At a meeting of the apparatus of the Party Committee of the Durrës district held in recent days, the issue of receiving the people was also discussed. Some comments recently made at the grassroots level were also taken into account. Criticism was voiced about shortcomings both in the apparatus of the Party Committee and that of the Executive Committee, including concerning their leading comrades and some elected representatives who had not met with the people. It was good that the problems were stated openly, because this prompted discussion with the aim that every employee of the district apparatus and other bodies, from the most junior employee to the chief leader, as well as every elected representative, should learn lessons to improve their work. Receiving the people concerns the ties between cadres and the masses, ties which, as the Party instructs, must be as sound as possible, in order to further revolutionize Party life, further strengthen socialist democracy, and implement the mass line as well as possible. Comparing our practice with the requirements of the resolution of the ple- [text continues outside the frame] …and allowing no shortcomings in resolving the people’s complaints and requests: those who do not receive people well, do not meet with the masses, have adopted petty-bourgeois attitudes and look after their own comfort, forgetting that power belongs to the people—and people like that are put in a «vice» by the people. This must be done all the more firmly, because it strengthens their power, socialism, socialist democracy and the mass line. As the discussion broadened, this fact was also addressed: Last year, many letters and telegrams came to the district Party Committee, nearly twice as many as in 1988. This number should concern us. Not because people write—they have the right to address any body and authority, thereby expressing the trust they have in the Party and the people’s power. But it is clear that some cadres, Party basic organizations, people’s councils, boards of agricultural economies, enterprise administrations, etc., do not receive employees properly; indeed, someone may brusquely tell them: «Go complain wherever you want!»? This runs counter to mass democracy and the Party line. …as happens in some cases, it is truly very bad. When some elected representatives do not meet with the people, as has also happened to us, it seems that arrogance has taken hold of them and that they abuse the trust placed in them, forgetting that the people who elected them have the right to recall them. When this happens among employees of the organs of state power and the economy, it shows that they have shut themselves within narrow «frames», become attached to offices, chairs, telephones and paperwork, which distances them from real life. And this paves the way for bureaucratization among employees of the state power, harming the work. In recent days, a workers’ inspection group at the Executive Committee of the people’s council observed how the public was received. It found weaknesses in several sections, and the workers’ inspection group proposed measures, including warnings of dismissal for some cadres, which were approved. At the meeting that was held, one person replied: «This is an excuse», which shows that they are still far from understanding the role of workers’ inspection, and that they still see receiving the people as … [text continues outside the frame] …servants of the people. A considerable number of letters received from the people by the district Party Committee were closed with a delay of 1 to 3 months. This fact, too, shows that some of its employees apparently see this work as a burden, do not want to tire themselves by following up on the resolution of letters, which also takes time. But Party work has no working hours. Just as a communist in production is required to be at the forefront, all the more must an employee of the Party Committee apparatus set an example, be present everywhere and always, and remain concerned for the people. Party work is, first and foremost, work with people. Away from them, one does nothing but fall into the role of a mechanical order-giver and manager, with telephones and paperwork, and this paves the way for bureaucratism, because people are persuaded with arguments, not orders. That is why, also considering the fact mentioned above, we think it is necessary to further correct and revolutionize the working methods of every employee of the Party Committee apparatus, … [text continues outside the frame] and not only theirs, so as to be more responsive and creative, far from routines and outdated formulas, and fresher in thought and action. And this freshness comes from better ties with the people, from listening to their voice, and to the complaints, requests and suggestions people make. SOTIRAQ GJORDENI Listening to the people’s Since the beginning of the year up to 20 February, 294 tons have been sent to sea. This quantity is greater than what was distributed during the month of January. Obviously, this contributes to the failure to fulfill the industrial production plan and to rising costs. The relevant section at the Executive Committee of the district people’s council has information sent by [unclear] saying that the problem is known to the ministry. But resolving it requires greater attention and effort, so that this production, too, can be put fully at the service of the economy. One temporary solution: the tanker that transports hydrochloric acid to the metallurgical plant could be used, while the plant could receive its supplies in the tankers that transport acid to the oil enterprises. This is not a permanent solution, but action requires moving from these ideas to concrete implementation. VANGJEL STEFA must be as healthy as possible, in order to further revolutionize the life of the Party, well as possible. Faced with these requirements of the decision of the 9th Plenum of the Party’s Central Committee, every cadre has reason to reflect, improve their working methods, understand more deeply both the ideological and political content of the plenum’s decisions, and set about implementing them using more flexible and innovative working methods. In this particular case, in order not to allow— Party bases, popular councils, agricultural cooperatives, enterprise administrations, etc., do not receive workers well; indeed, someone may cut them short: “Go complain wherever you want!”? This is contrary to the democracy of the masses, to the mass line. It is also clear that some elected representatives are far removed from the people’s complaints, requests and suggestions. This is what should concern us and make us think more deeply. These are nothing other than manifestations of bureaucratism, of a severing of ties with the masses, of placing oneself above them. When Communists display these manifestations, so as not to prejudice those who were dismissed from their jobs, several cadres were approved. At the meeting, one of them tried to justify himself, which shows that he is still far from understanding the role of workers’ oversight, and that he still regarded serving the people as “secondary work”, when in fact it is primary. The Committee’s leading comrades, beginning with its chairman and others, criticized these attitudes, frankly acknowledging that manifestations of bureaucracy and routine are right before our eyes among some employees of the apparatus, which gives everyone the task of reflecting more carefully on themselves as up to a warning of dismissal from work for several cadres, which was reflecting more carefully on themselves as (Continued on page 2)

