Join us for true democracy SECOND CONGRESS P.S.SH 23–24 MARCH 1996 SECOND CONGRESS P.S.SH Join us for true democracy. SECOND CONGRESS P.S.SH 23–24 MARCH 1996.

A few moments before the proceedings of the Second Congress of the PS began, amid applause from the hall, a group of young Eurosocialists carrying red roses in their hands came up onto the stage from both sides. With these beautiful flowers, which they placed in a basket in the middle of the stage, the youth—the future of the country—greeted the congress. To the strains of the magnificent song “For You, Homeland,” sung by Mentor Xhemali, the 13-member presidium of the Congress took its seats. The opening address was delivered by the PS deputy chairman and FRESSH chairman, Ilir Meta. The National Anthem was performed. “We are here to criticize what has been done badly and to affirm our alternative as the best for bringing the country out of the crisis into which it has fallen, and for its democratization and modernization,” Ilir Meta said, among other things, in his opening address. After introducing the many delegations that had come to the Congress from various European countries and from parties across the Albanian political spectrum, Ilir Meta gave the floor to the Party’s deputy chairman, comrade Servet Pëllumbi, to deliver the Congress’s political report. Comrade Pëllumbi’s speech was frequently interrupted by the hall’s approving applause and chants such as “The PS will win,” “Victory, Victory,” “Fatos Nano, Fatos Nano,” etc. In his speech, comrade Pëllumbi announced the PS’s objective in the coming elections: A victory for the Socialist Party with over 50%, and, together with the other forces of the left and the centre, a victory securing 2/3 of the seats in parliament. The main message the congress sends to the Albanian people is: Join us for true democracy. The message sent to the Congress by the PS chairman, comrade Fatos Nano, from Tepelena prison stirred particular enthusiasm and emotion in the hall. It was presented to them with emotion Continued on page 2

Honourable delegates and guests, Since the majority of delegates are present, allow me to declare open the proceedings of the Second Congress of the PSSh. This Congress is convening at an important moment in Albania’s recent history, just ahead of the approaching parliamentary elections. These elections will serve as a full invitation for Albania onto the true path of democracy and a social market economy. To achieve this, a new parliament with a new majority is needed. We are here today to show that we are prepared for this change, that we are determined to win a majority in the next parliament. We have come to this Congress to criticize what has been done wrong in these years and, above all, to affirm our alternative as the best for the development and consolidation of democracy and the continuation of economic reforms, and to show that we are capable of implementing social policies in keeping with the needs of the majority of the population. That is why we are asking for the votes of the Albanian people, and we are convinced that most of them will give their votes to the Socialist Party. After such a difficult and painful past, Albania needs balance, understanding and dialogue. It needs social peace, not artificial tensions. It calls for cooperation and understanding among political forces, not hostility between them. Albania does not need political prisoners, as it had so many during Enver Hoxha’s dictatorship. It had quite a few during these past four years as well. It still has the chairman of the Party, Fatos Nano, in prison. Our country, its image and its future cannot accept this. We Socialists, by demanding the release of political prisoner Fatos Nano, together with the other political forces and our European friends, guarantee Continued on page 2

The Second Congress of the Socialist Party of Albania —a splendid manifestation of solidarity