeting. Mr Safet, your logic is [unclear] to call our farmer ignorant; perhaps the [unclear] of Mr Sali’s dismissal after 31 March has [unclear]. But now the people [continues] (Continued on page 2)

Clarification Through meetings and telephone calls, many members and sympathizers of the Socialist Party in Tirana and in various districts of the country have expressed interest in the court case that Mr Ilir Manushi, chairman of the pluralist executive committee of the Korçë district, has initiated against me. It is true that Mr Ilir, as the people say, “with me directing the country,” are nothing but tricks, values and statements. At the meeting, different views were expressed about the way the electoral campaign is organized and the methods used in it. The campaign will indeed be fierce, the speakers who took the floor emphasized, but in any case during this period the Socialist Party must proclaim tolerance and wisdom. The speakers expressed their firm conviction that in this electoral campaign we will not only enter it in order to win, but we will win. Views were also gathered at the meeting on the candidates for deputies in the People’s Assembly. Concrete tasks were also assigned at the meeting for every electoral area, every village, neighbourhood and household group.

Socialist Party membership Membership of the Socialist Party The opening of the electoral campaign in Osojë, Skrapar, turned into a warm conversation between the inhabitants of this village and comrades Fatmir Kumbaro and Bajram Caka, members of the Steering Committee of the SP in the Skrapar district. The plum-tree grove, as the place where the meeting was held is called, became evidence not only of the dialogue about the SP programme, its position on the land law, the opposition parties, the establishment of order and calm, and other issues, but above all those present experienced the special joy of 8 young people, farmers who, with their own signatures, were accepted as members of the SP. Young people such as Irfan i Perlat Caka, Kalem Zeni and Fadil Muça, among others, received their SP documents and expressed, from the heart and with loyalty, their commitment to the ideals of democratic socialism. “Our vote and our pledge are for the SP,” they said. A similar activity was organized in recent days in the village of Vlusha, where 14 other young people were accepted as members of the SP. It is heartening that young men and women in Skrapar are eager to swell the ranks of the SP in the district.

In recent days, the chairman of the Fier Socialist Party (PS), Petro Koçi, held working meetings in the Bllan area. In the village of Bishan, PS members and supporters took part, as well as a group of young people. The discussion addressed issues concerning the implementation of the PS program in the village. The speaker stressed that the PS hesitates to oppose giving land to former farmers and agas. This category of people made up as much as 3 percent of the village population; therefore, what is good for the nation and the people is to divide it up and distribute it in defense of the 90 percent. The PS is consistent in implementing the land law. It calls on villagers not to trust those who opposed the law before 50 percent of the land was distributed, but who now, after the law has been implemented, benefit in every village of their own. The Democratic Party (PD) has undertaken no initiative and only mocks, wanting to act “left-wing” only during the election campaign. Asked why the PD holds most of the power in Fier, the chairman of the Fier PS replied that parliament’s law on the dismissal of local authorities is only a constitutional provision; other criteria that need to be met are missing. Local authorities were also advised to do their work in this case. ... The PS must not become a career. Also, by switching to the opposition, they spend [their time] on the sidelines. Many villagers said that the head of agriculture in Fier had encouraged non-implementation of the land law in the villages of Bocovë and Bashkim, wanting to balance this with promises of receiving other land from the agricultural enterprise (NB). Someone who had joined illegally said that many young people their age had become involved with the PD without knowing its program or that of the PS. The opposition fights with slogans about democracy and anti-communism and never explains concrete matters to us. At the end of the meeting, seven new members, mostly aged 20–25, were accepted into the PS. Several meetings were held with groups of villagers in Bocovë. They asked for help with the village’s problems, the cooperative’s agriculture and the village’s production, and with making it possible for the village to survive. During the discussions, it was explained that the idea of a European-style cooperative was better suited to the current situation in the village. Those attacking from this side want a large, self-governing owner of the workplace, based on a model of self-government that does not exist. The mayor spoke ...

These days, the PS district activists’ meeting in Tepelenë was held. The meeting was attended by members of the Party’s Steering Committee, secretaries of basic organizations, young intellectuals, and supporters of the Socialist Party. In the report he delivered, the chairman of the district PS, Comrade Maksi Beqiri, gave concrete form to the general ideas of the PS electoral program and set specific tasks for successfully conducting the election campaign. The PS, he stressed, has established itself as the main political force in our society. It is precisely for this reason that the opposition’s attacks against it are so fierce. The accusations that equate it with the Party of Labour, that the world will not help the PS if it wins the elections, and that it is incapable of governing the country are nothing but cheap tricks. At the meeting, different views were expressed about how to organize the campaign and the methods used in it.

