Yesterday at the SPPA headquarters, SP Deputy Chairman Ilir Meta and MP Ylli Bufi received representatives of the International Republican Institute, Mr. Peter Dickinson, Mr. Julie Mashburn, Mr. Eric Jowett, Ms. Ann Wilson, and Ms. Veda Jellen. SP Deputy Chairman Ilir Meta briefed the representatives of the American Republican Institute on the political situation in Albania, focusing particularly on the issue of co-optation, the independence of the judiciary, and the state of the branches of the [unclear] and the opposition. Views were exchanged on increasing cooperation in internal seminars to be held by the International Republican Institute in our country. Press and Information Office

From SP meetings in the districts

Pogradec Albania needs cooperation among political forces Dr. SERVET PELLUMBI: I reaffirm once again the Socialist Party’s position in favor of cooperation with all the country’s political forces in the interests of the nation, including cooperation with the DP. At the meeting, it was said that the socialists of Pogradec have never lowered the level of their fair political struggle; this is shown by their dominance in local government, the result of the referendum of 6 November, and the ever-increasing requests to join the party. Last year saw 37 new members, mainly young people and intellectuals from various fields. Speakers pointed out the need to intensify work with the different sections of the population. This will be effective when the committees established offer these groups real solutions to their concerns. The Deputy Chairman of the SPPA, Dr. Servet Pellumbi, also spoke at the meeting. Among other things, he said: Our criticisms of the current government have been messages and alternatives for the electorate. The objections we have raised have given us the opportunity to develop alternatives now, for choosing them tomorrow. The chaos— (Continued on page 3) litical and the corruption in which the authorities have become mired are accelerating this process considerably. Not a few expressions are heard from well-wishers of our party, but also from provocateurs of various stripes, who are trying to sow negative opinions about [unclear] one of our party’s activities. We are a serious party, we have all the popular [unclear] with us, and any hasty action on our part would constitute an adventure. There has been no shortage of provocations against the Socialist Party; their aim has been to liquidate it. The imprisonment of Fatos Nano was among the most blatant. But our party not only stood by its chairman; it denounced his case as political and turned it into a symbol of the growth of its authority. Today, he pointed out, the situation in the country is highly explosive and charged with tensions of an extraordinary— (Continued on page 3)

Vlorë Realism in our alternative LUAN HAJDARAGA: Europe wants another alternative for governing Albania The meeting devoted particular attention to strengthening the party’s work in towns and communes (setting up committees within the party, etc.). Among the specific objectives are achieving 70 percent of SP victories in the village-head elections and doubling party membership this year compared with last year. Strengthening the work for the village-head election campaign in Novoselë and Selenicë was identified as a priority. Weaknesses were also identified in the commune of Vllahinë. Taking part in the debate, Comrade Luan Hajdaraga emphasized: With an organized, high-quality party present in every neighborhood and village, one cannot be caught unprepared in the elections. In this context, the work of the committees is important. They are structured around the vision of future governance. The committees should be optimally flexible and provide solutions. Answering the participants’ many questions, Hajdaraga emphasized that the SP has strong international support. The visit of the SP delegation to Brussels clearly showed that its alternative is an alternative for governing. Europe wants another alternative for governing Albania because it understands that the PD’s governing batteries have run out. Our neighbors, too, see guarantees in the SP. In our relations with Europe, we will build not on the principles of clientelism, but on partnership and cooperation. We believe Albania needs investment. But for investments to come— (Continued on page 3)

Gramsh We are preparing for tomorrow These days, the SP meeting in Gramsh held its proceedings. This meeting focused on the tasks facing the SP in this district, in order to better prepare for the PSSA’s political objectives for 1995, and also addressed the reorganization of committees within the SP in Gramsh. SP Deputy Chairman Ilir Meta and MPs Ylli Bufi and Bashkim Koci took part in this meeting. In his opening remarks, the chairman of the SP in Gramsh [said] among other things that it should respond, as always, to the objectives set by the political situation. Then, implementing the work plan of the reorganized committees attached to the district SP council and ensuring their effective operation will greatly help solve a number of problems in the district, and even more so after the general elections. Then the participants…

Yesterday, a meeting was held at the SDP headquarters between representatives of the SDP, SP, AD and PBDNJ and the group of specialists appointed by them, which prepared the Draft Constitution. The aim was to discuss the draft presented. During the initial exchange, constructive comments were made, which were approved by consensus by the representatives of the four political forces and the working group. Discussion of the remaining part was left open for another session on Thursday afternoon.

ISSUE OF THE DAY LABIE HESAPESHI AT THE HEAD OF THE DP Berisha demands Selami’s head Yesterday’s marathon meeting of the DP National Council has ended, but the troubles that its chairman Selami himself has caused for his party and the government with his new idea for approving the Constitution in Parliament have not ended. What has certainly ended is Selami’s illusion about the so-called “democracy within the DP.” Yesterday’s meeting had the same charac- (Continued on page 3)

On Sunday, February 19, 1995, a group of Albanian journalists set out on a working visit to the Kingdom of Denmark. This visit was made possible thanks to the care and funding of the Mi- Gentlemen Thoma Gëlli and Lorenc Ligori and journalist Remzi Lani. During their stay in Denmark, the Albanian journalists will meet their Danish colleagues and visit the journalism school of-

