5 MAY OF ALBANIA: - Great commemorative rally at the Palace of Congresses - - The release of partisan songs from prison and the release of Fatos Nano are demanded - 5 MAY OF ALBANIA: HISTORY WRITTEN IN THE BLOOD OF THE MARTYRS CANNOT BE REWRITTEN - Great commemorative rally at the Palace of Congresses - - The release of partisan songs from prison and the release of Fatos Nano are demanded - Greeting from Fatos Nano on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day Sisters and brothers, Honored anti-fascist Veterans, Fellow fighters for freedom, I am doubly proud to be alongside you this 5 May, in the silence of veneration for those who fell, at the altar of the freedom of the Homeland. I am with you in the powerful voice of protest against smearing their blood and the repeated curtailment of freedom by its modern usurpers. This is the message coming today from the cells of anti-fascist resistance: 5 May belongs to everyone. It is the most sublime and inalienable symbol of the resistance and national vitality of Albanians in the struggle for freedom, sovereignty and progress. But 5 May is the symbol of those who signed up for, and those who betrayed, the freedom of the nation. It is a symbol of self-restraint and of speculation with the interests of the homeland and the freedom of the people. 5 May should remain a symbol of equality in freedom, and not of the persecution of the majority by the rulers of the day. The Socialists do not monopolize 5 May or the blood of the nation’s martyrs. But the Socialists defend, and will defend without wavering, their legacy and its close ties to the entire system of values that elevates their liberation in the history of the nation—with patriotism, anti-fascism, opposition to collaborationism, anti-totalitarianism, and the alignment of Albanians, at all times, with the coalitions of progress and civilization. That is why 5 May has endured, endures, and will endure without interruption ... TIRANA: As announced yesterday, in the main hall of the Palace of Congresses, the Socialist Party and the Eurosocialist Youth Forum organized a commemorative gathering on the occasion of 5 May, Martyrs’ Day. The interest of the fallen’s comrades, as well as of young people who respect their work, was very great. The participants, united, [??] gathered at the meeting in gratitude to the martyrs and with a sense of duty to defend their legacy. “5 May is not the property of systems or parties. 5 May belongs to Albanians and to Albanians; it is the day of the nation’s martyrs, the day of aspirations for true freedom and democracy, for culture and civilization,” said Monika Kryemadhi, representative of the Eurosocialist Youth Forum, in her opening remarks. She then gave the floor to the deputy chairman of the Socialist Party, comrade Servet Pëllumbi, who recalled the work and values of the martyrs and expressed the Socialist Party’s position on the need for other political forces to unite in honoring their legacy. The chairman of the Eurosocialist Youth Forum, Pandeli Majko, who spoke after him, said among other things: “The martyrs of the War and their memory must ... ... the National Liberation antifascist [organization], Pirro Dobiaba. After speaking with respect about the work of the martyrs who gave their lives for freedom, the most precious thing they had, he emphasized the importance of the veterans’ organization, which is open to anyone who took part in the National Liberation War. Any other member serves division. The greeting by the chairman of the Socialist Party, comrade Fatos Nano, was received with applause and cheers. May, to mark our gathering the altar of the freedom of the Homeland, and and the repeated curtailment of freedom by cells of anti-fascist resistance.” Veteran Todi Lubonja and writer Dritëro Agolli then gave their greetings. At the end, an artistic concert was held; as is usually the case at PS events, television was absent—perhaps it was far away ... perhaps it was a hobby, perhaps the car had broken down. Somewhere far away ... perhaps, as all that trans... a ceremony of gratitude at the Shinat, where the familiar names Dosti and Buka were present. Television is accountable to Parliament, and such coverage is not simply a matter of the personal taste of news executives, but reflects other positions that indirectly express an assessment of the martyrs’ work. Correspondent of “Zëri i Popullit” the blood of the martyrs of the nation, which they sacrificed in defense of the freedom of the people without the slightest wavering, their worth closely bound up with the whole system of values that elevated their nobility in the history of the nation—with anti-Fascism, anti-fascism, anti-collaborationism, the coalitions of progress and civilization. That is why May 5 was established, remains, and will forever remain on the altar of our national history’s values. Alongside May 5 and November 29, this courage cannot be undermined, because history written in the blood of martyrs cannot be rewritten. Brothers and sisters, May 5 is a symbol of the unity of Albanians, regardless of religion, region, or ideology, in the struggle for freedom, progress, and the defense of the highest national interests. It calls for unity against division, for understanding and social peace against intolerance and violence by Albanians against Albanians. It cannot be commemorated by erasing the symbols of their struggle for freedom, alongside the liberation of those who were defeated, “heroes” after the battle, nor by devaluing the dead and burying the living. May 5 calls for national solidarity in the face of the historic challenges of the end of the 20th century.

