CIVIL WAR - IN ALBANIA
Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2023 2:29 pm
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CONTENTS :
INTRODUCTION
PART ONE
Short Chronology Events In Albania 1991-1997
PART TWO
Documents Relating to the Communist Party Albania . Reprinted materials Communist Party Albania; Nostra Lotta (Italy); KPD (Germany); and Evrem (Turkey);
PART THREE :
Albania, The Balkans, & The continuing Inter- Imperialist Struggle Between USA & EEC
_____________________________________________
INTRODUCTION
We have received communications from parts of the Communist Party Of Albania, which ask that international Communists and Marxist-Leninists disseminate news of events in Albania. We readily and happily comply. In May 1996, Alliance had already analyzed the events around the fraudulent so-called elections (Please see Alliance Number 21 : Special Bulletin :'Recent Events in Albania & Kosovo').
In Issue 21, we contended, that the rapid and vicious attack upon the Red Structure in Albania, contrasted with the slow and stealthy attack on the Socialist state of the USSR. We also pointed out that the 1996 fraudulent elections, had resulted in widespread condemnation of Berisha's capitalist leadership by international bodies such as the Human Rights Watch and the Organization for Security & Cooperation In Europe (OSCE). We pointed out that the events in Kosova complicated those of the Balkans, where the inter-imperialist war by proxy of the USA and the EEC imperialists was taking place (See also Alliance Number 18 : Events In Former Yugoslavia & Roots of Great Serb Chauvinism'). We then suggested that the USA was trying to extricate itself from support of Berisha, in order to have a more 'stable' client-state situation in Albania. Finally we ended by the statement that :
"The legacy of the Hoxha years is the higher class militancy and understanding of the Albanian peoples, that will result in a relentless struggle to re-gain their socialist state... The Party of Labour of Albania is being re-built."
We believe that in large measure, the picture painted in Alliance Number 21 was right. We ourselves, were unable to confirm this directly from within Albania itself. Our own contacts had been with elements of the Communist Party Albania, who had collaborated with the initiatives of "International Struggle Marxist-Leninist" (See International Struggle Marxist-Leninist Issues 1 & 2; 1996-1997; Toronto). We were forced to deduce that our Albanian comrades were perhaps imprisoned. Since that time, events have moved rapidly. Clearly, a Civil War is now taking place in the former Socialist state of Albania. Unfortunately it takes place in the context of a State that has already viciously suppressed, at least some of leading Marxist-Leninist elements of the former Party Labour Albania (PLA).
Most of the recent information that we in Alliance were able to obtain, till that point, was from the bourgeois press. We are sincerely, doubly indebted then, to 'Nostra Lotta' ('Our Fight' - Rome, Italy), and to Rafael M (Both working with other parties and organisations of the Quito Grouping around the journal "Unity & Struggle" . [See Alliance Number 19: "Towards a New Comintern: Problems And The Trends Today", which describes our differences with the approach of the Quito grouping] ) who have made available to us, documents, signed as coming from the Communist Party of Albania (CPA). In this issue, we will :
I) IN PART 1 : Give a very simple chronology of events since 1991.
ii) IN PART 2: Reprint materials from the CPA & helpful articles and interviews by Nostra Lotta & KPD (Germany); and from the Turkish paper Evrem - printed in Germany;
iii) PART 3 : Examine how Albanian events dove-tail into current imperialist plans for a world re-division. This attempts a brief up-date, to our previous analysis of the situation in Albania.
Alliance has never shirked from its view expressed in one way or another, in all its work, that apart from the USSR under Lenin & Stalin, the world has seen only one other proletarian socialist state - The People's Socialist Republic of Albania (PSRA).
We are aware of difficulties that must face the CPA. We know, that Marxist-Leninists forces working inside war conditions of subterfuge, cannot be totally open internationally, or even, nationally (See Statement of CPA CC member to interview with Turkish paper Evrem, published in Germany- In Part Two, this issue). Although we have no access to party documents that can authenticate a Party programme, we must and do assume, that the CPA leadership, are the true heirs of the former, Enver Hoxha's, great PLA.
It should not be surprising, given the massive repression following the death of Hoxha and the revisionist take-over by Ramiz Alia, if there is some considerable confusion inside Albania. Perhaps it may even extend to genuine Marxist-Leninists. Suppression, with consequent secrecy makes open organizing communist practice difficult - if not impossible. No doubt, any such confusion is naturally greater for comrades outside Albania, who are straining to understand who exactly are the participants in the struggle. This struggle has now taken on the dimensions of a class based civil war.
Standing outside Albania, at the sidelines, we do not suggest any other path than that of Hoxha and his heirs. We believe that the party leadership of the CPA knows its own conditions best of all. But, whilst hesitating, lest we give meaningless and fatuously easy-to-give advice from the side-lines, we do urge our Albanian comrades, on only one matter. That is to make clear their Programme, as far as this is possible. This will surely have many positive effects inside Albania. For us and others outside Albania, it would lead to a better and wider sympathy of their heroic struggles - one that is tempered by an understanding of their positions. Current different interpretations exist regarding the present situation in Albania. Such an open statement of Programmes would assist clarification.