In the report presented and in the discussions by those present, the role of the party and the work done by members and sympathizers during the referendum campaign were highlighted, as were the strengthening of the party’s organizational work, the further expansion of its organizations, and the development of relations with new members. The need for better work by Socialist representatives in local government was stressed, as was the fuller implementation of the party’s program, with the aim of extending relations with new members and sympathizers. Taking the floor and responding to the interest of those present, comrade Gramoz Ruçi discussed the new political situation and the new tasks that have arisen for the Socialist Party, highlighting the fact that the party’s role is expanding and growing. He called the European Parliament’s victory and the many accolades there not only a clear message of the support that European democratic bodies have given us and will continue to give us, but also a result of the correct, constructive and democratic positions taken by the Socialist Party. He said that, further below, we are ready to present and discuss a contemporary and democratic constitution in accordance with European standards. He described the DP’s current state as a divorce from its electorate and from the other political forces. He also dwelt at length on the Nano issue, reiterating the position the SP has maintained since its earliest days, calling the whole affair a political fabrication by those who want to retain power through unfair political struggle. Continuing his explanation of the political situation in the country, he said that we are prepared to conduct, face and win the electoral campaign, he concluded. Correspondent of “Zëri i Popullit”

A clear emphasis was placed in the report and discussions on strengthening the organization and increasing the ranks of the SP, particularly during the past year in general and in the most recent period in particular. In Lurë, during November, the number of SP members increased by 20 new members; the work of the SP organizations in Gurë - Lurë, Arrëm, Fushë-Lurë, etc., stood out in particular. In Fushë Cidhën, there are now 5 party organizations, up from 4, with 15 new members admitted; in Kastriot, the number of SP members for the January-February period is 52. The same is true in Selishë, in the village where we have the municipality: there are 4 organizations, and the number of members in the municipality has increased by 6 new admissions. In Luzni, another new organization was established, covering all the villages. Further, analyzing the shortcomings and weaknesses observed, the speaker stressed the need to further strengthen SP organizations in towns and villages, establish new organizations, unite everyone in the ranks of the SP, and ensure proper representation through strengthening and revitalizing FRESHL. For the SP organizations in the town and the SP steering committee in the town, the need was raised for more direct work with intellectuals and other people in the ranks of the SP, and for defending them against the new attack launched by the DP. A. ASHIKU

Time has proved the true value of the joint PS–PASOK declaration and the inevitability of the attacks against it The main material, questions, interventions and discussions showed not only commitment, but also the quality of political thought. Perhaps this, too, is something noticed by the people and brings them closer to the SP. Since November 6 alone, 380 new members have joined. “Shall I read this program to the people?” asked the tireless activist from Dervicani, Spiro Maluqi, as he listened to the report. “If we approve it, it will be taken from door to door,” came the reply. Bashkim Fino, speaking in the discussion, said that we will not make empty promises as the DP did; we will say 5 and deliver 6, uncover the economic opportunities for the city’s development, and invest primarily in citizens’ livelihoods. Asking about free economic zones, Thomas Andrea asked whether Gjirokastra could become one and whether this was an all-election alternative for the SP. Free cross-border trade could be promised, he said, one day a month or a week. It was noted that we have more new members in areas where we are not in power. Bringing up the problems of his area and the results of his own work, the SP chairman asked, “Will they be restrained?” [text cut off] (Continued on page 3) The SP secretary part in these activities. In his opening remarks, the chairman of the Gramsh SP, Enver Qosja, presented a series of [unclear] that the SP has faced and will face amid the political situations. He then discussed the committees reorganized under the district SP steering committee and stressed that their effective functioning would greatly help resolve several district problems, participant [text cut off] (Continued on page 3)

On Friday, the SP Secretary General, comrade Gramoz Ruçi, and the chairman of the Durrës SP steering committee, Bardhyl Agasi, took part in a working meeting with members and sympathizers of district number 5 in this city. In the form of an exchange of views, the good work of this district, with 8 organizations, was highlighted in expanding its ranks with new members and broadening its activities in a wide variety of ways. Congratulating them on their good work, comrade Ruçi discussed several aspects of the political struggle being waged by the Socialist Party at all its branches and levels. He addressed the fight against corruption, the illegal privatization of the school, fundamental human rights and freedoms, the adoption of the constitution, etc. The Nano issue and the preparations the Socialist Party is making to face and win the upcoming election campaign took a prominent place. At the end, several members were admitted from among the Eurosocialists. Correspondent of “Zëri i Popullit”

set out for a one-week made possible thanks to the attention and funding of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The group consists of the chairmen of the two journalists’ associations, Preç Zogaj and Ylli Rakipi, as well as the editors-in-chief of the newspapers “Zëri i popullit” and “Rilindja Demokratike,” gentlemen Thoma Gjell visit Denmark’s journalism school, which has a cooperation program with Albanian journalists, and meet Danish parliamentarians and state officials. Correspondent of “Zëri i Popullit”

On Sunday, the deputy chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania, Servet Pëllumbi, went to pay a condolence visit to the Cenolli family in the village of Vashtëmi in the district of Korçë. A week ago, this family suffered an immense loss when 6 of its members died as a result of a car accident. Comrade Servet expressed his condolences to the head of the household for this grave loss. On this visit, the deputy chairman of the PSSH, Servet Pëllumbi, was accompanied by the chairman of the Korçë district SP, Niko Pandeli. Correspondent of “Zëri i Popullit”

In November of this year, the “Kadare” International Literary Prize, worth $20,000, will be awarded for the first time. The annual “Kadare” Prize is prepared and awarded by the “Velija” Albanian Cultural Foundation. Its jury, which is entirely Albanian and permanent, will include members from: The Advisory Board of the “Velija” Foundation The Albanian Academy of Sciences The League of Writers and Artists of Albania The University Renowned Albanian writers and translators. The names of the jury members will be announced soon. Velija Foundation Tirana, Albania