The steering council of the Socialist Party of the Korçë district and the chairmen of the socialist organizations for the zones and communes, gathered yesterday at the headquarters of the Socialist Party of the Korçë district, approved this statement: Contrary to the directives of the president of the country, as well as contrary to the local government leaders who are trying to obstruct the political and electoral activity of the Socialist Party for the elections of 26 June, we express our determination to conduct a calm, civic and democratic campaign. We condemn the acts of pressure, threats and intimidation against members and supporters of the Socialist Party. We call on all citizens of Korçë not to fall prey to provocations and to remain united in defense of the free vote. Korçë, 4 June 1993

- A grand rally in the square in front of the «Skënderbeu» stadium in the city of Korçë. Attended by Socialist Party chairman Fatos Nano, deputy chairmen Ndre Legisi and MP Andis Angjeli - After President Berisha’s visit to Korçë, the people of Korçë, under the slogan «we want elections», expressed their protest against the government’s policy and its cabinet Rarely, as in these recent months, the square in front of the «Skënderbeu» stadium was last night filled as never before with hundreds and hundreds of participants in the Socialist Party of Albania rally for the Korçë district. An unusually large turnout for a political rally in our country, although the overwhelming majority of those present are supporters of the Socialist Party; many other citizens also took part peacefully, including hundreds of young men and women from the city. There were many representatives of the Socialist Party who had come from Tirana to the rally, among them PS chairman Mr. Fatos Nano, MPs Andis Angjeli and Namik Dokle, members of the presidency, the deputy chairmen, as well as guests from the districts. Do we want elections? protest! The resonance of the Korçë protest The opening speech was delivered by Korçë MP Mr. Naum Disho, who, after greeting the many people present, said that time is proving before everyone that the only democratic political force in Albania is the Socialist Party. Yesterday and today, he said, the city of Korçë has been and remains a center of culture, democracy, and civility. Then, amid continuous applause and ovations, Mr. Fatos Nano addressed the rally participants. Referring to this warm and brotherly atmosphere, he said that these days are proving more than ever that the opposition, the SP, has the majority in the country, despite all the manipulations, all the pressures and psychological terror exerted by political opponents. Mr. Nano described this participation as a manifestation of the Korçë spirit, the spirit of true democracy, the spirit of tolerance and political culture. He strongly denounced the way the country is being governed and the serious economic and social situation. The Korçë of the Korçë proletariat According to him, the consequences of the policy pursued by the government are being felt heavily in all strata. Unemployment, poverty and the decline in production have become an everyday reality. He stressed that the country cannot move forward with propaganda, pressure, political discrimination against citizens, and a power that seeks to rule through fear. At the end of his speech, Mr. Nano called for massive participation in the elections, for the defense of the free vote, and for unity around the socialist and democratic alternative. Continues on page 5

Another strong civic protest was held yesterday in Korçë, where thousands of residents of the city and the surrounding villages demanded fair elections, real pluralism, and the removal of the politicized administration. On banners and in numerous chants, words were heard against electoral pressure and manipulation. Participants pointed out that the president’s visit cannot replace the solution to the economic and social problems of the region. They expressed concern about unemployment, poverty, and the emigration of young people. Representatives of the opposition declared that Korçë remains a stronghold of civic and democratic thought and that no one will intimidate its people.

The distinguished Greek personality K. Papulias, former foreign minister of the Hellenic Republic, today an MP of the Greek parliamentary movement and a member of the new PASKOK: He gives an interview to “Zëri i Popullit” How does he assess Greek-Albanian relations and the Balkan future? Can conflicts be resolved through talks, through peace? What are the chances and prospects for understanding? VASON and DHO of the Party with many problems PAGE FROM DUK[?]

If in Tirana there are speculators or immoral traders who, through unjust gains, seek to influence people’s will, the people of Korçë have understood that freedom is neither bought nor sold. On the contrary, it is defended with dignity, solidarity and civic participation. In the speeches delivered during the gathering, it was emphasized that the vote is not a commodity, but a constitutional right. The citizens of Korçë, known for their democratic culture, cannot be subjected to electoral blackmail and bribery.

The speech by VATOS NANOS at the embassy of the People’s Republic of China. The chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania presented condolences at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of the death of the General Secretary and chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, comrade Li Xiannian, where, expressing deep sorrow, it is emphasized that the declaration of official mourning for the loss of this distinguished personality of friendly China testifies to the high esteem for his work and his figure. Comrade Li was one of the well-known figures of the Chinese communist and state movement. The condolence telegram expresses the conviction that the Chinese people will continue advancing on the path of building socialism and economic development. Tirana, 4 June 1993

NATIONAL LIBRARY TIRANA