The builders of the Banja hydroelectric complex, working in an offensive spirit to win the title “Outstanding Worker of 1990 and of the 8th Five-Year Plan,” fulfilled the construction and assembly volume for the period January–15 February by 101 percent, while working with productivity 8 percent higher, they exceeded total industrial production by 20 percent. They recorded substantial overfulfilment in all work processes. During this period, excavation exceeded the target by 5,000 m³, gravel filling by 2,000 m³, concrete work by 2,500 m³, reinforced-concrete placement by 40 tons, and deep grouting by 200 m. Meanwhile, by taking care to economize on raw and auxiliary materials, costs were reduced by 100,000 lek beyond the target. Work is continuing at full pace on excavation at the dam abutments and in the inspection and grouting gallery, as well as on concreting in the gallery, deep grouting in the cut-off wall, gravel filling at the dam, and placing reinforcing steel in the inspection and grouting gallery. Transport work, too, despite some difficulties, is being carried out with the aim of meeting the schedules. The brigade of Hero of Socialist Labour, led by Hero of Socialist Labour Xhemë Peca and working on foundation clearing, stands out for the steady fulfilment of its tasks; so do the concrete-preparation crews and the 4 m³ and 2 m³ excavator crews led by Flamur Ujka and Përparim Beqari, etc. The construction objective is to begin concreting the pressurized water conveyance tunnel soon and to fill it with clay by 15 March. DIONIS NOTI (Photos: by G. Xhengo)

— Interview with Comrade Ajet Ylli, Chairman of the Committee for Science and Technology, given to editor Musa Uljanli. — — Cooperative relations with the outside world in the fields of science and technology have expanded considerably, especially in recent years. We think we are also expressing our readers’ interest in learning something more concrete, Comrade Ajet, about the variety of technical-scientific exchanges with the world. — Technical-scientific relations with the outside world are conducted through the implementation of periodic programmes that our country signs with many international organizations and various states. Forms of this cooperation include bilateral governmental agreements concerning technical-scientific, educational and scientific cooperation; more recently, also industrial and technical cooperation; separate agreements between our Academy of Sciences and the academies of other countries; and agreements between the “Enver Hoxha” University of Tirana and foreign universities. Of considerable value are the direct links between our research institutions and similar institutions, as well as between our scientists and specialists and scientists and specialists in other countries. In recent years, technical-scientific cooperation with the outside world has increased considerably. Here are some more specific details. Cooperation with the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) has been and continues to be very productive. During 1981–1986, five important projects were undertaken and completed, for example, scientific improvement of the level of secondary education and research work at the “Enver Hoxha” University of Tirana and the Higher Agricultural Institute, the establishment of a computer network, the telecommunications project and the project for automating the control of industrial processes. During 1987–1991, nine projects are being implemented, five of them new: computerization of the hydrological drainage system of the Drin River, a research nuclear reactor, an experimental wine-production station, a laser-beam laboratory and cancer control. In addition to these, we have fruitful cooperation with the United Nations Fund for activities in the field of population (UNFPA), with which we are cooperating on the implementation of the paediatrics project and the project to computerize statistics for the registration of (Continued on page 3)

Impressions from Memaliaj The long line of buses pulls away from the town of Memaliaj, along the banks of the Vjosa and winding along the paved road through the coal basin, heading for the gates of the underground town of the same name. The underground town has reached its fortieth year; its roads lead hundreds of coal wagons toward the mouths of the shafts. The days when ore was transported in baskets loaded onto the backs of mules seem to belong to the previous century, but those who did that work, now pensioners, enjoy their coffee in peace at the miners’ handsome “1 Maj” club. Now the self-loading machines and electric locomotives never rest. The three thousand inhabitants of this “underground town,” in four shifts, one brigade replacing another and one comrade taking over from the next around the clock, make their way in turn through all the “apartments” of the four-storey blocks, from the first apartment, 10 metres below sea level, to the one 250 metres deep. They bring up the underground’s black gold without pause. Here, in every brigade, the temperature is no lower than 20 degrees and no higher than 24 degrees. That is why the workers here wear light clothing and do not suffer from occupational diseases. The central figure in every longwall is the miner. He plays the leading role in the brigade, and much of the daily fulfilment of the plan depends on his work. In longwall 7 south of Shaft No. 3, the miner is the mine’s youngest Hero of Socialist Labour, Ali Çausi. The other members of the brigade are Fatmir Hoxha, Refat Varfi, Muharem Shapa, Kujtim Hoxha, Sami Kullau and Servet Cela. Its average age is no more than 26. The average age is almost the same for all underground workers engaged in production. — Who is the most outstanding worker? — we ask Ali. — Since the plan is being fulfilled at over 120 percent, everyone is outstanding — he replies. We also visited Ali’s neighbours, the brigade of Halim Qato, where Ali worked years ago and slowly climbed the difficult steps toward the high title. Halim and his brigade are proud that one of their own became a Hero. — I’ll retire in two years — says Halim. — I’m genuinely sorry to leave this wonderful collective of workers. We also visited several other longwalls, but seeing them all is quite difficult. It is like walking from Tepelena to Kavajë. A miner here, we were told, worked out that calculation. When shift-change time comes, the underground roads fill with hundreds of twinkling lights. brigade the four-shift brigade and the comrade, in turn, make their way around the clock through all the “apartments” of the four-storey buildings, from the first apartment, which is 10 meters below sea level, to the one 250 meters underground. They ceaselessly extract black gold from underground. Here, each brigade is like a family, and its members number no more than seven. In mine terminology, a brigade is called a luavë. All the brigades take care of their own upkeep, just as housewives do at home. The greatest care is given to the roof. Millions of tons rest on its surface above ground. The people on the surface take care of everything else. They constantly supply the comrades with fresh air, whose temperature (Continued on page 2)

