PEOPLE ARE WAITING... Parliament, the President of the Republic and the new Government face major tasks. Honesty, passionate work and balance are required of them and of all state bodies. People are waiting for the promises to be fulfilled. Let us not disappoint them, but demonstrate a realistic and serious commitment for the good of democracy and Albania.

Does the new Government know what it needs to do? When we ask this question, we have absolutely no intention of prejudging the new Government or the ministers who will make it up. Something else concerns all of us, regardless of our political convictions. The difficulties are numerous, in every sector of life. There are also many demands from individuals and from various collectives. People are waiting. They are waiting for work to begin. And the “key” to this lies with the new Government and the programme it will draw up; with Parliament and the laws it will pass; and with the President and the commitment he will show. To be realistic and get to the truth: from the years of centrally directed economic management, many mindsets and shortcomings have been inherited. So many that one could write entire articles about them. But there is no point dwelling on them today. Yet it remains a fact that, during the past year, incalculable damage and destruction have taken place. And still people keep waiting, because many were fed illusions and many were kept going with promises. Now that Parliament has finished dealing with the symbols and has also elected the new President (the market seems fuller), we believe it will turn its attention to the new Government and the programme it will present. It is essential to put the existing economy into operation, at least whatever part of it can be made to work. We know that part of it has been destroyed. We know it has also been looted, but there are nevertheless important sectors where work can be done. With the economic base we have, Albania managed to earn 540 million dollars from exports in 1989. Whereas during (Continued on page 2)

Throughout the period since political pluralism was established and up to the present, much has been said about the great and irreplaceable role that honest intellectuals play in the development of a civilized and democratic society, and about the place they should occupy in that society. But that is all. Nothing has been done. Intellectuals continue to belong to the most discriminated-against groups in our society. This begins with their salaries, with the attitudes displayed toward them, and with the way people respond to intellectual courage and boldness. Without mentioning the many mistakes made in the past, it is an undeniable fact that during recent decades an entire army of intellectuals was formed in Albania, whose ideas and contributions are invaluable to the whole nation. If their ideas found no suitable ground during the monist period, it is unforgivable not to create the necessary conditions for them now, in the age of democracy. We stress this because, amid the general haemorrhage affecting every sphere of Albanian life, the haemorrhage with the most serious consequences is that of intellectuals, a considerable number of whom have chosen emigration as a way to escape. The intellectual exodus is just as harmful as the exodus of children or young people. Our society has invested a great deal in creating the intellectual stratum. Yet people are not showing the care needed to treat them as they deserve. Conditions must be created so that intellectuals can demonstrate their abilities. And by creating conditions, we mean, first and foremost, investment in the human mind. One of the first and most urgent tasks the new Government must undertake is a comprehensive study to identify priority professions and establish fair remuneration. MITAT SANXHAKU Senior Scientific Collaborator AGIM SELENICA Candidate of Sciences

It would not be worth spending time and paper protesting or objecting to the abridged, incomplete and often tendentious summaries Radio Tirana gives in its broadcasts of many official statements and materials of the Socialist Party! If anyone there takes pleasure in this, let them savour that pleasure to the end! The Socialist Party, its members and its supporters are mature enough to rise above pettiness and prejudices. But the version of the Socialist Party Executive’s statement on the barbaric crime committed by Serbian chauvinists against ten innocent Albanians, broadcast in the Radio Magazine at 19:30 on 10 April 1992, was neither shortened, nor selectively edited, nor abridged. All the phrases in the original text that denounced and explicitly named “Serbian chauvinists,” “the sinister and chauvinistic aims and ambitions of the Serbian Milošević followers,” and similar expressions from the original had been cut out and cleaned up. One heard talk only of “chauvinistic policies,” without giving listeners the chance to learn which specific chauvinists the Socialist Party meant! Impartial listeners—the thousands who have no opportunity or means to get hold of “Zëri i Popullit”—have every right, on hearing such an RT-style version, to cry: “Socialist brothers! Why such vague language? Why pull your punches? Why are you afraid to name and denounce the Serbian chauvinists of Milošević who have occupied and terrorized Kosovo and are killing our brothers?!” Listeners who hate, criticize or resent the Socialist Party, or are prejudiced against it—those who would not even touch “Zëri i Popullit”—have every right, on hearing the official Radio’s broadcasts, to raise the cry: “There you have it! This is what Albanian socialists are like! We’ve said it so many times: allies of Milošević and of the Serbo-vicil! They don’t attack the chauvinists by name! Just listen to their statements about the latest crime!” This, in this particular case, is the service Radio Tirana—the official, impartial, independent broadcaster!—renders to public opinion, democracy and social peace. So what should we call this?! Selection, summary?! Absolutely not! The text was cut in the middle of sentences, which shows not care for the spoken word but negligence, not an accident but deliberation, not chance but intention! Deliberate, outright censorship—that is the name for this illegal and blind act. We have neither reason nor inclination to suppose that some hidden hand at RT carried out this censorship to spare the shame of Milošević’s Serbian chauvinists! No! It was done by one or more people prejudiced against us, who have fallen victim to the banal and absurd accusations that the SPA is supposedly “an ally and stooge of the Serbs and Milošević.” It is precisely because such narrow-minded people are completely blinded that they lash out when they see that, on national issues as a whole and Serbian chauvinists in particular, the SP holds the same positions—and does so consistently—as all the other Albanian political parties and forces, and all patriotic Albanians! And in order to serve their blindness and prejudice, they do not hesitate to distort, censor and profane the truth. If only their blindness and narrow-mindedness would let them understand that, with such tricks, knowingly or unknowingly, they are serving precisely the policy that suits Milošević and the chauvinists! If only they could understand that by censoring the truth, as in this case, they are not merely harming the Socialist Party, but also damaging the national cause, on which we all share the same views and positions. SOCIALISTI

