— Interview with SHKËLQIM CANI, Chairman of the Privatization Commission at the PSSH, by editor Hamdi Jupe — — Lately, there has been much talk about privatization, especially after the meeting organized by the President of the Republic on privatization through securities. Please tell us, according to your understanding, what does privatization represent within the overall structure of economic reform? — Privatization is the transfer of property from the state to the individual. That is the brief definition of the concept of privatization. But privatization presupposes to the private owner, either directly—that is, by means of an immediate transfer—or through intermediate forms. Restructuring may also be considered part of privatization, which means that intermediate forms may be used in the privatization process, such as transforming enterprises from state enterprises into public or joint-stock companies. Another form may be the management of enterprises by private hands: the property remains public, but its managers operate as private actors. Another form may be for some parts or units of an enterprise to become private, while other parts remain public. Or, within an enterprise, shareholders may be both private and public. So there is a variety of forms, and all of them are part of the concept of privatization. It seems that the current government is using only one of these forms (which I do not agree with): the direct transfer from state ownership into private hands, without pursuing intermediate forms. How do you explain this approach to privatization by the government? — These approaches should be tried alongside one another, and whichever proves more successful should gain ground and be implemented. But to carry out a total transfer all at once without improving the necessary supporting elements of privatization seems wrong to me. By supporting elements I mean the banking and financial system, management support and training—especially for future managers—familiarizing shareholders with the necessary concepts, and so on. From what we can see, the PD intends to make total privatization through securities a fait accompli. According to them, the relevant draft law may be submitted to Parliament within February. Does the Socialist Party have a defined platform on this matter, and if so, what will it do if the draft law is presented to Parliament? — The Socialist Party has already declared its position on this issue. In principle, it supports privatization through the securities method as well. It does not rule out this kind of privatization as one of the many forms of privatization. Privatization through securities is part of the privatization strategy in the Socialist Party’s platform. Accepting this does not mean that we are unaware of the shortcomings inherent in this form of privatization. Indeed, there are theorists and particular schools of economics around the world that oppose it. But, having considered the circumstances and shortcomings of this form of privatization, the Socialist Party has stated that it supports it. The Socialist Party’s position in Parliament will be determined by assessing the specific draft law that is presented. The Socialist Party does not prejudge the issue and has always maintained that what is best for the majority of the population and what can… the people should be implemented. If a path and an opportunity for dialogue are found, we will accept a parliamentary debate on this issue. You say you will not prejudge it. But there is a problem that cannot easily be bypassed. What will happen to the privatization carried out so far, which the Socialist Party has essentially criticized? — The privatization carried out so far is an issue …the concept of privatization. Apparently, the current authorities are using only one of these forms (something with which I disagree): transferring property directly How do you explain this method the authorities are using for privatization? “This is explained by the desire of the state to get rid of what it owns and hand it over to the individual, on the grounds that ‘the private sector is more capable than the state and will bring about the abundance the people are waiting for.’ That is one theory. Another theory of privatization is that it is a process that will take time, however much we may try to speed it up. In my opinion, using intermediate forms during the privatization process allows the state to ensure that each form of ownership—public, mixed, or private—”

The television information mafia and the shattering of the opposition’s mirror — Albanian Television under the heel that divides Albanians — The information machine gun in the hands of the Albanian regime continues to fire. Serving the politics of the dark presidential salons, the dark government salons, the dark party salons, the brand produced after 22 March 1992—whose mistakes can be seen on TVSH—strikes despicably, with phantom news and scandalous commentary that insults everyone. Barbaric acts intended to smear people of culture, science, politics, Albanian patriotism, and the Albanian opposition. This information crime, founded on public deception and intended to divide Albanians and create interethnic tension, is becoming increasingly evident at this pivotal moment when Berisha’s chair is wobbling. And as the chair wobbles more and more frequently, the criminal game makes the nation, the Homeland, and the Albanians of Kosovo and Albania its characters. But when everything becomes clear, the mark of a scratch that is difficult to repair remains plainly visible on the face of the Albanian state. This is tragically serious because… Tirana, no longer believe in «Tirana». Would you like one, two, three… many facts? On Thursday, TVSH broadcast a report in its 16:00 news bulletin saying that well-informed sources had reported that Socialist MP A Angjeli and his wife had attended an ultranationalist Greek rally organized by Northern Epirus associations. Months earlier, this same TV, in several news bulletins, broadcast claims that Imami, Çeka, Çupi had sold the Albanians of Kosovo to the Serbs. Months earlier still, in even more news bulletins, TV broadcast day after day that Abdurrahman Halili, Abdurrahman Halili, everywhere ham Ppartia e Prosperitetit of the Albanians of Macedonia, sold the Albanians… Let us move forward in time. In special programs made by the head of PSD propaganda, opposition leaders Dokle, Hajdaraga, Zeneli, Coka and Imami were placed beneath the slogan: «They blame Albania». There is more, but the truth is this. Socialist MP Anastas Angjeli was in the highest circles of official Europe as part of a successful delegation of the Albanian Socialist Party. Brussels is not Piraeus; the European Parliament is not a stadium in Piraeus; Europe’s highest commissioners are not representatives of Northern Epirus associations. The truth is that Frok Çupi, considered an enemy by the regime, has never been to Belgrade, and neither Ceka, nor Imami, nor Ngjela sold the Albanians of Kosovo; they defended the Kosovars, their concerns, and brought Albanian politics into the modern age. The truth is that neither Halili, nor Haliti, nor the PPD have been threatened, because their brothers do not see them as merchandise, as Mendu Thaçi or someone else does, but as people who have a right—the right to form a state. The truth is that neither Dokle, nor Hajdaraga, nor Zeneli, nor Ceka, nor Imami blamed Albania and the Albanians, but Berisha and the officials. (Continued on page 1)

