246 women and girls chose self-sacrifice so that the government would hear their voice Yesterday at 12 noon, 246 people—all women—began their strike. Before this, a demonstration was held from the textile combine to the cinema club, a distance of about 1 km. The demonstrators carried various banners in their hands, such as “Down with the corrupt,” etc. The police tried to detain the chairman of the district independent trade union, Përparim Çuadari, as well as the vice president of the BSPSH General Council, Ylli Kapllani. But the protests and determination of the women on strike led to their release. Those occupying the building have taken up positions in the offices of the “Tekstilisti” cinema club, on the first and second floors, which they had emptied. The strike began in accordance with all the prescribed rules, and they are determined to continue it until all their demands are met. The police are on full alert and are watching from a distance. Deputies Tefik Ajazi and Peri Deshnica met with the women occupying the building on hunger strike, as well as those outside. It was said that government representatives were expected to arrive in Berat yesterday, but no one had come by 2 p.m. Correspondent of “Zëri i popullit”

Greece’s Foreign Minister, Papulias, in Tirana Serreqi: “I am optimistic that realistic tones and objective assessments will characterize our talks” Papulias: “I come to your country with the political will of the Greek government to work so that this cooperation will be significant in the interests of both our peoples” Yesterday at midday, Greek Foreign Minister Karolos Papulias arrived in Tirana for a two-day visit. At Rinas Airport he was welcomed by his Albanian counterpart, Alfred Serreqi, and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the staff of the Greek diplomatic corps in Tirana. Also present were the Greek ambassador to Tirana, Kristos Tsaliqis, and the Albanian ambassador to Athens, Hysen Çabei. Shortly before Mr. Papulias’s arrival, the Albanian Foreign Minister, Mr. Serreqi, told the press that Mr. Papulias’s visit would help create an atmosphere of trust and would also provide a basis for continuing the positive relations between the two countries. Serreqi also described the Greek foreign minister’s visit as a positive indication of goodwill. These relations, Serreqi stressed, are of mutual interest, and he also described them as very important for the Balkan region. According to Minister Serreqi, Albanian-Greek relations should not undergo major fluctuations, with an amplitude ranging from deep crisis to euphoria. Rather, he said, they are determined by certain essential factors, by certain constants, which will be addressed by both countries, as well as by the influence these relations have in the region. Asked about the agenda, Minister Serreqi did not specify it, stressing that it was full of many issues whose importance depended on their priorities. Meanwhile, regarding the agenda for these talks, President Berisha also said at his press conference last Thursday that the agenda was open, but that it was important to include elements that could be resolved. Yesterday afternoon, the two delegations began talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the outset, the two ministers met and spoke one-on-one for more than 30 minutes. At the beginning of the official talks, Foreign Minister Serreqi said, among other things: “I welcome you once again to Albania, considering your visit a demonstration of the political will to ... (Continued on page 4)

The Sovereign Is the Best Judge The Socialist Party’s deputy secretary, Dr. Sërvet Pëllumbi, left the “ball” in Berisha’s court. At a meeting of the Socialist Party’s Mat district organization, he invited Berisha to an open televised debate, where the latter could defend before Albanian and international public opinion his attacks on the opposition, and especially on the Socialist Party. Pëllumbi’s invitation to the President of the Republic and de facto chairman of the PD comes at a tense moment in Albania’s political situation. On the one hand are the opposition’s criticisms of the general crisis the country is experiencing. On the other hand are the efforts of the authorities. On the other hand, Berisha is trying to shift the blame for the major failures of this government onto the opposition. At a time when Berisha’s government has closed every avenue of communication with the opposition, an open televised “duel” would be the only way for each side to set out its arguments. The best judge of this “duel” would be the sovereign people themselves, who would give the politicians representing them the marks they deserve. Pëllumbi’s invitation to Berisha demonstrates the Socialist Party’s high level of political maturity. Television debates are well-known democratic forums for presenting ideas and alternatives, widely used in civilized countries. Although the Socialist Party has had all its proposals for a round table of parties rejected, and although it has been attacked and denounced in an unprecedented manner by the President of the Republic, it is still extending its hand in dialogue and debate. Such a debate would make Berisha leave the loopholes of the presidency, from which he attacks the Socialist Party through the radio and television under his control, and enter the “men’s arena” of open political debate. The Socialists have issued the challenge. It is now up to Berisha to respond. If he feels confident in the arguments behind the positions he propagates, let him do so face to face with the opposition, before the eyes of the people. In this case the risk and the victory are the same for each side. Regardless of who wins or loses, one thing is certain: Albanian democracy will benefit from this debate. Otherwise, it is clear that refusing the “match” amounts to a walkover victory for the other side.

