[uploadedimage:110384]

　　 在四十多年冷戰歲月中，那個社會主義國家是最為封閉與獨裁的呢？

　　 並不是蘇聯、朝鮮，而是阿爾巴尼亞。（雖然紅色高棉和海地一樣瘋狂，但至少它還有外交，而阿爾巴尼亞直接廢除了外交與外語教育。）

　　 恩維爾·霍查統治下的阿爾巴尼亞是一個一黨制國家，在那里，任何類似異見或“資產階級右派”的東西都遭到殘酷鎮壓。歷史書不允許提及其他政黨的存在。任何收聽外國廣播電台或觀看美國或英國電影的人將被判入獄10年。

　　 此外，所有的教堂都是非法的。阿爾巴尼亞社會主義共和國成為了唯一一個無神論國家，它的官方國家宗教是“馬克思列寧主義”。

　　 （列寧主義是馬克思主義的一種改良形式，是馬克思理論的巴斯德化，用於共產主義政權。）

　　 恩維爾·霍查（Enver Hoxha）是“沒有‘新精神’就不能實現社會主義”這一觀點的堅定支持者，他認為這種“新精神”應該通過國家的力量注入國家。

　　 他稱之為革命的“精神”部分。

　　 對他來說，“宗教”一詞毫無意義。世俗國家只有國家才是上帝，國家是無神論者，這種想法本身就是一種詛咒。

　　 霍查相信，如果人們受到適當的教育，他們會看到宗教是富人的工具，並願意不經斗爭就放棄他們的“迷信”。

　　 事實上，阿爾巴尼亞是一個神權國家。政府的權力被賦予了該黨，該黨本身就是霍查鐵腕統治下的獨裁政權。

　　 與此同時，霍查才是一位真正教條的斯大林主義者、意識形態上的十字軍。根本不考慮國家利益的情況下，先後抨擊資本主義陣營、社會主義陣營、不結盟運動。無論是蘇聯、南斯拉夫、中華人民共和國都被霍查陸續先後要求援助與抨擊為修正主義者，卻始終跟美國、英國中斷外交關系。

　　 最終，霍查的意識形態狂熱和他對革命純潔性的痴迷導致了國家的孤立和最終垮台。

　　 霍查政權的倒台是對阿爾巴尼亞“新精神”聲望的重大打擊。

　　 但在這片烏雲中有一线希望。

　　 1985年9月

　　 阿爾巴尼亞勞動黨第一書記拉米茲·阿利雅站在機場注視著蘇聯領導人羅曼諾夫的飛機降落在機場。

　　 阿利雅的手塞進夾克的口袋里，他咬著指甲的一側，這是一種緊張的習慣。

　　 蘇聯領導人走下飛機，說：“拉米茲·阿利雅，不是嗎？我在里爾市聽到了你的演講。演講很精彩。”

　　 “謝謝你，同志。”

　　 羅曼諾夫伸出他的手，阿利雅緊緊地握著，用力地握手。

　　 “我希望你的巴黎之行進展順利。我相信它是富有成果的。”

　　 “是的，謝謝。”

　　 “我對你對蘇聯現狀的看法也很感興趣。”羅曼諾夫笑了笑說：“我對阿爾巴尼亞勞動黨同志們也感興趣，我堅信我們能像霍查同志與斯大林同志一樣為了阿爾巴尼亞人民與蘇聯人民的友誼與幸福生活而斗爭。”

　　 “我也希望如此。”阿利雅點點頭。

　　 兩位最高領導人很快離開了機場，他們走下紅地毯，穿過出口，受到護送人員的迎接。

　　 兩輛車在外面等著，一輛黑色的拉達和一輛藍色的伏爾加。領導們上了車，車輛開往當地的一家酒店。

　　 酒店位於公園附近，有一個小池塘和一個兒童游樂場。

　　 一個侍者給他們倒了些茶，說：“希望您在這里過得愉快。如果您還需要什麼，請盡管問。”

　　 羅曼諾夫點點頭。

　　 兩輛車開走了，領導看著他們開走了。

　　 阿利雅盯著池塘，然後說，“問題是……我在理解事物方面有點困難。我們是如何從鐵幕走向這個世界的？世界將走向何方？”

　　 “世界在前進。”羅曼諾夫放下茶說：“我們知道我們各自的祖國並非完美無缺，但我們信奉的理想一直激勵著全世界的人民。我們有時會迷失前進方向與犯下路线錯誤，但是我們會努力撥亂反正。社會主義並非意味著閉關自守，而是主動接納世界，與人類共生共存；社會主義並非是依靠對未來的憧憬來實現烏托邦，而是去靠自己親手生活與斗爭來參與並實現最美好的前途。”​

　　 “我的想法完全正確。”阿利雅笑了。

　　 “現在，讓我們看看我們是否能在不偏離正軌的情況下進行這場辯論。”羅曼諾夫向後靠在椅子上，伸開長腿說：“阿爾巴尼亞需要重新對外緊密貿易與回到經互會，阿爾巴尼亞300萬人口人均GDP只有788.801美元，這對阿爾巴尼亞人民的生活水平太糟糕了。但是，蘇聯不會再無償援助他國。”

　　 “蘇聯不是一個慈善機構。”阿利雅激動地說。

　　 “不，但它是一個貿易伙伴，阿爾巴尼亞希望得到一些貿易補償並非不合理。蘇聯是一個富饒的國家。它的自然資源比阿爾巴尼亞多得多。當然，勃列日涅夫時代過去了。我們不會干預盟友內政，只要它堅持社會主義與願意回到經濟互助委員會。蘇聯可以提助一筆3億盧布的低息貸款…”

　　 “作為交換，阿爾巴尼亞向蘇聯提供了什麼？”

　　 “一個貿易伙伴，也是一個朋友，一個感謝蘇聯幫助的國家。”羅曼諾夫想了想說：“當然，我們需要阿爾巴尼亞在一些方面幫助我們，比如讓一些華約的刑事罪犯與一些阿拉伯國家的難民偷渡到意大利。”

