On March 23 of next year, the Second Ordinary Congress of the Socialist Party will convene. This is the biggest event in the life of the party during a four-year period. The congress will analyze the party’s work during this time spent in opposition and will define the objectives of the next election campaign. The period since the previous congress, held in June 1992, has affirmed the Socialist Party of Albania as the main force of political opposition in the country, as a serious party with great responsibility for the fate of the country and of democracy. Through its representatives in parliament and in local government, the Socialist Party has made a valuable contribution to the consolidation of democracy. It has been the initiator and supporter of all political actions that serve the building and consolidation of democracy in the country, the establishment of a market economy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, Albania’s integration with the world, etc. During this time, PSSH, although in the minority in parliament, has become a powerful opponent of the laws, decisions, and arbitrary, anti-democratic, and unconstitutional actions of the PD government. Even when it has been unable to prevent the adoption of anti-democratic laws because of the PD majority in Parliament, it has succeeded in raising public awareness of the great dangers these actions posed to democracy. This four-year period helped the Party consolidate all its structures, making its presence in our country more organized and more determined. The lively activity of the Eurosocialist Youth Forum, the Socialist Women’s Forum, and the commissions within the Party have given this broad momentum more and more life every day. During these four years, the Socialist Party has successfully faced the violence and political and police pressure of the PD government. It imprisoned its leaders barbarically, including Fatos Nano, on charges that, in the eyes of the Albanian and international public, supported his innocence and the generous backing of political morality. It[?] did not lose its calm in the face of provocations from the government, prudently avoided extremism in its actions and the gains of this government, and ensured mature self-restraint, with the belief that time would work in its favor. These and the activities of the Socialist Party during these four years have been marked by broad and effective democracy within its ranks. Its democracy has been embedded in the Party’s program and statute, has found expression in public opinion, in its broad membership, in the daily life of local committees, and in the activity it has carried out and continues to carry out. E[?] this democratic spirit has meant that, even with an unquestionable[?] past and future history, the Socialist Party has not lost its energy. (Continues on page 6)

“Our society still suffers from a lack of democracy and from abuse of power.” Namik Dokle Deputy Chairman of the Socialist Party Read on page 2

The small parties have been lulled to sleep with the sole aim of eliminating them or drawing them into forced coalitions. Dr. Kastriot Islami Read on pages 3-4

Ardit Gjebrea or Osman Mula?...Maybe. But there are also other contenders. Ardit Gjebrea or Osman Mula?...Maybe. But there are also other contenders. The song festival on Radio and Television, undeniably the most prestigious event and at the same time the most beautiful tradition that has carried the Albanian year-end for 34 years, has tonight the final night of Fest '95. Zhani Ciko, director Grabocka, Marin Karmo, Alqi Boshku[?], the functional set designer and the entire Festival staff together with the composers, poets, and the winners and let’s leave those singers, instrumentalists, etc. to us post-festival. Only the viewers and donated during the past nights together with certainly have placed a beautiful bouquet, prepared with the misfortune of the presenters for taste and culture. Only not to forget the words that naturally link the show with the difficulty of expressing the host Reiz to. Reiz Çiço, apparently accustomed to Çiço, but first and foremost to be given with the pre-prepared texts and with pleasure to Albanian art lovers and engaged in the anti-commission to add new values to the tra- tigenocide is not able to day of our cultivated song. fulfill the demands of the show, which During all three nights we got to know with less than everything the competing songs. Without wanting to do analyses, we would not exaggerate to say that the songs of Osman Mula, Ardit Gjebrea, Flamur Shehu, Limos Dizdari and some others stand out for special values. Meanwhile the interpretive virtuosity of Luan Zhegu, Ludmili Kushdo do të fitojë sonte? Ardit Baballëku, Ardit Gjebrea, Manjola Nallbani, Ledina Çelo, Kozma Dushi, Mihri Brahja not by chance won the warm applause of the spectators present in the hall. What about the weaknesses? Tonight is the night of ef- But who will win tonight? Ardit forts. In any case, let us wait hoping Gjebrea or Osman Mula? Maybe. for pleasant surprises from the fantasy But there are also other contenders. of Ciko and Grabocka. Let us wait, hoping for pleasant surprises from the fantasy of Ciko and Grabocka. Correspondent of "Zëri i Popullit"

The Editorial Office of the newspaper "Zëri i Popullit" extends greetings to all compatriots: Merry Christmas! May you always have kindness and prosperity in life!

THE SMALL SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ABC CULTURAL SPACE On pages 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 The silence of intellectuals Political cannibalism. Two stories by Betim Muço, etc.