We freely state, that for some time we have not had the possibility of direct communication with elements of the CPA. However, we have to surmise, in the absence of concrete information to the contrary, that ALL elements that have operated under the names of the Communist Party Albania, are ALL in the forefront of the struggle against imperialism and internal fascism and revanchism led by Berisha.
We would sincerely like to express our wish, to all those in the Communist party, and those working with it - strength and victory in their current heroic struggles.
LONG LIVE THE WORKERS AND PEASANTS OF ALBANIA!
LONG LIVE THE HEIRS OF THE PARTY LABOUR ALBANIA! LONG LIVE ALBANIAN SOCIALISM!
LONG LIVE THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF ALBANIA!
PART ONE . A BRIEF CHRONOLOGY OF RECENT MAJOR EVENTS IN ALBANIA (1989-1897).
Two initial reminders
November 1982: Ramiz Alia replaced Haxhi Lleshi as President of the Presidium of the People's Assembly.
April 1985. Enver Hoxha dies. The USSR state message of condolence is rejected. Ramiz Alia replaces Hoxha as First Secretary of the PLA. Alia pledges to "uphold the independent policies of Hoxha". Nexhmije Hoxha (Enver Hoxha's widow) is elected Chairman of the General Council of the Democratic Front Albania.
Chronology:
February 1988 Balkan meeting of all six Balkan nations -all meet first time in 50 years.
Early 1989 Relations with Yugoslavia deteriorate rapidly, many ethnic Albanians killed in Kosovo.
November 1989 An "amnesty' for all political detainees is announced. December 1989 There are major "anti-Government" demonstrations in Skhoder. The exiled Royalist Lekha urges from his South African exile, that the"Albanians" revolt.
January 1990 Ramiz Alia announces : "Political and economic reforms" including : choice at elections; decentralization of economic planning; a reduction of capital offenses from 34 to 11.
Foreign capital allowed in establishing of "Joint Ventures".
Anti-state agitation and propaganda is no longer an offense. 'Economic reforms' also announced. Passports to be issued for all travel purposes.
July 1990 Anti-Government forces occupy streets of Tirana. Exodus of Albanian emigrants, occupy the grounds of foreign embassies demanding 'evacuation as refugees'. Multi-national agencies coordinated by the UN evacuates in total more than 5,000 persons.
November 1990 By now the Council of Ministers And the Political Bureau of the PLA has been purged. Announcement for elections to beheld in February 91.
December 1990 Announced that elections will be accompanied by "establishment of independent political parties." Nexhmije Hoxha 'resigned' from the Chairmanship of the General Council of the DFA, is replaced by Adil Carcani (who is replaced in mid 1991). Several ministerial portfolios removed from incumbents.
1991 Albania joins World bank, the IMF, and new European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD).
February 1991. Ramiz Alia declares Presidential rule, with an 8 member Presidential Council. Adil Carcani was replaced as Chairman of the Council of Ministers by Fatos Nano , a "Progressive economist". Nano was already Deputy Chairman from January. Severe street battles with anti-Hoxha forces winning streets. Elections postponed to March.
March 1990 It is estimated that some 20,000 people have emigrated from Albania and sailed to Italy. Now a further "general amnesty"is declared for all political prisoners.
July 1990 Albania and USSR formally agree to restore diplomatic relations. March-April 1991 13 March-7th & 14 April: Elections show victory for the PLA :
PLA & affiliated parties win 169 out of 250 possible seats. The Democratic Party (DPA) wins 75 sets; The Democratic Union of Greek majority (OMONIA) wins 5 seats. The DPA alleges electoral malpractice aimed at the victory of the PLA.
Diplomatic relations between USA & Albania established.
April 1991 Interim Constitution replaces the Socialist constitution of 1976. Country re-named as the Republic of Albania (Formerly the Peoples Republic Of Socialist Albania). Ramiz Alia lost his seat in the elections, but is elected to the new post of President by the People's Assembly. But President Alia resigns from leadership of the PLA to accord with the rule of the new constitution. Fatos Nano still of the PLA, now Chairman of Council of Ministers.
May 1991 Union of Independent Trade Unions (UITUA) newly established. Initiates a general strike for higher wages and reassignation of Government. June 1991 Nano government steps down. Government of "national stability" appointed led by Ylli Bufi. This is a coalition of PLA, DPA, The Albanian republican Party (ARP), the Social Democratic party (SDP), and the Agrarian Party, and 9 other 'independent parties'. Gramoz Pashko leader of the DPA appointed Deputy Chairman.
At the 10th Congress of the PLA, the PLA re-names itself the "Socialist Party of Albania (SPA).
August 1991 Arrests start of former PLA official and leaders. Manush Mytfiu, former Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers arrested for "abuse of power". New focus for demonstrators is to arrest former PLA officials.
November 1991 DPA threatens withdrawal from Coalition government unless new elections by February.
December 1991 Government collapses. Widespread food riots.
1992-1994 Average annual rate of inflation was 50.6%. The transition to "market economy" had led to steep & high unemployment. By mid 1995 this official stood at 18% of labour force with in mid-1994, official figures showing that estimated 15% labour force worked aboard.