　　 “不可能。”阿利雅搖搖頭。

　　 “想想看。這對左翼來說可能是一個巨大的宣傳勝利，對國家來說也是一個巨大的經濟利益。”羅曼諾夫解釋說：“阿爾巴尼亞只需要幫助這些人偷渡到意大利，之後這些人怎麼做跟蘇聯與阿爾巴尼亞沒有什麼關系。而且，南斯拉夫不是在因為民族問題而困擾嗎？如果南斯拉夫出了什麼情況，蘇聯可以支持保加利亞與阿爾巴尼亞保護自己的民族同胞。”

　　 “我明白你的意思，但必須對此采取措施。”

　　 “當然，蘇聯會等待你的考慮。只要你願意，蘇聯會支持阿爾巴尼亞成為擁有科索沃的大阿爾巴尼亞國家。”羅曼諾夫微笑地說給阿利雅。

　　 “我不是開玩笑。”

　　 阿利雅考慮了這個提議，說：“我得考慮一下。”

　　 “當然。你是你國家的領導人。選擇權在你。”羅曼諾夫站了起來。“直到我們再次見面。”

　　 “我們再見。”

　　 “再見。”

　　 這兩輛車朝兩個不同的方向駛去。阿利雅站在池塘邊，凝視著藍色的海水。

　　 一陣微風吹來，樹葉沙沙作響。公園里到處都是孩子們玩耍的聲音。

　　 陽光明媚，溫暖了他的臉。旅館里沒有生命跡象，但他知道他們會回來的。事實上，他知道他們必須這麼做。

　　 美國是帝國主義國家，蘇聯是霸權主義國家…但是，阿爾巴尼亞沒有選擇。沒有其他選擇。然而，前進的道路將是艱難的。

　　 當他坐在那里，用手撥弄曼陀林的琴弦時，他想到了未來。他想到了這個世界，想到了蘇聯是如何在這個世界上成為一股向善的力量。他想到了人民的自由，以及一個自由的阿爾巴尼亞將如何成為黑暗歐洲的燈塔。

　　 作為一名共產主義者，他有責任帶領人民走向光明。如果全世界，特別是美國，想要摧毀蘇聯，那麼他將竭盡全力阻止蘇聯。他是人民的戰士，決不會做任何傷害人民的事。

　　 然而，世界是一個復雜的地方。

　　 “你確定阿爾巴尼亞勞動黨會同意我們的報價嗎？總書記同志？”特雷古波娃在櫃台在紙上用鋼筆書寫筆記問，羅曼諾夫把手從靠牆邊的曼陀林上收回說：“親愛的，你猜猜今年阿爾巴尼亞的GDP增長率是多少？”

　　 “這將是4.4%？”特雷古波娃困惑地問道。

　　 “不，今年阿爾巴尼亞GDP增長率是負增長-1.5%。”

　　 “什麼？！”特雷古波娃大聲說，從她的筆記中抬起頭來。

　　 “你難道不明白嗎？這意味著產出的下降。結果，這個國家最終會賺更少的錢。”

　　 “我不明白，”特雷古波娃扭著手說。

　　 “你在說什麼？”

　　 “該國只是生產了比前一年更少的商品。”

　　 羅曼諾夫走到她面前說：“當然，這是霍查完全對外封閉的結果。所以，他們需要我們的援助、經濟緊密貿易與回到經互會。”

　　 特雷古波娃站了起來，有點困惑。“我不明白你在說什麼。”

　　 “這個國家一直在孤立自己。正因為如此，它的產量減少了。”

　　 特雷古波娃睜大了眼睛，她看起來好像要反對，羅曼諾夫說：“安靜，你說過我是完全正確的，對嗎？”她沒有回答，羅曼諾夫繼續說，“關鍵是，我們需要他們。這樣，我們不僅給他們提供援助，我們還為他們提供了一種交易。一種公平的交易。”

　　 特雷古波娃看起來仍然有點困惑。她說：“恐怕我一點都不明白。”

　　 “沒關系，你只要聽我的話就行了。”羅曼諾夫把櫃台上的晶體收音機打開，調大聲音。酒店大廳里充滿了阿爾巴尼亞民歌的聲音。

　　 “海寬山高，農民窮，狼大……”

　　 “阿爾巴尼亞，外面的世界已經聽不見你的聲音太久了。作為蘇聯政府，我們有責任把你帶回到我們的圈子里。前進的道路是貿易。前進的道路是合作。前進的道路是共產主義的道路。”羅曼諾夫躺回床上盯著她。“我們需要這樣做。”

　　 她看起來有點不確定。“但是，同志……”

　　 “沒有但是。這是阿爾巴尼亞前進的道路。我們需要前進。選擇很簡單。合作還是孤立。你看到選擇了嗎？”

　　 特雷古波娃咽了下喉嚨，說：“我想是的。”

　　 “我們是為了人類的解放與真理而生活與斗爭，這就足夠了。”羅曼諾夫盯著她說：“該死，我近視更嚴重了，我看的有點模糊。”

　　 “我不是近視，”特雷古波娃說，有點惱火。

　　 “很好，我們快到了，我看得很清楚，”羅曼諾夫抓著下巴說。“你應該幫幫我，我已經老了，哪天眼睛瞎了就糟糕了。”

　　 “我不認為你會失明，”特雷古波娃翻著眼睛說。

　　 “真的嗎？你真的不擔心我的身體嗎？過來。”羅曼諾夫抓住她的手，把她拉近，吻了吻她的嘴唇。他說：“給你一個吻。”

　　 特雷古波娃睜大了眼睛。“你真惡心！”她打了他一巴掌。

　　 “嘿！如果我是一個卑鄙的有錢人，你會愛上我的。所以控告我。”

　　 “我會給你一個機會。如果你再這樣做，我會……”

　　 羅曼諾夫打斷了她的話說：“怎麼樣？跟所有人說你被我吻了？”