Kukës: Hunger strike CLASHES BETWEEN THE POLICE AND CITIZENS Residents whose land was flooded by the lake of the Fierza hydroelectric power plant go on hunger strike. Reinforced police forces, headed by Minister Musaraj, forcibly remove them. After this, thousands of residents demonstrate for nearly 3 hours in the city streets. Kukës is troubled, shaken and surrounded by police. Residents whose land and homes were have gone on hunger strike in protest over the failure to compensate them for the damage caused. But the police will not allow it. The Minister of Public Order himself, Agron Musaraj, goes to Kukës, where many police forces are also present; they intervene to forcibly remove the hunger strikers, using violence. The Minister of Agriculture also rushes to Kukës. After this, more than a thousand residents, gathered and angered by the police intervention, demonstrate against police violence and the Government in the streets of Kukës for nearly 3 hours. The police again intervene by force, provoking a conflict of dangerous proportions. It is said that there were many injured on both sides. Meanwhile, “Voice of America” confirmed that at least 7 police officers injured by blows from stones and other hard objects were urgently taken to hospital. For further details, we contacted the spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Order, but she did not answer us. Meanwhile, nothing was said in RTVSH news broadcasts either. Correspondent of “Zëri i Popullit”

The head of the ICE office in Albania has been guarding its headquarters for many days now. A decision made at the beginning of April 1994 by senior officials of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Trade requires ICE representative Xhorxho Ruta to travel another 600 km away from Tirana. Sofia will now be at the center of things, perhaps also of the consultancy that Italians will receive about Albania. Not even Albanian legislation, which is ready now, can be provided in less than a month. At Ruta’s office, only the office supplies and a secretary remain, with a telephone in front of her, ready to answer: S. Ruta non c’è. A few days before leaving, Mr Ruta told “Zëri i Popullit” that the office would close. When asked whether some Albanians had a need [?] for the office or for a person who would work there, he replied: As everywhere, there is bureaucracy in Italy too; so, for me, this is a bureaucratic decision. I am leaving on the instructions of the Italian authorities. We will do everything possible to ensure that this matter does not drag on. But this does not depend on us. Apart from the logistical [?] problem, is there perhaps another, political reason? Embassy Secretary Tomabajlo [?] replies: It may also be connected to politics; we are trying to clarify everything. It would be in the interest of both sides. After these answers, we leave the Italian Embassy with a copy of «RD» dated 20 April in hand, in which E. P. writes: “Another lie by «ZP»—with a ‘clarification’ concerning its coverage of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Trade’s decision to close the trade consultancy office in Tirana. Now everything is clear. But, so as not to be contradicted again and, precisely, as we would wish, at the moment that it is temporary, I must say that the office is both open and closed. Open: for those who want to see whether anything can be gained from it and how capable a secretary is of doing Ruta’s job. And closed: for those who are looking for ...” Futa stated to «Zëri i popullit» that the office would remain. When asked whether the authorities in Albania needed the office walls or a person to work inside them, leaving with regret, God willing...” Mr. Romundo, who is engaged in work on cooperation between the two countries at the Italian Embassy, stated that entrepreneurs intending to invest in Albania definitely need consultancy from the ALFRED DALIPI

In commemoration of 5 May, yesterday at 11 o’clock, wreaths were laid at the obelisk in the Martyrs’ Cemetery, to the sound of marches played by the brass band, by representatives of the district council, the city municipality, the division, political parties, the veterans’ committee, etc. Then fresh bouquets of flowers were placed on the graves of those who fell for freedom by their relatives and fellow fighters. The ceremony continued with an artistic program organized by the soldiers’ cultural center. In cooperation with the veterans’ committee, members of the leadership and the steering committee of the SP visited the families of the martyrs. Dritan Çerma, chairman of the district SP steering committee, visited the family of People’s Hero Kozma Naska. Correspondent of «Zëri i popullit»

Yesterday, on 5 May, the day of the heroes and martyrs of the war against fascism and its ballisto-zogist collaborators, on the day of Qemal Stafa, Mujo Ulqinaku, Jani Mancos, Hajdar Dushi, Kajo Karafili... Yesterday, on 5 May, the day of the heroes and martyrs of the war against fascism and its ballisto-zogist collaborators, on the day of Qemal Stafa, Mujo Ulqinaku, Jani Mancos, Hajdar Dushi, Kajo Karafili, Aleksandër Goga, Sotir Nokes, Kristaq Boshnjaku, Kozma Nushi, Dalip Tabaku, Vasil Laçi; Kolë Laku and hundreds of others; ... (Continued on page 3)

- We have missed folk songs - The concert organized on the occasion of 5 May opened with the voice of Tirana’s melodious singer Qirjaku. The well-known singers are in service even today, in Gjilan [?]; with beautiful songs they brought new songs to the stage, which were welcomed with applause. The “Tirana” ensemble ... Albanian partisans with songs, ... with songs, the beautiful dances and ... Songs, too, are spiritual values and part of the national heritage. Every people jealously protects its own voices, traditions and culture. In Italy, by the sea, song and ... are Italian songs: Greek, Spanish, French, Slavic. In Tirana one hears ... with songs, ... We must mention them in turn ... (Continued on page 4)

