Dear teachers, students and pupils, Last year marked the liberation of the Albanian school from the totalitarian idea that had kept it under its yoke for nearly fifty years. The great work of teachers and students for the liberation of our education from dogmatic influences has been accompanied by difficulties, but has been carried out with civic courage and a high sense of national responsibility. On the path of change in Albanian education there are also many problems, which require solutions with wisdom, perseverance and the help of all the progressive forces of the country. Under the new democratic conditions, we are determined to build an open, modern school, free from any ideological prejudice, based on the best values of our national culture and European civilization. This requires tireless work from teachers, lecturers, students, parents and society as a whole. On the occasion of 7 March, I express to Albanian teachers my deepest gratitude for their noble mission and greet them for the efforts they make in today’s difficult conditions. I hope that this significant day will serve as an encouragement for even better work in the service of education, knowledge and the country’s future.

We note with satisfaction that the Romanian social democrats, in their efforts to broaden and heal the ranks of the opposition, have found a solution to strengthen and revive the National Convention for the establishment of democracy. They have spoken in favor of co-opting the Socialist Party of Labour and other left-wing formations within the Convention. We are sure that the socialists in Romania will also find, in the interest of their country, the path toward broad democratic cooperation.

Azem Hajdari is said to have run for Shkodër. Shkodër — Merrëzibare, a word that in Albania is becoming synonymous with violence and street politics. The candidacy of Mr. Azem Hajdari in Shkodër has aroused no small amount of surprise and reaction. In the northern city, where a calmer and more civic-minded representation was expected, the Democratic Party has chosen to send a figure known for his political clashes. Many citizens say this does not serve the election climate nor the need for calm.

The disclosure of the opposition program leaves 1,460 families without a vote Tirana, 6 March (from our correspondent) Across the country it is becoming evident that the structures of the electoral administration, influenced by certain political forces, are carrying out actions that undermine the fairness of the electoral contest. According to data collected by the Socialist Party audit teams, in just a few areas hundreds of cases have been found of families that do not appear on the voter lists. In Tirana alone, 1,460 families have been identified as being left out of the right to vote. The Socialist Party demands the immediate verification of the lists and the correction of injustices. This situation requires urgent intervention from the relevant commissions and the responsible bodies, so that no one is deprived of the constitutional right to vote.

IN THE SLEEPS OF LEVINGSTON In the days of the electoral campaign it is becoming increasingly clear that a part of public opinion is undecided. For these people, who are not blindly tied to any party, the decision on how to vote remains difficult. But hesitation must not be fed by demagogy, nor by empty promises. It must be overcome with clear judgment and with a cool look at programs, figures and political responsibilities. In this sense, the citizen who has two minds must ask: who has shown seriousness? who offers calm? who is able to face the crisis and defend the general interest? These questions must be asked without passion and without illusions. Today Albania needs political wisdom, not adventurism.

Apparently, since the beginning of the electoral campaign up to now, the leaders of the PD have used our newspaper as much as they could. Their eagerness to constantly have "Zërin e Popullit" on their lips has not ceased. Sometimes they attack us, sometimes they quote us, sometimes they use us as justification for every kind of confusion or failure. In fact, even when they try to strike at us, they do nothing other than prove how important the presence of a left-wing opposition press is in the political life of the country. In that sense, perhaps a thank-you would be deserved. (To be continued on page 4) Durrës Program

The teacher, the person who gave us knowledge, deserves respect and appreciation. But there are also those who try to use his figure for current political purposes. In this context, Mr. Haxhi Gjinushi has also been mentioned, whose name has been brought into various electoral debates. Respect for the teacher and for education must not become a pretext for propaganda.

Poetry by Dritëro Agolli