　　 “你不會……”

　　 “你跟我是一體的，你認為讓所有人知道你不單是我的秘書長還跟我有私人關系會怎麼樣？”

　　 “你什麼都不會做，因為你沒有理由這麼做。而且，因為你害怕被抓住和懲罰。”特雷古波娃低頭看著。“我想你是對的。好吧，如果你堅持……”

　　 “好女孩，嘿，你阻止了我失明。再吻我一次。”

　　 特雷古波娃猶豫了片刻，吻了一下羅曼諾夫。

　　 “是的，你知道，我知道你會理解的。這就是為什麼我選擇你作為我的，你知道的，秘書長。”

　　 “呃，實際上是總書記，”特雷古波娃翻著白眼糾正他。

　　 “不管怎樣，這並不重要。”羅曼諾夫平躺在床上說：“重要的是，我們是關系親密的人。你需要無條件信任我，對嗎？”

　　 “嗯，當然了，”她說，沒有防備。

　　 “好，等回到蘇聯，你要幫我在克里姆林宮：每個建築都安裝竊聽裝置。”

　　 特雷古波娃眨了幾下眼睛，然後說：“對不起？”

　　 “我需要監聽那群政治局委員，即使是克格勃，我也擔心會被他們暗中竊聽。”他坐起來，用胳膊摟住她。“在你的幫助下，我可以保證這個酒店房間里沒有一台錄音設備。”

　　 特雷古波娃靜靜地坐著，低頭看著自己的膝蓋。

　　 “總書記，”她低聲說，幾乎聽不見。

　　 “這是什麼？”

　　 “我幫不了你……這件事。”

　　 羅曼諾夫嚴肅地盯著她說：“為什麼？我信任你才這樣問，你對我來說是最特殊的。你不願意幫我竊聽嗎？”“我不確定我是……”

　　 “看著我，你不願意為了我與蘇維埃的穩定做這些事情嗎？我們的關系只是虛假的嗎？”

　　 她沉默了一會兒，低頭看了看。

　　 “你覺得怎麼樣？”他問道。

　　 “我……我不知道，”她說。“我需要時間思考。”

　　 “好吧，現在我們睡覺吧。”羅曼諾夫閉上眼睛。

　　 “同志……”特雷古波娃說，聽起來有些猶豫，“我不能和你睡覺。”

　　 “哦，來吧，”他說。“我不會咬人的。”

　　 特雷古波娃把目光移開，喃喃自語道：“反正不是字面意義上的。”然後，她轉身睡著了。

　　 幾個小時後，羅曼諾夫叫醒了她。“起來，瞌睡蟲。”

　　 “我們要去哪里？”她問。

　　 “阿爾巴尼亞勞動黨大會，穿上衣服跟我走。”

　　 “我們不應該等其他人嗎？”

　　 “不，他們可以自己照顧自己。”羅曼諾夫站起來吻了吻她的額頭。“來吧。”

　　 特雷古波娃慢慢地站起來，穿好衣服。她吻了他一下。“我在大廳等你。”

　　 “我會去的，”羅曼諾夫拉著她說。

　　 他們離開旅館房間，走向一座有紅星的白色大建築物。他們走近時，巨大的鋼門打開了。

　　 “這是入口，”羅曼諾夫解釋道。“它將把我們帶到召開大會的任何地方。”

　　 “如果我們不受歡迎怎麼辦？”

　　 羅曼諾夫愣了一下問：“你為什麼會這麼想？阿爾巴尼亞勞動黨也是共產主義政黨，而且他們還需要我們蘇聯的援助。”

　　 “但如果他們不需要我們的幫助怎麼辦？”

　　 “那我們就不得不拒絕，”羅曼諾夫回答。

　　 “這可能適得其反。”

　　 “你想多了，阿爾巴尼亞現在才23億美元GDP，他們會放棄3億援助嗎？不。”

　　 “但如果這在政治上是不可接受的呢？”

　　 “不是。”

　　 特雷古波娃什麼也沒說。

　　 “經濟不過是政治通過另一種手段的繼續。別擔心了，我們進入會場吧。”

　　 特雷古波娃走在他前面走進了大樓。

　　 阿爾巴尼亞勞動黨大會上，阿爾巴尼亞勞動黨第一書記拉米茲·阿利雅坐在正前排的中間，羅曼諾夫在他旁邊喝茶。

　　 拉米茲·阿利雅起身拿著報告開始他的演講說：“同志們，今天是我們一直在等待的日子。議會決定支持我們對蘇聯援助的請求。我們很高興有這樣一個強大的盟友。用K.馬克思的話來說，“各盡所能，各取所需「From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.」。”

　　 掌聲響起。

　　 “在我們開始之前，我想宣布一件事。”

　　 大家都沉默了。

　　 “我知道這是一個歷史性的時刻，對我們的國家具有深遠的意義。今天討論的決定不僅是一個歷史性時刻，而且是我國政治和經濟的轉折點。我們有機會向全世界表明，通往共產主義的道路是和平的。議會通過的新政策將使阿爾巴尼亞成為世界上最強大的國家之一。它還將為我們的人民帶來一個前所未有的進步和繁榮的時代。我們的目標是使阿爾巴尼亞成為超級大國，這是朝著正確方向邁出的一步。因此，讓我們大家都歡欣鼓舞。”

　　 一些人鼓掌，但其他人保持沉默。拉米茲·阿里亞等待掌聲平息，然後再次開始演講。“現在，我想介紹一位非常特別的客人。”

　　 羅曼諾夫走上前去。

　　 “同志們，同志們，你們好。”

　　 人群低聲問候。

　　 羅曼諾夫站立起來沒有稿紙就開始演講說：“今天是1985年，即是偉大的衛國戰爭勝利四十周年，也是阿爾巴尼亞領袖霍查同志離開的日子。在這四十年之中，蘇聯與阿爾巴尼亞都在道路上偏移過、犯過錯誤。但是，毫無疑問布爾什維克與阿爾巴尼亞勞動黨都是為了全人類邁向消滅階級、按需分配的共產主義社會前進著！那麼還有什麼可以辯論的呢？只有方法，才能實現這一光榮目標。換言之，這就是我們要走的道路。正如那句老話所說：‘手段證明目的’。