January 1992 Assembly reads a new law on "public order" citing food riot deaths.
February 1992 New electoral law proposed with reduced seats (from 250 to 140). By new definitions, parties labeled either as 'legitimate' or otherwise. OMONIA - declared banned as partaking elections as it "represented an ethnic minority". Greek minority launches widespread unsuccessful protests.
March 1992 General Election. DPA received 62 % votes of first round and wins 92 of 140 contested seats. SPA obtains 26% votes & 38 seats, SDP 2 seats & ARP 1 seat. Official figures claim 90% participation. Ramiz Alia resigns as President. People's's Assembly votes for Sali Berisha as President. New Government introduces "extensive programme of economic reforms, providing for the transfer to private ownership of farm land, state owned companies & housing, and the abolition of trade restrictions and price controls.
May 1992 Albania & the EEC sign a 10-year agreement on trade and cooperation.
June 1992 Albania with 10 other countries sign Black Sea Economic Cooperation Group agreement, projecting an economic bloc to 'complement' EEC.
July 1992 Amendment to law on political organizations outlaws the Albanian Communist Party. CP Chairman Hsyni Milloshi arrested in Tirana charged with illegally owing a gun. Decree granting Albanian citizenship on request, to Albanians resident overseas. Multi-party local elections: SPA wins 41% votes; DPA wins 43%.
September 1992 Albanian Democratic Alliance (ADA) formed with a split in the DPA.
September 1992 18 former Communist official including Nexhmija Hoxha arrested. Also arrested was Former President Ramiz Alia
December 1992 Albania applies to join NATO. First of the "Eastern European"countries to do so.
1993-1995 Following IMF stipulations: Strict programme of high interest rates, reduced subsidies banking liberalization & trade reforms, inflation 'under control'. During 1993-1995, Albania exhibited the highest economic growth rate in Europe.
January 1993 Nexhmije Hoxha imprisoned for 9 years on grounds of "embezzling state funds".
February 1993 Attorney General Maksim Haxhia arrested , former Prime Minister Vilson Akmeti arrested; Fatos Nano arrested. Mainly these are all on charges of "abuse of power".
May 1993 Former CP members appeal for the re-legalization of Communist party to Supreme Court of Appeal. Appeal is Rejected.
April 1993 Fatos Nano trial commences. Nano convicted of misappropriation of state funds from 1991. Sentenced to 12 years.
In Kosovo, several Albanians killed by Yugoslav guards on border. Albania requests UN Peace keeping mission in Kosovo - rejected.
July 1993 Ramiz Alia pleads 'not guilty' to ' abuse of power', convicted, sentenced to 8 years.
1994 Albania reaches a visible trade deficit of $146 million on the current account of the Balance of Payments.
March 1994 Berisha asks 'international community to make relaxation of sanctions against Yugoslavia contingent upon settlement in Kosova.
April 1994 After long deterioration in relations between Greece & Albania, relations flare following border 2 Albanian guard are killed. Albania joins NATO"partnership for peace" programme of military cooperation.
May 1994 Greek minister of Foreign Affairs attacks Albania; blocks provision of funds from EEC.
July 1994 SPA deputies try to introduce a vote of no confidence.
September 1994 OMONIA members accused of high treason since July convicted to 6-8 years imprisonment. Recall of ambassadors from Greece & Albania.
November 1994 Failing to obtain a two-third's majority in the Peoples Assembly for approval of the draft Constitution, Berisha holds a referendum. The draft - & by extension Berisha opposed by SPA, grounds being that it would 'increase power of President & diminish that of the Assembly". 84.4% of the people's partake of referendum, draft Constitution rejected by 53.9% of votes. New call for elections.
1995 Privatization programme moves from small scale to large sale enterprises, under a scheme with distribution of vouchers to selected citizens. The debt load of Albania of US$500m of commercial debts had been defaulted upon in 1991. New agreement extends foreign bank penetration & loans. By Mid 1995, 96% total farm had been re-distributed to private ownership.
March 1995 Chairman DPA Eduard Selami dismissed at an extraordinary Party Congress for opposing Berisha's efforts at organizing a new referendum. Alleges corruption.
May 1995 Italy stations troops at costal borders and at sea to "stem influx" of economic refugees. 5 SDP deputies confined to house arrest on shallow charges of financial mis-dealings.
June 1995 Ilir Hoxha son of Enver Hoxha convicted of 'inciting national hatred for denouncing leaders of the DPA in a newspaper interview". Hoxha had alleged that the DPA favored by Prosecution Services, in a campaign to actively discredit the former Communists prior to elections of 1996.
July 1995 Ramiz Alia ordered released by Supreme Court. Following Ilir Hoxha's conviction, Berisha muzzles press further : announces that the distribution of newspapers & magazines was to be restricted to government owned kiosks & state bookshops. Albania joins Council of Europe, agreeing to adopt a new Constitution and to correct 'human rights' issues.
August 1995 Law allowing for the sale & purchase of land is enacted.
