— Interview with Mr. Ilir Metaj, chairman of FRESH Tirana, given to the editorial office Yesterday the socialist era came to an end in our country. From being a political force that had been in power for nearly 40 years, the outcome of these elections produced the first true opposition and a factor that will play an important role in the political and social life of the country. Last night the Central Election Commission also announced the final results. According to them, the Democratic Party won 62.1 percent of the votes, while the Socialist Party won 25.7 percent. Why did the Socialist Party lose? This question naturally arose because of the depth of the defeat. As early as yesterday evening, comrade Ilir Metaj, chairman of FRESH Tirana, gave the first answer to this question. Success or fault? The Socialist Party suffered this defeat primarily because of its own political mistakes. If the victory of 31 March 1991 was the result not only of the active role of its members and supporters, but also of a part of the electorate that supported it as a force of stability, the defeat of 22 March 1992 is the result of the mistakes it made. These mistakes are the consequence of the leading role it had and of its positions toward the political and social processes of this period. Can we say it more easily today? During these 22 months, many things came to light. Its inability to lead the country under the new conditions became clearer. Its lack of determination to carry democratic transformations through to the end became clear. Its hesitation to break fully with the past became clear. At the time, wavering and indecision in the face of the demands of the period were also noticed. These are factors that could not fail to leave a mark on public opinion. The people judge a party not by declarations, but by concrete policy, by the way it responds to the everyday problems of life. In this sense, the Socialist Party’s defeat is also a defeat of its until-now style of thinking and acting. For its future, this means that the Socialist Party must carry out a deep analysis, draw lessons, and renew itself in every direction. (from page 3)

First of all, many people find themselves in a strong dilemma: can the man who lost in Tirana be appointed president? The answer depends on the point of view. On the one hand, the election result has clearly determined the political fate of the forces and individuals linked to them. On the other hand, the constitution and parliamentary representation create a specific path for choosing the head of state. For the head of state to be a symbol of national unity requires not only a formal legal basis, but also moral weight and civic support. If the proposed candidate does not have that support in the capital, the question becomes sharper. Is a parliamentary majority enough? Or is a more acceptable, more representative, and less politically worn-out figure required? These questions will receive answers in the coming days. What remains certain is that the office of president, in the new political circumstances, must be considered carefully, responsibly, and with the aim of democratic stability.

No one is surprised that the chairwoman of the district of Kolonjë, Mrs. A. Nushi, on the proposal of Mrs. R. Hajdari, was elected vice-chairwoman of parliament. But by what logic was Mr. Hysni Milloshi elected? Whose choice is this? Of pluralism, of compromise, of tradition, or of an old political calculation? In the discussion of 7 April, much was said about representative figures, political balances, and the need for the most acceptable possible leadership of the Assembly. Nevertheless, the final decision seems to have surprised many. In the presidium of the People’s Assembly, besides the political criterion, moral authority, institutional experience, and the ability to represent the new parliamentary spirit should also have been taken into account. This election will apparently continue to be discussed for a long time, not only in the Assembly hall, but also in public opinion.

Separated from Gazeta The decision was announced to us. TANUSH MUÇAJ The news sent to us yesterday from Gjirokastër by our correspondent is this: on 15 June the trial of those arrested on 14 December will begin in that city. Among the detainees are also people known to public opinion, whose names have been mentioned in the press in recent days. According to initial sources, the trial will take place under normal conditions and will be of great interest not only to the city of Gjirokastër but to the whole country. This case is linked to the events of 14 December, which left strong traces and continue to be discussed. In judicial circles it is said that the file is voluminous and that many circumstances that have so far remained unclear are expected to be clarified. The families of the arrested have repeatedly called for transparency and a fair trial. There is a conviction in public opinion that this trial will serve as a test of the seriousness of the justice reform. (continued on page 3)

A spokesman as much for the Ministry of Defense The order to demilitarize the button from the consultation in Tirana. All military equipment in the Korçë district has been asked not to move without special permission and to remain on alert. Sources close to the command report that vigilance has been increased in several units and that measures are being taken to avoid any provocation. It is learned that the order concerns an overall assessment of the post-election situation and the need to preserve public order and peace. Unofficial sources say there has been circulation of information about suspicious movements and concentrations of armed persons in certain areas. The Ministry has not yet issued a full statement, but its spokespersons have said that everything is being done in accordance with the law and in the interest of public order.

A portrait of the reformer-president Atatürk... The challenge of victory was set with difficulty; but the beginning of moving away from the illusions of the old times was necessary. Various foreign newspapers have reported on recent developments in Albania and have raised questions about the responsibilities of the transition period. Outside commentators underline that pluralist democracy cannot be built without individual responsibility and without a clear break from the practices of the past. They ask whether it is right for persons involved in abuses to be praised simply because they ultimately supported the process of change. Some comments also mention the figure of Atatürk as an example of a reformer who linked modernization with state discipline and with the responsibility of the ruling elite. This analogy, however distant, is used to emphasize that reforms are not made with words alone, but with will and accountability. (continued on page 3)

Parliamentary realism Humor was not lacking in today’s Assembly session either. The new deputies, determined to begin their work seriously, also faced moments of relaxation. One asked for procedure, another for rules, and meanwhile the break came early. The world laughs, because such are our young parliamentarians. The truth is that these episodes cannot hide the great difficulty of the start of a new parliamentary life. Between enthusiasm and lack of experience, the session at times took on strange tones. There were also exchanges, interventions, and side comments in the hall, but in the end everyone agreed that it takes time to get used to the new rhythm of democratic debate.

As we have just learned in our editorial office, the chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania, Fatos Nano, traveled today to Greece. According to initial sources, his visit is linked to political contacts and a series of meetings with leaders of sister formations. The program of this visit foresees talks on recent developments in Albania, on the election results, and on bilateral relations. It is not excluded that during his stay he may also meet representatives of the press. His statement on the occasion of departure did not give many details, but it was underlined that the visit is work-related and will serve to strengthen the PS’s contacts with foreign partners. More information is expected from our correspondent in Athens.