At the Tirana Cartographic Enterprise, a special line for producing aluminium tubes was installed and put into operation nearly six years ago. (These are the tubes used to package sauce, condensed milk, toothpaste, etc.) Looking at the line’s accompanying catalogues, one learns that it has a production capacity of 17 million tubes a year. Yet, from talking with the managers of this enterprise, we learned that never have more than 4 million such tubes been produced! Thus, during all the time since the line was commissioned, not even a quarter of the annual output planned by the manufacturing firm has been achieved. Having learned this fact, someone might think that this is all the economy needs (that is, 4 million). In reality, however, the situation is quite different. To meet the needs of some of the consumers of this product, such as the Shkodër milk factory, the pharmaceutical products enterprise in Tirana, the sauce factory at the Food Combine, etc., around 10 million such tubes have to be imported, at a total cost of 1 million dollars. If they were produced domestically, importing only the raw material, the costs would clearly be lower. (How many such cases and examples could be found in different sectors of the economy?) If the line can be brought into operation at full production capacity, not only will domestic needs be met, while imports of this product are eliminated, but opportunities will also be created to export a considerable quantity (around 3 million). As the enterprise’s managers told us, foreign firms have shown interest; indeed, they have offered cooperation to improve the technology and further expand production capacity and the range of products. This goal is precisely what has been occupying [?] for… The costs of producing the required quantity are far lower than those needed to buy the tubes on foreign markets. The question then arises: what is preventing this idea from being realized? The director and the staff of this enterprise have considered that too. It is essential to secure the raw material, which would make it possible to move to two-shift work. This would allow existing production to be doubled under the current conditions. Naturally, work must also be organized more scientifically and efficiently, which likewise requires no special expense. In addition, new opportunities would be created for employing available workers. As can be seen, the advantages are considerable. So let us abandon waiting and get to work immediately. The problem of using production lines or various enterprises at full capacity is not confined to the Cartographic Enterprise. Elsewhere, too, significant and immediate improvements and gains can be achieved with modest expenditure and accurate calculations. At the «Ali Kelmendi» beverage combine, the reconstruction of the internal water-supply lines remains an unresolved problem. This year’s drought has significantly reduced the output of many products and by-products made at this combine. Yet little thought has been given to operating the line at full capacity, particularly last year, when large quantities had to be produced of a product that required raw materials that were in short supply... [text continues, cut off at the bottom edge of the image] …beautiful. has had a considerable effect on the decline in the production little thought has been given to reducing as much as possible the shortage of the necessary quantities of water. We emphasize this because losses in the production of beer, vegetable oil, or alcoholic and soft drinks would have been smaller if better coordination had been achieved between the combine itself and the municipal water-supply enterprise. Here, too, there is no need for any kind of… ARTUR ÇANI LUAN M. RAMA

Specialists from IKB Lushnjë advise us An analysis of the factors behind the achievements of recent years in wheat in the more advanced parts of our country also highlights an important circumstance: preparing and sowing the crop at the appropriate time. Growers of this plant rightly regard this as a basic factor in achieving high yields. Laying strong «foundations», without underestimating care during the growing season, ensures good harvests at low cost. It also makes subsequent cultivation work highly effective. We mention these facts not because they are unknown, but to draw attention to them once again. The period we are in calls for a faster pace. We must not sit and wait. In practice, in the outermost parts of the country’s mountainous region, we have reached dates that cannot be considered too early for sowing wheat. The actual conditions and the presence of late-maturing varieties in the crop structure make this necessary. In the other regions of the country, too, every task, from ploughing to clearing plots of preceding crops, serves the autumn sowing. Successfully managing this campaign, with the aim of obtaining high yields, requires above all applying specific technologies suited to the particular conditions and farms. It should be emphasized that, nationwide, there is currently a backlog in ploughing the land that is to be sown with wheat and rye. The districts of Lezhë, Vlorë and Mirditë have done comparatively better work, while Durrës, Gramsh, etc., are further behind. Closely connected with the progress of ploughing is clearing the plots of preceding crops, especially maize, which occupies a considerable part of the area. Along with ploughing, agricultural farms should also take measures for basic fertilization with superphosphate. Let us use the quantities we have, without waiting for promises from the producers. In particular, lime, gypsum, etc., should be used on acidic soils and soils with magnesium salinity. The planting structure for wheat and other autumn-sown crops has been determined for some time. But now is the time to review once again whether sufficient seed has been secured, especially for new varieties that show high performance not only under experimental conditions but also in large-scale production. This requires better coordination between the seed departments and agricultural farms, since the structure will also change depending on production. Alongside important varieties such as Dajti, C-22 and Agimi, which have good productive capacity, there are also IKB-35, Clanox, Jubileu, etc. In the northeastern region, wheat sowing has only just begun, while the time is most suitable for rye. Every passing day makes the problem of sowing more acute. Experimental data and those from large-scale production show that the highest yields in the mountainous and foothill regions have been achieved with October sowings; for some farms in these regions, sowings in the last ten days of September have also produced good results. Specialists know well the characteristics of the varieties included in their crop structure. The order of sowing should also be determined on that basis. Clearly, sowing should begin with late varieties of the «Korabi» type, then proceed in turn with the other varieties, such as L-2, L-22 and C-22, and finish with those of the «Dajti» type. Bearing in mind the problems mentioned above, it is essential to take comprehensive measures everywhere. The available equipment must be used without interruption. If necessary, even ox teams are a reserve in mountainous areas that should not be underestimated. Every difficulty that arises calls for new measures. Only in this way can we reduce the consequences of failing to sow on time. VLADIMIR MALO PHOTO: KASHTA