September 1995 People's Assembly adopted law on "genocide & crimes against humanity during communist rule, prohibiting those in power during 1944-1991 to hold public position until 2002." SP deputies abstain and denounce legislation as 'political vengeance'. Minister Justice dismisses 3 Supreme Court judges owing to their previous Communist activities. The Chairman of Supreme Court Zef Brozi, follows up his earlier accusation of 'undue pressure on judiciary', by challenging the Minister's authority to dismiss employees of the Court and refuses to accept the decision. Security forces deployed to prevent 3 judges from entry to Supreme Court. Brozi refuses to acknowledge the Constitutional Court, where earlier Government have field charges of human rights violations against him. Brozi's grounds :'Constitutional Court illegal since 19922 since no law exited to regulate its function". Brozi had recommended the review of the case of Fatos Nano earlier in the year. By amendment of the Penal Code by Berisha's Assembly, Supreme Court forced to abandon its review of Nano's case.
November 1995 Parliamentary Commission launches inquiry into findings of mass grave near Shkoder, allegations against Ramiz Alia in connection with this dating to his 1991 ordering to kill persons attempting to flee the country. Further probes into former Communist office holders are held.
May 1996 Albania's first Stock market opens. Trading limited to Albanian Treasury Bills & to Privatization vouchers for 70 state enterprises.
September 1996 Judge Mehid sentences 9 communist former officials to prison terms ranging from 15-20 years for "crimes against humanity". Among sentenced are Llambi Gregpritti Former PLA/CP chief of Tirana; and Idayet Beqiri leader of Party national Unity & formerly PLA head in Kruja. This was the fourth trial of former PLA leaders since 1991.
1996 More than eighty people infected with polio, and 11 died.
January 1997 Suspicions that Democratic Party officials & Berisha 'hand in glove', 'on cosy terms ' with "Pyramid" fund operators, of various fraudulent schemes become widespread. About $US billion (equals 43% of Albania's current GDP) consumed in fraud, about 800,000 people from a population of 3.8 million defrauded. "American financier George Soros, published the following call to arms on January 16, just as the schemes were collapsing: "The money-borrowing schemes, the failure of which is striking the major part of the population, constitutes the ideal time (for) the opposition (ie The Socialist Party) to return to life by (turning) the displeasure of the victims to the development of its policies. " Wash.Times.
February 1997 4 people die in clashes in Vlora sparked by the bankruptcy of the Gjallica pyramid scheme in which many Vlora residents had invested. "Hundreds of thousands of Albanians had invested up to $1.5 billion in several pyramid funds, which paid off initial investors with later investors deposits. Gjallica at the time of its collapse had some 400,000 depositors. Up to 400,000 people daily gathered in Vlora Feb 5-123 to demand that the Government repay their lost investments. Protests turned violent. Police shot.
Feb 10th State of emergency declared in Vlora. Premier Aleksandr Meksi calls on Parliament to deploy police.
Late Feb "Just as European Union foreign ministers had agreed in late February on a statement that did not support early elections - to the dismay of the Socialists - U.S. Ambassador Marisa Lino held press conference where she again called for early elections." Wash.Times.
March 1 Massive protests again in Vlora. Police shoot dead 13 people.
March 4 Albanian parliament imposes curfew, orders 'armed rebels' to surrender. Berisha sacks premier Meksi. Demonstrators take parts of Saranda & Vlora & Gjirokastra.
March 5 State TV blacked out. BBC & Voice of America broadcasts in Albanian shut down. Tanks mobilised. Foreign residents flown out by Italy. Italian & Greek officials 'spearhead' calls for EEC to intervene.
March 6 Army bases plundered by rioting civilians, & arms taken. Berisha fires army chief of staff General Sheme Kosova saying :"Gen. Kosova was failing to defend army barracks in the South against looters'. NATO Secretary Mr Javier Solana rules out NATO led actions, but leaves possibility of individual foreign country action.
March 8-9 Berisha stops all army actions and offers 'amnesty' to 'rebels' in exchange for a surrender of arms. Rebels in all parts of the country, especially South, refuse demanding "new elections, resignation of President Berisha, & formation of government of 'technocrats'".- says Colonel Tzavar 'military leader of rebels in Saranda".
March 10 'We can no longer speak of the army in Gjirokastra'.. Mr Xhevat Kociu a rebel elder. Berisha comes under pressure from both EEC & USA to resign.
March 11 Berisha agrees to : 'amnesty, and establishment of 'national reconciliation government', elections by June supervised by international agencies, elections to include participation of the Socialist Party. Rebels reject this offer.
March 13 Berisha gives premiership to Mr Bashim Fino Socialist Party , a 'move applauded by US diplomats'. Continued looting of arms depots throughout the country.
March 17 Both USA and EEC debating how and when to enter Albania. 'Signs emerging that US and other Western countries may be urging Mr. Berisha to step down, despite his insistence to stay put till June elections'. Italian, French,& Greek troops enter the country.
April 19 Leka, son of former King Zog, goes to Albania.
Sources : The Above Has Been Complied From A number of sources: The European World year Book 1996; Volume 1, 37th edition, London 1996. ISBN : 1-85743-019-0;
Keesings Contemporary Archives 1996;
Facts On File 1996-1997;
'The Australian'; March 4-17;
Globe And Mail;
Guardian Weekly;
Washington Times.
