Despite the euphoric statements of Albania’s highest officials at this time and the celebration, the position of Albanians in Macedonia continues to be discriminatory. Convincing evidence is provided by the recent positions taken by official Skopje toward Albanians. More specifically, the population census in this republic is revealing the depth of the constant anti-Albanian policy pursued in Skopje, despite expectations, visits and verbal statements. Despite the continual insistence of Albanian political forces that the law on the population census be supplemented and that all Albanians be issued citizenship cards, these demands have fallen on deaf ears in Skopje. The latter, through all kinds of manipulation, has denied citizenship documents to more than half of the Albanian population living in Macedonia and, consequently, to all Albanians who are temporarily working abroad but whose families remain in their ancestral lands in Macedonia. This policy is also intended to produce a census result that reduces the Albanian population there to a minority of just a few percent. Taking this real possibility of developments into account, the Albanian political forces— (Continued on page 4)

— The Democratic Party in Albania seeks to further strengthen its right-wing position. — The Socialist Party fights for a free society of free people, for a society with a market economy, private and public property, but with social protection for people. — The Democratic Party in Albania seeks to further strengthen its right-wing position. — — The Socialist Party fights for a free society of free people, for a society with a market economy, private and public property, but with social protection for people. — A few days ago, the President of the Republic delivered a speech at an expanded meeting of the National Council of the Democratic Party. He spoke and addressed not only members and sympathizers of the Democratic Party, but everyone. He also spoke about the opposition. Everyone has the right to listen and reflect on that speech. Everyone has the opportunity to understand what he said directly in his speech and what messages he conveyed. Some see and emphasize only the demagoguery in the President’s speech. Naturally, his speech cannot be reduced entirely to demagoguery. Others discuss the question of how the new formula, “rapid economic growth,” was arrived at, and under what conditions it was presented, and so on. I do not believe this kind of discussion reveals anything in particular. What matters is to pause over this new formula, explain why the DP needs it, and clarify the boundaries between its possibility, propaganda and reality. For its part, the DP began to “dissect” and promote the President’s speech. The DP press, as one would expect, conveyed the idea of the main message that the President addressed to the Democratic Party. And indeed, it was a great help to this party. All the more so when the press is talking about crisis, government corruption, disappointment, and premature elections. When motions of no confidence are brought against ministers, and even against the Prime Minister himself. When, following the separate breakaway and creation of the PAD, the Democratic Right Party also splits from the Democratic Party. When, as the President has stated, we are the poorest country in Europe and, so far, the first major investment to stand out is the Coca-Cola factory. If one starts from the President’s main concern in his speech—to define the DP’s new objective, that is, rapid economic growth—it is “understandable that the country is on the verge of moving toward new early elections. Naturally, this is debatable, given that the President has counted the days until 1996. But times have also (Continued on page 2)

Having been insulted in the “man’s honor” as much as anyone could possibly be, with a hatred characteristic of bastards descended from close syphilitic interbreeding, Ylli Rakipi, in response to my article “The madwoman N is Ylli Rakipi,” published the bombastic article “Neshtat Tozaj — butcher of Albanian thought.” In this article, signed by him and written in sentimental tones, he sets the criminal against the victim. — our …, which are characteristic of adolescents’ compositions; only the word “butcher” belongs to his vocabulary, while the rest was inserted by some zealous collaborator with the censorship imposed by Albanian TV, once again demonstrating his “originality.” This is normal for such hybrids. Everyone who has read the article and the expert assessment understands that, despite all the “pages” spilled, “Rakipëria” is not concerned with F. Lubiana. They put her out of work, removed her in a coup from the Albanian Helsinki Committee, and left her without a home for a long time, until she moved into a kindergarten: “Rakipëria” hates the ideas she has expressed as much as can be. The one it is concerned with is me, and it has seized on an incident exploited by certain people so that public opinion will have to swallow it. Thus the “men” who “know nobody in their village” triumph over a woman who brings Albania international awards in literature. Before Ylli Rakipi and those behind him discovered my expert assessment, I had written it myself at a time when these gentlemen had not yet brought them to power. I quote it verbatim; I wrote in the newspaper “Tirana” on 30.11.1991: “… I, too, did not come through this struggle unscathed. There were two people within me who … sought to merge into one. But this process was long, and the atmosphere in which I lived was extremely poisoned. It was precisely then, after the fourth Review, as a writer, on one or perhaps even two occasions, that they brought me manuscripts—youthful drafts—for expert assessment. I was asked whether … (Continued on page 3) Ylli Rakipi, who was hidden away by the Crossroads of the Sinite artery, Rakipi,” published the bombastic article “Tomorrow Tajoj — and written in sentimental tones, with the criminal set against the victim—tones that run through adolescents’ school compositions—only the word “butcher” belongs to his vocabulary; the rest was put together by some willing collaborator with whom he performs (by copying) the duties of the newspaper’s head. I am not at all surprised by the publication of articles by that Ylli Rakipi and those behind him; it is very bitter. Nor does it surprise me that Ylli Rakipi is seeking revenge using other people’s “instrument,” or by allowing himself to become their “instrument.” This is best borne out at the meeting of the execu... understands that, despite all the “games” being played, “Rakipëria” is not concerned with F. Lubonja. He was left without a job, he was removed by force from the Albanian Helsinki Committee, and the press left him high and dry, until he went to live in a kindergarten: “Rakipëria” hates the thoughts he has expressed as much as it possibly can—the one it is really concerned about is me, and it has chosen the case of F. Lubonja to deliver its “annihilating blow.” Like all those in power who think they are allowed to do anything, Ylli Rakipi has published my expert assessment to impress others. They believe people are ignorant, and when you tell them that writer D. Çuli has prepared an expert assessment in her capacity as a writer, with which they are... (Continued on page 3)

