Albanians, although poorer than ever, now face another test: the total liberalization of prices. According to reports by RTVSH, there will no longer be a “basket.” As a result, the only ones left inside this “social-laborist” remnant were our government officials: Food, rent, water and fuel prices will rise.. Other prices will rise, while wages will increase by up to 25 percent only in the budget-funded sector. The President promised that the basket would be preserved. The government promised that the price of bread would not rise. The basket was not preserved. Albanians wait hopefully that at least the government will keep its word. Let us wait and see.

Yesterday, the first anniversary of the founding of the Albanian Eurosocialist Youth was celebrated in one of the halls of the Steering Committee of the Socialist Party of Albania. A joyful atmosphere, music and humor accompanied the entire celebration. The greeting was delivered by the chair of this forum, Pandeli Majko. In addition to the young Eurosocialists invited from workplaces, schools and universities in the capital, the evening was also attended by the chair of the Socialist Party, Fatos Nano, members of the Party Presidium, members of parliament, and other guests, activists and members of the Socialist Party. The speakers mentioned that, from its beginnings up to the first anniversary of the forum’s founding, its ranks had grown, and that there was ever greater confidence that the socialist alternative is an alternative whose future has arrived. Correspondent of “Zëri i Popullit”

At midday on January 7, 1993, according to a notice from the rector’s office of the University of Tirana, a meeting was held at the Faculty of History and Philology with the heads of the faculty’s departments, sections and chairs. Mr. Kristo Pano, the deputy rector of the University of Tirana, had come from the rector’s office. Mr. Kristo informed those present that, according to a letter from the Ministry of Education, “the order has come from above to dismiss the dean of the Faculty, Ms. Floresha Dado, and to appoint Mr. Koqi Petriti in her place, whom I am introducing to you.” According to accounts from various participants in the meeting, the letter dismissing lecturer Floresha Dado, which was read aloud, gave no reason whatsoever for why such a change had been ordered. From other indirect information, we learn that several days earlier, when she received the advance notice of her dismissal—which likewise gave no reason—Floresha Dado went to seek clarification from the rector of the University of Tirana, Mr. Halil Sykkja. The latter, in a very difficult position as a well-known intellectual and colleague, told Ms. Floresha that no such decision to dismiss her had been made by the rector’s office of the University of Tirana, and that the rector’s office had positive assessments of her work over the months as dean of the faculty. Around the same time, the rector of the Academy of Arts, Mr. Fatmir Hysi, was also dismissed without any explanation, after only a year and a half in the post. In this arbitrary act, as in the case of the closure of the Faculty of Philosophy and Sociology, senior officials also used the social democrat Ylli Pango, deputy minister of education, as their instrument. But why were these officials dismissed in such an insulting manner? Their colleagues shrug sadly. Some say it is because they did not dare carry out purges according to political criteria among the teaching staff they lead. Others, with a smile both ironic and bitter, recall in this connection Mr. F. Dado’s excessive zeal—she was a “partisan” of the PDSh two years ago—when it was called “courage” and “democracy” to nihilistically deny all the values created by the Albanian intelligentsia during the communist dictatorship. Then, amid the fury of mediocrity, converted bureaucracy and destructive hooliganism, which were trying to usurp and appropriate the aspirations and struggle of the students and the entire people for democracy, some intellectuals were discredited, denied themselves and adopted positions of political chameleonism, also spurred on by the general awakening. But only a few months after March 22, 1992, were enough for these intellectuals to feel ashamed of the position they had fallen into, ashamed of being led around by the nose by some mediocre party people, many of whom were converted communists or former prisoners for ordinary crimes. Nevertheless, in the face of scandalous acts trampling on elementary human rights, the general paralysis of the nation—and of many intellectuals—persisted. “If anyone dared do what is happening at your school in America, all the activities of all the universities in the US would be boycotted the very next day,” an American colleague told us. But we live in Albania, and we have set off running not toward Europe, but toward regions where sultans and sheikhs reign, where mosque minarets are trying to plough their way through the universities. We took one step with the closure of the Faculty of Philosophy and Sociology. Now the second wave of reform in educational institutions is beginning. This, too, is being carried out without first approving a law on education as a whole or on higher education. If this is the case, the same situation that unfolded in the army during the past 10 months will recur: the same unconstitutional, illegal and barbaric political discrimination against personnel. However, in the army it happened that, within two or three months, the chapter [?] was brought to a close. (Continued on page 3)