ILIR META: The Constitution has been and remains an irreplaceable priority of the PSH On Saturday, PSH Deputy Chairman Ilir Meta and the head of local government in Skrapar held a broad meeting with the residents of Çorovodë about local-government issues, in the town’s cinema hall. The meeting was opened by PS deputy chairman Bashkim Myftari, Çorovodë Mayor Kim Nurellari, and district council secretary Venetik Zaimi. Local deputies were also present at the meeting, as a result of their work and authority in addressing people’s problems and concerns. They then answered questions from those present, who also criticized the local government’s work to date, calling for greater responsibility in exercising its powers and for more contact and transparency with the people. PSH Deputy Chairman Ilir Meta also spoke at the meeting. He stressed the need for frequent meetings with the electorate and for local-government leaders to reflect on the observations and suggestions made by citizens. Ilir Meta stressed the need to adopt the Constitution, as an irreplaceable priority for all political forces. (Continued on page 2)

On the trail of the arms scandal: According to the Bulgarian newspaper “168 hours,” INTERPOL and the Bulgarian PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE have documents signed for the Albanian side by Prime Minister Meksi and Defence Minister Zhulali, and for the Bulgarian side by former Prime Minister Ljuben Berov and former Defence Minister Aleksandrov. A senior Bulgarian military officer wanted in connection with the Albanian arms deal was arrested in recent days on the premises of the Bulgarian embassy in Moscow. This information is reported by the Russian newspaper “KOMSOMOLSKAJA PRAVDA” and is published in the 13 March 1990 issue of “DU-MA,” the organ of the Bulgarian Socialist Party. The arrested officer is 62 years old. After receiving 23 million leva, the gold—[?] the competent authorities, arrested in recent days. (Continued on page 2)

The town out for a stroll It is astonishing to see Përmet in the morning and afternoon hours, a town where people stroll as they used to. A remnant of tradition, in peace and security, a way to kill time? Most explain it as a kind of gathering of the many who have no work. The town thus remains a neglected corner, finding it very difficult to become part of the rhythm of the other life that has only just begun.

The board does not seem to have a lucky hand. The former state-owned enterprises that were privatized are not working. And they are not small. The Garment Factory is not working; the Food Factory is not working, with its workshops full. Why? The bank does not support them with loans, and the owners do not know what to do with the assets in their hands.

The town has 3,000 families; 600 of them are below the minimum subsistence level (although there is no official indicator) and apply to the municipality for financial assistance. Of those 600 families, 230 have their applications approved. They receive assistance, but not for March. The municipality still has no assistance funds for this month. It should be said that 30 percent of the population is below the minimum subsistence level. And only 50 percent of them receive assistance from the irregular aid funds.

The municipality has still not received this year’s budget. It is still early, since last year it arrived in April too. We are still in March. At the end of [?]rres, in April and March the budget opens. Whether we like it or not, we wait [?]. TIANAS DINO

A group of Albanian politicians and intellectuals from several political parties and organizations make up this group of protesters, and they condemn [the text is unclear]—the democratic and social-democratic [parties] have condemned [it]—in a protest telegram to President Gligorov concerning the violence used against Albanians on the occasion of the inauguration of the University of Tetovo. The telegram asks him to revoke and condemn the orders authorizing the violence and to release all those who have been imprisoned. Correspondent of Zëri i popullit

CHRONICLE OF TRANSITION FROM PËRMETI The city out for a stroll