Another step toward the West. For the first time, the Albanian worker will work only 5 days a week. Another step toward the West. For the first time, the Albanian worker will work only 5 days a week. While in Albania the good news does not come as an honor to the trade unionist, but as a result of the trade-union struggle, as a result of the trade-union struggle, as a result of their strength and their confrontation with socio-economic policy. In any case, this law does not come as a result of the trade-union struggle, but as a result of their strength and their confrontation with socio-economic policy. The subsistence payments, which at the beginning of this year were given by the government to the union sector, focused on a part of society with its lowest wages. The Committee on Economy and the Committee on Legislation in the Assembly began yesterday the article-by-article discussion of the draft law on certain amendments to the Labor Code, whose aim was to shorten the workday, making the weekly working time reach 40 hours. According to the two articles expected to be approved in today’s parliamentary session, in the months of July and August working time in Albania will be 6 hours per day for every enterprise, while in the other months it will be 8 hours. This is not only because of the high summer temperatures, but also because of the lack of necessary conditions in most enterprises or state institutions, where administrative employees, instead of being tired by work, are tired by the heat. According to this draft law, Saturday is also defined as a full day off. It may sound like demagoguery, but on the other hand it is seen as a moral victory for the union and for all Albanian workers. Although it is clear that this change will not quickly solve all social problems, it provides a more humane standard of working life. According to the first article, the employee has the right to use part of the working hours for personal needs, with the employer’s approval, in special cases. Likewise, the worker has the right to rest for 20 minutes in the middle of the day, a break which is not included in working hours. This change in the law is an important step toward easing working conditions and introducing more humane standards in labor relations in Albania.

On 20 June in Bushkill, Pennsylvania, United States of America, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Safet Zhulali, and the Minister of Defense of the United States of America, Les Aspin, held a warm, friendly and constructive conversation, reaffirming the interest of the two governments in relations as close as possible and in cooperation in the field of defense. The ministers emphasized the importance of the traditional ties between the two countries and the support of the USA for the process of democratic reforms in Albania. They dwelt on the need to modernize the Albanian army, increase professional capacities and cooperate in the field of training. The statement expressed appreciation for Albania’s democratic course and for its efforts to build stable institutions. The American side expressed readiness to continue assistance and consultations with the Ministry of Defense of Albania. During the visit to the USA, the Albanian delegation held meetings with high political and military figures, and also visited various defense institutions. The talks also focused on the possibilities for technical, logistical and military educational cooperation. The statement underscores the importance of regional stability and Albania’s role in developments in the Balkans, stressing that strengthening peace and security in the region remains a common interest of both countries.

NO OTHER PROMISE KEPT BY PD The Democratic Party has decided to fulfill one of its electoral promises, that of the 40-hour workweek. This measure was presented in parliamentary discussions as an initiative that would contribute to improving working conditions and bringing the country closer to Western practices. The deputies discussed the effects that this change will have on the administration and the state sector, especially in the difficult summer conditions and the insufficient infrastructure in many offices and enterprises. It was stressed that reducing the schedule in the months of July and August is a practical solution for coping with the heat and the lack of conditions. Other items on the agenda were also addressed, but the main attention was focused on the draft law on amendments to the Labor Code. The discussion was accompanied by different positions, but generally supportive tones. Opposition deputies requested clarification on the budgetary and organizational impact, while the majority assessed that the reform was necessary and long overdue.

Eureka! DRAFT CONSTITUTION — A PANACEA FOR POLITICAL CRISIS -The political crisis, the destabilization of Albania, as well as the risk of the outbreak of a fratricidal war, were repeated also at the Conference of 23 June. Since 23 March 1992, the bad governance in power has given a strong impetus to successive socio-economic and political crises. These crises in themselves include not only the severe economic and socio-political situation, but have further deepened the situation created during a century of difficult transition. It did not take Nano much time to declare on 7 April 1992 that the text of the draft constitution was an indispensable condition for stabilizing the country. In this way he equated the crisis with the absence of the Constitution and not with the real state of the country, where weak governance had driven the country into great difficulties. This logic was repeated again on 5 June 1993, when it was declared that the draft constitution was the only solution to get out of the crisis. But developments up to now have shown that the crisis has deeper political, economic and institutional causes. The author raises the question of why the constitutional project is being used as a propaganda tool and as an alibi for failing to solve citizens’ concrete problems. According to him, the government is trying to present the constitutional debate as a magic solution, while poverty, unemployment and insecurity are increasing. From this point of view, the draft constitution does not serve as an instrument of stability, but as a new spark of political conflict. The heated debate in conferences and in public shows that its political use can bring more division than consensus.

-Attendance of Mr. Pjeter Arbnori

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