We speak with the jurist — A conversation with jurist THIMJO KONDI, director of the studies directorate at the Ministry of Justice — As readers have been informed in recent months, especially since the People’s Assembly decree on passports was issued, the number of Albanians going abroad to visit their relatives, etc., has increased considerably. However, we notice that quite a few of these visits last for weeks, even though those going abroad are employed by the state. What can you tell us about this, Comrade Thimio? — This is indeed an issue that needs to be clarified and specified. Everyone should understand clearly that the People’s Assembly decree on passports provides for this. A citizen may stay abroad as a visitor for two weeks and, in special cases, for another two weeks. It should be stressed, however, that an employee or official may be granted 12 days of leave without pay only when the enterprise, institution or social organization considers the citizen’s absence from work acceptable, and when this does not cause any harm to the work. Here, the interests of citizens and the state are harmonized and regulated by law. Thus, someone may wish to stay longer than two weeks, but people who have no employment relationship with the state, such as pensioners, may stay abroad not only for a month but even longer, for as long as the guarantee document allows. Exceptions are also made for health reasons and extraordinary events, such as a death, etc. In the latter case, under the Labour Code, a citizen is granted five days’ leave without pay. — So, in all cases where citizens stay abroad for weeks or months on end, this constitutes a serious violation of the law. — Yes. In such cases, responsibility lies first and foremost with those who break the law. But the managers who grant employees leave beyond the limits set by the Labour Code bear no less responsibility. Everyone must answer for these violations before the law. I emphasize once again: the decree governing citizens’ travel abroad is one thing, and the Labour Code is another. No one has the right to misinterpret or confuse these two distinct legal provisions, because they are clear and understandable to everyone. MUSA ULQINI …facilities. How long will we continue with nothing but opinions and suggestions?! Such idle spectators cause great harm to the economy. The situation is such that it cannot tolerate waiting and sluggishness. Achieving the plan’s targets across all indicators requires greater responsiveness and perseverance at work. It requires everyone to think hard, do their sums carefully, and seek solutions to the many problems within the walls of the workshop or factory, within the cooperative or plant. Above all, it requires civic-minded concern and a high level of conscientiousness at work, so that everyone takes responsibility for their own work. — This problem really does need to be clarified and defined precisely. Everyone should understand clearly that the People’s Assembly’s decision on passports, which grants every citizen the right (with the known exceptions) to travel abroad, must not be confused with the requirements of the Labour Code. These are two different legal acts. How long may a citizen who is employed by the state remain abroad as a visitor? The Labour Code gives a precise answer to this question, and I do not think it is necessary to make changes to the legislation on this issue at present. Under this code, in addition to the regular annual leave, the head of the workplace may grant an employee, under Article 40, paragraph 1, a … leave of 12 days per year without pay…

