Freedom and human rights under the government of the DP - Let the chairman spare a little time. Meksi should receive those who gave him their vote. It has been a shocking fact. In the cities of the world, from Tirana and beyond, people have come from NB Rremas, the Ri sector, even paying 140 thousand lekë to resolve the hardship that has befallen them. 112 families in this sector have been without electricity for 4 months and without drinking water for 18 days. They live as if on an island far from this planet! It has not occurred to anyone—not the parties or the authorities—to ask whether they are alive or dead. Because of their distress, they have not left a door unknocked upon. They have more or less met all of today’s authorities. From the district to the center, all the officials have seen them, and see them, wandering from place to place, leaving the impression that Mr. Selami, Mr. Meksi’s secretary (since he did not have time to receive them), Zef Bushati, and so on and so forth, might help. No one takes responsibility, no hope. And it is laughable to think that these officials’ incompetence goes so far that they cannot provide lighting to the windows of apartment buildings just 10 meters from the electrical substation, or supply water to these families, where the pipes have been installed and all that is needed is an order to turn on the water. Where and how do these unfortunate people live? How do they cope with the hardships of this winter, which seems unwilling to make way for spring? Things are as bad as they can be when the people are suffering. They manage without lighting by using candles, kerosene, cooking oil, etc., while drinking water is being obtained from ditches (thank God it has rained), water that contains around 70 percent salt. This is truly horrifying. No one can say what is intended to be achieved with the lives of these unfortunate people. They came from Gramsh, Skrapar, Librazhd, and many other districts of Albania to live and work under normal conditions, but, as they say, someone wants to drive them away, someone wants to scatter them, taking advantage of the conditions and “freedoms” that democracy brought them. They have now been deprived of all their rights. Almost everything is denied them. No land, no water, no electricity. Is this what freedom and human rights are supposed to be? BASHKIM KOÇI

LETTER TO THE EDITOR We who are writing are three young people, two from Poliçan and one from Çorovoda. We do not know how to write like journalists, so forgive us for any mistakes. In the end, we are expressing what we feel. We only know how to stand on our feet, bursting with energy, when the country is drained. The reason for this letter was an evening event organized by the DP Youth Forum in Skrapar. We are not members of any party or association, but, being unemployed, we went to the event to pass the time. In truth, we are sorry to have retired without ever having worked—in our minds, at least—but these are the benefits the authorities’ government has brought us. What happened after the evening scandalized us. The DP, in order to keep power through deception, has started holding dinners for young people, even giving money to the organizers and attendants, solely to make them loyal to it. We do not know very much, but we know one thing well: money and self-interest do not make you loyal; human conscience does. Deception undermines democracy and conscience. With these political maneuvers by the party that are going on, it is difficult for us to take a position. We do not know whom to give our vote to, because they have badly tarnished democracy for us. We went to that event because entry was free, but leaving turned out to be very expensive! We learned that the money for that evening (dinner) had been paid by several enterprises in the district. Since this may not be a legal violation, it nevertheless weighed heavily on us morally. Why? Our mothers, fathers, and sisters are thrown out of work by the “reform,” and the enterprises cannot meet their payments; on the other hand, money is squandered on frivolous entertainment. It seems to us the time has not yet come to indulge ourselves when we cannot fill our stomachs with bread. To tell the truth, that night we cursed ourselves: May that bread, paid for with the tears and sweat of the poor, poison us! We do not know whether these management boards of Albanian enterprises are out of their minds, or whether the leaders of the DP Youth Forum have their heads screwed on straight… do they themselves realize that the swindlers are eating and spending what comes from their own sweat, all just to get rich?

Dritëro Agolli’s poetry book “The Late Pilgrim” is presented Yesterday afternoon, a ceremony was held in the hall of the Writers’ Union in Tirana to mark the release of the new poetry book by poet Dritëro Agolli, “The Late Pilgrim.” Writers and artists, literary scholars, journalists from various press organizations, the poet’s colleagues and friends, and others attended. At the beginning of the ceremony, the director of the “Progresi” Economic Publishing Center spoke to those present about the importance of the publishing work of this center, which has brought out this new book by our distinguished poet Dritëro Agolli. The poet and scholar Moikom Zeqo then spoke about Dritëro’s poetic profile, viewing it from the heights of present-day freedom. The poets and writers Bardhyl Londo, Bedri Dede, Xhevahir Spahiu, Teodor Laço, Dalan Shapllo, Zijla Cela, and others also spoke about Dritëro Agolli’s poetic stature. The actor Minella Borova recited new poems by Dritëro for those present. At the end, the poet Dritëro Agolli thanked those present and expressed the hope that we would have such gatherings more often in the future, to rest a little on the shores of poetry in these difficult times. Correspondent of “Zëri i popullit”