　　 資本主義‘成功’的結果是無產階級勞動者社會地位不斷降低，出現生存條件成本不斷增長的現象、年輕人喪失對知識與自我實現的追求，只以財富判斷社會價值。貨幣消費購買力下降，住房、醫療、養老、教育費用與社會基尼系數不斷擴大。為什麼工業化社會生育率下降？就是原因。如果這是全人類的未來，我只能說這樣的人類文明絕對不會能殖民外太空。它只會在這顆小行星上等待滅亡。

　　 資本主義者是個可憐的瞎子，看不見我們背後的真理和自由。不是現在，而是在新的社會經濟形態社會主義下實現勞動人民的美好生活。最好的社會形態肯定會贏。我們的勞動人民永遠占據絕大多數。社會主義是時代與未來的要求。通往共產主義的道路是漫長而艱難的，但我們有完成它的意志和知識。

　　 60多年來，蘇聯一直是世界的燈塔。我們並不完美，我們正在變得更好，但我們還有很長的路要走，以完善我們的方法。我們選擇的道路是全人類社會正義和進步的道路。我們也堅信阿爾巴尼亞會與蘇聯以及其他社會主義國家共同發展！但我們永遠不會忘記我們選擇的道路。我們永遠不會向新自由主義貪婪的道路低頭！我們永遠不會拋棄比我們弱的人！

　　 我們將繼續建設一個強大、繁榮、和平的國家，成為世界效仿的榜樣。為了真正的真理與自由！社會主義萬歲！勞動者萬歲！革命萬歲！

　　 我們偉大的國家阿爾巴尼亞萬歲！\"

　　 掌聲響起。

　　 “謝謝你，同志。我還想在熱烈的掌聲中加入我的聲音。我們都必須擁抱社會主義的理想，並朝著實現社會主義的方向前進，以期為全人類創造一個更美好的世界。一種不再存在剝削等級制度的制度，在這種制度中，每個人都能夠以一種值得享有其所有人權和尊嚴的方式生活。我說我們的旅程才走了一半，我們前面還有一條漫長而危險的道路。通往地獄的路是用善意鋪成的。唯一的辦法是在革命斗爭的火焰中前進。讓我們共同努力。讓我們為同樣的事業而奮斗！一個沒有國界的世界！這個世界是所有人的天堂，也是每個人心中的天堂。一個全人類都有兄弟情誼的世界。一個沒有戰爭的世界！一個和平的世界！一個真正自由的世界！讓我們一起努力，一起戰斗，讓我們為一個正義和兄弟情誼的世界而奮斗。因為只有通過斗爭，我們才有希望實現這一目標。”

　　 “格里戈里·瓦西里耶維奇同志萬歲！”

　　 掌聲響起。

　　 “我的朋友們，我們必須站在一起。通過斗爭，通過犧牲，通過艱難困苦，我們都將克服。我們都必須齊心協力。我們都必須為共同的利益而奮斗。”

　　 “我們將為一個和平與兄弟情誼的世界而戰。為一個所有人團結繁榮共同生活的世界而戰。為更美好的未來而戰！為全人類的未來而戰！”

　　 “為了全人類的未來！”

　　 “為了社會主義的未來！”

　　 “為了一個光明的共產主義未來！”

　　 “為了全世界的工人，沒有國界，沒有奴隸！”

　　 “為了全世界的工人，帶著自豪和尊嚴，沒有恐懼！”

　　 “為我們偉大的國家阿爾巴尼亞萬歲！”

　　 演講完成後，羅曼諾夫與阿利雅回到會談室里。

　　 “嗯，怎麼樣？”羅曼諾夫問。

　　 “你說的很好，但我們怎麼知道這和上次有什麼不同？”阿利雅懷疑地問。

　　 “我們沒有選擇，不是嗎？對了，我希望能平反霍查時期的政治犯。”

　　 “我也是。你在想什麼？”

　　 “嗯，這是相當明顯的。第一步將是釋放我們大部分時間關押的人。”

　　 “這並不是那麼簡單。政府已經釋放了幾名政治犯，以便於釋放政治犯。這是一個困難的過程，他們不會輕易放棄。”

　　 羅曼諾夫點點頭說：“然後，阿爾巴尼亞需要發展經濟，以農業機械化與旅游業為方向。當然，這只是我的個人建議。然而，我認為，在這些領域，我們將能夠最有效地展示我們的實力。政府應該考慮這些建議。我相信他們會受到歡迎。但是現在，我認為我們應該討論當前的政治局勢。我們的時間很少，所以我希望你們都能盡可能地提高效率。”

　　 “我已經在這方面做了很多工作，我已經想出了一份我認為應該釋放的人的名單，以便幫助釋放政治犯。”

　　 羅曼諾夫點點頭說：“很好，明天我就要回到蘇聯了。那麼，阿爾巴尼亞勞動黨會接受之前的提議嗎？”

　　 “這可能是一種選擇，”阿利雅說。“我們會與蘇聯重建外交關系並回到經濟互助委員會，但是蘇聯將保證阿爾巴尼亞的安全與貿易往來。”

　　 “我相信這會令人滿意的，”羅曼諾夫說。

　　 “我還確信，為了使這項工作順利進行，我們將不得不釋放一些政治犯，”阿利雅說。

　　 “那是你的選擇，”羅曼諾夫說。

　　 “如你所願，”阿利雅說。“謝謝。”

　　 “我也很感謝，”羅曼諾夫說。

　　 接下來的幾天在旋風中過去了。部長會議一致投票決定與蘇聯建立外交關系。蘇聯大使安·赫里斯堅科（An V.Khristenko）和他的妻子伊琳娜（Irina）抵達阿爾巴尼亞，蘇聯駐其他國家大使館的幾個代表團也抵達了阿爾巴尼亞。蘇聯貿易代表葉夫根尼·阿法納斯·耶夫呼吁兩國建立自由貿易區。

　　 釋放政治犯的過程就在同一天開始。名單上的囚犯被移交給紅十字會，紅十字會開始將他們送往自由國家。在下個月期間，名單上剩余的囚犯被釋放。

　　 然而，不久前，蘇聯代表開始向阿爾巴尼亞政府施壓，要求其建立正式外交關系。然而，阿爾巴尼亞政府對蘇聯的影響持謹慎態度。

　　 [newpage]

　　 [uploadedimage:110384]

　　 Which socialist country was the most closed and dictatorial during the forty years of the Cold War?

