An emancipated society that works and devotes itself to developing a strong sense of culture and of its role. It holds its role and mission in high regard. Such demands for understanding give a powerful impetus to the development of culture itself. But these demands do not remain unchanged from one period to the next. They evolve rapidly and keep pace with the country’s entire socioeconomic development. Yet it happens that while the masses’ demands on culture change quickly and grow, those of the workers, specialists and managerial cadres in this field sometimes come more calmly, more slowly and more sluggishly. We have entered the third month of the year, and it is difficult to name a new publication, a concert or a theater or film premiere, or a cultural-artistic event that has attracted the attention of the country’s broad art-loving public. Thus, with a certain regret, we can say that hundreds and hundreds of the country’s creative, performing and interpretive forces are in a long, unjustified pause of calm and rest. Culture and art are expected to meet the demands, thirst and taste of the masses better—much better than they have until now. Nevertheless, there is no shortage of voices that respond with modern and physical laziness. If you ask them for quality, they answer: «Well, masterpieces don’t come out every day.» Excuses conceal incompetence. In one way or another, quite a few cultural managers are trying to formalize and grant citizenship to mediocrity in literature, art and culture. A tour; but without striving in organization and management, there can be no innovation in the artistic and cultural life of the country as a whole, or of each district in particular. Among other things, such shortcomings show that quite a few managers in art and culture have become accustomed to the situation, and more broadly, that some cadres directing these sectors in the Party and local government bodies have done so as well. Is it right that a situation in which average levels—or simply the quantity of literary-artistic production (although there are deficits here too)—are conveyed should attract the attention of the country’s broad art-loving public, while the attention of state bodies and special organizations at the center and locally is not mobilized with sufficient force? Culture is not a matter of whim. Its mission is closely linked to the uninterrupted development and emancipation of society. Throughout the country today there is an army of capable cadres and specialists working in this field, or who could be assigned to it. But what are these forces occupied with, and for what purpose? Recently, for example, several events have been held in Durrës that have aroused interest because of their originality and distinctive features. The public has learned about them because they were publicized in the press and on RTV. But does Durrës perhaps have greater opportunities and resources than Tirana, which during this period has been almost entirely silent? A concert-recital by a pianist, or even a variety-show premiere—however successful it may be—cannot keep the capital’s cultural and artistic life alive day after day and continuously. The young people, too, and in a particular way, are eager to make their mark in every field. That includes literature, the arts and culture. For example, by showing «The Labors of Hercules», cinemas will remain—as they often have—empty, even though people love films very much. This contradiction arises because the masses often have one set of demands, while the leaders and organizers of cultural-artistic life have another (always to stay within bounds). A certain change has been felt, for example, in the publishing of foreign fiction, with the aim of bringing contemporary works to readers as well. There are many opportunities in this field; nevertheless, something has been done. But has the same been done, and to what extent, in music, film, theater and other fields? The cassette tapes of the recorders have been filled with songs by great progressive singers. So young people and the people love them: they want to hear them more closely. The two concerts Albano gave last year with the group Durrës has greater possibilities and strengths than Tirana, which during this period is said to have… «Well, these are our creators, these are our performers.» When poetry or the novel is discussed, the same logic immediately emerges: «This is the work we are given; this is what we publish.» It seems, then, that more thought is given to justifying shortcomings than to working and striving to achieve the maximum. The people want those things and expect them. Everyone knows, for example, that there is an Army ensemble, but what artistic events has its troupe contributed to the country’s cultural life over the years? We can make the same assessment of many troupes throughout the country, and of many activities that continue to be organized more out of tradition than for the value they bring. A turnaround is needed; first and foremost, what is required is quality in creative work. Everything has been, and must be, put more effectively in the service of this goal. Only by following this path will the task set by the Party at the 9th Plenum of the Central Committee and in Comrade Ramiz Alia’s address to the Central Committee Secretariat be carried out: to reduce as much as possible the burden of subsidizing cultural and artistic institutions. Quality in art and culture achieves two things at once: it enhances their educational and emancipatory role and strengthens economic thinking and logic in these fields.