The Danish firm “Dialogue Development” organized a consultative meeting on civil society in Albania on June 29, 1994, at the International Cultural Center. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the possibilities of establishing a FUND for Albanian non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to help build civil society in Albania and increase the organizations’ self-confidence, organizational capacity and sustainability. The 9-million-dollar fund was established with the assistance of the Danish government for Albania. More than 70 representatives of associations and the government, as well as representatives of UNDP and the European Community, attended the meeting. During the discussion, information was exchanged. Messrs. Steven Sampson and Kristian Sorensen explained the principles governing the use of the fund for the development of civil society. The invited representatives of Albanian NGOs discussed how the fund could be used to meet their needs. The fund will be allocated according to the merits of the projects submitted by the NGOs. Projects must be credible, feasible and worthwhile, the representatives of “Dialogue Development” stressed. The projects will be submitted in September. Although explanations had been given, one representative asked what criteria would be used to award the fund. The Danish gentlemen replied: “The fund is yours. Get it by competing with good projects.” Correspondent of “Zëri i popullit.”

— 4 dead and 20 seriously injured — A serious accident occurred yesterday afternoon at around 10, when a bus crashed at Qafa e Buallit. Four people died in this serious accident and around 20 others are in critical condition. The injured are in hospitals in Tirana, Peshkopi and Burrel. It is a great loss and a terrible tragedy for the families of the vic- [text continues outside the image] victims. This is not the first accident involving passenger buses. Now that urban transport has been privatized, it would be appropriate to establish very strict rules for passenger transport. We recall that… has the time not come to think seriously about ensuring that it is carried out, while also making it safe? We recall here that last year only 3 new buses entered Albania, while 642 were second-hand. The figure points to an urgent need to improve the state of urban transport, even with the help of the state, rather than merely collecting various kinds of taxes.

KUKËS — When we are all together, it is easier to defend democracy and political freedoms ILIR META: — Two years in opposition served the Socialist Party of Albania to establish itself, at home and abroad, as a democratic left-wing force. — At the “Hasan Prishtina” Cultural Palace in Kukës, at the district conference of the Socialist Party held on Saturday, Muhamet Bela, chairman of the Socialist Party in Kukës, discussed in detail, with concrete facts, three fundamental issues in the report delivered on behalf of the presidium: first, strengthening the party’s organization; second, the Socialist Party’s work to strengthen socialist local government in the district; and third, the Socialist Party’s alternatives for priority developments in the Kukës district. Speaking about the first issue, he emphasized that during the period between the two conferences the party had been reorganized and organizations had been established in the town and in 112. In the town alone, from the 6 organizations that existed in 1990, there are now 22 socialist organizations. From nearly 60 percent in 1990, the number of Socialist Party members in this district who come from the ranks of the former PPSH has fallen to 45 percent in 1994, while 55 percent joined the party after its foundation. The number of young people accepted into the party over these two years exceeds 1,300. In the first part of this year alone, 826 people were accepted into the Kukës Socialist Party across 6 age groups from 18 to 25 (Gjecaj, in the villages of Tejmol? Bairë Xha?erë), Nimce, Orgjos, Mbollë Bushat; Vile Tërshëne, Kryemadh Spas Arren, Gostil, etc.). Eighty percent of the members of socialist organizations joined the party during this six-month period. In the local elections of July 26, 1992, the Socialist Party became the leading force in Kukës, winning all levels of local government in the town and in 8 of the district’s 12 communes. Such a victory means that, when the DP initially reacted to the mentality of the “beginner” following the March 22 victory by arbitrarily usurping the powers of local government and transferring them to the police commissioner and the head of the bureaucracy. Recently things have gone so far that the government appoints almost as many employees to the Kukës District Council administration as in the neighboring district of Has, where the DP controls local government, even though Kukës has 13 administrative units and Has only 4. The socialist mayors and commune heads worked under difficult circumstances and in difficult positions among the people, because the government sends them only 30 percent of the social-support funds. “What have you done? You really announce a discussion at the conference, the DP government promised us Europe, but is taking us…” (Continued on page 3) (Vile Tërshëne, Kryemadh Spas Arren, Gostil, etc.) 80 percent of the members of socialist organizations have been admitted to of July 26, 1992, the SP emerged as the main force in Kukës, winning every level of local government in the city victory means that, if at the outset the PD reacted against the mindset of the “beginner,” following March 22 them to the police commissioner and the director of the bureaucracy, recently matters have gone so far that in the administration of the Kukës District Council the government has appointed almost as many employees as in the neighboring district of Has, where the PD while Has has only 4. Socialist mayors and commune heads have been operating under difficult conditions percent of the social assistance funds. “What have you done? You really announce discussion at the conference; the PD government promised us Europe, but is sending us...” Vile Tërshëne... (Continued on page 3)