Since January 1, 1993, dozens of drivers in Durrës have taken blankets and quilts and, leaving their homes, have spent the night waiting in line for fuel at the entrance to the city. We stress that since January 1 only one 4-ton tanker of gasoline has arrived in this district, while the lines grow longer and longer by the day. We ask: Do any of the relevant authorities know about this?! If so, why are they not taking measures to solve the fuel problem? Perhaps all they know how to do is collect taxes themselves? It is well known that staying out in the cold at night causes sleeplessness, and sleeplessness is a major cause of accidents, paid for with the lives of innocent citizens or by the drivers behind the wheel. One of the drivers, somewhere in the middle of the line, made a “joke,” saying, among other things: “The government takes all the taxes, but instead of gasoline it ‘sells’ us bro-nchopneumonia or some accident. Long live the Meksi Government this winter—it has provided us with everything!” Among other things, it should be emphasized that every morning and evening, as they pass by us while we are standing in line, two of our esteemed ministers, Messrs. B. Kopliku and A. Hoxha, swagger in the seats of their cars and do not deign even to turn their heads, let alone stop and ask how many hours, days, how many weeks we have been waiting in line. At least, let us stay alive! PEÇO DANGËLLIA tation. We emphasize that since January 1, only one 4-ton tanker truck carrying gasoline has arrived in this district, while the queues grow longer and longer day by day. We ask: Do the relevant authorities know about this?! If so, why don’t they take measures to put the situation right… One of the drivers, around the middle of the queue, bro-nkopluminia or some kind of accident. Long live the Meksi Government to see us through the winter, since… it gives us everything…” B. Koplik… and A. Hoxha, who lounge how many hours, how many Long may they live! PEÇO DANÇELLIJA

These days, at one of the most visible and busiest spots, in full view of the passers-by who every day fill the “Linden Boulevard” as if attending a rally, an announcement—a competition—was posted. Girls and women aged 18–40 were invited to take part in the competition. The competition is to test their abilities for the chance to earn two positions as nannies in Italian families. We do not know who the winners of the competition are; they do not interest us, and they are not worth publishing. But there is one thing worth saying: a few months ago, the announcement was made, lists were drawn up, documents were completed, and the relevant promises were made about organized emigration to Kur-vajtë, Libya… Drivers, mechanics… were being sought. Despite all this, so far there has been no sign of their organization or departure. Meanwhile, months have passed… We hope that those two girls or women who won the competition, whatever party or other circumstances they may belong to, will leave as soon as possible, have their wishes fulfilled, and find satisfaction. Perhaps they will be the first two sparks of organized emigration in Dibër. In this sense, they deserve two lines of news in Përçellje—in the local newspaper and in the central publications—as a historical fact.

— To tell the truth, the DP supporters are very “generous.” You won’t find anyone like them! — Honestly, I don’t understand you. — Well, they’ve been in power for 10 months now, and they take no responsibility themselves. They “give” half the blame to the shared past, that is, the communist dictatorship, and the other half to the “nihilist” socialists.

On Friday the fifteenth, at around nine-thirty, an RD journalist came into the second-floor lobby of the newspaper “Zëri i popullit.” He was short, with uncombed, straw-colored hair, [as printed: “të areta si të rigi”], and a pained expression on his face; he looked as though he was desperately searching for someone. When several editorial staff members asked what he was looking for, he replied: “I’m looking for the previous issue of the newspaper ‘Koha jonë.’ Please, if you have it, give it to me; I absolutely need it.” Those present told him it was not in the office, and the “RD” journalist left disappointed. It is natural for a journalist to look for an issue of a newspaper that he was unable to buy on the day it was published. But when we read that same day’s issue of the newspaper “RD,” we noticed a long “review” of the January 9 issue of “Koha jonë,” written by another “RD” journalist. Apparently, the short, unkempt-haired journalist had been assigned to write the “review” of the January 13 issue of “Koha jonë.” That was why he needed the newspaper. In light of this, we suggest that the editorial office of “Koha jonë” send a few free copies of each issue to the editorial office of “RD.” This would help its journalists from now on to perform their assigned task as well as possible, without having to search high and low for the newspaper “Koha jonë.” On the other hand, it would head off any possible accusations of “secret collaboration” between “Zëri i popullit” and “RD” to the detriment of “Koha jonë,” or vice versa.