IN THE CANNING DEPARTMENT OF THE FOOD ENTERPRISE IN PERMET. (Photo: A. Bodinaku - ATSH)

AT THE WORLD PRESS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION IN AMSTERDAM Recently we became acquainted with the album of the World Press Photography Exhibition and, leafing through it under the name «Albania», found the names of our well-known photojournalists Niko Xhufka, Leon Çika, Bujar Veseli and Zamir Marika. What does this album represent? In Amsterdam, Holland, the World Press Photography Exhibition has been held every year since 1956, with photojournalists from many countries submitting their work. The first prize is called «The Golden Eye». The works on display and those receiving awards are judged by an international jury. At last year’s exhibition, around 9,000 photographs were seen, with works by 1,315 photographers from 62 countries exhibited. Our country was among them, represented by the four photographers we have mentioned. This is a success for our art. Our photojournalists began taking part in this event in 1987. Last year, around 20 photojournalists submitted their work. Taking this information as a starting point, we believe that the relevant department of the League of Writers and Artists should, by publicizing it in various press outlets, encourage our photojournalists to raise the standard of their work. KLEANTh DEDI at the National Historical Museum

— OBSERVATION FROM VLORA — The soda-PVC plant stands out for its failure to meet targets during this period in particular. What does this indicate most? The failure to export hydrochloric acid in January, as well as the fact that sodium hypochlorite is not being distributed in full, in accordance with the quantity produced. This is a product that is taken up, and contracts have been signed with paper mills. But what is happening? Because of a shortage of containers, as they say at the plant, the hypochlorite is not being collected according to plan. Meanwhile, at the paper mills, for its production and to meet the needs of the [text continues beyond the frame]

Those who value their duty and mobilize from the very beginning of the month soon take the lead in emulation. In the first ten-day period of February, the fish-breeding and fishing enterprise in the Shkodra district fulfilled its plan by 147 percent. Even now, more or less, it is maintaining this overfulfilment and moving confidently toward successfully closing the month of February and the ten-month period. There are similar examples in other collectives too, such as the meat-and-dairy collection and processing enterprise, the enterprise for the production of livestock feed, the electric-wire plant, the garment enterprise, the metalworking enterprise, the mining enterprise, etc. It is this mobilization that is enabling total industrial production at district level to meet its targets successfully. Several other sectors are also on track to meet the targets for this period, for example, the export of goods, which so far is exceeding its targets, and the volume of geological [text continues beyond the frame]

The Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, Comrade Ramiz Alia, sent the following congratulatory telegram to the Emir of Kuwait, Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah: “Celebration of Kuwait’s national holiday gives me pleasure, in the name of the Albanian people, the Presidium of the People’s Assembly and in my own name, to send to You and, through You, to the Kuwaiti people our warm greetings and best wishes for their well-being and for the further progress of the country.” (ATSH)

During the 20 years since its establishment, the collective of the construction materials enterprise in the capital has distinguished itself by fulfilling its tasks on time and to a high standard, applying advances in science and technology. The two concrete factories alone produce 27,000 cubic metres of various types of concrete each year. Compared with the beginning, sulfate production has increased 16 times, while [production] has increased five times, pre-concrete two times, and wire mesh 15 times, etc. By meeting the growing demands of the construction enterprises in the capital, production has increased for the construction of works, social and cultural facilities, housing, etc. Among the workers’ objectives is also to fulfil the tasks of the fifth five-year plan ahead of schedule, within two years and two months. This is on track to be achieved, because the volume of residential apartments and their delivery are being completed a month and a half earlier than scheduled, as well as the PTT facility in Zall-Herr, etc. On the occasion of this anniversary, a jubilee meeting was held yesterday with the enterprise’s collective. Workers, specialists and cadres from the enterprise, veterans of construction, and people from production and construction took part. Among those attending were the First Secretary of the District Party Committee, Comrade Pirro Kondi; the First Secretary of the Party Committee of Region No. 3, Nimet Canı; the chairman of the Executive Committee of the People’s Council of this region, Leandro Zoto; a representative of the Ministry of Construction; and other comrades. The occasion was addressed by Daut Balla, director of the construction materials enterprise. On behalf of the District Party Committee, Comrade Pirro Kondi greeted the participants and wished them further success. The construction materials enterprise was then presented with the Order of Labour, First Class, awarded by the Presidium of the People’s Assembly. Orders and Labour Medals were also awarded to two brigades and 26 distinguished workers, specialists and cadres. A telegram was sent from the meeting to the First Secretary of the Party’s Central Committee, Comrade Ramiz Alia. The participants also visited the new department for producing decorative elements, with an area of 25,000 square metres, the museum, the production lines and departments, as well as the social and cultural facilities recently built near the enterprise. The folk song and dance ensemble presented an artistic program. (According to ATSH)