CONTENTS :
INTRODUCTION
PART ONE
Short Chronology Events In Albania 1991-1997
PART TWO
Documents Relating to the Communist Party Albania . Reprinted materials Communist Party Albania; Nostra Lotta (Italy); KPD (Germany); and Evrem (Turkey);
PART THREE :
Albania, The Balkans, & The continuing Inter- Imperialist Struggle Between USA & EEC
_____________________________________________
INTRODUCTION
We have received communications from parts of the Communist Party Of Albania, which ask that international Communists and Marxist-Leninists disseminate news of events in Albania. We readily and happily comply. In May 1996, Alliance had already analyzed the events around the fraudulent so-called elections (Please see Alliance Number 21 : Special Bulletin :'Recent Events in Albania & Kosovo').
In Issue 21, we contended, that the rapid and vicious attack upon the Red Structure in Albania, contrasted with the slow and stealthy attack on the Socialist state of the USSR. We also pointed out that the 1996 fraudulent elections, had resulted in widespread condemnation of Berisha's capitalist leadership by international bodies such as the Human Rights Watch and the Organization for Security & Cooperation In Europe (OSCE). We pointed out that the events in Kosova complicated those of the Balkans, where the inter-imperialist war by proxy of the USA and the EEC imperialists was taking place (See also Alliance Number 18 : Events In Former Yugoslavia & Roots of Great Serb Chauvinism'). We then suggested that the USA was trying to extricate itself from support of Berisha, in order to have a more 'stable' client-state situation in Albania. Finally we ended by the statement that :
"The legacy of the Hoxha years is the higher class militancy and understanding of the Albanian peoples, that will result in a relentless struggle to re-gain their socialist state... The Party of Labour of Albania is being re-built."
We believe that in large measure, the picture painted in Alliance Number 21 was right. We ourselves, were unable to confirm this directly from within Albania itself. Our own contacts had been with elements of the Communist Party Albania, who had collaborated with the initiatives of "International Struggle Marxist-Leninist" (See International Struggle Marxist-Leninist Issues 1 & 2; 1996-1997; Toronto). We were forced to deduce that our Albanian comrades were perhaps imprisoned. Since that time, events have moved rapidly. Clearly, a Civil War is now taking place in the former Socialist state of Albania. Unfortunately it takes place in the context of a State that has already viciously suppressed, at least some of leading Marxist-Leninist elements of the former Party Labour Albania (PLA).
Most of the recent information that we in Alliance were able to obtain, till that point, was from the bourgeois press. We are sincerely, doubly indebted then, to 'Nostra Lotta' ('Our Fight' - Rome, Italy), and to Rafael M (Both working with other parties and organisations of the Quito Grouping around the journal "Unity & Struggle" . [See Alliance Number 19: "Towards a New Comintern: Problems And The Trends Today", which describes our differences with the approach of the Quito grouping] ) who have made available to us, documents, signed as coming from the Communist Party of Albania (CPA). In this issue, we will :
I) IN PART 1 : Give a very simple chronology of events since 1991.
ii) IN PART 2: Reprint materials from the CPA & helpful articles and interviews by Nostra Lotta & KPD (Germany); and from the Turkish paper Evrem - printed in Germany;
iii) PART 3 : Examine how Albanian events dove-tail into current imperialist plans for a world re-division. This attempts a brief up-date, to our previous analysis of the situation in Albania.
Alliance has never shirked from its view expressed in one way or another, in all its work, that apart from the USSR under Lenin & Stalin, the world has seen only one other proletarian socialist state - The People's Socialist Republic of Albania (PSRA).
We are aware of difficulties that must face the CPA. We know, that Marxist-Leninists forces working inside war conditions of subterfuge, cannot be totally open internationally, or even, nationally (See Statement of CPA CC member to interview with Turkish paper Evrem, published in Germany- In Part Two, this issue). Although we have no access to party documents that can authenticate a Party programme, we must and do assume, that the CPA leadership, are the true heirs of the former, Enver Hoxha's, great PLA.
It should not be surprising, given the massive repression following the death of Hoxha and the revisionist take-over by Ramiz Alia, if there is some considerable confusion inside Albania. Perhaps it may even extend to genuine Marxist-Leninists. Suppression, with consequent secrecy makes open organizing communist practice difficult - if not impossible. No doubt, any such confusion is naturally greater for comrades outside Albania, who are straining to understand who exactly are the participants in the struggle. This struggle has now taken on the dimensions of a class based civil war.
Standing outside Albania, at the sidelines, we do not suggest any other path than that of Hoxha and his heirs. We believe that the party leadership of the CPA knows its own conditions best of all. But, whilst hesitating, lest we give meaningless and fatuously easy-to-give advice from the side-lines, we do urge our Albanian comrades, on only one matter. That is to make clear their Programme, as far as this is possible. This will surely have many positive effects inside Albania. For us and others outside Albania, it would lead to a better and wider sympathy of their heroic struggles - one that is tempered by an understanding of their positions. Current different interpretations exist regarding the present situation in Albania. Such an open statement of Programmes would assist clarification.
