ALARMING SITUATION: ALBANIA WITHOUT ELECTRICITY The energy crisis—the most telling indicator of the general crisis in which the Albanian economy finds itself. No excuse can conceal the Government’s responsibility. Albania, which electrified even its most remote villages on October 25, 1971, has, at the end of 1994, a capital city without electricity. Even before yesterday’s government meeting, the energy situation was alarming; the situation was extraordinary. Therefore, in this context, the meeting has no value, because it solved nothing. Yesterday’s meeting should have been held in the spring, perhaps in April or May. This situation was expected. The problem did not arise yesterday. It has been troubling Albanian life for a full four years, although the Meksi government has taken no measures. This is the fourth year that citizens have spent most of the winter without electricity. What has been done? Where are the promises; where are the investments? We all know that the economy is not working, which means that the major consumers of electricity are not operating. Have the café-goers alone caused this difficult situation? That is rather hard to believe. Citizens do not want words; they want swift, concrete action to overcome the difficult situation. Deputy Prime Minister Shehi, who has also been appointed chairman of the government commission for electricity supply, should know that his own party’s government established such a commission two years ago, too, chaired by Bashkim Kopliku, but it solved nothing. Not only that, but the situation became even more difficult. We do not mean by this to speak out against emergency measures, but they must be appropriate, and everything must not be left until the last minute. Albania is a member of the international energy system, with its own network, and it has not been waiting for Mr. Shehi to solve this with yesterday’s meeting. Therefore, no excuse can conceal the Government’s great responsibility. This is its third year in power. It should at least have solved this problem. Citizens are ready to cooperate and contribute, because it was Albanians who electrified the country, reaching even the most remote villages, on October 25, 1971. The theory of bringing things down to zero leads you here. And a government that works toward zero will get zero. Albania is without electricity. Does the Government and Parliament know this fact? ...

— The only solution: saving electricity — Yesterday, in the 4 p.m. news bulletin on RTV, we heard that an emergency government meeting had been held to discuss the extremely difficult situation in our energy system. Then Deputy Prime Minister Bashkim Shehi appeared on television and said ... have fallen. Nearly a month ago, our government discussed supplying the population with electricity and heating. Shouldn’t our hydroelectric reservoirs have fallen to the appropriate average level and ...? This situation did not arise within a ... we are told that production by industry will be interrupted. What industry are they talking about? The plants and factories stopped production long ago, and the electricity they might have used is now being consumed by the numerous kiosks built throughout the country. It was said that the thermal power stations would be brought into operation. But, as far as we know, they do not work either, because our coal mines no longer produce. We also understand that the local hydroelectric plants in some districts are not operating because they have fallen into a poor state. They are calling on the population to save electricity and ...

Yesterday morning, PSSH deputy chairman and chairman of the Foreign Policy Commission Ilir Meta, and PSSH Presidium member Dr. Maqo Lakrori, received Roger Mogert, a representative of the Swedish Social Democratic Youth, at the headquarters of the General Steering Committee of the PS. He is making a two-day visit to our country at the invitation of the Eurosocialist Youth Forum. They briefed one another on developments in their respective countries and focused in particular on the opportunities offered by the democratic socialist alternative for the advancement of society, in accordance with each country’s circumstances.

KUKËS The hunger strikers are determined to pursue their demands — Two weeks on hunger strike. 16 people hospitalized — Yesterday marked 15 days since the hunger strike in the district of Kukës began. Thus, a full two weeks have passed during which all 113 people confined there have been fighting with all their strength to win their rights and have their demands met. They also disagree with the views being expressed and discussed by the Government and representatives of the local authorities in Kukës. They learned about this discussion through television and also from the meeting Uk Todaj held with the hunger strikers last night. The hunger strikers are determined to secure the fulfillment of the President’s demands and the Government’s decision. The condition of those confined is worsening. Yesterday another four people were hospitalized, bringing the total in hospital to 16. One of them underwent surgery for appendicitis. Most of them are suffering from stomach problems and high temperatures. Every day, the people confined on hunger strike receive various medicines from doctors, who visit the hunger strikers regularly. Yesterday afternoon, the PD deputy Ali Spahia, presidential adviser Fatos Harizi, and several other people whom the hunger strikers do not know arrived in Kukës. They discussed the issues raised in the Government in recent days. But those confined on hunger strike did not agree; they held a heated discussion and insisted that their demands be met: that they receive the money in cash, and that the loans and land be recognized as building plots. At the same time, the hunger strikers insisted that the President himself come to talk and discuss their grievances together in connection with their demands. Ali Spahia and the others who came here repeated the same points that government officials have made before. But the hunger strikers are determined and will not end the strike until their demands are met. It was therefore agreed to hold another meeting, and the hunger strikers will decide again what will be discussed. Their courage and determination are further strengthened by the residents of villages in the flooded areas, who remain outside the strike. Correspondent of “The People’s Voice”

