An expanded meeting of students was held yesterday in the lecture hall of the Agricultural University of Tirana, where, as reported by the newspaper “Koha Jonë”, the reform in Albanian universities was discussed. During the discussions, the students spoke out against the warning by the Minister of Education, Ylli Vejsiu, about closing faculties and departments with an average below 6. For them this is absurd. Students from the Agriculture faculty, which has 4 departments, asked the minister what he intends to do with a university of 5,000 students, which has been closed for three years and each year turns out 5,000 highly qualified specialists. The students stated that the reform should be discussed with the university’s specialists and professors, who know the actual situation. The chemistry lecturer, Bashkim Zhupa, said that although the university needs reform, it cannot begin with the engineering departments, which would be replaced by middle-level agronomists. The Agricultural University is not a university that simply trains agronomists, but highly qualified specialists for the country’s agricultural economy. The student from the agri-food department, Arben Sula, stressed that a school without science is blind and that the reorganization proposed by the Ministry of Education aims to limit higher education. Arben Sula mentioned that this university has 11 laboratories on which hundreds of millions of lek have been spent and that such a reform would destroy them. A lecturer in foreign languages said that “the reforms are being carried out by the unqualified, hastily and irresponsibly.” According to the participants, the reform should be based on the views of specialists, the faculty, and the country’s real needs.

Written by: (Continued on page 4) The IS consultant, Mr. Schardili, stated on TVSH that “Albania is on the side of the country’s progressive forces.” Or, if you prefer, read it a second time. Schardili and his office spoke to us about development, dialogue, the strength of a government in coalition with the opposition. At yesterday’s meeting, he said that “the governing coalition is a necessity for overcoming the crisis.” The Cold War appears to have returned as a topic in Albania. Socialist PS or neo-communist? This question is being raised by certain political circles. To speak like this is to deny the pluralist reality and to seek enemies where allies should be sought. Albania needs institutions and stability, not blind ideological labeling. If support from the international community also requires understanding and cooperation, then it must be understood that such cooperation cannot be just a slogan. It requires a functioning government, a serious opposition, and responsible media. Albania cannot remain hostage to grand words. It needs bread, work, and a state.

Minister Sioh... Transpare... On 10.3.1993 in Tirana, during a conference, Mr. Xhemil ... [?] called on political forces and state institutions to cooperate in dealing with the economic and social situation. He stressed that “social peace” remains a condition for stability and that reforms require transparency. If consensus is lacking, the risk of political confrontation and a deep institutional crisis increases. (Continued on page 4)

CAN YOU GUESS IT? Did Vigjil Kundra, canar pasur pas lashtësisë një emër tjetër?[?] Are there Albanian villages in our country called Soderi, Zholfaj, Pinjë, Zhreti...[?] Answer: our officials who challenge abroad...[?] Prepared by: ARJAN ONUZI (Continued on page 4)

The speech of Mr. Theodhori Sollaku, chairman of the Socialist parliamentary group, at the plenary session of the People’s Assembly. Faced with such a situation, we Socialists consider it essential to find a political solution, accepted by the majority of the political forces in the country. Only in this way can clashes be avoided, public trust restored, and the way opened for truly democratic reforms. Under these conditions, our demand for the resignation of the government is not a destructive act, but a political means to break the deadlock. The current government has failed to manage the crisis, to guarantee order, or even to cope with the social consequences of its reforms. We do not consider this demand immoral either; on the contrary, it is a duty toward citizens who expect responsibility and an exit route. We are in favor of a broad-based government, political dialogue, and free elections that restore the legitimacy of the institutions. (Continued on page 5)

In the name of the “technical government,” “national salvation,” and “political understanding,” there is an attempt to soften the responsibility of those who brought the country to crisis. The Meksi government is avoiding accountability and is using the rhetoric of compromise to gain time. But the crisis is not solved with political toasts and verbal decoration. It requires concrete responsibility, punishment for abuses, and a clear institutional direction. (Continued on page 3)

In Tirana, on 6 March, several deputies of the Socialist Party and members of its forums addressed a letter to the Barcelona Conference and the Council of Europe, denouncing violence, administrative pressure, and violations of human rights in Albania. According to them, many workers have been removed from the administration, the media, and the public sector because of their political beliefs, creating a climate of fear and exclusion. The letter says that these actions are undermining the foundations of the rule of law and fueling social and political conflict. The authors ask for the attention of European institutions to help curb the worsening of the situation. (Continued on page 4)

It is neither unconstitutional nor destructive, but a necessity for solving the political crisis The speech of Mr. Theodhori Sollaku, chairman of the Socialist parliamentary group, at the plenary session of the People’s Assembly. Starting from the serious political, economic, and social situation of the country, we have called for a solution through democratic and parliamentary means. The resignation of the government and the creation of a cabinet with broader representation is the most reasonable path to avoid confrontation and restore stability. This demand does not arise from a desire to block the processes, but from the need to unblock them. No longer enjoying the trust of the citizens, the current government cannot claim to represent the general interest. (Continued on page 5)

A Bulgarian colleague: Mr. Kopliku writes to the Minister of Public Order By Edita Dene Dulei, first colleague of the Lithuanian mission in Tirana. Neither the event nor its description has anything to do with any conspiracy or any scenario. They are a report of the state of insecurity, irresponsibility, and arrogance encountered in the order administration. Instead of protecting the citizen, some public order structures behave like the masters of the city. Recently I addressed a letter to the minister, Mr. Bashkim Kopliku, to denounce a specific case and to request an official explanation. I have received no reply. MINISTER OF PUBLIC ORDER