We freely state, that for some time we have not had the possibility of direct communication with elements of the CPA. However, we have to surmise, in the absence of concrete information to the contrary, that ALL elements that have operated under the names of the Communist Party Albania, are ALL in the forefront of the struggle against imperialism and internal fascism and revanchism led by Berisha.
We would sincerely like to express our wish, to all those in the Communist party, and those working with it - strength and victory in their current heroic struggles.
LONG LIVE THE WORKERS AND PEASANTS OF ALBANIA!
LONG LIVE THE HEIRS OF THE PARTY LABOUR ALBANIA! LONG LIVE ALBANIAN SOCIALISM!
LONG LIVE THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF ALBANIA!
PART ONE . A BRIEF CHRONOLOGY OF RECENT MAJOR EVENTS IN ALBANIA (1989-1897).
Two initial reminders
November 1982: Ramiz Alia replaced Haxhi Lleshi as President of the Presidium of the People's Assembly.
April 1985. Enver Hoxha dies. The USSR state message of condolence is rejected. Ramiz Alia replaces Hoxha as First Secretary of the PLA. Alia pledges to "uphold the independent policies of Hoxha". Nexhmije Hoxha (Enver Hoxha's widow) is elected Chairman of the General Council of the Democratic Front Albania.
Chronology:
February 1988 Balkan meeting of all six Balkan nations -all meet first time in 50 years.
Early 1989 Relations with Yugoslavia deteriorate rapidly, many ethnic Albanians killed in Kosovo.
November 1989 An "amnesty' for all political detainees is announced. December 1989 There are major "anti-Government" demonstrations in Skhoder. The exiled Royalist Lekha urges from his South African exile, that the"Albanians" revolt.
January 1990 Ramiz Alia announces : "Political and economic reforms" including : choice at elections; decentralization of economic planning; a reduction of capital offenses from 34 to 11.
Foreign capital allowed in establishing of "Joint Ventures".
Anti-state agitation and propaganda is no longer an offense. 'Economic reforms' also announced. Passports to be issued for all travel purposes.
July 1990 Anti-Government forces occupy streets of Tirana. Exodus of Albanian emigrants, occupy the grounds of foreign embassies demanding 'evacuation as refugees'. Multi-national agencies coordinated by the UN evacuates in total more than 5,000 persons.
November 1990 By now the Council of Ministers And the Political Bureau of the PLA has been purged. Announcement for elections to beheld in February 91.
December 1990 Announced that elections will be accompanied by "establishment of independent political parties." Nexhmije Hoxha 'resigned' from the Chairmanship of the General Council of the DFA, is replaced by Adil Carcani (who is replaced in mid 1991). Several ministerial portfolios removed from incumbents.
1991 Albania joins World bank, the IMF, and new European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD).
February 1991. Ramiz Alia declares Presidential rule, with an 8 member Presidential Council. Adil Carcani was replaced as Chairman of the Council of Ministers by Fatos Nano , a "Progressive economist". Nano was already Deputy Chairman from January. Severe street battles with anti-Hoxha forces winning streets. Elections postponed to March.
March 1990 It is estimated that some 20,000 people have emigrated from Albania and sailed to Italy. Now a further "general amnesty"is declared for all political prisoners.
July 1990 Albania and USSR formally agree to restore diplomatic relations. March-April 1991 13 March-7th & 14 April: Elections show victory for the PLA :
PLA & affiliated parties win 169 out of 250 possible seats. The Democratic Party (DPA) wins 75 sets; The Democratic Union of Greek majority (OMONIA) wins 5 seats. The DPA alleges electoral malpractice aimed at the victory of the PLA.
Diplomatic relations between USA & Albania established.
April 1991 Interim Constitution replaces the Socialist constitution of 1976. Country re-named as the Republic of Albania (Formerly the Peoples Republic Of Socialist Albania). Ramiz Alia lost his seat in the elections, but is elected to the new post of President by the People's Assembly. But President Alia resigns from leadership of the PLA to accord with the rule of the new constitution. Fatos Nano still of the PLA, now Chairman of Council of Ministers.
May 1991 Union of Independent Trade Unions (UITUA) newly established. Initiates a general strike for higher wages and reassignation of Government. June 1991 Nano government steps down. Government of "national stability" appointed led by Ylli Bufi. This is a coalition of PLA, DPA, The Albanian republican Party (ARP), the Social Democratic party (SDP), and the Agrarian Party, and 9 other 'independent parties'. Gramoz Pashko leader of the DPA appointed Deputy Chairman.
At the 10th Congress of the PLA, the PLA re-names itself the "Socialist Party of Albania (SPA).
August 1991 Arrests start of former PLA official and leaders. Manush Mytfiu, former Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers arrested for "abuse of power". New focus for demonstrators is to arrest former PLA officials.
November 1991 DPA threatens withdrawal from Coalition government unless new elections by February.
December 1991 Government collapses. Widespread food riots.
1992-1994 Average annual rate of inflation was 50.6%. The transition to "market economy" had led to steep & high unemployment. By mid 1995 this official stood at 18% of labour force with in mid-1994, official figures showing that estimated 15% labour force worked aboard.
