In Pogradec What do the achievements to date show? At the district level, the plan for total industrial production has been exceeded by 3.5 per cent from the beginning of the year to date. One of the most important collectives in this district is undoubtedly that of the iron-nickel mine at Guri i Kuq. The figures attest to the vigorous work of the employees of this mine. From the beginning of the year to date, the total industrial production plan has been fulfilled at 104.8 per cent, while the ore extraction plan has been fulfilled at 100 per cent. The employees of the enrichment plant have exceeded many of their planned targets, producing 2,574 tonnes of iron-nickel concentrate. Particularly significant is the 4 per cent increase in ore quality, which is a key factor in fulfilling and exceeding the export target. This target has been fulfilled at 101.6 per cent. The employees of the Guri i Kuq sector, headed by Thomas Penda- [?]ktori, continue the mine’s fine tradition of exceeding targets. The Guri i Përgjejgur sector, headed by Astrit Durbaku, is also setting a good example. The workers’ collectives of the geological enterprise join the iron-nickel mine’s miners among those designated «advanced». This collective has achieved 112.4 per cent of its geological-prospecting work volume, while drilling has exceeded the target by 660 linear metres. During this period, the collective at the metal-mine construction site has also worked at an accelerated pace. It has exceeded its target for advance work by 37.9 per cent, and its concreting target by 250 linear metres. New forms of service have provided impetus to this collective. Likewise, from the beginning of the year to date, the employees of the woodworking enterprise and those of the construction enterprise have exceeded their targets. Particularly substantial overfulfilment of targets has been recorded at the food enterprise. Work there has been underway for several days toward the April quota. In the mechanical workshop of the «Dinamo» plant in the capital, Lutfi Belli and line foreman Bajram Agarai during the final inspection of the wheels for electric locomotives. (Photo: M. Progonati) ... retired, and has become a grandfather for the third time. We judge that he must be a good grandfather, a man who loves life greatly and loves people greatly. We sense this from reading the letter, and also from the little we came to know of him. He came like someone with a problem, asking a favour. We told him: – Doing what is required of you is a duty for everyone. – A duty?! But does everyone do it well? And Besim Zelia tried to convince us that, for him, it had not been merely a duty. It had been something extraordinary, unrepeatable. As he left, somewhat «dissatisfied», he asked us: «Can it be said so lightly that doctor Shkëlqim Balili, by saving two lives, has merely done his duty?..» More than a question, this was a reproach. He did not wait for an answer; he closed the door and left. So many days have passed, and his silent departure remains indelibly in our minds. ... now. It seems you have ... retired, and have become a grandfather for the third time. We judge ... must be a good grandfather, who ... people greatly. We sense ... came like someone with a problem, asking a favour. – everyone. – it be said so lightly: silent departure remains indelibly in our minds. ... to do, if we are to do it, he told us. We asked him to save Dashamira, since two children were quite enough for us. But you know how it is: people can never have enough of life. Our daughter was saved beautifully; now our eyes were fixed on the child, you see. Shkëlqimi, doctor Zamire Sinomeri, nurse Xhuli Xhafka, did the impossible... And I became a grandfather for the third time. And I do a lot with Dashamira! I can say this in a few words now, but only I know what a mountain ... ... and ... He has done ... people, and many unexpected things. I knocked at the office ... of Besim. And I asked him, as if my life depended on it, to save my daughter. He was a father himself, and a real doctor; he did not take offence at my raised voice. He patted my shoulder and calmed me. Then he held one consultation after another. And since Zydi Eshja trusted Shkëlqim Balili, that meant he must be an accomplished surgeon. Right? You don’t know Shkëlqim. I’ll tell you. He is a doctor worthy of his name. He made no promises and raised no alarm. «It’s difficult, but we’ll do it,» he said. know what a mountain ... ... with the sick ... with unexpected things. I knocked at the office ... of Besim. And I asked him ... to save my daughter’s life. alarm. «It’s difficult, but we’ll do it,» he said. the impossible... ... with the sick, ... with the unexpected. I knocked at the office ... of Besim. And I asked him ... about my daughter’s life. alarm. «It’s difficult, but we’ll do it,» he said. the impossible... ... according to procedure, the letter had to be registered, and this gave it an official character. But... for everyone to do their duty. Truly, if everyone acted in this way, wouldn’t we have more joy, more light, and so on? Quite naturally, an «unknown», «ordinary» person was «asking us to do our duty» by going to Tirana’s obstetric-gynaecological hospital. We should go there for one reason: something entirely ordinary in their daily work, which surely... (Continued on page 3)

In the mechanical workshop of the «Dinamo» plant in the capital, Lutfi Belli and line foreman Bajram Agarai during the final inspection of the wheels for electric locomotives. (Photo: M. Progonati)