Since the beginning of the year, 2 million 700 thousand kilowatt-hours of electricity have been saved for the unified energy system in the Librazhd district. In September alone, over the first 25 days, the targets were exceeded by more than 600 thousand kilowatt-hours in savings, with daily savings of around 25 thousand kilowatt-hours, compared with an average of 12 thousand saved each day in August. The most significant savings have been made by enterprises that have introduced the new economic mechanism, such as the iron-nickel mine in Përrenjas, the mine-construction site, the chromium mine, etc. Previously, some agricultural farms exceeded their electricity allocations. But with better daily monitoring of this issue, there have been noticeable savings. Some electrically powered flour mills have been replaced by water-powered ones. Careful work was carried out after the rains of recent days to bring local hydroelectric plants back into operation. In September, compared with August, electricity production increased more than 2.5 times. Nevertheless, they are still not operating at full capacity. XHEVDET ALMETA

Following the overruns in the first six months, it is encouraging that all electricity consumers have made savings in the third [?]. Understanding the situation that has arisen with electricity has led people to take care to save it not only during peak periods but continuously. The introduction of the new economic mechanism has also had a positive effect in reducing electricity consumption, because it is directly linked to reducing expenses. This has increased the sense of responsibility not only among managers and specialists, but among every worker. Meeting the targets has not been justified by the difficult conditions; instead, concrete measures have been taken to overcome the difficulties. One example is the water and land-improvement enterprise, which during this period consumes 50 percent of the electricity used across the district. Work has been organized in such a way that, without hindering irrigation, electricity consumption does not exceed the allocation at any of the 100 electric pumping stations. PËRPARIM MUSTAFAJ

By 25 September, 2 million 555 thousand kilowatt-hours of electricity had been saved in this district. In September alone, despite a 10 percent reduction in the plan, 175 thousand kilowatt-hours were saved. Leading the way in savings are the workers of the Kalimash mine, with 354 thousand kilowatt-hours, followed by those of the geological enterprise, the copper plant and NP Drurit. In addition to the savings made by the enterprises mentioned above, the electrical section of the municipal housing enterprise has also stepped up its efforts, and network losses, which had been planned at 6.3 units, have fallen to 6.7. Electricity production from local hydroelectric plants has also increased, exceeding the plan by 63 thousand kilowatt-hours. But we would not be realistic if we presented only this healthy situation, since there are also those who exceed the plan. As always, the problem lies with the agricultural system. Trade and construction are also involved. Is there a way to prevent these few from overspending? There is. Even within these sectors there are examples that show the way and the possibility of saving. HALIL BUÇPAPAJ

For several days, wheat sowing has been underway in the country’s high mountain areas, and soon this important campaign will extend to the lowland area. In order to assess the work carried out and the achievements in wheat production, as well as to define the tasks for this year, in implementation of the decisions of the recent plenum of the Party’s Central Committee, the Ministry of Agriculture organized a national meeting at the Agricultural Research Institute in Lushnjë. Those attending included the chief agronomists responsible for the agricultural sections and agricultural stations, as well as specialists from scientific research institutions. Also present were a member of the Political Bureau of the Party’s Central Committee, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Agriculture, Comrade Pali Miska; the First Secretary of the District Party Committee, Themije Thoma; the chairman of the … (Continued on page 2)

1. Today I saw the Drin. I had not seen it for fifteen years. Since then, the Drin was no longer the Drin; it had turned into a lake, into a sea. But today I … Description …tion. In those final moments, as we were leaving Old Kukës to sink … for our … and for our benefit. With this … land, all our Albanian land would gain …, and another city and several entirely new villages would rise. Nevertheless, we would never see Old Kukës again… (Photo: L. Lika) Here is the unforgettable view?… With a real view of Old Kukës. A description of how, for ten years, not only the people of Kukës but an entire nation have experienced it, recalling it in the apotheosis of the Dri­n… … in the lake, we spent a little more time with it, read and thought, our eyes brimming with tears, and as we turned our backs on it forever, heading toward the apartment buildings of New Kukës, we kept our heads turned back for almost the entire way. It was like a ceremony. But it was a parting with the past, naturally painful, yet we did it of our own free will and for our own benefit. With this … land, all our Albanian land would gain …, Nevertheless, we would never see Old Kukës again… Some high-school boys, giving free rein day and night to their longing for the city, found a way to express how boundless their reunion with it would be. They took and … with them a letter on which they had written their names, and the bottle … (Continued on page 3) The re-emergence of Old Kukës. (Photo: L. Lika)