FROM THE VISIT OF FOREIGN MINISTER REIS MALILE TO BULGARIA The Chairman of the State Council of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria, Petar Mlladenov, received yesterday at the headquarters of the State Council the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Albania, Reis Malile, and held a warm and friendly conversation with him. During the meeting, the conviction was expressed that this visit would contribute to advancing even further the friendly ties and relations of cooperation that exist between our two countries. In his remarks, Petar Mlladenovi emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation and friendship between our two countries and peoples. He also pointed out that there are broad opportunities for this cooperation to be deepened further, in the interests of the Bulgarian and Albanian peoples. Foreign Minister Reis Malile conveyed to of Bulgaria the greetings of Ramiz Alia, Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly of the People’s Republic of Albania, and his best wishes for the progress and happiness of the Bulgarian people. During the conversation, Reis Malile pointed out that Albanians and Bulgarians, as Balkan peoples, have had and continue to have ancient ties. In Bulgaria, the patriotic societies of Albanian emigrants found support in their struggle for liberation and independence. He spoke about the foreign policy of international friendly cooperation pursued by our country, and about Albania’s development in the fields of culture, health care and air transport, which open up even broader prospects for this cooperation. Pretar Mlladenov and Reis Malile also noted the positive steps taken recently in bilateral relations in various fields, and discussed their prospects, which take on particular importance in the context of current developments in the Balkans and beyond. (ATSH)

Yesterday morning, the Chairman of Bulgaria’s National Assembly, Stanko Todorov, received Albania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Reis Malile. After welcoming him, he highly praised the results of the talks and the signing of the agreements. On this occasion, Stanko Todorov asked Foreign Minister Reis Malile to convey his greetings to of the People’s Republic of Albania. He then emphasized that this meeting serves to expand relations and expressed, at the same time, the desire to establish contacts between the parliaments of our two countries. In his remarks, Reis Malile stressed that it was a pleasure to meet with the high representatives of the Bulgarian people. We follow the life of the Bulgarian people with interest, guided by the friendly feelings the Albanian people hold for them. Reis Malile pointed out that parliaments have an important role in deepening bilateral cooperation, and that much can be gained from contacts between them in the political, economic, social and other fields. During the conversation, it was noted that parliamentary contacts serve to strengthen the friendly atmosphere not only between our two peoples and countries, but also throughout the Balkans. One cannot remain indifferent to today’s problems in the Balkans, and nationalist passions must not be allowed to disrupt the atmosphere of relations among the Balkan countries, which is preserved and strengthened through joint efforts. (ATSH) Mutual trust and understanding have grown even more as a result of this visit, he said. Andrei Llukanov praised the conclusion of agreements between the governments of Bulgaria and Albania in the field of economic and trade relations, as well as the role played by the organizations of the Front in advancing society in their respective countries. In his remarks, Gino Ganevi emphasized that the Patriotic Front, as an organization uniting the people, has historically stood alongside the Albanian people and their struggle for national liberation. Our two peoples are bound by a close friendship that will be strengthened further in the future. Foreign Minister Reis Malile, conveying the greetings of the Democratic Front of Albania, said that it is our duty to strengthen the ties between the two great organizations of the Albanian and Bulgarian peoples.

Yesterday, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria, Andrei Llukanov, received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Albania, Reis Malile, at the headquarters of the Council of Ministers in Sofia. Yesterday, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria, Andrei Llukanov, received Albania, Reis Malile, at the headquarters of the Council of Ministers in Sofia. During the conversation, which took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, Bulgarian Prime Minister Andrei Llukanov noted that the visit of the Albanian government delegation was taking place at an important moment in relations between our two countries. result of this visit. He emphasized that during the talks held which open up even broader prospects for this cooperation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Reis Malile, expressed his conviction that the agreements signed create the conditions and opportunities for further expanding cooperation between the two countries. Bulgarian Prime Minister Andrei Llukanov and Albania’s Foreign Minister Reis Malile exchanged views on the opportunities available for finding new ways to further develop Albanian-Bulgarian economic cooperation, which will soon be held in Sofia and will give new impetus to this cooperation in various areas of the economy. It was also noted at the meeting that the development of bilateral relations is not only mutually beneficial, but also serves to improve the general climate in the Balkans, which is… why, in the future. friendly atmosphere, Bulgarian Prime Minister Andrei Llukanov pointed out countries. Mutual trust and understanding have been further strengthened by agreements between the Bulgarian government and the Albanian government as the expansion of their scope and volume. The Albanian and Bulgarian peoples.

