We Albanians have the right to be proud in this 50th anniversary In the charged atmosphere created by the rally of hundreds and hundreds of people from Kavajë in the square in front of the “A. Moisiu” cultural center, the final meeting with voters of the candidate for President of the Republic, Mr. Rexhep Meidani, continued yesterday in Kavajë. Referring to Kavajë in the 17 years after the fall of the dictatorship as “a lost paradise,” Mr. Meidani stressed before those present that “we all know that 17 years ago Kavajë was a beautiful city with 20 state enterprises. Some of these 20 enterprises are today bankrupt or provide work for 50-100 workers. This means that the economic level of a large part of Kavajë families has fallen sharply.” The candidate for President of the Republic further praised his program on two fronts: to be governed under the rule of law by an impartial president, free of party prejudice, and with an efficient central and local government, which, as he said, is the governing platform of the Alliance for the State, in order to seek a radical improvement in the lives of Albanians. “As President of all Albanians, I will be strongly committed to achieving social peace. I will encourage the free individual and his initiative through a market economy with a human face. I will strengthen political stability by placing at the center of attention constructive political dialogue between the majority and the opposition, as well as efficient cooperation between central and local government,” Mr. Meidani said, among other things. Speaking about Albania’s role in the Balkans, the candidate for President of the Republic said that “the geostrategic position of our country is decisive in the region, and therefore the world must turn its eyes toward Albania with a consolidated democracy. Our country needs to enter quickly into European and Euro-Atlantic structures.” This closing meeting in Kavajë ended in an enthusiastic atmosphere with the chants “Rexhep Meidani president” and with a festive concert organized by the candidate’s election штаб. (Continued on page 2)

Distribution of privatization vouchers began Continued from page 1 Further promises and enthusiasm are being offered by President Berisha and his candidate for president, Mr. Meksi. The latter, assessing the current situation as a “victory,” said that the people are being “freed” from the “communist prison” and are being invited to celebrate. But what kind of celebration can an unemployed, hungry, and hopeless people, who have taken to the roads of the world, possibly have? What can pensioners celebrate with pensions that barely secure their daily bread? Or perhaps they are supposed to celebrate political revenge? Only the Albanian government seems satisfied with the IMF’s and the World Bank’s stance on the results of the “successful” reform! Berisha’s government presents the destruction of the economy and the mass exodus of Albanians as a “miracle.” Such “miracles” are being repeated today with the distribution of privatization vouchers. They are being handed out as a “gift,” at a time when the country’s assets are being bought and sold by a handful of people close to power. It is essential that privatization be carried out by law, with transparency and public oversight, and not turned into a tool of propaganda and election fraud. D. K.

Speech by Dr. Servet Pëllumbi, Deputy Chairman of the Socialist Party Comrades, The list of candidates approved on 29 November 1944 by the Presidium of the KANÇ, which included prominent antifascists such as Omer Nishani, Myslim Peza, Ymer Dishnica, etc., was signed by Enver Hoxha. Why, then, 50 years later, does Berisha honor him with the “Order of the Flag,” while at the same time calling others “communist occupation”? It is clear that the reactionary right-wing forces, led by Dr. Berisha, cannot tolerate our people’s affection for the antifascist ideals, for the glorious heroes and martyrs of the National Anti-Fascist Liberation War, because with this movement they linked all their own grand dreams, the fate of Albania and of Albanians for more than 50 years. That is why they do everything possible to deny our liberation war, to present it as a civil war, and to deny the leading role of the PKSH, which very quickly became the promoter and organizer of a mass movement on a nationwide scale. It is no coincidence that the right-wing propaganda and its press, especially the newspaper “RD,” which for 25 days has been stigmatizing the Peza Conference, the Mukje meeting, and even 29 November as an “anti-national holiday,” but not only that. On 26 November 1994, in the same newspaper “RD,” an indecent attempt is made to keep silent not only about the progressive national movement of the 1920s and 1930s, but also about the National Liberation War that massively involved the entire Albanian people, calling it “trampled Albanian sovereignty.” To discredit our war, right-wing authors and the circles serving them are putting forward a new version, according to which our country was not liberated but only “occupied by the Yugoslavs.” And, in a perversity without equal, referring to our antifascist national liberation war, they date this “occupation” to 29 November 1944. According to this logic, during the Second World War Albanians did not fight the Nazi-Fascist occupier, but were all “Yugoslavs”! All their struggle is aimed at justifying the rehabilitation of betrayal and collaboration with the occupier, which the Albanian right of the 1990s is manifesting in various forms and ways. Under the guise of fake democracy, it is doing everything to strike at the country’s interests and its national independence, while ignoring the sacrifices, blood, and magnificent work of the generation of the War. Nothing discourages us or makes us hesitate. We are certain of our people’s right to liberation, freedom, and democracy. We are certain that regimes may change, but the dignity of the nation and the antifascist ideals cannot be denied. They are part of our historical and moral being. (Continued on page 2)

Solemn meeting of LANÇ veterans dedicated to May 9 The National Committee of LANÇ veterans organized a solemn meeting yesterday on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the victory over fascism. War veterans, leaders of the veterans’ organization, and other guests took part in this event. The speeches highlighted the historical contribution of the Albanian people in the National Anti-Fascist Liberation War and the importance of preserving antifascist traditions. It was emphasized that May 9 remains a great date for the peoples of Europe and for all progressive humanity. D. I.

On the eve of the Tenth Albanian Film Festival (Continued on page 2) On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of cinema and within the framework of the cultural activities of the month of May, preparations are under way for the Tenth Albanian Film Festival. This event will bring together creators, directors, actors, and film scholars from across the country. The program includes film screenings, discussions, and assessments of the achievements of Albanian cinematography over the years. The festival is also expected to serve as an opportunity to reflect on the current situation of Albanian film and its prospects in the new conditions. (Continued on page 2)

Support for non-governmental organizations Tirana, 6 May (ATA) - Representatives of the Swiss foundation “FSHSH Civile” held a press conference yesterday in which they presented the objectives of this institution in Albania. According to the foundation’s program director, Mr. Hans Groth, the “F.SH.SH. Civile” foundation began its activity in Albania at the end of 1993, with the main objective of supporting non-governmental organizations active in the fields of economic development, democratization of social life, and education. He said that “F.SH.SH. Civile” sees Albania as a country of special interest for the advancement of democratic processes and private initiative. Meanwhile, the foundation’s director for Albania, Diter Canger, announced that to date 120 Albanian foundations and associations have been assisted with concrete projects in the fields of rural development, education, health care, and support for women.

TIRANE: in the traces of the people, the military oath ceremony is being prepared Interrupted and distorted for a long time, this tradition of the Albanian Armed Forces will soon be revived on the occasion of our Army’s holiday, on 10 July. For this purpose, meetings and consultations are being held with veterans of LANÇ, former military personnel, and the families of martyrs. The ceremony now being prepared will be attended by units from Tirana and representatives of social organizations and youth groups. Courtesy: Zëri i Popullit