— Report from Puka — These days, the managers of the Fushë-Arrëz Workers’ Supply Enterprise (NFP) gave an account to the workers of the Lak-Rosh mine. The mine, geology and mine-construction workers, etc., rightly called for the necessary conditions to be ensured in the dormitories and for the firewood quota to be met according to the needs of the hotels, bakeries, kitchens, laundries, etc. What does Rustem Braha, director of the Workers’ Supply Enterprise, say about this? — Their demand is entirely justified. But there is nothing we can do. Last year no less than 7,500 cubic metres of firewood were used (even after the savings that were made), yet the workers’ needs were not properly met. Strangely, this year we have been allocated only 4,500 cubic metres of firewood, and in recent days another 70 cubic metres have been cut from this allocation. In these circumstances, when the first-quarter allocation has already been used up and the Wood Processing Enterprise will not supply anything without an allocation, the provision of services for workers in dormitories, bakeries, kitchens, hotels, etc., is at risk. The coal allocation, too, is only 45 tons, the same as last year. We have asked for the plan to be changed to address these problems. This has not been done. What are we to tell the workers? Concern about workers’ living conditions is justified. How will the problem be solved? Saving timber is called for everywhere, here too in the mountains of Puka. But heating and cooking are necessities; they are neither luxuries nor excessive demands. If something can be done with very little investment to obtain steam from the fibre plant to heat the hotels in the town of Fushë-Arrëz, this would reduce the consumption of firewood and coal. There is no reason for this to be delayed. In the face of this situation, excuses are unacceptable, since, so to speak, they warm nobody. These concerns also affect the fulfilment of work targets. HALIL BUÇPAPAJ

The Chamber of Commerce of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, in cooperation with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organized on 27 and 28 February, under the auspices of the General Directorate of Electric Power, the Albanian-Bulgarian scientific symposium on the theme “Effective Use of Energy Resources,” in the lecture hall of the National Historical Museum in the capital. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria in Tirana, Hristaki Kanov, was also present at the opening of the symposium. On behalf of the Council of Albania, its chairman, Ligôr Dhano, delivered a greeting. Among other things, he noted that this symposium, held after the preparatory meeting for the passage of the energy ministers of the Balkan states, was further evidence of cooperation between our two countries, especially in the energy sector. On behalf of the group of Bulgarian specialists, the vice-president of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bozhidar Bozhinov, spoke. Among other things, he said that this event was the first step in establishing contact between our two chambers of commerce. At the symposium, specialists and researchers in energy production and use from both countries highlighted the importance of one of the problems involved in using energy resources and reserves more effectively. First, the director of the economic enterprise “Industrial Energy,” Petar Ivanov, acquainted the participants with its work and achievements in increasing the efficiency of electricity production, equipment, environmental protection, etc. Then scientific associate Nestor Grozev, of Bulgaria’s Scientific Research and Technology Institute, presented the paper “Utilization (use) of industrial waste gases”; engineer Marov Dimiter spoke on “The use of non-traditional fuels”; scientific associate Lilia Mautner presented the papers “Non-traditional sources of energy” and “Some components produced by the economic enterprise ‘Industrial Energy’ in Bulgaria, which are used as component parts of heat-production plant systems.” Candidate of Sciences Kirov Mici, of the Energy Institute in Tirana, presented a paper on “The use of low-calorific coal in our country”; Candidate of Sciences Nuri Hasa, of the Institute of Metallurgical Studies and Design at the “Çeliku i Partisë” metallurgical combine in Elbasan, spoke about a sensitivity study for a medium-sized grate-fired combustion chamber; and engineer Engjëll Daki, of the same institute, presented the paper “Utilization of secondary energy at ferrochrome plants.” The symposium participants asked questions and discussed the better use of the country’s energy resources, increasing production and making greater use of them for the benefit of the economy; they also exchanged demonstrations and interpretations of the materials presented. At the closing session, the director of the Energy Institute, scientific associate Llazar Papagjil, spoke. (According to ATSH)

