NEWS FROM THE DISTRICTS WHAT THE INNOVATORS ARE PROPOSING TO US... Work is intensifying to reduce imports The specialists and innovators at the plastics enterprise in Durrës have done good work to reduce imports of various materials. This enterprise operates using 75 percent imported raw materials. Something could be done based on the experience of last year. With the collected scrap and technological waste, industrial output worth 3 million lekë was produced. 180,000 pairs of porous slippers were made, saving 36 tonnes of raw material, of which 10 tonnes were imported. Meanwhile, using technological waste from polyethylene and PVC sheets, 52 tonnes of bags for planting seedlings were produced for agricultural needs, saving 53 tonnes of polyethylene worth 715,000 lekë. Last year, this plant did not obtain this quantity through imports. Collected waste was also used to produce basins, buckets and other articles, replacing 108 tonnes of imported raw and auxiliary materials worth 110,000 dollars. Following this, work at the plant is being intensified to use imported raw materials as sparingly as possible. Its specialists are building a new line with a processing capacity of 1,500 tonnes per year, from which 1,250 tonnes of raw material will be obtained—material that was previously secured through imports. Thus, this year some articles will not be made from imported raw materials, but from technological waste. This month, production is being tested for PVC-based dolls with movable parts, washable buttons and other polyethylene-based decorative articles. This will save raw materials, reduce imports and open up many new areas of work. In cooperation (Continued on page 2)

Topic from the 9th Plenum Production efficiency increases by bringing all factors into alignment at their most suitable point. This is required in material matters, technology and investment, just as it is essential for organizational forms and the management of work. New demands are being placed on production: accelerated rates and contemporary concepts. The 9th Plenum of the Party’s CC presents the need to harmonize the factors of production in this light. Viewed broadly, aligning the factors is not a simple technical matter that can be solved with a mathematical equation. To arrive at the division of some cooperatives or enterprises, it was necessary to consider what advantages organizations of an appropriate size create for aligning material, organizational and psychological factors. Above all, it was necessary to distinguish what was a matter of principle from what was organizational. It had to be argued that, as conditions changed, the large concentrations in some cooperatives had lost the advantage they had initially possessed. In establishing sectors at the village level or brigades for each neighborhood, it is necessary to reassess social factors and traditions, and also to make use of some norms and rules that have become outdated over time. In other words, before alignment of the factors in the economy can be achieved, it must first be clearly understood by cadres and specialists as a primary need for moving forward. The grassroots level must be encouraged to establish more suitable organizational arrangements, since these not only correctly determine the size of the economy, but also establish a planting structure suited to concrete conditions. Kallmi, in a sense, “dictated” its own management practice without production sectors to all the economies in the district, because it achieved lasting results. These and other matters must be resolved and decided in accordance with the characteristics of each economy, on the basis of studies and without diktat. What a contrast this makes with certain rigid practices, especially when matters of agricultural techniques are dictated from above! What is this—mistrust of grassroots specialists, or a shortcoming in the working method of the executive committee apparatus or the ministry? In any case, something must change. What matters is that the grassroots level put the alignment of the factors to the test itself, competently. But this does not mean that some should sit idle, speculating while waiting for conditions to be “created,” until they “make up their minds.” Laziness and incompetence are disguised in all sorts of ways. The worst thing is when experience in this field is applied without creativity, instead of being enriched further. In implementing the Party’s directives, many norms and rules have been reviewed and improved, and practices that had been rigid for years have been renewed. Expanding the grassroots level’s authority in planning, building organizational structures, remuneration, etc., opened a path to aligning factors starting at brigade level on many production-related matters. If until ...there was, without [garbled] in the method of management. The further division of Tirana’s agricultural enterprises, for example, is bearing fruit, because it has led managers and administrators to be closer to production and to take greater interest in securing material supplies and fulfilling work norms. However, this measure cannot produce the desired results unless it works in close coordination with other factors relating to discipline and technology in production, the use of mechanisms and economic levers, etc. At times, under pressure to make necessary improvements, haste can be observed, with units seemingly competing over who can do more within the district. This is apparent in rapid reorganizations (before one form has taken root, it is replaced by another), in actions that are sometimes mechanical, in actions. There is a tendency in some districts, such as Fier and Vlorë, to insist on establishing cooperatives on a village basis without any economic argument, driven more by passion than by convincing calculations. There is no reason why sectors should continue to operate in small cooperatives after division. This is not about curbing the initiative of the grassroots level, but the economy cannot move forward on the basis of immature wishes and amateurism. Reorganizations and improvements are not matters of fashion; they are dictated by the times when they are necessary and supported by sound calculations and convictions. In these cases, economic criteria must be at the forefront of the arguments. The alignment of factors becomes a reality when it coincides with the alignment of interests. This is what they aim for— rules overtaken by time. Thus, before achieving alignment among the factors in the economy, it must first be clearly conceived in the convictions of cadres and specialists as a primary necessity for moving forward. The grassroots must be encouraged to make more appropriate organizational arrangements, the decision of the 9th Plenum emphasizes, in order to concentrate production and improve efficiency. Aligning the factors from above is difficult, if not impossible; moreover, it would be ineffective and even highly restrictive of grassroots initiative. Dedaj and Staraveci achieved results after separating from the cooperative. The Party’s norms and rules have been reviewed and improved considerably, and practices that had been rigidly entrenched for years have been approved. Expanding the grassroots’ powers in planning, building organizational structures, services, etc., opened a path to meeting the factors starting at brigade level for many production issues. Whereas until yesterday the enterprise’s hands were tied financially, today it is considered that it should genuinely enjoy the independence granted to it by the economic laws of socialism, so that economic efficiency may increase. But let us not forget that no improvement in organizational forms or economic levers works automatically. with the alignment of interests. The measures for incentivizing high achievers, rewards for exceeding the plan, and savings in expenditure are aimed at this. But how dynamic and diverse is this field? There can be no organizational form, method of remuneration, or harmonization of the two that would make it possible to draw up a universal contract.

