In the People's Assembly , after a short time had been detached from the socialist Constitution several articles are now the subject of difficult and prolonged discussions for drafting a bill for a temporary constitutional law. Once again, at the center of the debates are the relations among the branches of power, especially those between parliament and the president. The question is posed: what is the main and urgent task of this Assembly? Is the solution to this issue independent of who the winners or losers will be in today's political game? The answer is no. The purpose of this Assembly cannot be to draft a temporary constitutional law that simply aims to sanction the supremacy of the political force that has the majority of seats in parliament or of the president who is elected by the people. If this purpose were to prevail, then we would not be on the path of true democracy, but on that of replacing the monopolization of power by one political force with monopolization by another. A contemporary constitution or constitutional law must create balance and mutual control among the branches of power, give institutions strength and stability, and guarantee citizens' rights and freedoms. That is the demand of the time. In a country that is just emerging from a monist past, more dangerous than anything would be the creation of a new order in which power is again concentrated in a single hand, even if under new names. Today's debates must be measured against this criterion. The temporary constitutional law, if one is adopted, must be a bridge to the future democratic constitution and not an instrument of momentary clashes. Only in this way will democracy acquire real substance and the Albanian state be able to enter the path of political modernization. (to be continued on page 4)

A small excerpt from the telegram the people sent to the President: Mr. President! I am addressing you on behalf of 20 families from the village of III Sopik i Poshtëm and 50 families from the village of Sopik i Sipërm, which have been left without agricultural land. Because of the way the land was divided, these families have not received a sufficient area or have received none at all. We have lived by working the land and cannot remain without our main means of livelihood. We request that this injustice be reconsidered and that the relevant organs intervene immediately. From THE VILLAGE I ATËSHM KOKE? NCA THE LOWER VILLAGE KOKE? [?]

Why do I evoke the thoughts of the socialists? Not because I am an adherent of the past, but because the country needs a platform that can unite people's energies. The time has come to overcome divisions, resentments, and political revenge. Democracy cannot be built on the exclusion of part of society. It requires dialogue, patience, and a state-building culture. In today's conditions, when the economy is in crisis and people's trust has been shaken, a policy is needed that can gather the minds and hands of Albanians for work and reconstruction. Albania cannot move forward with endless divisions. That is today's challenge. P. ÇI

A call by the Euro-Socialist analysts of Shkodrës to the capital . Our city, the city of tradition and civility, cannot remain hostage to silence, insecurity, and poverty. True democracy is not built with big words, but with work, with law, with justice, and with civic responsibility. We ask that all political and social factors help in the revival of economic and cultural life and in the restoration of citizens' trust. Only in this way will disappointment be avoided and the foundations of a democratic society strengthened. (to be continued on page 2)

History from new perspectives Now, following the major political change in Albania, many people ask what the Socialist Party should take with it from the past and what it should leave behind. The dilemma is not resolved through blind negation, but through a critical and balanced view of history. There are values connected with efforts toward education, social emancipation, and state organization, just as there are serious mistakes that cannot be justified. History should be used neither as a barricade for political revenge nor as a refuge for false nostalgia. It must be seen with clear eyes, so that the Albanian left can build its democratic identity. (Continues on page 9)

Rent houses with "Alis", you can furnish the hall with all kinds of furniture for later: Fololini "Alis"? It is a product of JAKOVOS SUCHARD G&G GOSTIS EQUIPMENT Tel. 042 23084