— Meetings in the villages of Elbasan — Over the past few days, the Elbasan PS Steering Committee, in cooperation with the Belsh branch of the PS, has held a series of activities in the villages of the Dumre area. At meetings with villagers and groups of people in Belsh, Fierza, Çërrava, Shalës, etc., there was a warm discussion, focusing on the interests of the rural population today, both in villages where people have received land as property and in agricultural-enterprise (NB) villages, and on their future under the new conditions of a market economy. During these meetings, many questions were answered and the PS program was presented by Ndriçim Hysa, a former PS deputy and member of the district PS Steering Committee. Asked how the PS envisages the future of the village under a market economy, Ndriçim Hysa replied that the PS has made its position on the village’s prospects clear. The farmer should receive land under the land law (a law passed by PS deputies, who rejected the views of PD deputies that land should be returned to its former owners). Individual farmers should enter the market economy with the support of the state and its various institutions. On the other hand, the PS supports villagers joining together in small groups, so that owners can live more securely, machinery can be obtained more easily and used more freely, along with many other advantages. In other words, small, Western-style cooperatives. (Continued on page 2)

— A friendly observation for our colleagues at the newspaper “Drita” — The distinguished academic Rexhep Qosja spent about a week in Albania. Many Albanians experienced this event with joy, because our respected professor was returning to our country after eleven years. Our pluralist press took different positions on this visit. Television opened its “doors” wide to him, as befitted the great Albanian of our time. But what about the newspapers? The party-affiliated newspapers covered the events organized on this occasion more or less according to each party’s position on the issue of the All-National Assembly. It is unfortunate that party positions are imposed on the press (the so-called “free” press) even regarding figures and events that transcend party frameworks and acquire the significance of historic events. This is a bitter reality. But what prompted me to write these lines is a somewhat strange fact. I opened the February 16 issue of the newspaper “Drita” with eager curiosity, thinking I would find something interesting there about Professor Qosja’s visit to Albania. But it did not write a single word about this visit by our esteemed professor. How should I understand this? Our press made another mistake. A week earlier, “D” had apparently thought it would find someone there, even though the professor had arrived in our country two days before. But there was nothing there either. How is it possible for this cultural newspaper not to publish the lecture Professor Qosja delivered before 400 intellectuals from the capital’s research and scientific institutions? How could it fail to publish even a notice about his activities? Paradoxes of the times we live in? Until yesterday we criticized the Party of Labour and its propaganda for remaining silent about Kosovo and Kosovar culture. Are we now falling back into the same positions, perhaps acting as “party soldiers” (an expression Professor Qosja used in his lecture)? Are we showing “idols and false prophets” instead of the true prophets of the Albanian people? When this idol worship appears in party newspapers, it is a sign of all that is wrong; when it also takes on proportions in non-party propaganda, the phenomenon must truly be considered troubling. I do not want to prejudge the colleagues on the editorial staff of the newspaper “Drita.” But its silence about Professor Rexhep Qosja’s visit to Albania, whether intentionally or not, makes it resemble the silence written about elsewhere in the past, especially in the face of the open revanchist attacks now being made against distinguished figures of our 45-year literary and cultural life: Ismail Kadare, Dritëro Agolli, and others. These attacks began in street pamphlets and second-rate newspapers. But when they did so, no one opposed them; when they saw that their attacks had been met with silence (or with muted objections), they also made their way into the pages of the central party newspapers, though not onto radio or television. It was not for nothing that Professor Qosja risked coming to Albania, despite the “vengeful passions that are pouring into Albania with blackmail.” And such passions exist not only in politics, but also in culture. National culture can be saved from ideological and party revanchism only by intellectuals who unite courageously to defend it in earnest. And if we are to defend our culture morally in this way, we know who Professor Rexhep Qosja is. ILJAMI JUPI

the popular theater troupe of the Tirana district and the judge in the case, Haralamb Kulo. But, carried away by enthusiasm, RD goes so far as to say that the police will [unclear] the strongmen in court, [?] As for Mr. Haralamb Kulo, who is summoned to appear in this court, I have [unclear] in the form of a feuilleton from the newspaper “RD,” which, as you know, dear brothers and sisters, tells only the “truth”! PËRPAPRIM XHIXHA