Scenes from the work in the greenhouses of Alliasi in Tirana, where the first tomato harvest is planned and work is underway so that it will be gathered by April 25 (Photo: N. Xhufka) (Continued on page 2)

Despite the many difficulties in supplies, the collective of the leather and footwear factory fulfilled its first-quarter targets. - GJIROKASTËR - Despite the many difficulties in supplies, the collective of the leather and footwear factory fulfilled its first-quarter targets: the plan for total industrial production, productivity and quality was met; budget contributions and the cost-reduction target were exceeded. This was achieved in part through a creative approach to internal reserves. Supplies of imported leather meet only 35 percent of needs, and the deficit was covered by exceeding the target for domestic leather, whose plan was fulfilled at 160 percent. The enterprise’s staff went out to the districts themselves to secure the required raw materials, showing resourcefulness in their organization as well. The amount of leather processed by sawing was greatly increased, and its quality improved, securing a higher yield from the hides. The shortages in the supply of chemicals, which are auxiliary materials, were and continue to be more acute: the factory received 30 percent of the planned amount, and 70 percent of

The crosscut has been completed The Qafë e Malit–Paluca No. 1 crosscut has been completed These days, the miners of Pukë achieved a new success by completing the excavation of the crosscut connecting Qafë e Malit with Paluca shaft No. 1. Designed and built by the mine’s engineering and technical staff, this crosscut is 2,760 m long and has an excavation cross-section of 8.2 square metres. It will be used to transport copper ore from Paluca and other workings for several years to come. It will also serve for ventilation and water drainage. The following specialists distinguished themselves in carrying out this task: Ismail Tafilaku, Haziz Arifaj, Gjovalin Allia, Preng Kola, Dedë Ndue Prendi, Gjelosh Çumaku, Tonin Lleshi, Mark Përgëga and Ton Pjetri, etc. Correspondent of «Zëri i popullit»

Yesterday morning, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Albania, Reis Malile, received the president of the Italian Federation of Freedom Volunteers and vice-president of the Senate of the Italian Republic, Paolo Emilio Taviani, and the dignitaries accompanying him. During the meeting, which took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, they discussed the existing friendly relations between Albania and Italy, as well as the further development of cooperation in various fields for mutual benefit. The conversation also emphasized that good-neighborly relations between the two countries serve peace in the region as well. They also discussed several issues concerning current political developments in the Balkans and Europe. (ATSH)

On Sunday morning, the president of the Italian Federation of Freedom Volunteers (FIVL) and vice-president of the Senate of the Italian Republic, Paolo Emilio Taviani, and the senior dignitaries accompanying him paid tribute at the Cemetery of the Martyrs of the Nation and at Comrade Enver Hoxha’s grave. On Sunday morning, the president of the Italian Federation of Freedom Volunteers (FIVL) Emilio Taviani, and the senior dignitaries accompanying him paid tribute at the Cemetery of the Martyrs of the Nation and at Comrade Enver Hoxha’s grave. They laid a wreath beside the “Mother Albania” monument and bouquets of flowers beside Comrade Enver Hoxha’s grave. At the ceremony they were accompanied by the General Secretary of the National Committee of Veterans of the Albanian People’s War, Comrade Myqerem Fuga; the secretary of the Executive Committee of the People’s Council of the Tirana District, Zyber Sinani; and the commander of the Tirana garrison, Eduard Shehu. (ATSH)

