- Interview with MP Leontiev Çuçi - - INSTEAD OF A RESPONSE TO A RD LIE AND TO THE SPOKESPERSON OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY - ZP - First of all, what do you think about the second meeting of the European Parliament with the Albanian parliament? - By way of clarification, it was the second meeting held between the European Parliament Committee for Albania, Bulgaria and Romania and the Committee of our parliament. So, two committees met, not the European Parliament and the committee of the Albanian parliament. All the meetings took place between representatives of the com- (Continued on page 4)

Statement by the Presidium of the Socialist Party of Albania The entire Albanian people have for a long time followed with legitimate concern the tragic developments of the Balkan crisis, the conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the possibility of its escalation in Kosovo. The current situation in Kosovo and in other territories inhabited by Albanians—the harsh terror, violence and ethnic cleansing directed against the Albanian population, and the state of occupation, unprecedented at this end of the century—appeals to all states, institutions and personalities of the democratic world to take concrete, effective and swift action to stop this tragedy, with its incalculable consequences. We have supported the decisions and actions of various international bodies and have called for them to be more effective in resolving as quickly as possible the complex problems created by the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia. But we regret to note that in some international positions and initiatives, such as the new initiative of several states—the USA, Russia, France, Britain and Spain—which was confirmed by the «Joint Action Programme» of 22 May 1993, the Kosovo problem was not addressed with the necessary clarity. Bearing in mind that Albanians live in Kosovo as well as in other Albanian territories, we call for decisions to be taken for a just and swift resolution of the Kosovo problem, respecting their rights and the will of the Albanian people. [?] pressure and denial of all rights. The world community has recognized and admired the self-restraint of the Albanian people in Kosovo, but this self-restraint must not be allowed to be abused in unrealistic choices. We have emphasized, and remain consistent in our view, that respecting the principle of the inviolability of borders in the Balkans does not conflict with recognizing peoples’ right to self-determination. This applies not only to the other peoples of the former Yugoslavia, but also to the Albanians, who are not a national minority but the third-largest indigenous nation in the former Yugoslavia. Treating the Albanian population in the former Yugoslavia as a minority is entirely contrary to logic and reality and has traditionally endangered the stability and fate of the peoples living in the Balkan region. This is a lesson of history that must be taken into account by anyone who expresses the intention to decide the future of this region. From the very beginning of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia, the Socialist Party has emphasized the need to assess with the utmost seriousness acceptable solutions in the- of Yugoslavia. However, we regret to note that in some positions and international initiatives, such as the new initiative of several countries—the US, Action Programme” dated 22 May 1993, the problem of Kosovo is viewed through a narrow and short-sighted lens. An international trusteeship in Kosovo will certainly have an effect in preventing the spread of the conflict. But this is not enough to bring about a final resolution of the issue of the legitimate rights of the Albanian people of Kosovo, which is the only alternative for putting an end to the genocide being barbarously perpetrated by Serbian chauvinists. The problem of Kosovo cannot be reduced by anyone, whether a major country or several countries together, merely to a lack of respect for human rights. No one has the right to assume the authority to decide and declare that the political rights of the Albanian people in Kosovo are not recognized. The Socialist Party of Albania cannot accept the denial of the right to self-determination of the Albanian people of Kosovo. The people of Kosovo have expressed their aspirations peacefully and with dignity, through a referendum and democratic elections, while the Serbian authorities continue to keep Kosovo under full occupation, carrying out re- It is time for Kosovo not to be treated with indifference by various bodies of the international community, nor subjected to policies that recognize a fait accompli. We condemn the actions of the Serbian state as an occupying power and aggressor, and if the international standards set out in the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter are not applied equally to the people of Kosovo as they are to others, the conflict will not be avoidable, and the consequences will be bitter both for the Albanian people and for the peoples of the Balkans and Europe. Everyone must realistically recognize that any action favouring the Serbian aggressors would result in victims, not victors. Let us call the aggressor an aggressor and the victim a victim. With the responsibility of a serious and influential political party, and with

The rally was attended by Socialist Party Chairman Fatos Nano and MPs Shaqir Vukaj, Namik Dokle, Gramoz Ruçi, Kastriot Islami, Sabit Brokaj, Ethëm Ruka, Ermelinda Meksi, and Musa Ulqini. By supporting the Socialist Party, the people of Vlora add their voices to the powerful protest against violence and political revanchism, against the failed and adventurous governance of the Democratic Party. Despite widespread police-style pressure and violence, those present at the stadium did not fall into the trap set by some hooligan provocateurs, toward whom certain police officers showed indulgence. On the afternoon of 28 May, Vlora’s «Flamurtari» stadium was filled for almost an hour and a half with the enthusiastic chants of several thousand people who had gathered at a peaceful rally to express their full support for the Socialist Party and Fatos Nano; to give vent to their powerful protest against the revanchist and divisive spirit, against police-state violence directed at innocent and unprotected people; to protest against unemployment and the runaway rise in prices, against corruption among those in power, against the obstruction of local government, against feudal-bey mentalities and sick factionalism, against the shameful manipulation of RTV, and against the demagoguery of the President and his followers. The people of Vlora’s protest was neither accidental nor unexpected. Following the mass protests organized by the Socialist Party in many districts of the country, they had long wanted to make their position public on the entire policy pursued by the Democratic Party since it took power. For days they had been asking the police for the Flag Square, which is their square, but the democratic state refused... Nevertheless, the police and their tricks failed to prevent the people of Vlora from gathering at «Flamurtari» stadium; there, besides the lawful rally, a fierce confrontation between forces was provoked by a group of DP hooligans. Although 6 p.m. was somewhat unsuitable for holding the rally, many groups of citizens, despite the high temperature, had taken their places on the stadium field. as of 5:00 p.m. Some may not be impressed, but this fact is significant, just as the other fact is significant: people had also come to the rally from villages in the district of Vlora. I put it this way because the many people at the rally had not ar- rived on orders. Nor had they come for payment; they had been brought together by the same hardship, by the many concerns caused by the anti-reform reforms of the «Meksi» government, by poverty and uncertainty about the future. (Continued on page 3)