A few years ago, in the district of Kolonjë, you could not find even one or two dunums of solar greenhouses for growing vegetables. There was no tradition, and there was also no enthusiasm for doing it; it was considered a nuisance. As a result, to meet market needs, especially for early vegetables, people looked toward warmer areas such as Elbasan, etc. From there we brought tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Even the district’s microzones, such as Leskoviku, Barmashi and Sanjollasi, with their very favourable conditions, were not fully utilized. The quantities coming from there were small. The first solar greenhouse in the district was built in the Selenicë cooperative, covering one dunum. It was quite symbolic. Its benefits became apparent in the very first year, 1986. The example of Selenicë was followed everywhere, though not without hesitation. Now, with the exception of the two agricultural enterprises of Piskali and Qinam-Radovickë, all the district’s enterprises have solar greenhouses. Last year their total area in the district reached four hectares. Of these, 2.4 hectares belong to the state sector, to the Mo- llasīt and the Leskovik Agricultural Enterprise. The careful work in the greenhouses is best seen at the market. Last year, from the first days of June, you could find both tomatoes and cucumbers at the market in the town of Ersekë. The agricultural enterprises better met residents’ needs for early vegetables. Satisfactory yields were obtained in some greenhouses: the cooperative harvested 800 quintals of tomatoes per hectare— rial, in 1986, its benefits became apparent. The example of Selenicë, not without hesitation, was followed everywhere. Piskal and Qinam-Radovickë, there are solar greenhouses throughout all the enterprises in the district. to the Mo- (Continued on page 2)

ONE OF THE DAY’S INTERNATIONAL EVENTS As the prospect of German reunification draws ever closer, Poland is seeking guarantees that its western border will remain inviolable. Poland’s position, expressed by Prime Minister Tadeush Mazoviecki, is that the FRG and the GDR should prepare a treaty together with Poland that will definitively guarantee the western border of the Polish state. According to Mazoviecki, such a treaty should be signed after German reunification. Regarding this, West German Foreign Minister Hans Ditrih Gensher stressed yesterday that the proposal for a reunited Germany to recognize Poland’s western border must be taken into consideration and will be examined in Bonn. Quoted by the ROJTER agency, Gensher told reporters: “This is a proposal that we must take very seriously, as a flexible way to put an end to uncertainty over the border issue.” According to experts on inter-German issues and those concerning Central Europe as a whole, it is important in this matter to make a distinction following the talks that West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl held in Washington, where he made the border issue conditional on the free decision of a pan-German government. Once again confirming the Bundestag’s position on not changing the present borders, Kohl stressed: “We respect the feelings of our neighbors.” It should be noted that both current German states have emphasized that they have no territorial claims against Poland, while also declaring that the inviolability of existing European borders is a condition for Europe’s peaceful development. In a statement to reporters in Bonn yesterday, Gensher noted that Mazoviecki’s idea would reassure Poland while taking into account, at the same time, West German Chancellor Kohl’s position, which he described as forward-looking. Meanwhile, according to the ROJTER agency, citing officials in Bonn, the chancellor will speak personally with the Polish prime minister about the latter’s proposal. ARBEN KARAPICI

(Photos: by G. Xhengo)

A youthful population Last year, the population of our country reached 3.2 million, or twice as many as in 1960. If this rate continues until the end of the century, the population of our country will reach around 4 million people. Births in our country average 25.5 per 1,000 inhabitants, compared with 14 in Europe. An average of 80,000 children are born each year. The average life expectancy of women is 74.9 years and that of men 69.4 years, while the population’s overall average is 72 years, or 43.6 percent higher than in 1950. The average age of the population is 27; by the end of the century it will be around 29, whereas the current European average is over 34, and by the end of the century it will exceed 37.