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the victory over fascism: On 4 February, the Tirana District Committee of LANÇ Veterans, in cooperation with the Association of the Fallen of the Albanian Committee, organized a commemorative meeting in the city of Tirana on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of the infamous massacre of 4 February. On 4 February, the Tirana District Committee of LANÇ Veterans, in cooperation relatives of the families of martyrs, as well as prisoners… The commemorative address was given by the veteran writer and member of the Presidium of the National Committee of LANÇ Veterans, comrade Selman Vangari, who, among other things, said: and … remain alive and indelible in the memory of the people of Tirana…»

MPs Teta and Imami seem to have prepared themselves for a major confrontation. After the interpellation and press conference, where they presented documents and directly accused the Ministry of Defense and its minister, Safet Zhulali, of involvement in the trade in arms, fuel and cigarettes, going so far as to accuse our Ministry of Defense of having come under the influence of Serbian secret services, it was now Zhulali’s turn to respond with a threatening retort, showing his «teeth». «I’ll soon ask the Prosecutor’s Office,» Teta said; «I’ll send investigators to the Prosecutor’s Office,» he replied to the questioner, in response to the accusations made by the PAD deputies, as reported by an RD journalist. Continuing his answer, which occupied the main place in the newspaper’s layout… Deputy Teta, who… because of the undeniable successes of the Albanian Army, the «Belgrade kiss-ups» are furious. Continuing the idea raised in Parliament that Mr. Teta is «the most incompetent minister» the Albanian Army has ever had, Minister Zhulali stepped up his accusations, demanding that Deputy Teta respond to «a retort» about his special ties with Serbian and his own country’s secret services, for which, according to Zhulali, he will be held accountable… But Zhulali’s accusations and threats from the other camp have not aroused even the slightest sign of fear. Asked about the matter, Deputy Teta appeared very calm, telling «Zëri i Popullit» that he would welcome that too, and that he was ready… For such a thing. We are prepared for any kind of confrontation, in order to defend the truth and the law. But there is no doubt that Zhulali himself, or MPs Teta and Imami, entered this «duel» prepared, taking into account even a threat of this kind from Zhulali, who at such moments has always managed to find the door of the Prosecutor’s Office. But before setting off, he would do well to leaf through his «military record of court cases», in each of which he may have ended up losing… Perhaps he managed to defend the truth and the law. Adrian Myslimi

— U.S. State Department report — The U.S. State Department report states that during the previous year the Yugoslav government continued to openly violate human rights. According to the report, during the previous year the police killed 17 Albanians; 11 of them were shot, while the rest died in custody, as a result of ill-treatment or from injuries sustained. The report cites serious cases of police violence and the killing of women in Kosovo villages, while authorities with armored vehicles stopped their car. Last year Serbian police killed other Albanians who were looking out of a window. Although the law prohibits torture, the report says, the Human Rights Protection Organization reports that police beat thousands of Albanians during searches for weapons, and also took deposits, causing damage, while using physical force against detainees. The report gives specific examples of deaths, including a list of cases such as one in Kacanik, who, according to the Serbian police, jumped from the fifth floor. But photographs of the body, the report says, show signs of brutal torture.

The project for the tourist area has been approved, and the building plots will be allocated. There are no fewer than 1,500. There are 1,500 applications for private hotels alone. In the district, applications have been submitted by those who have made requests, and by others. But very little thought is being given to what comes next. We do not want what happened in Ksamil to happen again, where a wonder was destroyed and ruined. Saranda has developed little so far, but it attracts money. Its turn will come tomorrow. And perhaps the construction will be funded with private capital. T.P. D.