IN THE MIDDLE OF TIRANA The day before yesterday, there was another accident on the road leading to the railway station, between the maternity hospital and the “Arbëria” hotel. The scene was surrounded by motorcycles and police officers. It was as if they were guarding the pool of blood that drew the attention of passersby, who stopped, asked where the civilian motorcycle that caused the accident was, then shrugged and walked away. According to some people who were there, a motorcycle had come at very high speed, knocked an elderly mother to the ground, and sped away just as fast. The victim was taken to hospital by various people, and nothing is known about her. The police do nothing. Ironically, we have also seen cases where a policeman greets these reckless riders. Another victim It is said that these are people connected to the new blockmen. So, after what happened in Durrës, with the municipality, or in many other cases that I do not know about. know about, various citizens may even pay with their lives. And yet, such incidents do not happen at midnight, but in broad daylight, in front of the police. Moreover, this is despite an announcement that the circulation of motorcycles on Tirana’s main roads had been prohibited. But the police have only the law, while those who fly along Tirana’s boulevards have Mal’qin. That is why TV should also have shed light on this case. But not a word of news. Apparently, there are so many such cases that TV has no room for them. Those that appear on screen are only a small part. Go on, then, and believe that “peace and order have been established,” as they announce… caused the accident and walked away shrugging their shoulders. According to some witnesses, elderly mother to the ground, and sped away at the same speed. nothing is known about her condition. This is not an isolated case. Every day we see motorcycles or cars racing at tremendous speed through the streets of Tirana.

Where can I find justice for myself? I am a miner at the Vallas coal mine, 1 married with two children. I worked underground for 15 years. For 16 years now I have been fighting to claim a right of mine. I have knocked on the doors of every authority office and government office, but I have not been granted my rights as a citizen and underground miner. For three years I have been living in a dwelling belonging to the enterprise, from the state housing allocation. I have the relevant documents issued by the pluralist government currently in power. Some mafiosi at the enterprise—… (text missing). The Tirana municipality, too, headed by Sali Kelmendi, does not receive the people to hear their problems. The employees of the municipality’s housing office issue permits for nothing. Mr. Kujtim Hoxhësi, who is to take my apartment, has had a one-room-and-kitchen apartment in Porcelain for three years. Could it be that this gentleman is giving these mafiosi a lot of money so they can ruin me and my family and throw us out onto the street? Where is the democracy we fought for? Why are we not given the same rights as those who pay bribes? The gentleman who is to take the apartment wants to sell it, not live in it, whereas I need it out of necessity, just to put a roof over my head. Where are human rights? They are being trampled underfoot, and we are being thrown out onto the street. Where can I find justice for myself, or should I look for it among the mafiosi of Sklisile?» Bagjia, No. 62, Tirana

The destroyer TCG - YUCETEPE of the Turkish Naval Forces, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Necati Kurt, will arrive at the port of Durrës on April 2, 1993, at 15:00, and will be a guest of the Albanian Naval Forces until April 8. This destroyer carries out duties with NATO’s Joint Forces in the Mediterranean. The destroyer that will visit the port of Durrës is 118.72 meters long, 12.45 meters wide, and has a draft of 6.85 meters. It is equipped with modern weapons systems.

The pre-congress meeting held in Tirana on 29 and 30 March 1993 successfully completed its proceedings. Following the two round tables in Tetovë, it marked another step forward in preparations for holding the Pan-Albanian Assembly. Around 70 political, social and religious entities took part, as well as many independent intellectuals. At this gathering, Albanians living in Switzerland, Germany, Turkey, etc. had sent their representatives. In the speeches of most of the participants, legitimate concern was expressed for the fate of the nation and the dangers threatening it. The gathering emphasized the work that needs to be done to raise awareness domestically and throughout democratic world opinion. It was suggested and decided that this organization should also be extended to the grassroots, while a memorandum should be sent to international organizations requesting the convening of an international conference to resolve the Albanian question justly. The meeting decided that the existing commission should be expanded with other members and renamed the Organizing Committee, which will lead and organize the work until the Pan-Albanian Assembly convenes. This meeting issued an Appeal to the Albanian people, which, among other things, mentions the need, in the circumstances we are going through, to unite with one another as a single body for the good of the people and the nation. The meeting also discussed draft theses for drawing up a unified national political program. As for the date of the Assembly, it was suggested that the Organizing Committee decide on a suitable time. Correspondent of «Zëri i popullit»

Brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of Albania, wherever you are! The representatives of the political, social, intellectual and religious entities of the Albanian lands, gathered in Tirana on 29–30 March 1993, with a great desire and love to see Albanians united in spirit alone, sustained the inspiration to act, with a shared vision of making the dreams of generations a reality, the unification of the Albanian lands and the leadership of the entire people, through this APPEAL. We find ourselves at an important historical crossroads, where the fate of the nation is being decided. Our people have paid dearly, very dearly, for the injustice of history, washing it away with tears of blood. It is the only nation in Europe, and one of the few in the world, divided into five parts, surrounded by itself. But it never stopped striving, never ceased fighting for its rights, and never lost hope of achieving its lofty goal. In this century of upheaval, of the disappearance of cold borders, of a united Europe, of the victory of democracy and human rights,

