STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDIUM OF THE SPA ON THE PEOPLE’S PROTEST IN THE CITY OF KUKËS In recent days, powerful popular protests have been taking place in the northeastern districts of the country, such as Kukës, Has, Pukë, Tropojë and Dibër, in support of the just demands of the populations of many villages whose lands have been flooded by the lakes of the Drin River cascade. These legitimate protests came about as a result of the failure to resolve in time the vital problems of hundreds of farming families, who are seeking compensation for their property, housing, employment and co-ownership in the event of the possible privatization of the area’s hydroelectric power plants. For 2–3 years, the state authorities, the government and the presidency have failed to take effective measures in response to these entirely legitimate demands. On the contrary, they have adopted indifferent and dismissive attitudes toward them, to the point that, instead of engaging in dialogue and cooperation with these families to find appropriate solutions, the government used violence as a last resort. In a state that claims to be democratic, the use of violence and police brutality can in no way lead to a desired economic and social solution for thousands of people struggling to put bread on the table. The use of force once again reveals the government’s anti-democratic mindset, as it has repeatedly resorted to «heavy-handed» methods. It is another indication that the cabinet lacks the reason to assess and resolve problems through dialogue and understanding. The police violence being inflicted on defenseless people who are asking only for their most vital needs to be met speaks most clearly of a further escalation of social and police tensions in the country. The Socialist Party of Albania has supported, and will always support, the just and reasonable socioeconomic demands of different social groups and categories, especially those of the section of the population that, in this difficult transition, is unprotected and without property. It calls on the Albanian Government to take the necessary measures immediately to stop the violence and create genuine conditions for dialogue and understanding with the hunger strikers. The SP calls on the Government to take concrete and inspired steps to address the vital concerns of the rural population in these areas, who, given the extremely difficult circumstances they are going through, need urgent and decisive assistance. The Socialist Party also demands that the state bodies be held accountable for having imposed unbounded restrictions on meeting the demands of the population in these areas, thereby worsening the situation to the point of open clashes between the security forces and peaceful citizens. Immediate measures must be taken to establish dialogue with the hunger strikers and meet their demands. The Socialist Party of Albania calls on all political forces in the country to make a constructive contribution in support of the legitimate demands of the residents of the country’s northeastern areas. ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ Con... [continues below the cut]

After President BERISHA’s press conference Yes, Mr. President, the Socialist Party’s call for early elections is serious — Statement by SPA deputy chairman Prof. Servet Pëllumbi, given to editor Erion Braçe — At the latest press conference, held on Saturday at midday, President Berisha spoke, among other things, about two issues he considered key to current Albanian politics: the «Nano issue» and the «early elections issue». Berisha’s answers have met with various reactions, which carry t... [text continues below the cut]. In connection with this, we also asked the SP deputy chairman, Mr. Servet Pëllumbi, to comment, first asking him: Mr. Pëllumbi, at his latest press conference Mr. Berisha once again reiterated his position on the Nano issue, according to which ... [Next column:] has no moral right to call for re-election. In democratic Europe, parties, whether established or major, begin thinking about the next elections on the very first day after the current elections have ended. The party in government is expected to fulfil its electoral promises, while opposition parties are expected to act as constructively as possible, with the aim of gradually winning over the electorate and preparing for a possible future victory. That we are writing in this way also has its own propaganda aspect, because anyone who wants to can understand what it achieves. In any case, this does not diminish the seriousness of the SP’s demand for early elections. Such a demand was approved ... In connection with the hunger strikers’ request, we Mr. Berisha once again set out his positions on the Nano issue, according to which «the justice system is addressing this matter and there is nothing political about the two-year sentence», while also drawing an analogy between this issue and the Italian Tanchetoponi. What is your opinion on this matter? Answer: At his latest press conference, the President tried to evade the issue openly, leaving responsibility, as expected, to the judicial authorities, although we know very well how much he has respected the independence of the third branch of power. I think that this time he could not conceal the political character of the «Nano issue», nor some of the key points in the scenario drawn up a year ago. Among these points, the following have now become quite clear: a direct attack was to be made on figures of the transition, including F. Nano, together with former members of the Bloc and former President R. Alia; F. Nano was to be removed from political life; the SP was to be struck and split into 2–3 pieces; Tangentopoli was to be transplanted from the Italian shore of the Adriatic to the Albanian one, in order to make the SP appear responsible for the cooling of relations with neighboring Italy and as a political force tainted by corruption, which ... Question: Mr. Pëllumbi, President Berisha, referring to the Socialist Party’s call for early elections, said they would take place only after 700 days, because, according to him, he does not know when the Socialists will make this demand seriously. What is your opinion of Mr. Berisha’s statement? Answer: Although the President seems to be counting the days, at the press conference he once again spoke about early elections. This time, apparently, he has clarified that calling for early elections is neither anti-democratic nor anti-national, as it was when he had counted 900 days until the elections. This is a kind of progress after 215 days. But this time the President raised the issue on two other levels: first, whether the SP is making its call for early elections seriously or not; and second, in relation to acknowledging a truth that nobody denies: early elections take place in situations of crisis. I will briefly address these two issues in response to your question. On the first issue, I am not at all guided by the fact that the President quoted one of my remarks, as he needed to, because it is known that in December 1992, speaking about the electoral characteristics of the SP, I quoted a well-known principle of ... The answer in its entirety … which the President … that from now on you will believe «whoever says when» about the Nano case, «that justice is speaking and that there is nothing political about his conviction». of the SP, I quoted a well-known principle of ... (Continued on page 2) The answer in its entirety … which the President … there is nothing political about his conviction». is your opinion of Mr. Berisha’s statement? Answer: In this case, we differ on a fundamental issue. The President enthusiastically proclaims successes, as if declaring that Albania is becoming «more» in the PD, that it is becoming … More growth … at possible growth rates; the PD government has instead accumulated more political problems in its relations abroad, a chance, at home. (Continued on page 2)