Tirana The Eurosocialist Forum moves toward the full consolidation of its structures THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SWEDISH SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC YOUTH TAKES PART AND OFFERS GREETINGS Discussion of the country’s current political situation and the departmentalization of the second national meeting of the Albanian Eurosocialist Forum on January 15, 1994, was the subject of yesterday’s meeting of the steering committee of the Albanian Eurosocialist Forum in Tirana. Opening the meeting, the chairman of the Forum, Pandeli Majko, stressed that the political situation is favorable and that our task is to make effective use of it. Today, he continued, our Forum sets the pace for the life of Albanian youth. The concrete results we have achieved through our activities are, as we explain, a source of increasing conviction that we will accomplish them successfully, he said. The representative of the Swedish Social Democratic Youth, Roger Mogert, had also come to take part in the meeting. Speaking, he said: “I am happy to be here, not only because I am the first Swedish representative and because I am in one of the most powerful organizations in Albania, but also to offer congratulations on its full membership in the Socialist International.” In his remarks, the Forum’s deputy chairman Ilir Zela focused on the results achieved in the November 6, 1994 referendum on the Constitution and the work of the Eurosocialist youth during this event. “The situation is such that we must congratulate ourselves with new political initiatives.” Representatives of the Eurosocialist youth from various districts of the country then spoke, highlighting the results achieved in their work and also pointing out shortcomings. The need for rigorous discipline in the life of the organizations, in accordance with the Forum’s program and statute, was emphasized. In this connection, it was decided that all Eurosocialists who have acted contrary to decisions adopted by the Forum or to its program and statute must be immediately removed from its ranks. Ilir Meta, deputy chairman of FRESSH, described the organization of the Forum’s second national meeting on January 15, 1994, as extremely important and stressed that this date coincides with the third anniversary of the founding of the Albanian Eurosocialist Forum. “By now,” he continued, “the Eurosocialist youth is making its presence felt worthily not only within the country but also in the international arena, earning a dignified place in European democratic institutions and beyond. At this meeting, on this occasion, we will set out clearly defined activities, highlighting the role this Forum has and should play in the country’s political life. At the same time, the need to improve the Forum’s statute and program will also be emphasized. Only by taking effective measures,” he concluded, “will we be able to carry out the tasks that lie ahead.” Correspondent of “The People’s Voice”

Yesterday, in the 4 p.m. news broadcast on RTV, we heard that an emergency government meeting had been held to discuss the extremely difficult situation in our energy system. Yesterday, in the 4 p.m. news broadcast energy system. Then Deputy Prime Minister Dashamir Shehi appeared on television and said that our energy system had never been in such a state in the past 100 years. The government remembered very quickly to discuss this problem. It is known that there has been no rainfall in our country and several other countries for months. with electricity and heating. Was it not known that the water levels in our hydroelectric reservoirs had fallen to the required average level? This situation did not arise in a day or a week. It had been known about for several months. But we can say that during that time the government was busy preparing the Constitution and holding numerous meetings about the referendum. It was said that now, in this situation, they are opening the doors of several faculties to Albanians in Macedonia: Philology, Philosophy, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Law and Economics, and the Arts. The financial resources of this University are initially expected to be obtained on a voluntary basis. ... to bring the thermal power plants into operation. But, as far as we know, they are not functioning either, because thousands of tons of coal are no longer being produced. Also, as far as we are aware, the local hydroelectric plants in several districts are not working because they have fallen into a poor state of repair. The population was again called upon to save electricity for cooking and heating, and to use kerosene and wood-burning stoves more. But it is known that the price of a ration of firewood has doubled or more compared with the months of July and August. Correspondent of «Zëri i Popullit»

A NOTABLE EVENT: The University of Tetovo is established in the Albanian language Yesterday, the university in the Albanian language was founded in Tetovo. Because of the pol[?]ical circumstances, the inauguration did not take place in the University building, part of which in Tirana from the budget of the police, but in another venue, in the presence of representatives of the Albanian political forces in Macedonia. The common [??] this notable event for the Albanians of Macedonia