　　 Not the Soviet Union or North Korea, but Albania. (Although the Khmer Rouge was as crazy as Haiti, at least it had diplomacy, while Albania abolished diplomacy and foreign language education outright.)

　　 Albania under Enver Hoxha was a one-party state where anything even resembling dissent or \"bourgeois rightism\" was brutally crushed. History books were not allowed to mention the existence of other political parties. Anyone caught listening to foreign radio stations or watching American or British films would be jailed for 10 years.

　　 Also, all churches were outlawed. the Socialist Republic of Albania became the only atheist state, and its official state religion was \"Marxism-Leninism\".

　　 (Leninism is a modified form of Marxism, a bastardization of Karl Marx\u0027s theories for use in Communist regimes.)

　　 Enver Hoxha was a fierce proponent of the view that \"socialism cannot be achieved without a \u0027new spirit,\u0027 \" and that this \"new spirit\" should be infused into the nation by the power of the state.

　　 He called this the \"spiritual\" component of the revolution.

　　 To him, the word \"religion\" had no meaning. It was anathema to the very idea of a secular state in which only the state could be god, and the state was atheist.

　　 Hoxha believed that, if the people were educated properly, they would see that religion was a tool of the rich and would willingly give up their \"superstition\" without a fight.

　　 In reality, Albania was a theocracy. The government\u0027s power was invested in the Party, which was itself a dictatorship under Hoxha\u0027s iron fist.

　　 At the same time, it was Hoxha who was a true dogmatic Stalinist, an ideological crusader. Without any consideration for national interests, he successively attacked the capitalist camp, the socialist camp, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Both the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, and the People\u0027s Republic of China were successively asked by Hoxha for assistance and attacked as revisionists, while always breaking diplomatic relations with the United States and Britain.

　　 In the end, Hoxha\u0027s ideological zealotry and his obsession with the purity of the revolution led to the isolation and eventual downfall of the country.

　　 The fall of Hoxha\u0027s regime was a major blow to the prestige of the \"new spirit\" in Albania.

　　 But there was a silver lining in this dark cloud.

　　 September 1985

　　 First Secretary of the Albanian Labor Party Ramiz Alia stands at the airport watching Soviet leader Romanov\u0027s plane land at the airport.

　　 Alia\u0027s hands are stuffed in his jacket\u0027s pockets, and he is biting the side of his fingernail, a nervous habit.

　　 The Soviet leader steps off the plane, and says, \"Ramiz Alia, isn\u0027t it? I heard your speech in the city of Lille. It was well delivered.\"

　　 \"Thank you, Comrade.\"

　　 Romanov holds out his hand, which Alia grips and shakes vigorously.

　　 \"I hope your trip to Paris went smoothly. I trust it was fruitful.\"

　　 \"It was, thank you.\"

　　 \"I was also very interested in your thoughts on the current state of the Soviet Union.\"

　　 Romanov smiled and said, \"I am also interested in the comrades of the Albanian Labor Party, and I am convinced that we can fight for the friendship and happy life of the Albanian people with the Soviet people, just like Comrade Hoxha and Comrade Stalin.\"

　　 \"I hope so, too.\" Alia nods.

　　 The two top leaders soon left the airport. They walked down the red carpet and through the exit, where they were greeted by their escort.

　　 Two cars were waiting outside, a black Lada and a blue Volga. The leaders got in the cars, and the vehicles drove to a local hotel.

　　 The hotel was located near a park, and had a small pond and a children\u0027s playground.

　　 A waiter poured them some tea, and said, \"I hope you enjoy the stay. If you need anything else, do not hesitate to ask.\"

　　 Romanov nodded.

　　 The two cars drove off, and the leader watched them drive away.

　　 Alia stared at the pond, and said, \"The thing is... I\u0027m having a bit of trouble understanding things. How did we get from the Iron Curtain to this? Where is the world going?\"

　　 \"The world is going.\" Romanov put down his tea and said. \"We know that our respective homelands are not perfect, but the ideals we believe in have been an inspiration to people all over the world. We sometimes lose our way and make mistakes in our course, but we try to set things right. Socialism does not mean closing ourselves off, but taking the initiative to accept the world and coexist with humanity; socialism is not about relying on visions of the future to achieve utopia, but going to live and struggle with our own hands to participate and achieve the best possible future.\"

　　 \"My thoughts exactly.\" Alia smiled.

　　 \"Now, let\u0027s see if we can have this debate without getting sidetracked.\" Romanov leaned back in the chair, stretched his long legs, and said, \"Albania needs to get back into close foreign trade with back to the ECCU, Albania\u0027s GDP per capita of 3 million people is only $788.801, which is too bad for the standard of living of the Albanian people. However, the Soviet Union will no longer aid other countries without compensation.\"

　　 \"The Soviet Union is not a charity.\" Alia said hotly.