Thousands of people bow respectfully before the People’s Heroes and the monument to «Mother Albania». After the commemorative gathering at the Palace of Congresses, thousands upon thousands of people headed for the National Martyrs’ Cemetery. Mother Albania, the “property” of the sacred shrine that holds within it the most precious treasure of this nation, once again felt, on this occasion, the presence of thousands of people gathered there, and their gratitude and respect. Among the people who arrived at the Martyrs’ Cemetery were members of the SP leadership, deputies of the People’s Assembly, and members of the families of the martyrs and People’s Heroes. On behalf of the Socialist Party of Albania, wreaths and bouquets of flowers were laid by its deputy chairmen, Mr Sarvet Pëllumbi and Luan Hajdaraga; N. Nikollë Doke. Then the usual procession: people, fellow fighters, pass by the graves; bow before them in a sign of respect; caress them with longing. Correspondent of «Zëri i popullit»

Yesterday, the chairman of the District Council, Mr. Al Kazi, the Mayor, Mr. Filip Gurazu, and representatives of the Socialist Party, the Democratic Party, and others went to the martyrs’ cemetery in this district. They laid wreaths at the memorial erected in honor of the martyrs. On behalf of the district’s Socialist Party, Sadetin Stankaj and Artan Banushi laid the wreath. Afterwards, family members and relatives of the martyrs, as well as citizens of this city, paid their respects. The event continued with tributes at the cemetery of veterans of the district’s Anti-Fascist National Liberation War, and with visits to the martyrs’ families, which were also attended by leaders of the district’s Socialist Party.

Today, May 5, Martyrs’ Day, the Patriotic Society for the Fallen of the Albanian Nation put out a special issue of the newspaper «PËR MEMEDHEN». Today, May 5, Martyrs’ Day, the Patriotic Society for the Fallen of the Albanian Nation put out a special issue of the newspaper «PËR MEMEDHEN», featuring the martyrs’ handwritten texts, in which their ideals are set out in ink and in the cross they carried on the battlefields, or in their final moments before being executed by occupiers and traitors. Among them stand out the heroes and martyrs Qemal Stafa, Themo Vasi, (Continued on page 4)

To honor May 5, Martyrs’ Day, the Municipality of Gjirokastër organized an event in one of the halls of the Arms Museum in the Castle on Wednesday, May 4. To honor May 5, Martyrs’ Day, the Municipality of Gjirokastër organized a «Memorial Afternoon» in one of the halls of the Arms Museum in the Castle on Wednesday, May 4. Relatives of the martyrs, friends and fellow fighters, veterans, representatives of local government organizations and political forces, people from public life, and others took part. The mayor, colleague Bahkim Fino, was also there. After a (Continued on page 4)

The attention of public opinion in the city of Elbasan and of the central authorities has become focused on the strike by the employees of the wood-processing combine, the largest industrial center. The square in front of the combine (or whatever it is called now, «tali-Durti») is filled with about 800 workers. Some are sitting on the ground, some in the shade of the trees, and others in the sun. With the strike leaders inside the enterprise, up there in the offices, silence prevails. The windows are closed, and behind them we spotted someone communicating from the corridor with an editor. But there are fewer. Apart from the majority of workers standing in the roadway, there are also a few others, 10 people, who have stretched out in the square, blocking it together with the workers. Today is May 4, and the strike has (Continued on page 2)

Recently, trade unionists, seemingly trying to emerge from a state of stagnation, organized disorganization, division, weakness and crisis of confidence, have stepped up their meetings with our highest officials. Recently, trade unionists, as if to emerge from the state of stagnation, organized disorganization, division, weakness and crisis of confidence, have stepped up their meetings with our highest officials. One group meets President Berisha, another the Prime Minister and other ministers. The latest increases in prices, including electricity, kerosene, etc., have put the Albanian workforce, which they lead, squarely in the firing line. From what we hear in the mass media and what we read in the newspapers, government officials have expressed solidarity with the trade unionists’ legitimate demands. In other words, they have acknowledged that they are right. This is not the first time that trade unionists and the mass protests of Albanian workers have received this “grade” from our highest officials. But what has changed? What has been accomplished? At the meeting with trade unionists from the Confederation of Trade Unions of Albania, President Berisha stated that “Unemployment is a major and troubling bottleneck in our society.” Is this the first time this has been acknowledged? Certainly not! Without going through the issues they have raised, not only recently but also earlier, we would say that these issues have been and remain concrete, and their consequences weigh on the people. The officials themselves agree and are convinced of this. But while the problems are concrete, their solutions are mired in futurology and empty declarations: it will be done, it will be resolved, it will… This is a typical bureaucratic delaying tactic, designed to get rid of the trade unionists and put off the days (the 300 days already gone) with promises. And the trade union leaders, while waiting for the problems they have raised to be resolved and to gain experience in how workers’ grievances are “resolved,” set off on one delegation after another. The well-known axiomatic expression “You are right, but you get nothing” fits this situation, because if workers were entitled to anything, it would have been given to them earlier through consultations with the unions; it would have been given to them directly at meetings with the state’s highest officials. But better to resort to futurology... KUTIM DASHI