January 1992 Assembly reads a new law on "public order" citing food riot deaths.
February 1992 New electoral law proposed with reduced seats (from 250 to 140). By new definitions, parties labeled either as 'legitimate' or otherwise. OMONIA - declared banned as partaking elections as it "represented an ethnic minority". Greek minority launches widespread unsuccessful protests.
March 1992 General Election. DPA received 62 % votes of first round and wins 92 of 140 contested seats. SPA obtains 26% votes & 38 seats, SDP 2 seats & ARP 1 seat. Official figures claim 90% participation. Ramiz Alia resigns as President. People's's Assembly votes for Sali Berisha as President. New Government introduces "extensive programme of economic reforms, providing for the transfer to private ownership of farm land, state owned companies & housing, and the abolition of trade restrictions and price controls.
May 1992 Albania & the EEC sign a 10-year agreement on trade and cooperation.
June 1992 Albania with 10 other countries sign Black Sea Economic Cooperation Group agreement, projecting an economic bloc to 'complement' EEC.
July 1992 Amendment to law on political organizations outlaws the Albanian Communist Party. CP Chairman Hsyni Milloshi arrested in Tirana charged with illegally owing a gun. Decree granting Albanian citizenship on request, to Albanians resident overseas. Multi-party local elections: SPA wins 41% votes; DPA wins 43%.
September 1992 Albanian Democratic Alliance (ADA) formed with a split in the DPA.
September 1992 18 former Communist official including Nexhmija Hoxha arrested. Also arrested was Former President Ramiz Alia
December 1992 Albania applies to join NATO. First of the "Eastern European"countries to do so.
1993-1995 Following IMF stipulations: Strict programme of high interest rates, reduced subsidies banking liberalization & trade reforms, inflation 'under control'. During 1993-1995, Albania exhibited the highest economic growth rate in Europe.
January 1993 Nexhmije Hoxha imprisoned for 9 years on grounds of "embezzling state funds".
February 1993 Attorney General Maksim Haxhia arrested , former Prime Minister Vilson Akmeti arrested; Fatos Nano arrested. Mainly these are all on charges of "abuse of power".
May 1993 Former CP members appeal for the re-legalization of Communist party to Supreme Court of Appeal. Appeal is Rejected.
April 1993 Fatos Nano trial commences. Nano convicted of misappropriation of state funds from 1991. Sentenced to 12 years.
In Kosovo, several Albanians killed by Yugoslav guards on border. Albania requests UN Peace keeping mission in Kosovo - rejected.
July 1993 Ramiz Alia pleads 'not guilty' to ' abuse of power', convicted, sentenced to 8 years.
1994 Albania reaches a visible trade deficit of $146 million on the current account of the Balance of Payments.
March 1994 Berisha asks 'international community to make relaxation of sanctions against Yugoslavia contingent upon settlement in Kosova.
April 1994 After long deterioration in relations between Greece & Albania, relations flare following border 2 Albanian guard are killed. Albania joins NATO"partnership for peace" programme of military cooperation.
May 1994 Greek minister of Foreign Affairs attacks Albania; blocks provision of funds from EEC.
July 1994 SPA deputies try to introduce a vote of no confidence.
September 1994 OMONIA members accused of high treason since July convicted to 6-8 years imprisonment. Recall of ambassadors from Greece & Albania.
November 1994 Failing to obtain a two-third's majority in the Peoples Assembly for approval of the draft Constitution, Berisha holds a referendum. The draft - & by extension Berisha opposed by SPA, grounds being that it would 'increase power of President & diminish that of the Assembly". 84.4% of the people's partake of referendum, draft Constitution rejected by 53.9% of votes. New call for elections.
1995 Privatization programme moves from small scale to large sale enterprises, under a scheme with distribution of vouchers to selected citizens. The debt load of Albania of US$500m of commercial debts had been defaulted upon in 1991. New agreement extends foreign bank penetration & loans. By Mid 1995, 96% total farm had been re-distributed to private ownership.
March 1995 Chairman DPA Eduard Selami dismissed at an extraordinary Party Congress for opposing Berisha's efforts at organizing a new referendum. Alleges corruption.
May 1995 Italy stations troops at costal borders and at sea to "stem influx" of economic refugees. 5 SDP deputies confined to house arrest on shallow charges of financial mis-dealings.
June 1995 Ilir Hoxha son of Enver Hoxha convicted of 'inciting national hatred for denouncing leaders of the DPA in a newspaper interview". Hoxha had alleged that the DPA favored by Prosecution Services, in a campaign to actively discredit the former Communists prior to elections of 1996.
July 1995 Ramiz Alia ordered released by Supreme Court. Following Ilir Hoxha's conviction, Berisha muzzles press further : announces that the distribution of newspapers & magazines was to be restricted to government owned kiosks & state bookshops. Albania joins Council of Europe, agreeing to adopt a new Constitution and to correct 'human rights' issues.
August 1995 Law allowing for the sale & purchase of land is enacted.