　　 \"No, but it is a trading partner, and it is not unreasonable for Albania to expect some compensation for the trade. The Soviet Union is a country of abundance. It has far more natural resources than Albania. Of course, the Brezhnev era is over. We will not interfere in the internal affairs of our ally, as long as it adheres to socialism & is willing to return to the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. The Soviet Union can assist with a low-interest loan of $300 million...\"

　　 \"And in exchange, what does Albania offer the Soviet Union?\"

　　 \"A trading partner, who is also a friend, a country that is grateful for the help it has received from the Soviet Union.\" Romanov thought about it and said, \"Of course, we need Albania to help us in some ways, such as allowing some Warsaw Pact criminal criminals to be smuggled into Italy with some refugees from Arab countries.\"

　　 \"Not a chance.\" Alia shook his head.

　　 \"Think about it. This could be a huge propaganda victory for the Left, and a huge financial benefit for the country.\" Albania only needs to help smuggle these people into Italy, and what these people do after that has little to do with the Soviet Union and Albania,\" Romanov explained. Besides, wasn\u0027t Yugoslavia troubled by ethnic problems? If something happens to Yugoslavia, the Soviet Union can support Bulgaria and Albania in protecting their fellow nationalities.\"

　　 \"I see your point, but something will have to be done about this.\"

　　 \"Of course, the Soviet Union will wait for your consideration. If you want, the Soviet Union will support Albania to become the Great Albanian State with Kosovo.\" Romanov said, smiling, to Alia.

　　 \"I\u0027m not joking.\"

　　 Alia considered the offer, and said, \"I\u0027ll have to think about it.\"

　　 \"Of course. You are the leader of your country. The choice is yours.\" Romanov stood up. \"Until we meet again.\"

　　 \"I\u0027ll be seeing you.\"

　　 \"See you soon.\"

　　 The two cars drove off in two different directions. Alia stood by the pond, staring at the blue water.

　　 A soft breeze blew, rustling the leaves of the trees. All around him, the park was filled with the sound of children playing. The sun shone brightly, warming his face. There was no sign of life from the hotel, but he knew they would return. In fact, he knew they had to.

　　 The United States was an imperialist country, the Soviet Union was a hegemonic power...but Albania had no choice. There was no other option. The path forward, however, would be a difficult one.

　　 As he sat there, his hand strumming the strings of a mandolin, he thought about the future. He thought about the world, and how the Soviet Union was a force for good in it. He thought about the freedom of the people, and how a free Albania would be a beacon of light in a dark Europe.

　　 As a Communist, it was his duty to lead the people towards the light. If the world, and America in particular, wanted to destroy the Soviet Union, then he would do everything in his power to stop them. He was a soldier of the people, and would never do anything to harm the people.

　　 However, the world was a complex place.

　　 \"Are you sure that the Albanian Labor Party will agree to our offer? Comrade General Secretary?\" Tregubova asked, writing notes on paper with a pen at the counter, as Romanov withdrew his hand from the mandolin against the wall and said, \"My dear, guess what Albania\u0027s GDP growth rate will be this year?\"

　　 \"That it will be 4.4%?\" Tregubova asked, puzzled.

　　 \"No, this year Albania\u0027s GDP growth rate is negative -1.5%.\"

　　 \"What?!\" Tregubova exclaimed, looking up from her notes.

　　 \"Don\u0027t you understand? This represents a decrease in output. As a result, the country will actually end up making less money.\"

　　 \"I don\u0027t understand,\" Tregubova said, wringing her hands.

　　 \"What are you talking about?\"

　　 \"The country just produced less goods than it did the previous year.\"

　　 Romanov came up to her and said, \"Of course, this is the result of the complete closure of Hoxha to the outside world. So, they need our aid, economic close trade and return to the ECC.\"

　　 Tregubova stood up, a bit confused. \"I don\u0027t understand what you\u0027re talking about.\"

　　 \"The country has been isolating itself. It\u0027s producing less because of it.\"

　　 Tregubova\u0027s eyes widened, and she looked as if she were going to object, when Romanov said, \"Quiet, you said I was completely right, didn\u0027t you?\" She didn\u0027t answer, and Romanov continued, \"The point is, we need them. And, this way, we\u0027re not just giving them aid, we\u0027re offering them a trade. A fair trade.\"

　　 Tregubova looked a little confused still. She said, \"I\u0027m afraid that I don\u0027t understand any of this.\"

　　 \"It\u0027s okay, you just have to listen to me.\" Romanov turned on the crystal radio on the counter and cranked it up. The inside of the hotel lobby was filled with the sound of an Albanian folk song.

　　 \"The sea is wide, the mountain is high, the peasant is poor, the wolf is big...\"

　　 \"Albania, the outside world has been unable to hear you for far too long. It is our duty, as the Government of the Soviet Union, to bring you back into the fold. The way forward is trade. The way forward is cooperation. The way forward is the path of Communism.\" Romanov lay back on the bed and stared at her. \"We need to do this.\"

　　 She looked a little unsure. \"But, Comrade...\"

　　 \"No buts. This is the path forward for Albania. We need to move forward. The choice is simple. Cooperation or isolation. Do you see the choice?\"

　　 Tregubova swallowed, and said, \"I suppose so.\"

　　 \"We are living and fighting for the liberation and truth of mankind, that\u0027s enough.\" Romanov stared at her and said, \"Damn, I\u0027m more nearsighted, I\u0027m seeing a little blurry.\"

　　 \"I\u0027m not nearsighted,\" Tregubova said, a bit annoyed.

　　 \"It\u0027s fine, we\u0027re almost there, I can see fine,\" Romanov said, scratching his chin. \"You should help me, I\u0027m already old and it would be bad if I go blind one day.\"

　　 \"I don\u0027t think you\u0027re going blind,\" Tregubova said, rolling her eyes.

　　 \"Really? You\u0027re really not worried about my body? Come here.\" Romanov grabbed her hand and pulled her close, smooching her on the lips. He said, \"Give you a kiss.\"

　　 Tregubova\u0027s eyes widened. \"You\u0027re disgusting!\" She slapped him.

