Yesterday at the Palace of Congresses, the First Secretary of the CC of the PLA and Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Comrade Ramiz Alia, met with a group of representatives of the capital’s intelligentsia. Among them were writers, journalists, performing artists, people from the music sector, scientific workers, lecturers at the «Enver Hoxha» University of Tirana, etc. At the meeting, which was also attended by the Party CC secretary and First Secretary of the Tirana District Party Committee, Comrade Xhelil Gjoni, a calm and explanatory discussion was held concerning issues arising from the implementation of the decisions of the recent Plenums of the Party CC. An important place in this discussion was taken by issues relating to the examination of the international situation. Comrade Ramiz Alia … [text cut off at the bottom of the image] … continued, for resolving the problems facing the country in today’s complicated international situation. Those present at the meeting expressed many fresh and constructive views and suggestions for putting the decisions of the recent Party CC plenums into practice more quickly and effectively. They stressed that the decisions needed to be analyzed deeply and comprehensively so that they could be understood and implemented properly, and expressed their willingness to take part in this process. To do this as well as possible, they stressed, Party and state organs, scientific and cultural institutions, and all social organizations should provide broader and higher-quality coverage of their activities. It was pointed out that new forms and methods needed to be found to expand further cooperation between creative workers and state and social institutions. In his remarks, Comrade Ramiz Alia once again reiterated that the process of democratization in our country is irreversible. He explained the political, ideological and practical meaning of the many measures recently adopted by the Party and the people’s power in the political, economic, cultural, social and other fields. He also addressed several key aspects of the new economic mechanism, whose consistent implementation would certainly bring about significant and rapid transformation and progress in our country. To achieve this, Comrade Ramiz stressed, people must work not only with great mobilization and dedication, but also with knowledge and imagination in order to overcome the difficulties that will arise and are only natural. Of particular importance, he said, are improvements … [text cut off at the bottom of the image] in the political system by increasing the role of elected bodies; strengthening the independent role of mass organizations; defining Party-state relations more clearly; improving the system of elections to the People’s Assembly and people’s councils; the democratic appointment of leading cadres in state and economic bodies, etc. The discussion, which lasted several hours and took place in a warm and candid atmosphere, was characterized by a strong spirit of readiness among the enthusiastic membership, and by serious dedication and determination to place all creative forces at the service of the people and the socialist homeland. (ATSH) …nes, etc. At the meeting, which was also attended by comrade Xhelil Gjoni, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party and First Secretary of the Tirana District Party Committee, a frank and clarifying discussion was held on the Party Central Committee’s recent Plenums. An important part of the discussion was devoted to issues concerning clarification of the international situation. Comrade Ramiz Alia spoke at length about recent developments in the world, particularly events in Eastern Europe, the directions of our country’s foreign policy, and the positions of the Party of Labour and the Albanian state on specific aspects of this situation. He stressed that in every action our Party and state have been and will be guided by the sacred aim of safeguarding the freedom and independence of the homeland, people’s power and socialism in Albania. Assessing the role of our intelligentsia, which has always been closely linked to the fortunes of the people, the homeland and socialism, comrade Ramiz Alia called on it, as it has done up to now, to make its essential contribution to explaining matters to the masses in a convincing and clear… …it is necessary to undertake a thorough and comprehensive analysis of the decisions so that they can be understood and implemented correctly, and they expressed their readiness and more meaningful information about their activities. The particular role of the press and propaganda as a whole in radically transforming the way they provide information was also emphasized. All this will better serve scientific, persuasive and educational work with Communists and the masses, and their mobilization to meet situations and carry out their duties. There was also extensive discussion of several issues concerning aspects of democratizing life in the country, such as relations between cadres and the masses, the struggle against bureaucratism and liberalism, and the implementation and protection of socialist legality, among others. Many valid observations were made in these areas, and it was concluded that, with more energetic, thoughtful and well-organized work, there is every possibility of correcting shortcomings and weaknesses. (Photo: ATSH)

With initiative and coordination of efforts Some time ago, a brief meeting was held in the office of Engjëll Beshaj, First Secretary of the Party Committee of the Patos district, attended by several employees of the education section of the Fier district, the directors of two schools in Patos, and Party workers in the region. Its purpose was to determine how, during this year, it might be possible in Patos and its surrounding areas to enroll in secondary schools 100 percent of the pupils completing eight-year schools. Agim Bufi, head of the education section of the Executive Committee of the district KP, tells us that it has been decided this should be done not only in Patos but also in Fier, Ballsh, Levan and Roskovec. It should be emphasized that the Fier district has had a low rate of enrollment in secondary schools among pupils completing eight-year schools. This figure hovers around 65 percent, and in reports and explanatory notes this was justified by the lack of suitable premises. School facilities certainly play a major role in increasing pupil enrollment, but in Fier they ask: have we made full use of the possibili- [continues on page 3] (Continued on page 3)