THINGS THAT CAN BE PUT RIGHT The question of when the regulations of the higher education institution will be changed has often been repeated at meetings of the collective and departments, in youth organizations, professional unions, and even in the Party’s basic organization in the branches. Several articles about this have also appeared in the periodical press. Many opinions have been expressed on improving and updating the regulations, so that they reflect better not only the achievements to date and the current situation, but also new needs, requirements and duties. Since 1978, when the regulations were approved, our higher education institution, keeping pace with the rapid development of technology and guided by the country’s requirements and needs, has changed its fundamental documentation more than once. In keeping with this, the rights and duties of governing bodies, lecturers and students have also changed. The way examinations are administered has changed too. Student appointments upon graduation from the faculty are now made by their youth organization. Procedures have been established for electing leaders and setting the terms of their rotation. These changes (and there are many others like them) are not formal or bureaucratic; on the contrary, they are fundamental and conceptual, closing off paths to bureaucratization and liberalism, and serving to improve the quality of the training of new cadres and further democratize our higher education institution. As such, they should have been reflected in the regulations long ago. In fact, all these changes and improvements have rendered the 1978 regulations obsolete. Nevertheless, they formally remain in force, despite several separate instructions concerning some of their articles. Many opinions have long been put forward on the forms of student examinations in higher education, competitions, attendance and class absences, examinations, and students who fail or repeat a year. In keeping with the instructions of the 8th and 9th Plenums of the Central Committee of the Albanian Party of Labour—that every step taken should be discussed with the masses, cadres and specialists—our collective has discussed measures to increase the role of youth organizations. Concrete proposals have been made regarding several articles of the regulations that leave openings for lecturers’ liberalism (in assessing students’ knowledge), and for deans’ offices and departments in imposing disciplinary measures. Discussions have also been held on methods of evaluating and qualifying lecturers, forms for defending dissertations and secondments for specialization abroad, the admission of lecturers through competitions, and many other important issues in higher education which, as such, must be reviewed and reflected in the regulations. One more issue. The regulations of a higher education institution, as a subordinate legal act, are a fundamental document and therefore define only the basic principles of organization and management, powers, and general rights and duties. Other, more specific matters, which change frequently and continually in response to the needs of the times so that the institution remains up to date and can respond to and keep pace with developments in the economy, culture, science and technology, belong in the faculties’ internal regulations. These, as stipulated by the higher education regulations, should have been drawn up ten years ago. Each faculty has its own particular features, and therefore its powers and duties, down to its forms of organization, cannot be identical, even though they are based on the same principles. This is also one reason why every faculty must draw up its own internal regulations without delay: they are more flexible and can be supplemented and improved whenever necessary. The tendency to unify, standardize and predetermine everything in a single set of higher education regulations would be bureaucratic and technocratic, because it would distance students and lecturers from creative activity and stifle their initiative. JANI DEDE Secretary of the Party’s basic organization for the electrical-electronics departments of the Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (Continued on page 2)

On duty, Lutfi Belli and line foreman Bajram Agaraj during the final inspection of the wheels for electric locomotives. (Photo: M. Progonati)

Liveliness in the fields, indicators on the rise Vigour in the fields, indicators on the rise The district of Shkodër, where maize yields have increased in recent years, began planting it some time ago. This task has been completed on around 25 per cent of the area. The objective is to plant approximately 50 per cent of the maize by the end of March. Specialists say that now, as we are planting maize in conditions like those of April, the sooner we plant, the better it will be for production. However, they would like the acceleration of maize planting, and of other crops as well, to be backed by material supplies such as superphosphate, lubricants, etc. The agricultural cooperatives of Bushat and Bajza are setting the best example in maize planting; they have planted nearly 40 per cent of the area. Planting is also progressing well in Barbullush and Guri i Zi. In recent days, the agricultural cooperatives of Vrakë, Grizhë and Guriemër, as well as the Oblikë Agricultural Enterprise, have also stepped up the pace and are planting ahead of the daily schedules. The acceleration of ploughing has preceded the heavy fieldwork. This process has now been completed in around

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 president of the Republic of Namibia, Sam Nujoma: «On the occasion of the Proclamation of the Republic of Namibia, in the name of the Albanian people, the Presidium of the People’s Assembly and myself, I have the special pleasure of sending You and the freedom-loving friendly people of Namibia my warmest greetings and best wishes. The proclamation of the Republic of Namibia is the most significant event in the history of the Namibian people. It put an end to colonial oppression, crowning with success their efforts and many years of struggle for freedom and national independence. The Albanian people, who have always supported the just struggle of the Namibian people, wish them success in their work to overcome the consequences of colonialism and to develop the prosperity of their Homeland. On this occasion, I inform You that the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania recognizes the Republic of Namibia as an independent and sovereign state, and hopes that friendly relations between our two countries will develop without interruption. Please accept my warmest congratulations on your election to the post of President of the Republic of Namibia, as well as on the successful establishment of this high office.» (ATSH)