　　 \"Hey! If I was a filthy rich guy, you\u0027d be all over me. So sue me.\"

　　 \"I\u0027ll give you a chance. If you ever do that again I\u0027ll...\"

　　 Romanov interrupted her and said, \"How about that? Tell everyone that you were kissed by me?\"

　　 \"You\u0027re not going to...\"

　　 \"You and I are one, what do you think will happen if everyone knows that you are not only my secretary general but also have a personal relationship with me?\"

　　 \"You\u0027re not going to do anything, because you have no reason to do so. And, because you\u0027ll be terrified of being caught and punished.\" Tregubova looked down. \"I suppose you\u0027re right. Okay, if you insist...\"

　　 \"Good girl, and, hey, you did stop me from going blind. Kiss me again.\"

　　 Tregubova hesitated for only a brief moment, and kissed Romanov.

　　 \"Yes, you see, I knew you\u0027d understand. That\u0027s why I chose you as my, you know, secretary general.\"

　　 \"Uh, General Secretary, actually,\" Tregubova corrected him, rolling her eyes.

　　 \"Whatever, it\u0027s not like it matters.\" Romanov said, lying flat on his back, \"The important thing is that we are close people in a relationship. You need to trust me unconditionally, don\u0027t you?\"

　　 \"Uh, well of course,\" she said, taken off guard.

　　 \"Okay, when we get back to the Soviet Union, you\u0027re going to help me install bugging devices in every building in the Kremlin.\"

　　 Tregubova blinked a few times before saying, \"Excuse me?\"

　　 \"I need to wiretap that group of Politburo members, even the KGB, and I\u0027m worried about being secretly bugged by them.\" He sat up and put his arm around her. \"With your help, I can guarantee that there isn\u0027t a single recording device in this hotel room.\"

　　 Tregubova sat silently, looking down at her lap.

　　 \"General Secretary,\" she whispered, barely audible.

　　 \"What is it?\"

　　 \"I can\u0027t help you with... this.\"

　　 Romanov stared at her solemnly and said, \"Why? I trust you to ask this, you are most special to me. Wouldn\u0027t you like to help me eavesdrop?\"

　　 \"I\u0027m not sure I\u0027m...\"

　　 \"Look at me, won\u0027t you do this for my stability with the Soviets? Is our relationship just a sham?\"

　　 She remained silent for a moment, looking down.

　　 \"What do you think?\" he asked.

　　 \"I... I don\u0027t know,\" she said. \"I need time to think.\"

　　 \"Okay, now let\u0027s sleep.\" Romanov closed his eyes.

　　 \"Comrade...\" Tregubova said, sounding hesitant, \"I can\u0027t sleep with you.\"

　　 \"Oh, come on,\" he said. \"I\u0027m not going to bite.\"

　　 Tregubova looked away and mumbled, \"Not in a literal sense anyway.\" And, she turned away and fell asleep.

　　 A few hours later, Romanov waked her. \"Get up, sleepyhead.\"

　　 \"Where are we going?\" she asked.

　　 \"Albanian Labor Party Congress, get dressed and come with me.\"

　　 \"Shouldn\u0027t we wait for the others?\"

　　 \"No, they can fend for themselves.\" Romanov stood up and kissed her on the forehead. \"Come on.\"

　　 Tregubova slowly stood and got dressed. She kissed him back. \"I\u0027ll be waiting for you in the lobby.\"

　　 \"I\u0027ll be there,\" Romanov said, pulling her close.

　　 They left the hotel room and walked toward a large white building with a red star. The massive steel door opened as they approached it.

　　 \"This is the entrance,\" Romanov explained. \"It will lead us to wherever the Congress is being held.\"

　　 \"What happens if we\u0027re not welcomed?\"

　　 Romanov froze for a moment and asked, \"Why do you think so? The Albanian Labor Party is also a communist party, and they need our Soviet aid.\"

　　 \"But what if they don\u0027t want our help?\"

　　 \"Then we\u0027ll have to decline it,\" Romanov replied.

　　 \"That could backfire.\"

　　 \"You\u0027re overthinking it, Albania only has a $2.3 billion GDP right now, are they going to give up $300 million in aid? No.\"

　　 \"But what if it\u0027s politically unacceptable?\"

　　 \"It isn\u0027t.\"

　　 Tregubova didn\u0027t say anything.

　　 \"The economy is just a continuation of politics through another means. Don\u0027t worry about it, let\u0027s get into the meeting.\"

　　 Tregubova walked ahead of him into the building.

　　 At the congress of the Albanian Labor Party, Ramiz Alia, the first secretary of the Albanian Labor Party, was sitting in the middle of the front row, with Romanov drinking tea next to him.

　　 Ramiz Alia got up with the report and started his speech saying. \"Comrades, today is the day we\u0027ve been waiting for. The Congress has decided to support our request for Soviet assistance. We\u0027re happy to have such a powerful ally. In the words of K. Marx, \u0027From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.\u0027\"

　　 Applause erupted.

　　 \"Before we begin, I\u0027d like to make one announcement.\"

　　 Everyone fell silent.

　　 \"I\u0027m aware that this is a historic moment and one that has profound meaning for our nation. The decision that is being discussed today is not only a historic moment, but a political and economic turning point for our country. We have an opportunity to show the entire world that the path to communism is a peaceful one. The new policy that the Congress has approved will make Albania one of the most powerful nations in the world. It will also usher in an era of unprecedented progress and prosperity for our people. Our goal is to make Albania a superpower, and this is a step in the right direction. So, let us all rejoice.\"

　　 Some people clapped, but others remained silent. Ramiz Alia waited for the applause to die down before starting his speech again. \"Now, I\u0027d like to introduce a very special guest.\"

　　 Romanov stepped forward.

　　 \"Comrades, comrades, hello.\"

　　 The crowd murmured greetings back.