— Support for the hunger strikers continues to grow. Hunger Strike Chairman Jahir Trota warns: «In two days, no one knows what might happen.» The immediate release is demanded of the chairman of the Association of Flooded Lands and its members Osman Elezi, Myslym Cena and Sadik Legji, who were detained three days ago. — The democratic state has left only Mr. Gazidede in Kukës to solve the problems. — In President Berisha’s statement made a few days ago about the Kukës hunger strike, he emphasized that there are two realities there... We are not saying theoretically that there is only one reality, called objective, which exists irrespective of the parties or their leaders. In practice, these are the scenes we have witnessed in Kukës in recent days: More than 90 percent of the active population is unemployed; industry is paralyzed, businesses are closed, and thousands remain silent. We saw an even more troubling reality in the countryside: anarchy in the implementation of the Land Law has returned residents to their former properties, while 34 flooded villages have left their former inhabitants in dire straits. Thousands of people are without land, bread, work, assistance, or any other source of income. Even in the hills, those displaced after their land was flooded are being evicted from their homes by the owners. Instead of protecting them, the state harasses them with taxes and drives prices sky-high, which are even higher than in other districts because of the distance. Residents of the flooded villages have been left without [unclear: for a long time?]; they have raised their problems with the last four governments and have received no answer. Even the permitted relocation, assistance and loans remain out of reach for the great majority of residents. Most of them love their homeland and do not want to leave. They want their living conditions there to improve. Who benefits from emptying the regions lying along the border?! This reality, shared by all residents regardless of their political convictions, has been met repeatedly with government indifference, which led to the hunger strike. Anyone who comes close to the truth can see plainly that the hunger strikers and their supporters are driven by hardship: the struggle for existence, for survival. It is necessity alone that has «manipulated» them. They began the strike on 1 May; they did not know it was a holiday. They stayed out in the square. In the evening they went home. The same on 2 May and on 3 May. On the 4th, when the state apparatus began work, they began their hunger strike. For a long time they have been asking to meet with the President or Prime Minister Meksi. Representatives of other delegations have gone to Tirana several times but have been unable to meet them. They have sent many letters and petitions, some of which have also been published. The Strike’s representatives went there supported by the forces of superficial change. In other words, they intended to end the strike by using promises or violence. This is precisely what made the situation even more tense: the beating of elderly people, people with disabilities, and parents putting forward minimal demands for their children’s bread. How events unfolded is now known. The hunger strikers and their supporters responded to violence with violence, and innocent people on both sides were harmed, paying the price for the government’s indifference. The meeting with Prime Minister Meksi had been scheduled for Sunday at 10:00. The Prime Minister wanted representatives of the local authorities and of the strike to meet in the city, although he has never been to Kukës. The hunger strikers want the meeting there, because there are many of them and they want to hear him themselves. At 22:00 on Saturday, the Prime Minister was informed by the chairman of the District Council of the hunger strikers’ firm demand, but he did not go. This continues to heighten tensions. The hunger strikers are steadfast in their demands. Their supporters are numerous and fill the square day and night, ready to receive the security forces. The government can remove the hunger strikers from the hall. But can it remove them from their homes in [unclear: lëngen], can it give their residents land, can it provide them with homes, jobs and a normal income to live on? That is the problem. The hunger strikers see no interest… (Continued on page 2)

