— Speech by the Party’s Deputy Secretary, Servet Pëllumbi, at the meeting of the General Steering Committee — It is difficult and demanding to analyze political situations, especially issues concerning the strategy and tactics of a serious and influential political force such as our party. But I think that together we did good work today, and I believe it will have a positive effect on all the activities we will undertake in the future. As emerged from the discussions, the many valuable opinions and suggestions offered here, and from the way the revanchist attacks of today’s PDist rulers are being confronted—attacks aimed at eliminating the opposition and imprisoning those who think, speak, or vote differently, or at continuing the series of political discrimination and persecution against Socialists, which took on particular intensity with the arrest of our Party chairman, Mr. Fatos Nano—the Socialist Party has neither been frightened nor will it ever be frightened; it has neither retreated nor will it retreat from the political struggle and shut itself away, as once happened, as though rallies were the only form of politics! What has presented it as a mature, balanced, well-organized political force, with a distinctive strength, is that it is a party that knows how to… [text corrupted]. Is the course that seeks to outlaw the PS? It is precisely these factors, such a strategy, that make the political struggle between the PD and PS something more than mere newspaper chatter! But we tell such leaders that their view of the PS and its mass electorate is profoundly mistaken. It is not some «engagement» of the kind you would like it to be; it is not a microscopic party shut up in its own shell, without mass support among the people; it is not some party that can be made into a mere «atom» by getting rid of factions you dislike. No, gentlemen, you are mistaken! This is not the language in which one can speak to the Socialist Party. The rules of political competition under pluralism cannot be identified with «blind obedience to the majority»! The difficult transition we are going through has no need of such messages. Neither the difficulties of your government nor the internal difficulties you face as a party will be eased by such a course. Nor can you secure your own people or your electorate, who want stability, by following this path. As for the reforms so necessary to a democratic society, which it fights for on the basis of a modern program for a democratic society, this course is a complete failure from beginning to end! To be clear, in emphasizing this, we are not alluding to any possible «reconciliation» between Nano and Berisha, nor to some such agreement which, now that Fatos is in prison, one of us supposedly left as a «last wish»! At the same time, I want to stress that what I have set out above does not at all mean that the idea of a PD-PS coalition is now any closer! Such an idea, which particularly frightens the small parties, is one of the key ideas of the transition, especially for the intermediate phase of the passage from totalitarianism to democracy—a phase in which the fascistization of the country’s life poses a real danger, but one that can be avoided. A coalition, including a grand coalition of the right and the left, a democratic path well known in Europe, is not possible here for the time being under the balance of forces in our parliament, but it could be achieved through a new political settlement. It is clear that we and our opponents are not fighting for the same thing, for the same concept of society, or for the same priorities of reform… [text corrupted]. The PD leadership did indeed send a signal of good intent with the decision it took concerning Mr. Kalula, but everyone understands that it is too little, far too little, to restrain and render harmless the right-wing extremism that is suffocating the PD. As for us Socialists, we publicly declare once again that we have neither allowed nor will we allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by extremism of any color; we will never allow the basic principles of our program to be violated, and we will always remain loyal and open to dialogue and daily competition. We never forget for a moment that, in this difficult transition, the people are «putting all the parties to the test». But we would like our potential partners to be equally open and loyal, and subject to the same tests. Comrades, We have just successfully completed the signing of the petition through which hundreds of thousands of people put their signatures down, aware that by signing in favor of Fatos Nano’s release, they were contributing to democracy in Albania, which cannot accept the persecution and imprisonment of political opponents. After rallies in 26 districts, … [the text breaks off and continues with unrelated, damaged text about police staffing and a proposed gathering] … therefore, in view of the above reasons, the time required for holding this gathering, the number of participants … … equipped with suitable premises, equipment and the necessary means to publish the desired issue … but we consider it necessary to ask: Will the requirements of the law on fundamental human rights and freedoms be observed, especially the article concerning assembly? And since this law is constitutional in character, are we not dealing with a violation of the state’s fundamental law—the Constitution—without even …? LUAN SHAHOLLARI [The text begins cut off at the top edge and in the left column.] ... has withdrawn and has no ... intention of withdrawing from the political struggle and retreating into itself, as sometimes happens with ... political form only among militants! It ... has presented itself as a mature, balanced political force, better organized than the other force, as a party that knows how to use the full arsenal of democratic political means and methods. The situation, such as the one that arose for us with ... Fatos for 2–3 hours ... comrade [?] ..., is not ... easy, but it neither confused us nor caused us to lose ... confidence in what we were doing, or to plunge into adventure or panic. Our party knew ... that this was a political ... against the SP and its leader, intended to ... it from its axis and democratic program, to ... its prestige and credibility among the electorate, and to justify revanchist attacks, even ... deranged ones, aimed at outlawing it. ... bear in mind that these are the people who remove ... and ... proclaim themselves champions of democracy! But what kind of democracy is it that replaces the concept ... with one ... that considers reopening all the prisons of the dictatorship ... in order to make ... or prisoners? The “Democrats” are ... such ... E. Selami, who remains ... toward the Albanian people in order to ... the socialization of ... The Party-State thinks ... or demands ... The Voice of the People and ... ... messages like these. Neither the difficulties of your governing nor the internal difficulties you face as a party are made any easier by such a course. You cannot be sure of keeping either your path. Meanwhile, reforms, which are necessary, and a democratic society, which can be established only by all of us together, are only harmed by this. The time has come, gentlemen, to get back down to earth, to be realistic, and not let the government behave like a bad opposition; to understand that your course of escalating political tensions—that is, the course of the majority—is reproducing instability and seriously hindering the implementation of reforms toward a market economy. Political tensions cannot distract people from their economic hardships and the social costs of reform. Besides this, the danger that these escalating political tensions could lead to a new isolation of Albania must not be ignored. Therefore, from the standpoint of a constructive opposition force, I tell you to release Fatos Nano, whose arrest is unlawful and makes him the first political prisoner, the first prisoner of conscience in all the countries of the East that have overthrown communist dictatorships. Stop yielding to the growing pressure of day-to-day politics, to the revanchist trap of intolerance ... that sees the SP as a hostile force representing a friendly order and as ... Never one that seeks “unlimited rule without opposition,” and that does not recognize the SP as a constructive political force, as it truly is and ... society, the same reform priorities, or to defend the interests of the same social groups, the same allies, or the same alternatives. But this does not mean that there are no points of agreement, that democracy is not a free and shared space that allows free competition between programs and alternatives. In this regard, it is important for all democratic forces to say “no” to revanchism, especially right-wing revanchism, which today poses the main danger because it operates within the ruling party and therefore has the means of violence and institutional power, as well as the confidence these give it to come out and act openly. The facts that prove this are already well known, and there is no need to repeat them. You know that the SP, as the main opposition force, has increasingly intensified its struggle using democratic means and methods, sometimes including boycotts, as in the case of its withdrawal from parliament. It has done so not because it is consumed by a thirst for power or seeks to radicalize itself, but solely to send a clear message: democracy in Albania is being seriously demanded under a dictatorship. Habits of intolerance, a return to authoritarian solutions, lack of willingness to engage in dialogue, bureaucratic arrogance, police rule, and revenge—which are becoming the practice of the DP and its course of governance—are ... ... same allies ... Therefore, for the reasons outlined above, the time calls for holding this rally, the number of participants ... ... of their forces, aware that by signing for After rallies in 26 districts, among which the one held in Tirana on July 30 stands out, the successful completion of the petition—despite all kinds of pressure and threats—is further evidence of our Party’s commitment to concrete, mass political activity. Other such mass activities, as well as other peaceful rallies, lie ahead. The struggle for a truly democratic society is long, varied, and escalating. Therefore, let us devote all our attention to a general assessment of the experience gained, without failing to criticize our weaknesses, which are numerous. Of course, you should do this by identifying them individually and courageously. Let us open the way more widely to such work and not allow prolonged pauses, divisive pressures, and pointless discussions—like those we have been hearing these days, which have even reached here in Krryeci—to take hold among us. Some come worried and ask us: Are there disagreements among you in Krryesi? We hear that you quarrel every day! Others spread rumors that we are holding frequent meetings of the KPD and the presidium because, after Fatos Nano’s arrest, factions and wings have supposedly broken out among us, ... (Continued on page 4)