Employees of the Devoll District Water Enterprise are very concerned. Their semi-budgetary enterprise is on the verge of bankruptcy. Their concern is justified: they wonder how things will turn out, and whether their names, too, will be added to the social-assistance registers. This is not an extraordinary event in the period of Albania’s transition. What is unusual is that the enterprise still exists today, even though it seems extremely necessary for an agricultural district such as Devoll. All the more so because the enterprise itself has every opportunity to survive. The problem, however, lies in what its director, Piro Tytimçe, is doing, acting on his own. That is precisely why a group of workers drew up a petition and sent it to the President, the State Audit Office, and the district branch of the PD. To date, there has been no reply. Not even from the party offices, which have put the enterprise under their wing. Thus, the employees had the opportunity to see how committed they were to the fight against corruption. As the workers point out, their director is corrupt. The drivers Kujtim Meka, Agim Pylli, Remzi Berberi, and Feri-don Plepi say that whenever the director sends them to work at private businesses, he instructs them: “I get 60 percent of the profits; if you don’t like it, stay here in the yard.” He has put the court in “azap”; moreover, in its name, he put six workers who had signed the petition on assistance. When they asked why such an injustice was being done to them, Mr. Piro refused to have any dialogue with them, and instead called in the security forces, who forcibly escorted them out of the enterprise. The governing council does not exist at all; therefore, the director does whatever he wants with the enterprise. In violation of all state rules and regulations, he has concentrated the enterprise’s financial activity in his own hands, performs the duties of supplier, and even acts as the enterprise’s storekeeper. His abuses are very serious, many employees say. But the district leaders turn a deaf ear and a blind eye. No one dares say anything to him. (Continued on page 6)

Economics, you know The villagers, who do not believe they can still be called farmers, line up outside our gates: “Would you like some milk?!” They do not come to see the town; they get up very early, milk the cows, pay for the bus, queue at the houses they have arranged with, then look for other gates and timidly press the doorbell. Most of the town has not yet woken up. The market economy is not a natural economy of produce and sell; that is not so simple. It is an economy of contracts. But where are the vehicles for collecting milk and other village produce? Where are the dairies and modern small factories? Where are the village collectors and processors who should come and buy at the farmer’s gate? Do you have milk to sell, gentlemen? Local produce, the farmers’ produce, is made only to be fresh and … And it should not be …; it will revive this economy itself. Trade has the cash up front and the collection and packaging. Our production is always …

How do you explain this method the authorities are using for privatization?

On Monday at 12 o’clock, the Presidium of the Socialist Party of Albania will hold a press conference at its headquarters concerning the visit of the party’s delegation to the European Parliament and the European Commission in Brussels. Representatives of the press, radio and television, and the diplomatic corps accredited in Albania are expected to attend. PSSH Press and Information Office.

. Last night TVSH tried to keep the morale of the Albanians and Minister Zhulali high by broadcasting several reports about… radiojazz when he was the protagonist. This was done to show the «Belgrade kiss-ups» that in Albania the unbreakable unity of the Ministry of Defense and television is unbreakable, and that in this unity all those who try to make even the slightest breach will break their heads. Neither the publication of the documents concerning the «Sotirios» ship nor those concerning the other ship, «Vela Luka», will be able to dislodge the television heroes from their battle positions. They know their duty well. The Tirana District Committee of LANÇ Veterans, together with the Association of the Fallen of the Albanian Committee, organized a commemorative meeting in the city of Tirana on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of the infamous massacre of 4 February. Participants in the gathering included members and relatives of the families of martyrs, former prisoners and internees in fascist camps, Tirana LANÇ veterans, deputies of the People’s Assembly, representatives of political parties and associations, and representatives of the arts and sciences. Comrade Qemal Shehu, deputy chairman of the Tirana District Veterans Committee, opened the meeting. He emphasized: «The blood of the martyrs, the fiery years of LANÇ, our partisan ideals, and the contribution of our people’s struggle are highly valued and defended today by many parties and associations established in our country; they are valued today by the entire people, and by the whole world.» … Comrade Selman Vangjari of the National Committee of LANÇ Veterans spoke, among other things, saying: «Even though 51 years have passed since that month, the people of Tirana still bear the living and indelible pain and bloody devastation of the massacres of 4 February and of that entire blood-soaked month of 1944. Those who fell on 4 February, on that dark, cold, macabre and unforgettable night, rise up and accuse. That unparalleled massacre has entered the history of the city of Tirana as the most barbaric, violent and bloody act committed by the German Nazis during the entire occupation of Albania, with the direct and immediate assistance of the Balli-Zogist collaborators, quisling traitors to the Albanian nation, sold to the occupiers of the “Kosova” regiment, as well as Xhafer Deva and Xhelal Staravecka.»