, headed by the first secretary of this committee, Lisen Bashkurti, who, at the invitation of the Pan-African Youth Movement, will take part in its 7th conference. At Rinas Airport, the delegation was seen off by Luan Bregasi, secretary and other comrades. Also present was Mohamed Lemkami, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. (ATSH)

At the invitation of Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Juad Vali, Comrade Pali Miska, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Agriculture, will make an official friendly visit to Egypt. (ATSH)

Yesterday morning in Korçë, the funeral ceremony was held for Comrade Mihallaq Qirjako, member of the Party’s Central Committee, deputy of the People’s Assembly, and Hero of Socialist Labor. His coffin was placed in one of the halls of the city’s “Ali Kelmendi” House of Culture and People’s Folklore. To honor the memory of Comrade Mihallaq Qirjako, members and relatives of his family, employees of the Party Central Committee apparatus, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Party Committee, the Executive Committee of the People’s Council, the district mass organizations, employees of the “Enver Hoxha” agricultural enterprise in Plasë, the “Korça” Agricultural Enterprise, work and production centers, institutions, war and labor veterans, military personnel, young men and women, etc., came here and paid their respects. Tributes and an honor guard were also paid by Vangelj Çërrava, candidate member of the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee and first secretary of the district Party Committee; Petro Dode, member of the Party Central Committee and chairman of the Council of the People’s Assembly; Sihat Tozaj, secretary of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly; Gjergji Krastafillaku, chairman of the district Executive Committee of the People’s Council; as well as leading cadres of Party and state organs from the districts of Kolonjë, Pogradec and Librazhd. They offered condolences to the wife of Comrade Mihallaq Qirjako and the other members of his family. At 10:00, a memorial meeting was held in front of the “Ali Kelmendi” House of Culture and People’s Folklore. Comrade Vangelj Çërrava spoke about the life of Comrade Mihallaq Qirjako. He highlighted the qualities of this Party and economic cadre as a devoted communist, who was always distinguished by his tireless work and spirit of sacrifice in serving the interests of the Party and the people. Everyone who worked with Comrade Mihallaq Qirjako knew him as a capable worker and leader, especially in organizing and modernizing socialist agriculture. Under his talented leadership, the “Enver Hoxha” agricultural enterprise in Plasë became a modern socialist expanded-reproduction economy, a model enterprise where all the district’s and country’s farms learned. Comrade Vangelj Çërrava went on to say that he was constantly closely connected to the land and worked with particular passion to apply the latest advances in contemporary agricultural science and to continually increase crop yields. Throughout his work, he was characterized by proletarian honesty, remaining closely connected with the people, and as such enjoyed their love, affection and respect. This funeral procession, accompanied by a guard of honor and the sounds of funeral marches, set off for the city cemetery. A group of military personnel carried the decorations with which the President of the People’s Assembly had honored Comrade Mihallaq Qirjako. The burial was accompanied by rifle volleys fired by a group of marksmen. The brass band played funeral marches. Wreaths were laid on the grave on behalf of the Party Central Committee, the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, of the People’s Council, the district mass organizations, Unit “N,” the “Enver Hoxha” Agricultural Enterprise in Plasë and the “Korça” Agricultural Enterprise, the Party Committees of the districts of Pogradec, Kolonjë and Durrës, his family, etc., as well as bouquets of flowers. The honor guard then marched past. (ATSH)

– From the notebook – From what Besim Zelia says, it seems he is asking for nothing. Beneath those few lines of the letter there is only his name and address. But we know that he lives here in Tirana. We know that he recently person we have come problem, asking a favour. We told him: We recall... – When they told us that our daughter, Dashamirë Halili, would have to undergo surgery for the third time, it was as if our hearts froze. It was a terrible blow for us, with even more anxiety, more pain and the unexpected. I knocked at Zuhdi Eshja’s office and asked him to reassure me about my daughter’s life. after another. And since Zuhdi Eshja had [?] faith in Shefqim Balili, that meant he must have been ... Here, we have carried this burden on our backs for these two months; I know what a great ordeal we have been through... – ...“That turned into joy. – All right, but the worry did not leave me, because... – ...? – I sit and rack my brains, and talk it over with my son-in-law, a miner in Mushqeta. Tell me, what a great debt have we got ourselves into?! I stop Shkëlqimi in his path; I’m a grown man and say, «Doctor, I owe you». You know what? He won’t let me come near! I thought I would make the doctor happy, but he told me, «You’re making a complete mess of it». Either I make a «deal» or I make a «connection»! That’s how it is. With the little sense I have, I set off for these people. I said, «Shouldn’t we write in the newspaper about these people?» You tell me, «Do your duty». But if everyone does their duty, indeed, if everyone does it...

● Teaching and learning at the higher education institution are making progress; the regulations remain at a standstill. (p. 1) ● “An order should be issued...” a decision should be made... or...? (p. 2) ● Around the events in Kosovo. (p. 4).