- According to «Zëri i Amerikës» - During a visit to the USA, Zef Brozi, president of the Court of Cassation, said, among other things, in an interview with «Zëri i Amerikës»: “The meeting with Ambassador Rikard Çifter at the National Security Council was also of interest; he expressed interest in the current standards of justice in Albanian courts. As for recent developments in Albania, Mr. Brozi said that time will show how serious the government’s decisions to fight corruption are. Mr. Brozi said: I want to say that one of the causes that affe[?]ted and led to the negative fate of the draft constitution was the corruption of today’s government officials. The people see today, the people are watching, the people do not forgive. First and foremost, it is right that they lead this fight: the Albanian prosecution service; the government itself and parliament.”

Around 6 million voters will go to the polls on Sunday in early parliamentary elections. These are the eighth elections since 1990, when the first multiparty elections were held in Bulgaria. The current elections are being held a year ahead of schedule, [unclear: “gatë 1 vit para afatit të zakonshëm, siç?”]. They were brought about by the deep political crisis that engulfed the country after the fall of Prime Minister Beron’s government. In the 1991 elections, the Democrats won. But the government of the Democratic Forces of the Fitol Union [unclear] the parliamentary majority and began with [continuation unclear]. ... social [conditions] and the country’s income. In the 1991 elections ... On Friday, with simultaneous rallies by the two main parties in Sofia and the parties’ final statements on television, the campaign came to an end. According to observers who followed it for a month, it was conducted calmly and without excesses. During this period, the political temperature rose sharply in the pages of the newspapers of the two main parties, «Duma» of the BSP and «Demokracia» of the BDF. On Friday, other newspapers devoted more space to publications about footballer Stoickov, who had been named footballer of the year for the fifth consecutive year, than to the election campaign. State television generally covered the campaign impartially. There are three main political formations competing in these elections: the Bulgarian Socialist Party, headed by the Agrarian Union; the Union of Democratic Forces, which includes (continued on page 6)

AN ALBANIAN TRADER MANAGES TO OPEN A SUPERMARKET With an initial investment of more than 200 thousand dollars just for renovation, an Albanian trader has managed to open a supermarket. In this way, the old market of 21 Dhjetori, near the embassy district, regains its long-lost character. More than 700 food products, alcoholic drinks, detergents, cosmetics, as well as fruit and vegetables, all in separate sections, are displayed in an area of around 600 square metres. According to the representative of the «Vefa» company, prices around 10 percent lower than those at other retail outlets will attract customers from every category. The products on display are various Italian, Hungarian, Dutch, Belgian, Greek and Turkish brands, but there is also no shortage of the highest-quality goods produced locally. Correspondent of «Zëri i Popullit»

MIHAIL GORBAÇOVI IN “THE PEOPLE’S VOICE” Does Gorbaçovi sleep peacefully? Do sins, secrets, and schemes plotted behind the back of the former socialist bloc trouble his soul? How does the former Kremlin chief explain the great disappearance covered up by the press and propaganda? You will learn all this in the exclusive interview Mihail Gorbaçovi gave in Moscow to journalist PAVLLO GJIDede, which will be published on Tuesday, December 20. And what has he thought about Albania, and how does he see the prospects for its relations with Russia?

— According to “Voice of America” —

From December 20 until December 20, 1994, contracts for the sale of the newspaper for 1995 will be concluded. All legal entities and individuals who have previously had dealings with the newspaper, as well as others who wish to begin this activity now, must appear at the editorial offices within the dates specified above. Those interested must have: 1. An authorization from the Executive Committee of the Socialist Party in the relevant district, stating its approval of entering into this contract. 2. The relevant license permitting this type of activity. 3. Bank confirmation proving that accounts with the newspaper have been settled up to the above date. 4. Unsold copies of the newspaper. No contract will be concluded if any of these required documents is missing. THE EDITORIAL OFFICE

On Tuesday, 20.12.1994, at 10:00, a meeting of the KPD of the Socialist Party will be held with the following agenda: «Problems and duties of Socialist representatives in local government at the current stage». Members of Parliament from the PS and the chairpersons of district and municipal councils are invited to attend the meeting. In districts and municipalities where the PS does not have a majority, the heads of the Socialist councillors’ groups are invited. The Presidium of the PS of Albania.