The Socialist Party organization in the village of Zdojan, in the district of Dibër, is one of the liveliest organizations, with socialist activity that is steadily growing. An indication of this activity is the renewal and infusion of new blood, and the increase in its ranks. Since last year’s elections, the organization has gained 9 new socialists. Their qualities include their young age, a relatively high educational and cultural level, and an increase in the number of intellectuals. Three more new members are also being processed this month. At the heart of this work is Ramazan Gjeci and his comrades. Ramazan is now old in years, close to retirement age. [The following sentence is unclear in the source: “Në mesdim është i ri, afër alternativës e sociale?”] In this way, he is an example of that generation which has grown older but which, through its words and actions, its dedication and honesty, dignity and ability to bring people closer, draws them near, wins their hearts, and takes them into its own heart. In Zdojan of Dibër, 5 km from Peshkopi, a village of around 2,500 inhabitants, there is a Socialist Party organization that stands out from the others. A. ASHIKU

Winter is at its height. Food and clothing are scarce; heating is almost entirely absent. TV and newspapers report: the firewood depots are empty. Kerosene can be used only for cooking. The citizens are cold. The citizens await the government’s help. The citizens are glad even of the help of a committee made up of many people and established back in the summer. But all in vain. A load of firewood for heating and dozens of kilos of coal for each family were promised. Hope kept people warm. Yet so far, not only have they failed to receive the coal, but many have not even received their single load of firewood. Even louder was the government’s propaganda that 30 thousand tons of high-quality coal had been secured for state use at a favorable price, and that it would arrive from Crimea in the first days of December. People were told that this was guaranteed, since the government had assigned foreign envoys and experts—a [“angël” in the source] and a Canadian—to handle the matter, and they spent [unclear in source: “muaji?”] working on the coal. It is mid-January, and the coal is nowhere to be seen. To calm the citizens, an announcement is made that a ship did indeed arrive in Durrës, but it was sent back because the coal was waste. So, listen, people: the government officials are not to blame, nor are their people; they do not load the ships. The government did its part; it brought the coal, while those who had loaded the vessel were not honest. But has the famous government committee headed by Mr. Kopliku been disbanded, or has it been “buried under the coal and can’t get up”? Ask as many questions as you like, citizens! The government is not at fault; it made you a promise. And it will promise you again. And once again it may set up some government committee for heating. The committee chairman, Mr. Kopliku, is expected to appear on TV and make a promise. Perhaps the coal really will arrive sometime in the summer. Then Mr. Kopliku will be heading a committee to destroy the black holes in the solar system, to avert high temperatures on Earth. You can be sure he will promise this in his capacity as committee chairman. The Observer

“DEMOCRACY” DEMOCRATIC

AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARD SOCIAL EQUALITY - A law is passed that the government should have introduced at least seven months ago. - “This is the first time the government has introduced and the People’s Assembly has passed laws without knowing the bill for the expenses,” declares Minister Dashamir Shehi. - The majority rejects Namik Dokle’s proposal to set specific deadlines for implementing the law. Using an expedited procedure, the People’s Assembly debated and passed on Thursday morning the draft law “On certain amendments to Law No. 7514, dated 30.9.1991, on the innocence and amnesty of former convicts,” which is intended to establish greater social equality and move toward national reconciliation among all Albanians. The implementation of the provisions of this law will help political persecut... [text incomplete in source] and the families of the politically persecuted to integrate organically into every aspect of life in Albania. It should be said that, in general, members of all parliamentary groups are inclined to resolve the issue fairly. Nevertheless, both in the explanations given by Minister Shehi, who defended the law on behalf of the government, and in the dis... [text incomplete in source] Regarding the cuts proposed by some members of parliament, comments and suggestions were made. Thus, Minister Shehi described it as an anomaly in this law that it seeks to make everyone innocent. In addition, in response to a question about what experience other countries have in granting this compensation, he replied that many states have granted such compensation on the basis of funds allocated by the organiz- (Continued on page 2)

We are interested in a warehouse in Tirana, with a relatively large volume, capable of holding, if possible, one TIR truckload. The warehouse should have an area of over 150 square meters. Interested parties should call as soon as possible at these telephone numbers: No. 273-07 327-80 Preferably between 6:00 and 8:00.

Tonight at 18:00, the Opera and Ballet Theatre presents the ballet “Lola” by composer Vasiljenko, choreographed by Agron Aliaj. The principal roles are performed by Olta Bita, Altin Kalfa, Skënder Jazexhiu, Domenika Ndreca, Arben Rukiçi, Jetmira Pupi, and Plutona Romano. Conductor: Rifat Teqja.