LET US HEAR NO MORE: Before the elections, when it was not yet known whom the “finger” would point to as responsible for the fate of this country, people sincerely said: “Pity those who will take power!” “Those was not yet known whom the “finger” would point to as responsible for the fate of this country, people sincerely said: “Pity those who will take power!” This was the logical conclusion to which the state into which the entire nation had fallen led them. Poverty, unemployment and insecurity had made even the most optimistic person doubt that rapid progress was possible. Well, now the “unfortunates” in government are right before our eyes. The former opposition has become the government. Those who until yesterday shouted and chanted slogans—“we’ll either die or live, we’ll win democracy”—fortunately came to power neither by force nor through bloodshed, but only through rallies and promises. Power, then, is in the hands of the PD. president; the prime minister and government are theirs. In this sense, it has fallen to them to experience and face the logical conclusion, “Pity those who will take power!” It is still too early to say anything or reach a conclusion about their ability or inability to get the country out of this situation. What is beyond question is how difficult it will be to get people into work, undertake deeply democratic reforms, and gradually ease the people’s hardships. Can what was destroyed by force be put right so easily? The government’s first words ... [?]

What hasn’t been said about young people! No epithet or metaphor has been left unused. But all of that is now exhausted. It has no value. We have been made many promises. We no longer need words; we want them put into practice. The “Student City” is just as it was. We all know and properly understand the many difficulties the country is going through during this period of transition, but that does not mean we will accept the situation. There are many demands. The most important is the one concerning ... [?] (Continued on page 2)

I am a mining technician. We have been out of work for a long time because, as they say, “raw materials are lacking.” This is an excuse. It is true that there are many shortages in the supply of raw materials, but that does not mean the entire economy should be brought to a standstill, because there are many production sectors where work can and should be done. One of these sectors is mining. The theory of bringing the country’s economy down to zero—we have destroyed it. One of the first measures the Government must take is to restart work in all those sectors where this is possible. To do this, it must start with the managers; the demand for accountability in enforcing state laws must be increased and strengthened among managers. It is not true that people do not want to work. There are some like that, but it is wrong to generalize. How can there be people who do not want to work at a time when prices are rising at a galloping rate? How can the continual increase in the cost of living be met? In my opinion, this is where the new Government should begin its work. AZIZ YMERI

We talk with our readers I am a regular reader of the newspaper “Zëri i Popullit”. First of all, I wish the newspaper success in its work, although we lost on March 22. Now we should not think too much about the defeat, but about victory in the future. I have a concern regarding the newspaper. I don’t like the structure of ZP, the way it is put together, how it is presented to the public, or what it feeds them. (This is only my opinion.) In short: “Zëri i Popullit” needs to change in this respect. What I think about this issue: To be clear, I’m not talking about the good work the newspaper does, so that we don’t end up like Beluli. Back to my problem, or concern. Page 4 gives information about the world. In my opinion, page 4 of the newspaper has undergone few changes—or, rather, it has not changed at all, as people say, not one bit. I ask: What is “ZP”—a state newspaper? Or the party-state newspaper it was yesterday? The information it provides, except for that from Kosovo and the diaspora, is read without interest. The newspaper must be restructured. It is a party newspaper and represents one part of the people. First and foremost, it should speak about reforms, engage in various polemics with the government and those in power, bring its readers and supporters information about literature, art and science, and about the life and activities of Socialist Parties around the world. It should explain more convincingly what this new reality we have embraced represents. This newspaper should serve as a guide here in Albania, towards the ideal of democratic socialism; it should awaken in the people the desire and belief that victory belongs to them, to the left. In the end, journalists produce the newspaper, but it is not a journalists’ newspaper and should not concern itself merely with their subjectivities. It should have a broader vision, look higher, and move away from the pointless and fruitless polemics of government journalists. I don’t know whether you have opened a column where you invite readers to share their opinions about the newspaper and how they view its future. I think these modest suggestions about your work will help you, at least a little. I am not sending them so that you will publish them, unless you wish to. I wish you success in your work. ALI ROCI teacher, Librazhd