On the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the birth of People’s Teacher, Prof. Dr. Aleksandër Xhuvani, one of the most distinguished figures in the history of our school system, science and culture, the National Historical Museum, in cooperation with Radio-Television, organized a cultural afternoon yesterday in the lecture hall of this institution in the capital. Attending were employees of the Institute of Linguistics and Literature and the Institute of Pedagogical Studies; lecturers and students from the Faculty of Philology at the University of Tirana «Enver Hoxha» and the Higher Pedagogical Institute «Aleksandër Xhuvani» in Elbasan; «Aleksandër Xhuvani» and relatives and colleagues, members and relatives of his family, and language and literature teachers who invited others. During the discussion, the candidate member of the Political Bureau of the Party’s Central Committee and first secretary of the District Party Committee, Comrade

During the official and friendly visit he is making to Bulgaria, Foreign Minister Reis Malile met yesterday with Gino Ganev, Chairman of the National Council of Bulgaria’s Patriotic Front, and held a friendly conversation with him. At this meeting, they discussed the friendship between the Albanian and Bulgarian peoples and the role played by the Front organizations in advancing society in their respective countries.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of Albania in Sofia, Bashkim Rama, hosted a reception at the embassy on the occasion of the visit to Bulgaria of Albania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Reis Malile. The reception was attended by Bulgaria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bojko Dimitrov, and other senior figures, as well as representatives of the Bulgarian press and radio-television. The reception took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

From the councilors’ meetings with the people The Front organizations in the city blocks of Përmet, in the spirit of the 9th Plenum, organized their meetings, at which those elected to the popular councils at all levels rendered account. Among other things, Front members also raised two issues to further improve healthcare services for mothers and children. Without consulting the parents and without obtaining the consent of the city’s popular council, the health authorities, by administrative order, transferred the outpatient service for children from the city polyclinic to the hospital, organized by neighborhood. At first glance, it seems as though

— From a conversation with International Chess Master Fatos Muça — A few days ago, we received an invitation from Berat that prompted us to write a few lines. International chess master and champion Fatos Muça had been invited to play a simultaneous exhibition. The invitation was presented tastefully and attractively. Printed on it were several small photographs showing Fatos during various matches, as well as the cup from last year’s «Akropolis» tournament, won by our master. The very preparation of this invitation reflects the respect our people have for the distinguished figures of our sport, as well as their eagerness to benefit as much as possible from them. And Fatos went to Berat, played the simultaneous exhibition at the «Margarita Tutulani» Palace of Culture, and afterwards a meeting was organized where those attending learned about various matches our master had played on the international stage. We began with Berat, but a few days earlier Fatos had held a simultaneous exhibition in his own city, Durrës. «The people of Durrës played hard, even though they are my fellow townspeople. I lost [?] games. Some tell me: “Fatos, I think you let them win.” They are wrong; I’m very pleased when even ordinary chess players beat me. This shows that they not only love chess, but also try to master it as well as they can. Every loss also keeps me from thinking that I have achieved everything.» This practice followed by Fatos also helps a great deal in mastering chess and learning from the best. He does not file away his victories, three [?] even though they are my fellow townspeople. I lost [?] that I have achieved everything», To master chess, to learn from the best, the practice Fatos follows is also very helpful. He does not file away his victories,

(Photo: G. Xhengo - ATSH) AT THE NUCLEAR PHYSICS LABORATORY IN TIRANA, DURING SPECTROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF IRON-NICKEL ORE.

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