By DASHNOR KALOÇI
Part Three
Memorie.al/ Just ten days had passed since the holding of the first pluralist elections of March 31, and the two main political forces, the Party of Labour and the Democratic Party, together with their allies, which had emerged from those elections, were on the verge of opening the first pluralist People’s Assembly. On April 11, 1991, the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Party of Labour of Albania, led by its General Secretary, Ramiz Alia (who simultaneously held the post of Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly of the Socialist People’s Republic of Albania), held a lengthy meeting. There, in addition to the tragic events of April 2 in the city of Shkodra, which was the first item on the agenda, they also discussed the problems arising with the opening of the first session of the first pluralist Parliament. This was an extremely special event, as it was happening for the first time after 45 years of the rule of Enver Hoxha’s communist regime and that of his successor, Ramiz Alia.
As we shall see from the minutes of this meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the PPSH, several of the most radical problems of the political drama that Albania was undergoing in the spring of 1991 were examined and discussed there. These minutes clearly reveal the behind-the-scenes machinations of the ruling communist power, led by Ramiz Alia, which was in its death throes and facing its inevitable fall, but amid bloody events such as those of April 2 in Shkodra, as well as the unknown challenges of political pluralism.
As outlined above, this archival document sheds light and illuminates three key issues that were agitating the country’s leadership dome during those critical days. The most interesting part relates to the political “architecture” that the PPSH was projecting for the new Assembly, which included 54 agronomists and 35 doctors. The discussions on the division of parliamentary commissions, the study of the Bulgarian experience, the proposal of new figures such as Kastriot Islami at the head of parliament, as well as the preparations for confronting the new opposition (the Democratic Party), clearly reveal all the efforts and démarches that the still-ruling PPSH was making, as it tried to maintain control of power through constitutional procedures and parliamentary diplomacy.
The document in question is published in its entirety and without any abbreviation,
preserving all the dynamics of the speeches, the terminology of the time, and the interventions of the members of the Political Bureau, starting with its head, Ramiz Alia, and in turn Xhelil Gjoni, Adil Çarçani, Hekuran Isai, Spiro Dede, Abdyl Backa, and others.
Equally interesting are the discussions of the highest leaders of the PPSH, not only regarding the names of their own political force that they were selecting to head the government, constitutional institutions, or the parliamentary group and commissions—such as Fatos Nano, Ylli Bufi, Leontjev Çuçi, Haxhi Lleshi, Llambi Gegprifti, Shane Korbeci, Ismail Lleshi, Niko Gjyzari, Petro Dode, Fehmi Avdiu, Çun Jonuzi, Engjëll Kolaneci, Ajli Alushani, Kleanthi Koçi, Pëllumb Kapo, Bujar Kolaneci, Fatmir Minguli, Lush Përpali, Tahir Elezi, Lefter Xhuveli, Bilbil Jaupi, Agron Dibra, Hajredin Tahiri, Isuf Dautllari, Muharrem Mezini, Pavllo Bojaxhiu, Kostandin Hoxha, Sotir Kokeri, Fatmir Zaloshnja, etc.—but also regarding the opposition led by the Democratic Party. They speak and discuss specific names, such as Aleksandër Meksi, Genc Ruli, Emin Mysliu, Dhimitër Anagnosti, Petraq Kolevica, etc.
For more on this, etc., we are informed by the document in question, recently extracted from the Central State Archive of Tirana (the fund of the former Central Committee of the PPSH), which is published for the first time with the corresponding facsimiles by Memorie.al. This document in a way clearly shows all the behind-the-scenes of the Albanian transition of that period, which undoubtedly constitute some of the most important events in Albania since the creation of the state on November 28, 1912.
Continued from the previous issue
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE POLITICAL BUREAU HELD AT THE MEETING OF THE POLITICAL BUREAU OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE PARTY
On April 11, 1991
Agenda:
- On the events of Shkodra on April 2, 1991.
- On the stance towards the demands of trade unions and the organizations and associations that are being created.
- The problems arising for the opening of the new pluralist Assembly.
(The agenda had not been distributed previously)
Comrades absent: Pali Miska, Vangjel Çërava, Xhemal Dymylja.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: To tell you the truth, looking at the lists of deputies, we have found it difficult to decide because of the composition of the profiles that the deputies have.
We had the opinion that Lefter Xhuveli should be Vice-Chairman, but it turns out he has been elected to an international organization. For Vice-Chairman, Comrade Adil could be a candidate, based on the experience he has.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: No, there is no need for Adili to be there.