FATOS NANO: I have come to Vlora today because the hearth of freedom, independence and true democracy is in your hearts; therefore, we greet you and support you without reservation in all your just and legitimate demands, while also bringing you the feelings of solidarity of all Albania—from Kuçova, Kukës, Skrapar, Dibra, Mallakastra, Bulqiza, and from our capital Tirana to the capital of independence. FATOS NANO: I have come to Vlora today because the hearth of freedom, independence and true democracy is in your hearts; therefore, we greet you and support you without reservation in all your just and legitimate demands, while also bringing you the feelings of solidarity of all Albania—from Kuçova, Kukës, Skrapar, Dibra, Mallakastra, Bulqiza, and from our capital Tirana to the capital of independence. You people of Vlora deserve the respect of the whole people and of the entire civilized world, because you know how true freedom and democracy are won and defended, and you have proved this throughout history. You will never allow those who collaborated with fascism and who fled with their tails between their legs to seize today the power that belongs to the people and grab the seats of office. Protect your children, because we will never abandon you. The Socialist Party supports you and defends your interests; it draws on your courage and wisdom to successfully withstand all the attacks and all the slander that is concocted. It fights for true democracy, so that Albania may never again be endangered by Ballists, [unclear: mbertër], dictators, or old and new emperors. The people of Vlora are brave and wise. As such, no one can deceive them, and today they know what they must do and whom they should trust. The enthusiasm you show today is a call for the government and the President finally to put an end to their ways: neither the people of Vlora, nor other Albanians, nor true socialist democrats will allow Albania to tumble into the abyss. The Socialist Party will defend democracy at any cost, will defend your lives, will defend national unity and reconciliation among Albanians, will defend your beautiful dream of freedom and democracy, and will fight without fear by every means to achieve it, as you wish and as honest Albanians everywhere wish.

Yesterday, under the chairmanship of Fatos Nano, Chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania, a special meeting of the Presidium of the Socialist Party was held. There was one topic: Recent developments in the Balkan region and the importance of the 22 May meeting in Washington, and, on this basis, the positions of the Socialist Party of Albania regarding the Kosovo question as a whole. The meeting emphasized that the situation in the Balkans, and particularly in the former Yugoslavia, has not calmed down over the past three years, but has grown more tense economically. Developments in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the interruptions and resumption of high-level negotiations, as well as the failure of the numerous, tireless efforts of the human [being?]. Milošević’s aggressive policy is not only failing to guarantee the easing of divisions, but is clearly demonstrating violence, terror and ethnic cleansing of the Albanian population living in its ancient homeland in Kosovo. The initiatives undertaken by the European Community and beyond to resolve the conflict appear both to have begun late and to have been left entirely in limbo. Ultimately, this stance has favored aggressive Serbia and left the victims forgotten. The meeting recognized the responsible efforts of Kosovo’s political and party authorities to resolve the problem by peaceful means and through a peaceful path, but it was also emphasized that the moderation and self-restraint of Albanians in Kosovo have been, and continue to be, abused. Albanians are not asking in Kosovo and other areas simply for the guarantee of

- While Albanians await investments from America - As has been reported, a hunger strike has been under way for several days by some members of the «Pro-nesi me drejtësi» association, who have barricaded themselves in Shkodër and Tirana, on the premises of the Republican Party. Naturally, everyone has their own legal space, and may consider whatever rights belong entirely to them and are not to be interfered with by another’s rights. The aim of the hunger strike is to restore the old status quo of 60 years ago without any effort. More plainly, they are demanding the mass dispossession of Albanians in order to realize their own interests. These demands are already well known in Albania, as is known, and another, broader one, concerning the ownership of all Albanians. The idea of making all Albanians owners has not yet become a reality enacted into law by parliament. Apparently, the Republican Party, which inspired such “movements” in public at least, will not take the President’s advice into account at all; he told them: when you take power, make whatever laws you want. What is distinctive about this peaceful protest, which in fact provoked a social dispute, is that the non-owners have joined

A few days ago, an entire page in RD was written by Prof. Dr. Sami Repishti. I will not analyze that article, but it was striking to see how Prof. Repishti could write like that. In any case, he is entitled to express his opinions publicly, but when you, Mr. Repishti, who know very well who you are, presume to lecture Albanian democracy, it makes no sense. I will not remind you of your assumed name, nor of the period during which you worked for 12 years under that name. This time I will not remind you of your services either. Those who worked in New York, at our representation, know very well. I do not know how much those Albanian families know—the ones who suffered internment and imprisonment, whose brothers and fathers were alone in America, and whom someone portrayed as «anti-national», as people who «do not want the PPSH», who «hate socialism», etc., etc. When Mr. Repishti was in Albania a few months ago, he gave a brief interview at the airport as an Albanian. He spoke in a television program as well. Someone told me: he couldn’t possibly speak badly, you understand. Do not forget this, Prof. Repishti! Let honest, unblemished people speak to democracy, people with just one name. They have the right. WILLIAM GAZMENA