— Tirana Prison is off limits to journalists from «Zëri i Popullit» — The prison director must find out who sold Fatos Nano’s photograph and how much it was sold for On 28.8.1993 we went to Tirana Prison to meet and interview PS presidium member Fatmir Kumbaro and our newspaper’s correspondent Panajot Zoto, who are serving their sentences in that prison. The prison director, Mr. Mileti, not only received us nervously but did not allow us to meet any of the prisoners. Both are serving sentences, and the prison director has the authority to grant permission. But he referred us to the Directorate of Prison Administration at the Ministry of Public Order. There we were received by the prison administration inspector, Mr. Altin Dilaveri, who explained that we could not meet the persons mentioned above because they were in the period before imprisonment. Panajot Zoto is nearing the end of his sentence and has not gone through the second-instance court hearing, while for Fatmir Kumbaro, who had been a judge and was serving his sentence, permission had to be obtained from others… Who are these others? In those prisons, where foreign journalists are admitted whenever they wish, journalists from «Zëri i Popullit» are not even allowed to approach the gate. Why are they so afraid? Let us ask Mr. Mileti, as prison director: who seized Fatos Nano’s letter, who gave it to the newspaper «Shkodra»—and what was the sale price? Who took Fatos Nano’s photograph, when it is stipulated that no photographs of prisoners may be taken, except the photograph for the file, with special permission from an authorized person? Mr. Mileti must find out who sold the photograph, because we are forced to think that he knows about this matter. In any case, he is not to blame, because these are his orders, and from now on even visits to prisons will require permission from the Democratic Party. ARDIAN MYSLIMI