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: There is an opinion that Halil Elezi from Tropoja should be it. In any case, we will pass on the projects and then think about it.
COMRADE ADIL ÇARÇANI: What about any of the older ones? Maybe even without party affiliation, for the opening of the Assembly.
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: No, Çun Jonuzi, Haxhi Lleshi cannot.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: Among the older ones, you yourselves could be included (addressing Comrade Xhelil Gjoni), because those of the Democratic Party are young.
COMRADE SPIRO DEDE: They also have older ones: Emin Mysliu, Petraq Kolevica, Dhimitër Anagnosti. (I was a pioneer when you, Comrade Ramiz, were secretary of the Central Committee of Youth – says Comrade Xhelil Gjoni).
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: For the Mandates Verification Commission, we propose that Bilbil Jaupi be chairman, who is the first secretary of the Party Committee of Fier, and for its composition we will try to include a jurist.
COMRADE HEKURAN ISAI: It should be considered to have someone else as chairman of this commission.
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: Let’s see for someone else instead of Bilbil, but he needs to be sharp.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: What about Isuf Dautllari? (We have him elsewhere – says Comrade Xhelil).
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: We are in a bad way regarding jurists. For the Legal Commission, we propose to have Stavri Kallço, the chairman of the Korça court, as chairman, because Fehmi Avdiu, as Vice-Chairman of the Supreme Court, cannot head this commission of the Assembly.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: Fehmiu could be made chairman of the Mandates Commission, if we cannot use him for anything else.
COMRADE SPIRO DEDE: We could put Fehmi Avdiu as Vice-Chairman of the People’s Assembly, since he is also a jurist.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: Vice-Chairman of the Assembly and at the same time (as Vice-Chairman of the Supreme Court) accountable to the Assembly? This complicates things even more than him being in the Legal Commission.
COMRADE SPIRO DEDE: Let’s remove him from Vice-Chairman of the Supreme Court, because we can find another, but for Vice-Chairman of the Assembly he is good.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: It’s good, because the Chairman of the Presidency also needs to have a jurist next to him.
COMRADE SPIRO DEDE: And the Vice-Chairmen of the Presidency will they be functionaries?
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: I don’t know, it’s not for me to decide, the Presidency of the Assembly decides. This is what I am obliged to do: to bring them to the Presidency of the Assembly; beyond that, they decide themselves.
COMRADE HEKURAN ISAI: They will ask, because they are of the Party.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: They have nothing to ask anymore. Not only that, but we step out of the game and have no reason to get involved any longer. We will appoint the Party bureau in the Assembly and it will bear responsibility.
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: For the Legal Commission: Stavri Kallço, chairman of the Korça court, or Ilir Dushi, prosecutor in Fier. Kleanthi Koçi from the Supreme Court recommends that the one from Korça be it, because apart from Fehmiu, he doesn’t see anyone better in our group of five.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: That’s right, 54 agronomists, 34 are engineers.
COMRADE SPIRO DEDE: Those of the Democratic Party have doctors.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: And we have doctors.
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: For the Plan-Budget Commission, we thought of putting Engjëll Kolaneci, but he cannot be placed, because he is Vice-President of the State Plan Commission. One candidacy could be Muharrem Mezini, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Kukës, or Lush Përpali, lecturer at the Party School, from Tropoja, candidate of sciences, or Hajredin Tahiri (Mat).
For the head of the Industry Commission, we propose Fatmir Minguli, mechanical engineer, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Durrës.
Construction-Communications Commission: Anastas Pone, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Fier.
Education-Culture Commission: we think of putting Dritërona (gives the option of having one from Prespa, Nedelko, but they do not agree).
Trade-Municipal Commission, we suggest either Bujar Kolaneci or Agron Dibra, head of trade in Lezha, with prospects for chairman of the district executive committee, a good devil, with reputation, son of Shaqir Dibra.
COMRADE ADIL ÇARÇANI: Better Bujar Kolaneci.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: Agron Dibra could be placed, if he is to be.
COMRADE SPIRO DEDE: Better to put the one who is young.
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: For the Health Commission, we are thinking of Pavllo Bojaxhiu, a doctor in Berat, who won against Pandeli (Çina); he is a cardiologist. Good as well is Përparim Ruzi, a very good lad, director of the Berat hospital. (Take note of this one – says Comrade Ramiz).
The Inter-Parliamentary Commission for International Affairs, we propose to have Ajli Alushani as head, which knows foreign languages, is skilled.