The third primary-school grade that begins this year carries the great, complex educational and social responsibility of «launching» the gradual implementation of the education reform approved by the 11th Plenum of the Party CC. This very outset gives rise to and entails duties for the school, teachers, pupils and parents, involving guidance and qualification at every level. Therefore, for the eight-year school, this grade represents the basic concern for 1990–1991: to ensure in every respect a high standard in the educational process, so as to provide the fullest and soundest possible formation for the cohort that will gradually enter and be the first to complete compulsory ten-year education. It is quite clear, and natural, that the attention of school administrations, district education sections and pedagogical offices should be as inspiring as possible: ensuring that pupils receive textbooks, exercise books, pencils, uniforms, etc. on time. The eight-year school has in its records several years of rich experience with first grade, when we implemented the promotion of pupils to second grade without failures and assessment without marks. And we had successes. But the decisive factor in quality is the basic one: the teacher, their active, passionate and skill-building work. Free and constructive discussion and debate about new approaches and creative teaching methods require the maximum commitment of third-grade teachers. We should single out in particular the multigrade classes, in which about 2,600 teachers work. The specific nature of the work in these classes makes this all the more necessary, with their objective difficulties and burdens, which have not yet been adequately addressed. [continues on page 3] (Continued on page 3)

Although the day when classes begin in all schools is approaching, school buildings have still not been completed in some villages in various districts of the country. Worse still, the slow pace of construction, even in these days and despite repeated criticism, gives little reason for optimism. Fatmir Hoxha, an inspector in the economic directorate of the Ministry of Education responsible for investments, informs us that the situation is worst in the Gramsh district, at the secondary school in Prenjas; in Hekal and Vajkan in Fier; in Q’nëcma, Xhaferraj, and the secondary and eight-year schools in the town in the Kukës district; in Qeshnicë and Vërzhezhë in Skrapar; and in several other places. The only district with a good construction record is Elbasan, which has completed 12 school buildings for this 1 September. The poor condition of some schools in the country’s districts shows the lack of interest on the part of the authorities in providing them with materials and labor so they can function. For example, Bektash Hasani, head of the education economic center in the Skrapar district, tells us that they have been created (Continued on page 3)

— At first: plant and produce as much as possible for export; now the vegetables are being damaged in the fields — RETROSPECTIVE 6 January 1990. An important national meeting is held in Durrës to support the increased targets for agricultural exports. There, action was called for to increase the means and resources for protecting crops in the fields, and to coordinate tasks at every level. Promises flowed from everyone: from the producers, who would do everything possible to meet the plans in terms of earliness and quality; from the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Mining and Energy Industry, to respond better and on time to agriculture’s specific needs for transport and packaging; from light and food industries. The comrades at the EKSIMAGRO enterprise, which had just been established, so the participants at that meeting say, were the most emphatic in making promises about the market. WHAT ANSWER SHOULD WE GIVE THE PRODUCERS? In Lushnje, at EKSIMAGRO’s collection point for export products, workers are loading trucks with goods graded and packed for export. The enterprise’s economic managers. Of the 2,500 quintals of watermelons scheduled for export each day, only 900, or even 600–700 quintals, are being shipped. This is the situation, while in July 10,000–15,000 quintals of produce were left uncollected. What do you say to that? Vasil Nushi, head of the export group at the Executive Committee of the district KP: — At the 25 watermelon-growing sites there are currently at least 1,000 quintals of ripe produce waiting. This situation has lasted 10 days. We exceed the production target, but what good is that when exports do not keep up with us? The comrades at EKSIMAGRO tell us about the difficulties they have with foreign markets. That is their business; our contract is with EKSIMAGRO. Who will answer for our losses? Haxhi Blliku, specialist in the export group: — What haven’t we done for exports? We planted early and gave priority treatment to the vegetable plots. We have repeatedly been asked to account for our work, and have done so. We ensured earliness and quality. How are we supposed to answer to the economic units now? There are 80 brigades working for export, and they are rightly demanding their due. We want compensation, not promises. We cannot carry on with this economy! They returned to the newsroom with this concern. To get a broader picture and write to all the districts, we called around. There are concerns in Lezhë, Sarandë and Durrës. Hello, cucumbers… then come the watermelons and peppers. The revenues from the 7- …only 600–700 quintals. This situation persists, What do you say about this? Vasil Nushi – the District People’s Council: “At the 25 watermelon-growing sites, there is currently no less than 1,000 quintals of ripe produce waiting to be picked. This situation has been going on for are having vegetable plots. We have been asked to account for our work—and have given accounts—so many times. answer to the economic authorities rightly demand their due. We want compensation, not promises. We can’t go this concern. Planning to write to all the districts, we started making phone calls. There were complaints from Lezhë, Sarandë and Durrës. Hello, line… with tomatoes, they continue; with watermelons, with peppers. The revenues from the 7-