LUAN HAJDARAGA: — Despite all the changes that have taken place, the DP’s government has accumulated more problems than it has solved. — The country needs a new political formula in its relations with other countries. — We see new elections as an opportunity, as a solution to the problems that have become stuck in the country. On 6 May, an expanded meeting of the Socialist Party’s District Steering Committee was held in Gjirokastër, with a noteworthy attendance by elected representatives, organization and village chairpersons, newly formed groups, and others. The SP deputy chairman Luan Hajdaraga was also present; together with MP Leontiev Çuçi, on 6 and 7 May he also took part in the party assembly in the Kardhiq area and met and spoke with members and supporters of the Socialist Party in the Manalat neighborhood, in the city of Libohovë, and in the village of Lazarat. The programme and the tasks of the first campaign were addressed by comrades Resul Logo and Bashkim Fino, respectively chairman and secretary of the steering committee. Questions were asked and assurances were given. Among the suggestions, the intervention of a student from «Eqrem Çabej» University is worth mentioning: he called for greater involvement of socialist students in the working groups and in creating the early-election campaign. Also emphasized was the need to strengthen the party through improvement and renewal, while respecting its statutory rules. Pluralist democracy as a system will make Albania better, regardless of who governs: this was clearly underscored by «the Albanian socialist declaration» of Luan Hajdaraga; [text cuts off]

In connection with the hunger strikers’ request, we asked the SP deputy chairman, Mr. Servet Pëllumbi, to comment, first asking him:

Question: Mr. Pëllumbi, President Berisha, referring to the Socialist Party’s call for early elections, said they would take place only after 700 days…

MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATIONS MR. GJULA HORN Chairman of the Socialist Party of Hungary Dear friend, The eagerly awaited affirmation of the Hungarian Socialists, with more than 33 percent of the vote in the parliamentary elections of 9 May 1994, as the leading political force in your friendly country, gives me the happy opportunity to convey to you, on behalf of the Socialist Party of Albania, my very best wishes and my confidence that you will know how to use this victory to build the necessary political consensus, for the benefit of accelerating democratic market-economy reforms and reducing their social cost. Mr. Chairman, On the basis of the European social-democratic vision and the alternative governing programmes of the Socialist Party of Hungary, with which we have become thoroughly familiar through the development of close relations between our two parties, I express my conviction that the experience and international ties of our Hungarian colleagues, as well as your political reputation, dear friend, as ambassador to the USA and foreign minister during the period when the Iron Curtain between East and West came down, are important factors in the success of your new government. Tirana Prison, 10.09.1994. Warm regards, FATOS NANO Chairman of the S P A.

Taking into account the concern of the Kukës hunger strikers over the flagrant delays in addressing the problems they have raised; Taking into account the fact that the Prime Minister, Mr. Meksi, has still not responded to the hunger strikers’ request that he go to Kukës to speak with them; Considering the government’s action to determine concrete steps for resolving the problems raised to be seriously overdue; We request that the Prime Minister, Mr. Aleksandër Meksi, be summoned to Parliament to answer the question submitted by our parliamentary group: «What is the situation in Kukës, and what measures is the government taking to resolve the problem and meet the demands of the residents of the areas flooded by the lake?» Pursuant to Article 87 of the Rules of Procedure of the People’s Assembly, we request that, on this urgent matter, the Prime Minister attend the next session of the People’s Assembly. For the SP Parliamentary Group, NAMIK DOKLE.