September 1995 People's Assembly adopted law on "genocide & crimes against humanity during communist rule, prohibiting those in power during 1944-1991 to hold public position until 2002." SP deputies abstain and denounce legislation as 'political vengeance'. Minister Justice dismisses 3 Supreme Court judges owing to their previous Communist activities. The Chairman of Supreme Court Zef Brozi, follows up his earlier accusation of 'undue pressure on judiciary', by challenging the Minister's authority to dismiss employees of the Court and refuses to accept the decision. Security forces deployed to prevent 3 judges from entry to Supreme Court. Brozi refuses to acknowledge the Constitutional Court, where earlier Government have field charges of human rights violations against him. Brozi's grounds :'Constitutional Court illegal since 19922 since no law exited to regulate its function". Brozi had recommended the review of the case of Fatos Nano earlier in the year. By amendment of the Penal Code by Berisha's Assembly, Supreme Court forced to abandon its review of Nano's case.
November 1995 Parliamentary Commission launches inquiry into findings of mass grave near Shkoder, allegations against Ramiz Alia in connection with this dating to his 1991 ordering to kill persons attempting to flee the country. Further probes into former Communist office holders are held.
May 1996 Albania's first Stock market opens. Trading limited to Albanian Treasury Bills & to Privatization vouchers for 70 state enterprises.
September 1996 Judge Mehid sentences 9 communist former officials to prison terms ranging from 15-20 years for "crimes against humanity". Among sentenced are Llambi Gregpritti Former PLA/CP chief of Tirana; and Idayet Beqiri leader of Party national Unity & formerly PLA head in Kruja. This was the fourth trial of former PLA leaders since 1991.
1996 More than eighty people infected with polio, and 11 died.
January 1997 Suspicions that Democratic Party officials & Berisha 'hand in glove', 'on cosy terms ' with "Pyramid" fund operators, of various fraudulent schemes become widespread. About $US billion (equals 43% of Albania's current GDP) consumed in fraud, about 800,000 people from a population of 3.8 million defrauded. "American financier George Soros, published the following call to arms on January 16, just as the schemes were collapsing: "The money-borrowing schemes, the failure of which is striking the major part of the population, constitutes the ideal time (for) the opposition (ie The Socialist Party) to return to life by (turning) the displeasure of the victims to the development of its policies. " Wash.Times.
February 1997 4 people die in clashes in Vlora sparked by the bankruptcy of the Gjallica pyramid scheme in which many Vlora residents had invested. "Hundreds of thousands of Albanians had invested up to $1.5 billion in several pyramid funds, which paid off initial investors with later investors deposits. Gjallica at the time of its collapse had some 400,000 depositors. Up to 400,000 people daily gathered in Vlora Feb 5-123 to demand that the Government repay their lost investments. Protests turned violent. Police shot.
Feb 10th State of emergency declared in Vlora. Premier Aleksandr Meksi calls on Parliament to deploy police.
Late Feb "Just as European Union foreign ministers had agreed in late February on a statement that did not support early elections - to the dismay of the Socialists - U.S. Ambassador Marisa Lino held press conference where she again called for early elections." Wash.Times.
March 1 Massive protests again in Vlora. Police shoot dead 13 people.
March 4 Albanian parliament imposes curfew, orders 'armed rebels' to surrender. Berisha sacks premier Meksi. Demonstrators take parts of Saranda & Vlora & Gjirokastra.
March 5 State TV blacked out. BBC & Voice of America broadcasts in Albanian shut down. Tanks mobilised. Foreign residents flown out by Italy. Italian & Greek officials 'spearhead' calls for EEC to intervene.
March 6 Army bases plundered by rioting civilians, & arms taken. Berisha fires army chief of staff General Sheme Kosova saying :"Gen. Kosova was failing to defend army barracks in the South against looters'. NATO Secretary Mr Javier Solana rules out NATO led actions, but leaves possibility of individual foreign country action.
March 8-9 Berisha stops all army actions and offers 'amnesty' to 'rebels' in exchange for a surrender of arms. Rebels in all parts of the country, especially South, refuse demanding "new elections, resignation of President Berisha, & formation of government of 'technocrats'".- says Colonel Tzavar 'military leader of rebels in Saranda".
March 10 'We can no longer speak of the army in Gjirokastra'.. Mr Xhevat Kociu a rebel elder. Berisha comes under pressure from both EEC & USA to resign.
March 11 Berisha agrees to : 'amnesty, and establishment of 'national reconciliation government', elections by June supervised by international agencies, elections to include participation of the Socialist Party. Rebels reject this offer.
March 13 Berisha gives premiership to Mr Bashim Fino Socialist Party , a 'move applauded by US diplomats'. Continued looting of arms depots throughout the country.
March 17 Both USA and EEC debating how and when to enter Albania. 'Signs emerging that US and other Western countries may be urging Mr. Berisha to step down, despite his insistence to stay put till June elections'. Italian, French,& Greek troops enter the country.
April 19 Leka, son of former King Zog, goes to Albania.
Sources : The Above Has Been Complied From A number of sources: The European World year Book 1996; Volume 1, 37th edition, London 1996. ISBN : 1-85743-019-0;
Keesings Contemporary Archives 1996;
Facts On File 1996-1997;
'The Australian'; March 4-17;
Globe And Mail;
Guardian Weekly;
Washington Times.