MR. PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC!
Important and troubling: the scrutiny of the ambassador’s own vocabulary from Belgrade
Today marks the final effort to find a solution to the issue of governance. On behalf of the Socialist Party of Albania, I wish to make the following known to you:
I have been astonished, as I believe the overwhelming majority of Albanians have been, by the assessment you have made of the recent political developments in Albania.
The Republic of Albania does not need to repeat the November of democracy either through overthrow or through revenge.
I remind you that political pluralism in Albania was achieved through the understanding of the political forces. Albania is now experiencing the phase of the moral collapse of politics, a wave which, if not stopped through politics, will darken the future of our children for a long time. This is the only way, because of our political tradition and the psychology of all Albanian citizens.
The Republic of Albania is the homeland of all Albanians, without distinction of political beliefs, regions, or religious faith. To treat socialist Albanians as opponents rather than as compatriots means opposing the will of a significant part of the Albanian nation. Above all, this would create the possibility for the country to fall back into chaos.
Never forget that the Socialist Party represents not only one third of the electorate, but is, with its forces, interested and determined to contribute seriously to Albania’s independence and democratic development. Therefore, portraying it as an anti-national force is a serious and unjustifiable responsibility.
The establishment of the new power, the new government, and the new parliament is the priority task of this time. Everyone’s activity must be guided by this major demand of the Albanian people.
Allow me to remind you that the Helsinki Conference will convene in four months. Can our country enter this conference with an unrecognized government, an unformed parliament, with strikes, demonstrations and blockades of the country? It would be fatal for Albania and for its international standing.
On behalf of the Socialist Party of Albania, I insist on the swift formation of the new constitutional institutions. In this context I wish to inform you that we believe Mr. Aleksandër Meksi, with his maturity and moderation thus far, should be decreed Prime Minister.
If, on behalf of the Democratic Party, another figure is proposed, this would further delay the parliament’s choice of government, since under the Constitution the new candidate would require a new decree from you.
By contrast, Aleksandër Meksi is a well-known and established figure and would not require such a procedure.
With the sincere wish to overcome this tense situation as quickly as possible through constitutional means,
Fatos Nano
Chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania
LET US LOOK THE KHALIF IN THE EYE
If this project is not short of zeal, the government is frugal with the others. Of course, the correction poses practical difficulties, but the socialism we have gone through has prepared us to overcome these difficulties. Indeed, we may be tired of concentrated food, but we will lose nothing. We are beginning to feel this social value of our hospitality and generosity. That is one side of it.
Hospitality also presupposes a special sensitivity toward the guest. Solidarity and the sense of sacrifice must not make us fall into folklorism. Albania, despite economic difficulties, has not yet stopped being hospitable. But we are entitled to ask: are we capable of bearing such a burden? Does our state have the relevant capacities? Have the consequences been considered? Or are we simply leading the country into a moral and economic adventure?
If the decision has been taken, then it must be accompanied by clear measures, by defined responsibilities, and by a transparency that is still missing. It is not honest for the people to be informed only through slogans and not about the real cost.
In this sense, the problem is not simply one of the heart, but also of the daily bread.
KRESHNIK KOHNELI
The Foreign Ministry too in the wave of purges
(Who reminded you of Lafe Kroson, boss!)
In yesterday’s decision by the Government of Albania to dismiss ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, a clear political tone can be seen. The list includes well-known names from the diplomatic service, who in most cases have not been the subject of professional criticism, but seem to be replaced simply because of alleged political beliefs.
This move resembles an administrative purge that undermines the institutional continuity of Albanian diplomacy. It is not the first time something like this has happened, but its scale and the moment in which it is done make it even more serious.
The diplomatic service needs professionalism, not revenge. Albania cannot be properly represented abroad if in every political rotation experienced people are removed and replaced by militants.
It creates the impression that the Foreign Ministry is being turned into a party office, and this would have serious consequences for the country’s image.
This is not about defending individuals, but about defending the state.
KRESHNIK KOHNELI
A civic conversation about the land law
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A small event that deserves to be told
When so many issues in the country’s life have become sharp and heavy, it happens that even a quiet conversation among people about a law can touch the nerve of the future. The land law has now entered everyday life and is bringing not only hopes, but also concerns.
The one who asks first is worried about property, the one who answers thinks about justice. Someone speaks of inheritance, someone of the boundaries of fields, someone of the uncertainty of implementation. In the end, everyone seeks the same thing: a law that does not divide people, but clarifies matters.
In this sense, the simple civic conversation is worth more than many official statements. It shows you what is boiling in the minds of the countryside and the city.
(ATSH)
«Anonimet e Mühurrit», occupy the marble quarry
Since 31 August 1991, the marble quarry has been occupied by «Anonimet e Mühurrit».
- Amid daily insistence, was no work created in the quarry «Murrizi i Përmjekur»[?] where 45 workers work as marble workers?
- Were they seized illegally? were they stopped?
- Do all the marble benefits go to speculation?
- Skaner Luka? ruins? time with a certain deadline? does it end?
- What is this speculation? and what? with a profit approaching 30 million?
- Is all this being done while maintaining ties with 30 (?) vehicles? of the army? and others?
Since 7-8 March? the police? has left? chief? and has made? deaf? The Police Branch? Dibër? has gone? the District Prosecutor’s Office?
In? April 1992, from the Police Branch? in Dibër? it has been? denounced? but prosecutor? Kristian? Kullolli? public? and? the police? have not? taken? measures?
After this? a group? who? defend? those? who exploit? the quarry in Mühurr? and use it? as? private loot?
In the end, urgent intervention is called for by the state authorities to restore legality and protect public property.
SABIT VRANO
HOW WILL ORGANIZED CRIME BE COUNTERED IN ALBANIA
Taken from la Stampa, dated 4-10 July, in the column «Small tales with crime» where it speaks by placing at the center of the matter the question Are they Italians? the files. The addresses. The car plates. It all caused irreparable damage.
Can a society weakened economically and institutionally possibly cope with such a phenomenon? The experience of other countries shows that criminal organizations become stronger precisely where the state weakens and the law is applied with exceptions.
The fight against organized crime is not only a matter for the police. It requires functional justice, a formalized economy, border control, and international cooperation.
In Albania the risk is twofold: on the one hand poverty and unemployment, on the other hand the lack of institutional experience. If these are not addressed in time, the consequences may be long-term.
(To be continued on page 2)
The Socialist Party supports the development of reform as the only alternative for getting out of the crisis, and strongly opposes any adventurous solution that sets people against one another and creates dangerous social problems.