WHEN THE MIMOSAS BLOOM, MAY EVERYONE BE HAPPY 1. On Friday, Shaban Ceni, chief engineer of the Central Tirana Greenery Enterprise, was at Rinas Airport. He was neither seeing anyone off nor waiting for anyone. He was sending mimosa flowers for export by plane. A worthwhile luxury: one kilogram of flowers brings in five times more revenue than is spent on them. 2. Three days ago, at the flower shop beside our editorial office, people were looking at bouquets of mimosa flowers wrapped in white paper. They were sold at half their real price. A luxury, and in a light colour. Of the 1,000 bouquets prepared over time, they were not sent to their destination because the truck was not loaded on time. For everyone, the blooming of the mimosas is a surprise. Children run around with mimosa branches in their hands. Mimosa flowers on tables. Homes fill with their fragrance. Their arrival breaks the monotony of the bleak winter. It heralds spring. This has been said in songs and poems. We feel nature bursting forth in a home that is otherwise so bare. But for people like Shaban, like Miranda Bimo and Zana Harito, and for dozens and dozens of greenery workers, the flowers’ blooming year after year brings not only joy, but also an “ah, the mimosas have bloomed!” But why? Because they are also in demand for export. Nature has given us this wealth in abundance. You find it in Delvinë. “In the true sense of the word,” Shaban Ceni, who has worked in this sector for 20 years, tells us, “in Delvinë the mimosa really is mimosa. When you travel through Delvinë, you pass through a tunnel of mimosas. Above, you cannot see the blue of the sky, but the yellow of flowers full of pollen. There are some in Çerik too. There are especially many in Mamurras. Ah, the fresh air of Mamurras!” Shaban exclaims. “But how many are there?” Shaban estimates them by kilograms of flowers: 2,000 in Mamurras, over 4,000 in Delvinë. Those in Mamurras are partly harvested by the Tirana enterprise; those in Delvinë, Elbasan, Berat and almost all the other districts go mostly to waste. Mimosa flowers have been exported for about ten years. Each year, on average, 1,400–2,000 kg have been supplied. This year, as of yesterday, 5,200 kg had been supplied, 1,200 more than planned. All the people who work on flower exports, the women workers know no working hours; the mimosas are beautiful to make into bouquets, but there are quite a few difficulties. “The potential is there to supply another 10,000 kg. Perhaps even more. The truth is that we have done little work on this. Other countries have even earlier-flowering plants that bloom in December. ‘I think we should obtain some specimens from them,’ Shaban tells us. ‘What plans do you have to expand it?’ “This spring we will plant 1,500 saplings. In two or three years they will flower. We are conducting a ten-year study on the greening of Tirana. I think mimosa is worth planting both in residential blocks and along the lakes and roads. Every residential block needs a ‘bouquet’ of trees—50 to 100 mimosa trees. Do you know? Tirana alone has barely 3 million flowers a year. And what are 10 flowers per person per year? One flower shop, one greenhouse for flowers, is far too little for Tirana, isn’t it? Shabani is passionate about his work. But he is also a realist. ‘Years ago,’ he says, ‘an experiment was carried out to extract essence from mimosa flowers. This is a crop in its own right. But what about the bouquets left over because the truck doesn’t come, or the plane doesn’t take them? What difficulty would it pose for the food-processing plant in Tirana or Elbasan to produce this essence, which is so much in demand for export? And the 4,000 kg from Delvinë—if they cannot be exported as bouquets, could they not be exported as essence? Mimosa may indeed be a “capricious” flower: it blooms suddenly and lasts for ten days—it is hand-picked—but that does not mean that we, too, should work with it like amateurs; it does not mean we should proceed with the attitude, “whatever we get, we’ll consider it profit.” We will suggest that the enterprise organize this work, as some amateurs do when they plant mimosa around institutions and workshops. For mimosa is also suitable for pruning into a low crown. How many mimosa trees could be planted, wherever there is room and the climate allows? Furthermore, it would not be a sacrifice to use some of its income to buy a thermoking truck, so that the producers here can also handle its transport. Otherwise, the truck will arrive “too late” and the mimosa will not be picked. Or temperatures will fall and the flowers will suddenly bloom, but the vehicle will not come. Meanwhile, producing the essence must also be considered, and the necessary means provided. If these things are done, the flowering of the mimosa will bring pleasure to everyone, both amateurs and those who make it their profession. If these things are done, we will have more mimosa and also greater export earnings. ABDUL DULE (Photo: N. Xhufka)

48th year of publication Sunday, 25 February 1990 No. 48 (12 992) Price 30 qindarka

● WHEN WE LISTEN AND DECIDE ON SOLVING PEOPLE’S PROBLEMS (p. 1). ● HOZBRASHOTIT JA NGAJ-TËRROJNË KËMBËT THE RULES MADE OBSOLETE BY TIME (p. 2). ● RELAYS OF COURAGE (p. 3). ● ABOUT THE EVENTS IN KOSOVO (p. 4).

THE PEOPLE COME TO THE COMMITTEE OFFICES. HOW DO WE RECEIVE THEM?