Beyond economic reasons PROTEST The pickaxe of the line of differentiation with the orientation of the Albanians themselves and with the orientation of the Albanian nation toward Europe is the place clearly marked in the history of the 22 March elections. “Beyond economic reasons” has now become an explanatory formula for many phenomena of Albanian political life. If for many people the vote of 22 March was an unprocessed emotion, a revolt against the past and against poverty, today, after a short time, it is becoming clearer that beyond economic reasons deeper political and psychological mechanisms were at work. Protests that have appeared recently must also be seen through this prism. They cannot be explained only by the difficulties of life, but also by the lack of hope, by confusion, by insecurity and by the inability of institutions to create trust. If not understood correctly, these protests can be used by various forces for destabilizing purposes. That is why prudence, dialogue and a political solution are required. (Continued on page 2)

— Statement of the popular representative of the Republic of Albania — These days, events are taking place in the cities of Skopje and Kumanovo that are drawing the attention of all of Europe’s political opinion. After the outbreak of the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is causing hundreds of innocent victims and shaking world opinion with its tragic consequences, the forces of Greater Serbian chauvinism are trying to provoke bloody events also in the Republic of Macedonia. According to the first reports, the reaction of the Albanians in the cities of Kumanovo and Skopje has been quite restrained and marked by a high political culture. This has led the Macedonian population, shaken by the current events in Bosnia-Herzegovina, to take a clear stand against the crude and dangerous intervention of the armed forces of the former Yugoslav federation. There is evidence that the Macedonian state is being held under the control of armed forces, which are seeking to use it as a springboard to achieve their objectives against the Albanians. The Macedonian people themselves are interested in preserving the peace, independence and integrity of their country. The Albanian people want good relations with the Macedonian people and with all their neighbors, but they cannot accept any kind of discrimination or violence against Albanians living in their own lands. The Albanians of Macedonia have the right to live free, equal and with dignity, enjoying all human and national rights. Albania is following the developments in Macedonia with great concern and calls on all political and social forces to show self-restraint, prudence and responsibility. The will of the people must be respected and any attempt to escalate the conflict must be avoided. Albanians will decide for themselves their future, and no one has the right to impose solutions by force. Tirana, 23 May 1992

In the Austrian capital Vienna, meetings and consultations are being held to resolve the Yugoslav crisis. Representatives of European countries and international organizations are taking part in them. At the center of the talks are the parties’ demands and ways to prevent the spread of war in the region. According to agency reports, tolerance and understanding have been requested for solving the open problems, as well as respect for the rights of peoples. The representatives of the parties have presented different positions, but dialogue has been judged to be the most proper path to achieving a political solution. Kosovo, as part of the Albanian question in the former Yugoslavia, has been mentioned in the discussions as one of the problems that requires a just and peaceful solution. The continuing tensions and threats of the conflict spreading make more active involvement by the international factor necessary.

Concern across the Albanian nation Pride in the resistance of Albanians and faith in the nation’s European future has been expressed in various public reactions. The latest developments in Albanian lands and the danger of the war spreading in the former Yugoslavia have prompted statements emphasizing the need for unity and mutual support. “We will be together until [in] Europe,” says one of the published messages, underlining that the path of Albanians is the path of freedom, democracy and European integration. At the same time, concern has been expressed across the nation for the fate of Albanians in their lands, especially in Kosovo and Macedonia, where political and military tensions are rising. Albanian public opinion is calling on the international community to act decisively to prevent new tragedies.

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For myself should I behave, for you Vendl. in. [Vjosar?] [text partially illegible] (Continued on page 2)

Facing reality (Continued on page 2) Facing reality In the newspaper of 29 December, “Shqipëria Demokratike”, and in the other organs of the party in power, triumphalist tones appear, while the country’s everyday reality remains harsh. The promises of immediate change are not producing the expected results and citizens are facing ever greater difficulties. Faced with this reality, propaganda is not enough. (Continued on page 2)

[faint and partial text] (Continued on page 2)

THE CONTEST IS EXPECTED TO GIVE THE SOCIETY AND THE WORKED GENISHA [very illegible text]