. GRAMOZ RUÇI: — We are determined to use only democratic methods, despite the fact that the state today acts by antidemocratic means. — Unlike the reports presented to the Socialist Party conferences in the districts of Elbasan and Peqin, things were done differently in Librazhd. There, both the activity and the shortcomings in the functioning of the Party at the level of organizations, zonal councils and the district steering committee were presented realistically and seriously. The open criticisms, among other things, also expressed a desire to reflect on the demands of the socialist electorate and the party members themselves. While the fact that nearly 70 percent of the enterprises privatized so far have been sold to employee collectives was highlighted as positive, criticism was also voiced over dozens of cases of land being seized in various villages. Furthermore, although the closure of production activities at the ferro-nickel mines and other enterprises has left 7,200 workers without jobs, and now, most recently, the geological enterprise is also being placed under the authority of the Librazhd district, even though it carries out more than two-thirds of its work in Librazhd, he insists on close cooperation between district and commune councillors and the best specialists, with the aim of conducting joint studies and stat... (Continued on page 3)

. The alternatives announced by the SP serve the interests of an ever-growing number of people. But are these alternatives understood by intellectuals, businesspeople, the unemployed and farmers alike? The greatest number of discussions and debates at the Socialist Party conference of the Peqin district revolved around this idea. The report delivered on behalf of the steering committee points to the difficulties facing the SP in Peqin, ranging from the lack of necessary work equipment and the failure to provide a telephone (!) to the renewed class struggle and persecution of those who represent the ideas of democratic socialism. Peqin has remained a peripheral district with no prospects. Olive groves, vineyards and irrigation works into which major investments had been made were destroyed. Agriculture has been reduced to a wretched economy, producing for itself and little for the market, because farmers are forced to sell cheaply and buy at high prices. Faced with this worsening situation, people are seeking a new political solution and a change in the government’s course, so they can have a more secure life during the difficulties of the transition. Not only that, they are also seeking support, the speakers stressed. Despite the efforts and the growing results, the district’s steering committee to date had still been unable to ensure the normal functioning of the party. Etem Teqja and Hysni Meta focused on the few meetings with people, which is also the main failing in the party’s work. Many people still do not distinguish between a social market economy and a free market. Another delegate, Sh. Tosku, said: “I am a member of the SP in a city organization, but I have not had a party life, because the organization has not functioned.” Such facts, as well as the criticism that Peqin had become monotonous, voiced by one of the members of the party’s general steering committee leadership—a quite exceptional case—further intensified the debate at the conference. By identifying weaknesses, ways forward and recommendations for the normal functioning of the party were also put forward. The role and influence of SP representatives in local government was another subject of debate; Astrit Kazio in particular brought up and responded to this issue. Cases in which socialist councillors have reached an understanding with PD representatives... (Continued on page 3)

PEQIN (Continued on page 3)

in support of the demand for the release of FATOS NANO The Conference of the Socialist Party of the Kukës district, expressing the will of all members and sympathizers of the Socialist Party, strongly supports the demand for the release of Fatos Nano and for respect for human rights in Albania, trampled underfoot by Berisha’s government. The conduct of the trial at both stages held so far has fully proven the falsity of the charge and the fact that this trial is political through and through. The aim of the scriptwriters of this trial is the conviction and elimination of the opposition, the principal opposition party. The prosecutor’s submission and the decision of the trial panel have no legal character but have been worked out at the leadership headquarters of the Democratic Party, in the presidency and in the government. As such, they are dangerous, because they are installing a party-state in Albanian democracy and institutionalizing a legal system dependent on the state, which provides no guarantee for the protection of the rights of the opposition and the individual, leading Albania toward a neo-dictatorship. For all these reasons, strongly demands the release of Fatos Nano as an innocent man and a victim of political struggle, and appeals to the Court of Cassation to free itself from the influence of party and state orders and restore the dishonored standing of Albanian justice. The Socialist Party Conference of the Kukës district Kukës, June 30, 1994