December 16, 1990
As published by the Albanian Telegraphic Agency on December 17, 1990 (Bulletin of foreign radio broadcasts)
An Interview with Prof. Arben Puto
We invite you to listen to a telephone interview that Prof. Arben Puto gave to our coworker Elez Biberaj.
Q: Prof. Puto, for a long time it has been said that Albania is not ready for political pluralism. You have recently published “Besieged democracy.” What lessons can be drawn from the experience of the political experiment of the ’20s, as it now seems that Albania is headed towards the creation of a multiparty system?
A: I think that one of the most important aspects of the Congress of Lushnja, so I will begin with the Congress of Lushnja, is that of the establishment of the democratic order in Albania. In my opinion, this aspect has not been highlighted at the right level as it should. In fact, with the Congress of Lushnja, with the National Council, a political life in accordance with the rules of the democracy began. So, the period from 1920 to 1924 marks the parliamentary period in Albania. Not only in the press or public opinion but also in the parliament with two political forces, so two main trends. I would say the conservatives supporting the privileged strata and the progressives, who were for a modern society, for an open democratic society with a program of reforms on behalf of the lower strata of the society, confronted each other. As we can now realize, formally these forces did not have solid structures. However, they developed their political role in the parliament as if they were parties. History shows us that the Albanian people were well-prepared and mature not only for an independent life but also for the democracy. So, the rules of the democracy proved to be successful in our country since 1920. This is a tradition, which is placed side by side with the others significant values of the Albanian people. We should renovate this value, but surely it should be at a higher level.
I think that this is the right moment to speak about democracy of a higher level. This week’s events based not only on the determined engagement, but also the stand, civil behavior of the youth and students of our university, are for sure a turning point in the history of Albania following the Second World War. Now the way for a new society, a modern, pluralistic and democratic society according to European standards, is open.
Certainly, democracy is not easy. The events of the last 2-3 days as much as they are painful and condemnable they are, I would say, a proof to show that there will be obstacles, there will be surprises. However, this change, its necessity, is indisputable. For this reason, this change should not only be accepted, but it should also be hailed, supported and carefully, maturely managed, in order not to cause a destructive fall, but to lead us to overall progress of the nation, its prosperity and the exaltation of its authentic values. This is a very important and decisive moment to pass successfully this delicate and complex phase. This concerns everyone. This concerns all the political forces, the old or the new ones. First it concerns the ruling party. Labor Party surely has its values, which can not be undervalued, and which have to do with its leading role during the war for the liberation from the Nazi-fascists and that of these 40-45 years following the Second World War. But in this new phase we should be courageous and determined. I think, first the measures, this moment demands, should be taken. I would say that now it’s the moment to release all the prisoners of conscience. I agree with the remarkable statement of Rexhep Qosja last night saying that democracy cannot accept prisoners of conscience.
Another issue to be considered now, I would say, is that of casting a glance at the past. Let’s see what was done that shouldn’t have been done and what wasn’t done but should be done. On the other hand, other problems regarding our relations with the other countries emerge. I think that the recent developments in Albania turn down any obstacle to normalize the relations between Albania and other countries, especially large countries. I mean first of all the United States of America. If there was any reason, it doesn’t exist any longer. Normal relations between Albania and the United States of America should be established. I think this is of a special importance, because America has always historically demonstrated, and it is also actually demonstrating that it is very sensitive towards Albania. I think it will keep being like that even in the future. It is time for the European community and the western powers to turn down any excuse and accept Albania in the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. I think that this is very necessary to ensure the success of the changes beginning in Albania, a full success of democracy in Albania. I would close with the appeal to help Albania. Not to use current events in Albania only as sensational news, but also to help Albania. That’s why I address different structures, not only public opinion, but also other structures capable of not being simply spectators or bystanders but also of giving a hand to Albania. I have heard of millions and billions given on behalf of different countries. So, it is the moment to help and give a hand to it.
Q: Do you think that the up-to-now stance towards the Albanian diaspora should be changed?
A: Certainly. The opinion here in our country has always been sensitive towards diaspora, towards our compatriots. For a long period, we could not keep regular relations with them. This belongs to the past. We should forget this. We should openly look each other in the eyes and come together, intensify our contacts and work together for the prosperity of our country. Strengthening relations with the Albanian diaspora, especially with our compatriots who are so passionate for the national issue, such as the compatriots living in America.
Q: Prof. Puto, do you think that the parliamentary structure can be set up without many difficulties?
A: I think that the way to democracy is not flat. Certainly, there will be obstacles. But this is a good and promising beginning. I am an optimist. If in 1920 this experience proved to be a success, by the end of this century it’s time for us to prove that it will be a full success. I am convinced of that.
