— Government just to get across the river! says Prime Minister Ylli Bufi denounces PSD and the international deputies — leaves PD strongly attacks the opposition — Government just to get across the river! says Prime Minister Ylli Bufi denounces PSD and the international deputies — leaves PSD deputies leader Paskal. — Government just to get across the river! Prime Minister Ylli Bufi says this denounces PSD and leader Pashko. — The chairman of the Socialist parliamentary group, PSD deputy Luan Hajdaraga. IN ALBANIA [ ? ] ASBERG BEGINS TO APPEAR Yesterday's session of the People's Assembly continued discussions on approving the program of the new government. At the center of attention were the problems that require urgent solutions. In the discussions of this session an important place was taken by the government program and especially what lies hidden beneath it. The deputy coordinator of the Socialist parliamentary group, Deputy Petro Koçi, said in his speech that the government program does not provide concrete ways to open the way for the economy, but presents administrative measures. He stated that from the way it has been drafted it seems to be a transitional government. Instead of concrete solutions, in his view, the program presents a further worsening of the social situation. He underlined that it cannot be accepted for the government to deal more with changes of names than with the people's troubles. In this context he mentioned the issue of political re-education and the presence of foreign deputies as inappropriate interference. Likewise, he said that the opposition cannot be labeled as an obstacle to reforms. The discussion emphasized that unemployment, lack of bread, falling production and the emptying of cities of the active workforce are the sharpest issues. It was pointed out that the program does not provide a way to revive industry and agriculture. At the end of his speech, the deputy asked the government to give clear answers about the immediate measures and the deadlines for implementation. (Continues on page 2)

IN ALBANIA [ ] ASBERG BEGINS TO APPEAR SEDIN ÇEKANI Spending on schoolwork and schooling has always been a major expense for Albanian families. Apart from the fact that it is still unknown what will happen to prices, incomes are insufficient. For many families autumn will be the season of the hardest test. Under conditions of a deep economic crisis, the hidden side of poverty is becoming more and more visible. So far many things have been kept concealed by the command economy, but now that "iceberg" is coming to the surface. It is enough to compare the prices of books, notebooks and clothing with today's wages to understand that a large part of the population will not be able to cope with the new school year. This will affect not only the family, but also the future of the country itself. On the other hand, state institutions are proving unable to create protection schemes. Social assistance is insufficient, while the free market is bringing prices that rise day by day. Many parents will be forced to give up basic purchases. Others will rely on help from relatives. This picture shows that the crisis is not just statistics, but an everyday drama. (Continues on page 4)

Dear friends, We thank you for your greeting message and your wish to deepen and expand cooperation with PSSH. Deputy [ ? ] and our entire delegation express their gratitude for the assessments you make of our path of reform and democratization. In the conditions in which Albania is going through a difficult period of transition, the solidarity and experience of the European socialist forces are of special importance. We are convinced that our cooperation will serve as encouragement for democratic processes and for the affirmation of social-democratic values in the country. The Socialist Party of Albania remains determined to carry forward the reforms, to defend the interests of those in need, and to build a free, democratic and social society. Once again we thank you for your support and assure you of our will for stable and friendly relations. (Continues on page 4)

1. The forces that will govern in the Mat district must focus on rebuilding institutions and restoring order. After the latest changes, many families have been left without support and are seeking immediate solutions. 2. The economic situation continues to worsen and social problems are multiplying. Under these conditions, urgent measures are needed for employment and for securing daily bread. 3. In recent debates, an exclusionary spirit toward political opponents has been observed. This serves neither social reconciliation nor democratic development. 4. The government must show that it is capable of administering the country and not only of announcing goals. People expect results, not slogans. 5. Therefore we appeal for restraint, understanding and a policy that serves the citizen. (Continues on page 2)

(Continues from page 4) From the podium of this Congress, I want to address the workers and specialists of the plants and factories, the oil workers and miners, the cooperative members, the peasants and livestock[?], the young men and women, the veterans and intellectuals, the entire Albanian people. I want to tell them that the Socialist Party of Albania will stand close to their troubles and concerns. We know that the transition is bringing unemployment, insecurity and poverty. But the way forward is not to go back; the way forward is a social market economy, where private property and free initiative are accompanied by social protection and the regulating role of the state. We believe that Albania needs modern development, production, growth and a fairer distribution of the burden of sacrifices. Therefore we are against political adventures, against revenge and against exclusion. The Socialist Party will work for the rule of law, for pluralism, for European integration and for national reconciliation. We will defend human rights and the dignity of the citizen. Our Congress must emerge with the clear message that the Albanian left is a reformist, democratic and western force. (Continues on page 8)

In Albania, 9 Greek deputies have come as missionaries near the newly elected Albanian representatives. If their activity starts by following the example of the Greek politicians, it will be detrimental to our political process; nevertheless, there remains the hope that at least they can teach our depu- ties some of the rules of parliamentary conduct.

"I DID NOT BETRAY YOU, YOU BETRAYED YOURSELF"

Only re- form is salvation from the crisis, reform with as little social shock as possible.

Antoneta Minga (Continues on page 31)