The enterprise’s representative in Lushnje, Prendi Veliu. — We almost met the July targets, but production came in very quickly and doubled. These days, we are not collecting even 50 percent of this product. The enterprise has sent representatives to every district. The export plan was not supported with resources. The enterprise’s director in Tirana, Viktor Nushi. — Difficulties have arisen in the foreign market. We are trying to find new markets. These days the schedules are not being met, but we hope the situation will improve by the end of August. We may also collect part of the produce for the domestic market. Perhaps the demand for… AT EKSMAGRO, we complain, they make promises. But the produce cannot wait. We have to get it out and speed up the very production process. Economic units are in a hurry and cannot be satisfied with empty promises. What is more, they have also lost confidence in the foreign-trade authorities. What are the brigades to say about the second sowings of carrots or cucumbers for export? What are they to… (Continued on page 2)

In the capital’s artistic and cultural institutions The amateur artistic troupe of the «Ali Kelmendi» Palace of Trade Unions has become known throughout the country for its artistic activities. This troupe has focused its main activities especially in working-class towns, at major worksites, and in enterprises and factories. Despite the amateur nature of its work and the relatively short period (around 2–3 years) during which the troupe has been operating as a consolidated group, it has earned a good reputation for its high artistic standard and for its members’ desire and passion for art. It is divided into two groups: the light-music revue group and the «Dajti» folk artistic troupe. There are around 40 amateurs—singers, actors, instrumentalists and dancers—who come to the Palace of Trade Unions in the capital to further develop their artistic passion and talent. Quite a few began their artistic careers as amateurs in this troupe and later joined professional artistic ensembles. To learn more about the artistic work of this capital-based troupe, we spoke with the director of the «Ali Kelmendi» Palace, Kico Fotiadhi. He told us: “Since this troupe was founded, its activities have steadily increased. In 1988, we put on 20 performances for around 21,000 spectators; in 1989, we put on 148 performances for 48,500 art lovers. We have given concerts for workers not only in Tirana, but also in Rubik, Reps, Kraste, Bulqizë, Memaliaj, Zall-Dardhë, Ballsh, and elsewhere. But there are also a number of shortcomings that are beyond our control and hinder the further improvement of our work, such as the lack of a suitable performance hall, instruments and, above all, a means of transport for this institution’s trips outside the district. We are capable of putting on as many as 250 performances a year, if the necessary conditions are provided and we can cover all the expenses. But, besides the lack of means, there is a lack of appreciation for amateur troupes in general, and the material disparity between them and professional troupes is far greater than the difference in artistic terms. Today, the artistic troupe of this institution is using more varied artistic formats. For example, thematic evenings, which used to be a frequently used format, are turning into artistic performances that celebrate enterprises and outstanding individuals. In other words, we no longer simply hold meetings to hand out badges to distinguished pioneers, but put on a lively show with songs, comedy, dances, and so on. In this way, as the troupe raises its standard, it also increases its audience.” VIRON GYMSHIANA

We learned at the Foreign Trade Enterprise «Agroeksport» that, under an agreement between Tirana’s «Agroeksport» and the private import-export firm «Makimport» of Skopje, several retail outlets selling Yugoslav goods will soon open in Tirana. Through these shops, goods worth around 20 million dollars a year will be sold for lekë. These goods include printing equipment, electronic equipment, various electrical appliances, glass products, semi-finished fabrics, jewelry, cosmetic items, shoes, bicycles and various raw materials, as well as semi-finished products for several branches of Albanian industry. In exchange, «Agroeksport» will export to «Makimport» enterprises in Yugoslavia products made of silver, wood and copper; tobacco and cigarettes; jams, compotes, canned meat and fish; medicinal and aromatic plants; dried fruit; salts; preserved vegetables; alcoholic beverages; copper wire; and other products. If trade goes well, it has been agreed that shops stocked with Yugoslav goods will soon open in several other Albanian cities as well. Correspondent of «Zëri i popullit»

Year 48 of publication Saturday, 11 August 1990 No. 191 (13 135) Price: 30 qindarka