The City of Tirana PS Steering Committee has received a reply from Police Station No. 1 to its request to organize a peaceful gathering in front of the RTSH building. It reads as follows (we quote the last two paragraphs verbatim): «In recent days, the public order authorities in Tirana have taken an important step towards structuring themselves by setting up police stations, which have not yet been provided with suitable premises, equipment, and the necessary means to perform their duties. Work is also being carried out with a small police force which, because of the situation, is being directed towards preventing disturbances and maintaining order and calm. Therefore, for the reasons stated above, and also because the requested location is in an area containing important state facilities, such as the Italian Embassy, Radio Television, etc., I do not approve your request to hold a peaceful gathering on 2.9.1993». At the end is the signature of the head of Police Station No. 1, Major Arben Ujka. We do not consider it appropriate to comment on this reply, since we have «exhausted» those comments in the article published yesterday; however, of the state’s fundamental law—the Constitution—without …

For political reasons, the chairman, deputy chairman, and an activist of the PS in the village of Metoh are beaten. After Minister Musaraj thanked the public order forces at the meeting between the ministers and the Ballsh PD on 10.8.93 for achieving good results in carrying out the program of the state party, this gave them encouragement to intensify the terror against honest people, especially Socialists. The gendarme from Aranitas, named Njazi Qanimi, was alarmed by the fact that more than 90 percent of the electorate in the village of Metoh had expressed solidarity with the protest against Fatos Nano’s arrest and the violation of human rights and freedoms. He decided to terrorize the PS chairman Veli Hekurani, deputy chairman Luan Molishtari, and activist Fitim Hyska, on the pretext that they had «insulted his donkey». This deranged officer, taken from the very heart of the community, beat all three activists in the center of the commune… … after the head of public order, Bernard Qausi, asked him to do so, he took them into the commune police office, in the presence also of the area police inspector, Mr. Xhemil Ymeri. The terror began: rubber batons, kicks, and broken chair legs were used. With this wretched act, the gendarme thought he had triumphed; with the muzzle of his pistol he also obtained their signatures stating «we have no complaint against the police», as well as a 500-lek fine. This barbaric treatment is characteristic of those forces whose eyes have been blinded, of those who trample democracy and the public order forces themselves. Such a disgraceful act has angered the honest people of the Aranitast commune, who know the criminal gendarme well. AXHEM ZOTAJ

Commemorative reflections on the 55th anniversary of Migjeni’s death. [The article begins with faint and partly illegible text.] … I see more clearly and suffer more deeply … in these verses of the poet of misery … an electrifying atmosphere of emotions … at the commemorative event organized in … and … by the Euro Youth Forum … which was held … indoors and outdoors … Migjeni, says the poet and writer Dritëro Agolli, is a poet who never grows old. There are poets who grow old and remain closed-off poets, with no connection to the present or the future. Migjeni, however, remains relevant as time passes, because he knew how to establish a point of support in the force of social change, a point that cannot be shaken. He found the gateway to the ancestors of the poor. As long as there are rich and poor, Migjeni’s verses will be full of pathos. And it seems this will continue for a very long time, at least until … (Continued on page 4)

The 50th anniversary of the Peza Partisan Group was commemorated in Peza e Madhe. in Peza e Madhe. Attending were war veterans, former members of this partisan formation, village residents and family members of the fallen, as well as young men and women. In the greeting speech … representatives … political. The meeting was opened by the chairman of the commune council, Nazmi Çelmeta, while … the veterans … in Peza was addressed by veteran Sherbet Karuli; Sali Verdha spoke about the Peza Group, and Zia Dako about the 22nd Brigade. After the meeting, people paid their respects and wreaths were laid at the Peza martyrs’ cemetery.

— Although Mr. Luka’s report in RD found no room to mention this — President Berisha, who, it is true, has not distinguished himself in the classification of parties, while some politicians … party and … everything has operated with the term «democrat»…, at the latest conference … escaped … to place himself in the PD’s political rainbow and insisted that he had been and remains … such things, at the center of the debate … insistence … of the deputies … [unclear text]. … elections and the return to a natural position and to logic in the party that has done what few other political forces have done, as if it were a matter of … supernatural … In his statement about those … convictions and that party, without distinguishing … His declaration, in that tone and in … did not … a … role … it was not, in truth … [unclear text]. (Continued)

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