　　 Standing up without a script, Romanov began his speech, saying: \"Today is 1985, the fortieth anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, and the day of the departure of the Albanian leader, Comrade Hoxha. During these forty years, both the Soviet Union and Albania have deviated from the path and made mistakes. But there is no doubt that both the Bolsheviks and the Albanian Labor Party marched for the sake of all mankind towards a communist society with the elimination of classes and the distribution of goods according to needs! What is left to debate then? Only the method, the way to this glorious goal. In other words, the path to be taken. As the old saying goes: \u0027The means justify the ends.\u0027

　　 The result of the \u0027success\u0027 of capitalism is the decreasing social status of proletarian workers, the phenomenon of increasing costs of living conditions, the loss of the pursuit of knowledge and self-realization among young people, and the judging of social values only by wealth. The purchasing power of monetary consumption declines, and the cost of housing, health care, pensions, education and the social Gini coefficient continue to expand. Why did fertility rates decline in industrialized societies? That is the reason. If this is the future of all mankind, I can only say that such a human civilization will never be able to colonize outer space. It would just be on this asteroid waiting to perish.

　　 The capitalist is a poor blind man who can\u0027t see the truth and freedom behind us. Not now, but under a new social and economic form of socialism to achieve a better life for working people. The best social form will surely win. Our working people will always be the vast majority. Socialism is the requirement of the times and the future. The road to communism is long and hard, but we have the will and the knowledge to complete it.

　　 The Soviet Union has been a beacon of light to the world for over sixty years. We\u0027re not perfect, and we\u0027re getting better, but we have a long road ahead in which to perfect our methods. The path that we have chosen is a path of social justice and progress for all mankind. We are also convinced that Albania will develop together with the Soviet Union and other socialist countries! But we will never forget the path that we have chosen. We will never bow to the path of neo-liberal greed! We will never abandon those who are weaker than ourselves!

　　 We will continue to build a strong, prosperous, and peaceful nation that will be a model for the world to emulate. For real truth and freedom! Long live socialism! Long live the workers! Long live the revolution!

　　 Long live our great nation, Albania!\"

　　 Applause erupted.

　　 \"Thank you, comrade. I\u0027d also like to add my voice to the resounding chorus of applause. We must all embrace the ideals of socialism and march towards its realization in a bid to achieve a better world for all mankind. One in which there is no longer any exploitative hierarchy, in which each individual is able to live their life in a manner that is worthy of all their human rights and dignity. I say we\u0027re only halfway through the journey, and we have a long and treacherous road ahead of us. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. The only way is to proceed through the flames of revolutionary struggle. Let us all work together. Let us all fight for the same cause! A world without borders or borders! A world that is a paradise for all and a paradise within each. A world in which there is a brotherhood among all of mankind. A world without war! A world with peace! A world of real and true freedom! Let us work together, let us fight together, let us struggle for a world of justice and brotherhood. For only, through struggle, can we hope to achieve it.\"

　　 \"Long live Comrade Grigory Vasilyevich!\"

　　 Applause erupted.

　　 \"My friends, we must all stand together. Through struggle, through sacrifice, through hardship, we will all overcome. We must all pull together. We must all fight for our common good.\"

　　 \"We will fight for a world of peace and brotherhood. For a world in which all live together in unity and prosperity. For a better future! For the future of all mankind!\"

　　 \"For the future of all mankind!\"

　　 \"For a socialist future!\"

　　 \"For a bright communist future!\"

　　 \"For the workers of the world, without borders, and without slaves!\"

　　 \"For the workers of the world, with pride and dignity, and no fear!\"

　　 \"Hurray for our great nation, Albania!\"

　　 After the speech was finished, Romanov and Alia returned to the meeting room.

　　 \"Well, how did it go?\" asked Romanov.

　　 \"You talk a good game, but how do we know this is any different from the last time?\" asked Alia skeptically.

　　 \"We don\u0027t have a choice, do we? By the way, I hope to vindicate the political prisoners of the Hoxha period.\"

　　 \"Me too. What did you have in mind?\"

　　 \"Well, it\u0027s rather obvious. The first step will be to free those we\u0027ve been holding for the most part.\"

　　 \"It\u0027s not that simple. The government has released several in order to facilitate the release of political prisoners. It\u0027s a difficult process, which they will not simply just abandon.\"

　　 Romanov nodded and said. \"Then, Albania needs to develop its economy in the direction of agricultural mechanization and tourism. Of course, this is just my personal suggestion. However, I think that these are the fields in which we will be able to show our strength the most effectively. The government should consider these suggestions. I\u0027m sure that they will be well-received. But now, I think we should discuss the current political situation. We have very little time, so I hope you all will be as efficient as possible.\"

　　 \"I\u0027ve already done a lot of work on this front, I\u0027ve come up with an idea of a list of people that I think should be released in order to help facilitate the release of political prisoners.\"

　　 Romanov nodded and said, \"Very well, tomorrow I\u0027m going back to the Soviet Union. So, will the Albanian Labor Party accept the previous offer?\"

　　 \"It might be an option,\" said Alia. \"We will re-establish diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union and return to the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, but the Soviet Union will guarantee Albania\u0027s security and trade contacts.\"

　　 \"I\u0027m sure that\u0027ll be satisfactory,\" said Romanov.

　　 \"I\u0027m also sure that we will have to release some political prisoners in order to make this work,\" said Alia.

　　 \"That\u0027s your choice,\" said Romanov.

　　 \"As you wish,\" said Alia. \"You have my thanks.\"

　　 \"My thanks too,\" said Romanov.

　　 The next few days passed by in a whirlwind. The Council of Ministers had voted unanimously to establish diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union. The Soviet ambassador, An V. Khristenko, and his wife, Irina, arrived in Albania, as did several delegations from the Soviet embassies in other countries. The Soviet Trade Representative, Yevgeny V. Afanas\u0027ev, called for the establishment of a free trade area between the two countries.

　　 The process of releasing political prisoners began that very same day. The prisoners on the list were handed over to the Red Cross, who began to transport them to free countries. During the course of the next month, the remaining prisoners on the list were released.

　　 It was not long, however, before the Soviet Union\u0027s representative began pressuring the Albanian government to establish formal diplomatic relations. The Albanian government, however, was wary of the Soviet Union\u0027s influence.