A VIEW FROM AN MP FROM ELBASAN Very briefly: the 6-hour debate in Parliament ended. That was not enough; on the contrary, it was decided that it would continue tomorrow. From what it seemed, the only remark that caused a stir and at the same time astonishment was Mr. Pashko's statement that "the PDSH, with the vote of the people, has won democracy." You must have no small contempt for the people to think that they voted for you in order for you to win democracy! For democracy is won neither by votes nor by force. It is a very complicated process to build. And once it has been built, it must be preserved and perfected. None of the parties aspiring to take its place on the Albanian political scene can call itself the owner of democracy. Government programs made from the electoral program? It seems so. Government programs cannot be an expression of fine words and general promises. Yesterday in parliament Mr. Pashko spoke of the need for monetary stabilization, price reform, privatization, encouragement of free initiative, etc. These are things that are known and that we have said repeatedly. But the question is: what exactly will be done? What are the deadlines? What are the means? What guarantees are given to the people who will bear the burden of the reforms on their backs? It is not honest to speak of sacrifices without telling people plainly who will make them, how long they will last, and what benefits they will bring. All the more so when the country is in an extremely serious economic and social condition. To say only that things will move forward at a rapid pace, without explaining the road, means asking for blind trust. There is nothing wrong with the new government asking for time to draft its program. The problem begins when problems that have just been announced are presented as already solved. There is a tendency to treat reality as a propaganda field. This serves neither the government nor the country. If there are to be new economic policies, they must be based on an accurate analysis of the situation. Unemployment, shortages of goods, falling production, the breakdown of economic links, the state of agriculture, energy, and transport are not theoretical notions; they are people's daily wounds. No one can overcome them with slogans. Albania needs a capable administration, functioning institutions, clear laws, and visible political responsibility. The people do not vote for abstract figures; they expect their lives to become more livable. That is the real test of a party's seriousness. Therefore, the seriousness of a party is shown in the attitude it takes toward electoral promises. Every promise made must be measured against the country's real possibilities. And every deviation from the truth, however small, is paid for dearly in public trust. ENVER MUSAQINI

(According to ATSH) The Government of the Republic of Albania, seriously concerned by the further development of the conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina, considers it necessary that all political and national forces avoid any further escalation of the situation and work toward a peaceful solution. It calls on international bodies to intervene energetically to guarantee the legitimate rights of the populations and to prevent acts of violence and ethnic cleansing. The Albanian government supports the right of peoples to self-determination and to a free and secure life on their native lands. In this framework, the Republic of Albania expresses its solidarity with the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina and demands that its independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty be respected. Any violation of these principles poses a threat to peace and security in the region. The Albanian government condemns acts of terror, violence, and discrimination on national and religious grounds. It asks all parties to show restraint, prudence, and political will for dialogue. TIRANA, 20 April 1992. Ministry of Foreign Affairs

(from the program of the new government) "Prices of food items will be liberalized, reflecting the reality of market prices." What does liberalized mean? (From the program of the new government) Mysret Alimani That the presentation of the entire government cabinet and its stance before Parliament on the governing program has been a confrontation with harsh Albanian economic and social realities was already evident in the earliest statements by the prime minister and ministers. More recently, the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Mr. Pali Miska, speaking in direct terms, said that there could be no more illusions about guaranteed baskets and fixed prices under conditions where the market is moving according to new rules. He underlined that state intervention would be limited and that universal supply guarantees could not be maintained in the same way as before. This statement sparked many reactions, because for many Albanian families securing basic foodstuffs remains the main concern. However, according to the program of the new government, the overall direction is toward price liberalization, compensation for vulnerable groups, and the reorganization of trade. The question is whether the Albanian economy, with its shrinking production and acute shortage of goods, can withstand such a rapid transition. There is a risk that, in the absence of protective mechanisms, prices will explode and the burden will fall on the poorest. The program speaks of reforms, privatization, encouragement of production and the market. But consumers want tangible answers: will there be bread, oil, sugar, milk? At what prices? And who will protect citizens from speculation? Under these conditions, the statement that there will be no guaranteed basket or fixed prices is not only an economic orientation, but also a social signal with broad consequences. (continues on page 2)

FINANCIAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE R. F. OF ALBANIA AND THE GERMAN KfW Not only the unification of all political forces in Albania in favor of the agreement on compensation for politically persecuted people and assistance for the development of the Albanian economy are clear messages to German public opinion and beyond, but also the fact that the Albanian Parliament is becoming a functioning institution with open debates and decision-making according to democratic rules has increased the interest of German politics in our country. The news of the visit to Tirana by the German Foreign Minister, Mr. Hans-Dietrich Genscher, was received with attention. This visit is seen as a sign of support for Albania's democratic transition and for its efforts to integrate into Europe. The financial agreement between the Albanian government and the German KfW concerns the financing of projects important to the economy and infrastructure. It is expected to help ease the many difficulties the country is going through. In this context, Mr. Genscher's presence in Tirana also has political significance: it underlines the interest of Western partners in Albania's stability and democratic orientation. THANAS SINO

IF THE DECISION FROM PARLIAMENT Note. The chairman of yesterday's session gave the floor to PDSH deputy Mr. Curashi, but he was not in the hall. His absence was noted not only because his name was on the list of speakers, but also because he was expected to present a clear position on a controversial issue. Some deputies linked his absence to reservations about the way the proceedings were unfolding, others to personal reasons. No official explanation was given. The fact was commented on in the corridors as an indication of an uncertain political climate, where even small gestures take on symbolic weight. In the absence of clarification, the question remained open: why was Mr. Curashi absent?

Reform = economic hardship? Easing The newspaper's seven days of the new government. Along with the programmatic statements on reform in parliament, a great deal was also said about the factors with the highest social cost. At the center of attention was the question of how the transition would be borne by citizens with low incomes, by pensioners, by families without support, and by those at risk of losing their jobs. In many discussions it was said that there is no reform without sacrifices. But that is not enough as an answer. Society needs to know which groups will be protected, with what mechanisms, and for how long. Otherwise, the reform may lose public support. Economists and MPs have expressed the view that the main burden should not be borne by the weakest. If prices are liberalized, there must also be real compensation, an increase in social assistance, and employment policies. Otherwise, the result of reform will be measured in poverty and discontent. On the other hand, the new government seems determined to move ahead at a fast pace. This creates an unavoidable tension between the need for change and society's ability to cope with it. (continues on page 3)

An unclear report, drawn by conjecture from a speech, has raised concern in local opinion. The residents of these areas want to know whether this refers to physical isolation, administrative measures, or a pure misunderstanding. So far there has been no official clarification. The question is raised as a civic reaction to any idea that might restrict the free movement or communication of the residents. For a country that seeks to move toward democracy, metaphors of barbed wire sound harsh. A clear response from the authorities would be necessary.