“Albania indeed has a presidential palace, but as one of the poorest countries in the world, it cannot have a President for a palace.” “Albania indeed has a presidential palace, but as one of the poorest countries in the world, it cannot have a President for a palace. I will stay among you, because I feel stronger, and I want only to be able to preserve the human dimension as the fundamental dimension of Albanian politics.” “And while the first president is elected, he was restoring the temple dedicated to ‘Knee to knee with the people’ ... [?] Here the camera accidentally captured an unforgettable moment... At that event, from my hands a ... [?] burst forth ...” “Is there anyone who, at the end ... [?] of the spouse, and the future minister of ... [?]” SHKELQIM DEVOLLA

— Interview with MP Gramoz Ruçi, given to editor L. M. Rama — Question: Last year in the People’s Assembly, during a debate session, you, Comrade Gramoz, addressing Mr. Sali Berisha, declared ... that he would not manage to become President of Albania. Two or three days ago he took the presidential seat. Do you admit that your prediction failed, or do you have some other explanation? Do you believe the public is waiting for a new justification from you... Answer: Yes, that is true, but it is not equally true that it was said under certain political conditions, in other circumstances of acquaintance, and with a certain contribution of his at the time. The political conditions have changed. Acquaintance has deepened, and so has his contribution as a political figure, etc. He has evolved, and consequently ... [?] But I think it is always a matter of making a president; it is always a matter of making a president. So, ... [?] Answer: I declare that “it is one thing to make someone president and another thing to become president.” Who then made the vice-president Sali president? Answer: On the one hand, the extreme poverty of this country, of this people; on the other, the great hope that the Democratic Party’s promises and commitments would be fulfilled, as well as Mr. Sali himself, to emerge from this miserable state, and the speculative support from abroad (mainly from the American ambassador in Tirana). Thus, politics became the colonnade(?) of a text [or: a set] of factors that this people and this country put together for a ... [?] than before. Therefore, I hope and sincerely wish that neither the people nor the country will be disappointed again. Question: What are your priorities, on the basis of which you withdraw from ... [?] ... that would make you retract the statements you made last year? Answer: As I said, internal and external factors delivered their verdict, while Mr. Sali is now beginning to answer my concern: will he really become president or not? So, in my opinion, he will naturally become president! — When the majority’s national reconciliation truly transcends the class struggle of the totalitarian regime, and this is not replaced by a new class party and a hegemonic line. Was national unity achieved with his political opponents? ... [?] ... ... the hard [unclear] of Vlora, Ismail Qemali. “Do not divide it into pieces as if there were no one... Sazani and Karaburuni are my homeland, etc.” — When the history of ... [?], so many lives ... [?] ... and suffering in this country, those who fought for the ideal of freedom may rest in peace in the place of honor and national pride. — When those who use labels such as “pluralists, crypto-communists, Enverists, etc.” see in real and practical terms the materialization of the statements used during the election campaign: that being one of these does not mean being an opponent, and that all of us who were former members of the Party of Labour are jointly guilty and fellow sufferers for the past. — When our people truly begin to live and enjoy the order of political pluralism, as well as the guarantee of ... [?] Question: What statement ... [?] — When Albania, once 04 thousand and now 28 thousand square kilometers, does not have to rely on the assistance of the words of ... [?] — When the ordinary people are the first to enjoy and experience the material benefits of pluralist democracy and the market economy, and the infamous bloc is not replaced by the dome. In other words, when the promise is seen put into practice: “to each according to his work, to each according to his abilities and, respectively, his political beliefs.” — When the grey-haired veterans of war and labor are treated not with contempt but with honor and respect by pluralist democracy, and when extremist forces do not dismiss their struggle, blood and sweat by denying everything good that was done over 50 years. — When the Albanian worker is master in the factory, plant, workshop and shop, and does not return to find only workers’ movement [or: activity] wherever a foreigner or outsider has ... [?] — When the peasant truly enjoys the land he was given and does not fear that it will be taken away by the former ... [?] (Continued on page 2)

“The people in power are to blame” Before the elections, when it was still unknown whom the “choice” would fall upon to determine the fate of this country, people used to say— The Democratic Party. They have the overwhelming majority in Parliament, they elect the president, it is theirs...

Much was said during the previous legislature of the People’s Assembly about veterans and invalids of the National Liberation War. The adoption of veteran status was requested several times, but nothing was done. We ask Parliament to give priority to our issue by adopting, as soon as possible, the status of veteran and war invalid of the War. We say that we are entering a new and democratic society. One of the serious indicators of a new and cultured society is precisely its attitude toward veterans. The fighters against fascism and Nazism are respected throughout the democratic world. They are given special status, unlike our veterans. We hope... A group of veterans and invalids of the National Liberation War, residents of District 29 in the capital.

A FEW FRIENDLY WORDS