COMRADE SPIRO DEDE: He is very good, enjoys respect, is courageous.
COMRADE HEKURAN ISAI: They want him; he works well.
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: He is skilled, intelligent.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: Not only that, but we will respond to these Democrats in their own coin; they have doctors, and we have doctors too.
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: A Commission for Defence and Public Order can be created. Here we propose that its head be Isuf Dautllari, deputy of Korça, first secretary of the Party of Labour Committee in Mirdita.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: The officers who are deputies will be removed from the Assembly, if it is approved that they should not be involved in politics. (Comrade Hekuran Isai says that cannot be the case.)
But a military man is not of any party. When he is a minister, he can be a party member because he is a representative of a party, whereas other civil servants (of the army) cannot.
COMRADE HEKURAN ISAI: Depoliticization? I say that I want to hold meetings in the neighbourhoods!
COMRADE SPIRO DEDE: And Comrade Xhelil, which commission is he in, the foreign one? (We will see, says Comrade Xhelil).
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: In this commission, what is needed more is political skill than professional (responds Comrade Fatmir Zaloshnja, who recommends that Comrade Pëllumb Kapo should also be there). One must keep in mind what a pluralist parliament is and stand up to discussions of principle, not agency discussions!
Isufi (Dautllari) is good. Comrade Hekuran Isai agrees. Pëllumbi (Kapo) will also be on the commission. Our group must have a Party bureau and must have a chairman, who will be the group’s spokesman.
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: For the Foreign Affairs Commission, there was a suggestion that I should be on it, but, in my opinion, perhaps it is better to put Ismail Lleshi.
COMRADE HEKURAN ISAI: You (to Comrade Xhelil) should be secretary of the Party bureau.
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: I think that the comrades we propose will be in more contact with the deputies. The responsible party group should consist of Ismail Lleshi, responsible; Muharrem Mezini, Ajli Alushani, Bilbil Jaupi, Ylli Bufi, Kostandin Hoxha, Sotir Kokeri, Shane Korbeci, Leontiev Çuçi, Fatos Nano, and me.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: In my opinion, this group will determine all policies in parliament; we have no more business.
COMRADE HEKURAN ISAI: They will answer for all problems in the Assembly.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: Of course, because it is not possible for the Political Bureau to be convened for every type of act that will be done in the Assembly; they are the ones who will decide how it should be done. Who should be the group chairman, how do you think?
COMRADE KIÇO MUSTAQI: I like Ismail Lleshi for his maturity, his prudence, and he is also young.
COMRADE ABDYL BACKA: Wouldn’t it be necessary for you to be it, Comrade Xhelil? Because it has a more natural connection with the Political Bureau?
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: Better one of the young ones; Ismail is adaptable. The congress will happen and we will act like other communists. I am for the young ones.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: And I am of the same mind. We must start loosening the reins, not make the mistake we have made. This gives them the opportunity to fight, to clash. Xhelili is part of the group, so it is better this way, I think. (Better Ismail, say Comrades Spiro and Ramiz.)
There is also another thing: the Chairman of the Presidency will summon representatives of all three groups, with whom he will discuss procedures, how much time to allow for discussions, etc. We are still imagining Petro Dode.
This parliament cannot be like that anymore. From this point of view, the chairman of the parliament finds it easier to talk with Ismaili than with Xhelili. Also, for discussions between the various groups, it is better for Ismaili to be the one. That’s what I say, but if it can be thought otherwise, agreed.
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: The party group has nothing to do with the parliament; therefore I think that Ismaili can be on the Foreign Affairs Commission and of the party group (responsible).
COMRADE LLAMBI GEGPRIFTI: Ismaili knows English and Russian.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: These were the groups. Did we leave Fehmiu for Vice-Chairman of the Assembly? For Chairman of the Mandates Commission, we said it should be Bilbil Jaupi?
COMRADE XHELIL GJONI: Let’s see, because he is also from Fier and that makes two of them (together with the Chairman of the Presidency of the Assembly). Let’s put Josif Kokeri for this Mandates Commission.
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: I foresee that this commission (the Mandates Commission) will have it difficult at the first Assembly meeting; nevertheless, Sotir Kokeri can do it. (They agree.)
COMRADE SPIRO DEDE: Halil Elezi could be put as chairman of some commission (they do not agree).
COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA: Anything else? (There is not.)
Are you agreed that we propose Kastriot Islami as Chairman of the Assembly? / Memorie.al
To be continued in the next issue
