IN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS OF THE 9TH PLENUM Not only in Tirana, in the last two days the newspaper has heated up conversations among readers of different ages with its content. Two letters, the one sent to the Central Committee of the Party by writer Ismail Kadare, as well as the decision of the 9th Plenum of the CC of the PPSH, circulated in many families, workplaces and basic organizations, have been received with extraordinary interest. In order to become more broadly acquainted with the new developments taking place in many cities, we set out along the Tirana–Lushnjë road. How are these developments being felt? “They are extremely positive; they are pushing our socialist society forward,” a young man from Lushnjë tells us. The conversation then branches into various assessments, but everywhere it is felt that the pace has changed. We first learned the news at the wood complex. Workers, technicians and managers are openly discussing the necessary changes, the improvement of work organization, and the increase of responsibility and effectiveness. In the city there are many places where people read and comment on the newspaper. There are demands for more information, for clear facts, for decisions that directly affect life. In the basic organizations, in collectives and families, clear signs of renewed vitality can be seen. This is especially evident in efforts to face economic difficulties, to increase production, and to improve discipline. In Lushnjë, as many interlocutors say, another spirit of work has begun to be felt, more open, more demanding, more attentive to people’s views. In these days, meetings with young people have also increased. They want to know more, to ask questions, to discuss, to take part in decision-making. In some workplaces the opinion was expressed that more should be done to free creative initiative and to encourage individual and collective responsibility. In conclusion, everywhere one feels that the pace has changed. People expect the decisions taken to be implemented seriously and life to move forward with more courage, justice and confidence.

In the company office we enter, they direct us to the head of the internal affairs branch. “He can’t come out now,” they tell us. The waiting continues and meanwhile people go in and out, each with their own concern. In brief conversations it becomes clear that there are bottlenecks in some supply and organizational processes. Outside, a group of young people stop and comment on the day’s news. “We hope something will move,” says one. Another adds that a long wait helps no one. In the city there is talk about the pace of work, about delays, shortages, but also about the will to overcome them. The photograph in the middle of the page brings a common moment from everyday life. Beneath it we read a short note. The article focuses on the concern that time is passing and some issues continue to remain unresolved. The demand remains that words be accompanied by concrete actions. (To be continued on page 2) (Photo: N. Xhuka)

WAITING FOR THE DECISION, WHAT WILL THE MINISTRY OF SECONDARY AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION DECIDE? From the concrete work these days it has emerged that in some schools the number of teachers is greater than the real need. This has led to organizational overload, an unfair distribution of the teaching load and, in some cases, a decline in responsibility. Directors and teachers speak about the need to review staffing structures. In many places it is observed that with better organization higher results can be achieved. This requires clear decisions from the relevant bodies, but also readiness from pedagogical collectives to accept necessary changes. In discussions, the issue of profiles, teaching norms and the distribution of staff according to need is also mentioned. While waiting for the ministry’s decision, the discussions continue. The most widespread view is that reducing surplus teachers should not be seen as an end in itself, but as part of a broader effort to increase output and improve organization. (Photo: R. Buli)

At the Prime Minister’s Office, a meeting was held between the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the PR of Albania, Comrade Adil Çarçani, and the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland, Ake Virol. The conversation was held in an atmosphere of understanding. The parties expressed the view that there are possibilities for expanding contacts and further developing relations between the two countries. Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also took part in the meeting. (ASTI)

The Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly of the PR of Albania, Ramiz Alia, received the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Comrade Khamphay Soukhaseum, on the occasion of the presentation of his credentials. In the conversation held on this occasion, it was noted that the friendly relations between our two countries and peoples are steadily being strengthened. Confidence was expressed that they will further expand in the future, in the interest of both peoples. Also present at the reception was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PR of Albania. (ASTI)

The Finnish delegation also held meetings at the Presidium of the People’s Assembly. Views were exchanged on issues of bilateral relations and on possibilities for cooperation. The visit of the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Finland was assessed as a contribution to better mutual understanding and to the further development of ties between the two countries. (ASTI)