The head of the finance section at the Dibër District Council, in a report on social support for villages in Dibër for 1992–1993, states that the Council of Ministers’ decision of 5 October 1992 to assist hilly, mountainous and northeastern areas with less than 2 dynym of land per person «could not be implemented because there was no record of the land area owned by villagers, who were required to have title deeds». In the first six months of 1992, the 12 million lek allocated as assistance for villagers was not used because the title deeds were not distributed. In short: it went to waste. In the second six-month period, the rural population was given 8.4 million lek. This was paid out under the designation «assistance fund for people with no income». This change of purpose was made after an «order from above» was received. Under the heading «assistance fund», they say that 4,333,000 lek were given for January and February 1993, of which 4 million went to villagers and 333 thousand lek to the town. Meanwhile, in Dibër the land has not been divided. The title deeds have not been received. Everyone has gone to their own land... It would not be a bad idea for the Council of Ministers, on the basis of the situation in Dibër, to make the relevant amendments to its decision. Starting with the title... and continuing with the methods of distribution, where distribution according to devotion to the party in power should predominate.

Only a few days had passed since the president of the republic, Sali Berisha, had declared at a press conference before journalists that the most capable people should be appointed to local government, regardless of party affiliation, when the diligent local deputy, Gëzim Agastra, arrived in Devoll. As if he had not heard the president, he gave the district and municipality an assignment: if any PS official or supporter of that party remained, they were to be replaced immediately. And the PD-style dance in Devoll is being performed ponderously. Leading the dance is Deputy Agastra. In the name of reform, he appointed his brother Artan Agastra, who has a secondary education, to the financial police. He also found a job for his cousin, Alida Agastra, from Babani. And from this same village, the birthplace of the deputy, Seri Mançka was deemed the most suitable person to head the district’s employment and emigration section. Babani also sent another person to the district: the head of the culture and sports section, Bujar Braho. The number of officials from the village of the deputy devoted to reforms, in various jobs in the district and municipality, exceeds 10. We shall see how far this goes. And this is happening when the town of Bilisht has so many qualified specialists with higher education who are unemployed, but who are looked at askance because of their political views. Here is another variation on the Devoll dance. The head of public order, Mr. Petrti Kutrolli, appoints his first cousin, Mr. Edmond Haxhia, as personnel chief, and the latter finds a suitable position as a public-order driver for his own first cousin, Mr. Ibrahim Sllogu. The winds of nepotism are blowing strongly. The secretary of the district’s Democratic Party and deputy mayor of Bilisht, Bashkim Haxhiu, handed the post of director of the local museum to his wife, Burbuqe, a former history teacher at the eight-year school. And yet the diligent Mr. Bashkim, formerly in charge of the local museum, who served the revolutionary spirit of the Party of Labour so well, maneuvered like a chameleon in the political arena and like a «xhambaș» in practical affairs. It is quite something to set off as a museum director when there is no museum! In the name of reform, four customs officers at Kapshtica Customs were dismissed, all with higher education, three of whom had no more than three years’ service, and were replaced by others with secondary education and only one with a two-year higher-education qualification. As political punishment, socialist Andrea Pali was removed from his village; only in the last two years had he been near his family, in Poloskë. For his lack of gratitude to the PD, he was sent to Çlpan. The PD-style dance goes on and on. It never stops lining people up, even though the honorable president spoke of human rights, of not punishing people for their political beliefs, and of putting the right people in the right jobs, not party loyalists. The PD authorities in Devoll, inspired by Deputy Agastra, continue to d—

On Monday, a press conference with Macedonia’s representative in Albania, Mr. Viktor Gaber, was held in one of the rooms of the “Thimi Mitko” library in the city of Korçë. The event was organized at the initiative of the independent association of journalists of Korçë. Journalists from local media, Radio Korçë and contributors to national newspapers attended. «The Macedonian representative office in Tirana, Mr. Gaber said, has been open for 13 months and is operating, carrying out its diplomatic activities intensively.» He shared his views on the prospects that might emerge from the reactivation of traditional ties between the Korçë area and the cities of Manastir and Reshnjë, and stressed that the Macedonian minority living in Prespë is also an impetus for this. Mr. Gaber answered the many questions with goodwill and diplomatic propriety. Regarding the exchange of cultural works and the seizure of Albanian books and newspapers at the Macedonian customs post, Mr. Gaber explained: «The ban on the circulation of cultural works is something made up. This is happening because the old law is still in force. But recently some Macedonian publishing houses have been talking with some Albanian publishers, and I believe this matter will soon be resolved.» Asked which path Macedonia chose in moving from a centralized economy to a market economy, the representative replied that in general they were pursuing a gradual approach, though here and there elements of «shock» were also appearing. He emphasized that Macedonia was going through these processes more successfully than the other Balkan countries. Asked whether there was a possibility of military intervention against Serbia, he replied: «Wherever military intervention may come from, it will not resolve the Yugoslav crisis. It can be resolved only through talks and agreements, and economic pressure.» Other issues were also discussed at this press conference. FATOS SHAMBL[L?] ERGET CENOLLI

ur. It is said that they are people who have ties to the new blocmen. with many other cases we do not know about, the police are entitled to turn their backs or hide so as not to be near these cases, in order to protect their positions. Good luck—