The delegation of the Albanian Parliamentary Group, headed by its chairwoman, Eleni Se... The delegation of the Albanian Parliamentary Group, headed by its chairwoman, Eleni Ses... [?], which took part in the proceedings of the 83rd Inter-Parliamentary Conference held in Nicosia, Cyprus, returned to the homeland. (ATSH)

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the death of Comrade Gogo Nushi, one of the outstanding leaders of the People’s Party during the Anti-Fascist National Liberation War and during the period of the country’s socialist construction, commemorative activities were organized in his native village, Vuno, in the district of Vlora. Wreaths were laid beside the memorial dedicated to the heroes and martyrs of the village of Vuno. Those attending the rally organized in the center of the village included cooperative members and people from other villages of the Riviera, Comrade Gogo Nushi’s comrades, fellow fighters and associates, members of his family, workers from the city of Vlora, deputies and councilors, young men and women leaders, and Enver’s Pioneers. Also present in tribute were the First Secretary of the District Party Committee, Faik Çunaj; Central Committee of the Party member Spiro Koleka; the chairman of the Executive Committee of the District People’s Council, Nedin Hoxha; and other comrades. Speaking about Comrade Gogo Nushi’s revolutionary life and work, the chairman of the district BP council, Efigjeni Binaj [?], said, among other things, that Vuno, the Riviera, Vlora and all of Albania would always remember Gogo Nushi, because revolutionary people who are steadfast in the cause of the Party and the people remain unforgettable. Gogo Nushi was an outstanding example of a fervent patriot, a passionate communist, a wise leader, a simple proletarian, and someone with close ties to the people, for whom he gave everything. After speaking about his revolutionary activity, she emphasized that Nushi made a valuable contribution to the Party of Labor of Albania. (Continued on page 3)

The rains of recent days, though very light compared with agriculture’s current needs, helped all the agricultural enterprises that did not wait for ideal conditions before beginning planting. According to data from the synoptic service, the total rainfall over these past few days has reached up to 10 millimeters. This limit was exceeded in only a few districts, such as Shkodër with 30 mm, Pukë with 36, Tiranë with 26, and Durrës with 16 millimeters. The area planted with spring crops also varies from one district to another, depending on the crop. Lezha, Shkodra, Saranda, Elbasani and Durrësi are doing best with maize planting, while Berat, Tirana and Gramshi are still lagging behind. The district of Elbasan is the first in the country to have completed bean planting on time, and Durrësi, Lushnja and Saranda are in the final [?], while Gjirokastra and Lezha are not keeping pace. Of the four districts that grow cotton, Lushnja is progressing best, followed by Fieri; Durrësi and Berati, meanwhile, are still at the beginning of the work. There is no time to wait. The weather is unpredictable, so planting must be stepped up wherever it is behind schedule, and irrigation must be applied to all planted plots to encourage germination—this is today’s task.

On April 8, Greek voters once again found themselves outside polling stations, voting on which political force would dominate the Greek parliament and consequently lead the country’s government. These were the third elections held within 10 months, illustrating the electoral rivalry between Greece’s largest political parties. Electoral tensions were also evident in the difficulties faced by the coalition government, which had been formed during the period between elections, in governing the country. “Such a 10-month period of political instability,” Bi-Bi-Si noted, “was also reflected in economic problems, the standard of living, etc., in Greece, making them even worse.” Throughout Sunday, around 8 million voters cast their ballots at 16,584 polling stations. What were the results of this vote? According to news agencies citing Greek information sources and the Greek Ministry of the Interior, which announces the voting results, the largest share of votes in these elections went to the “New Democracy” party, led by Kostandin Micotakis. It won 47 percent of the vote, or 150 seats in the 300-seat Greek parliament. This represents an increase of two seats compared with the elections of November last year, in which the party won 148 seats. What about the Greek Panhellenic Socialist Party, led by Papandreu, which governed the country from 1981 to 1989? It won 38 percent of the vote, equivalent to 124 seats in parliament. As it turned out, the party lost four parliamentary seats compared with the November elections. The “Left Alliance” also suffered a loss: from the 10.9 percent of the vote it had won in November last year, on April 8 it received only 10 percent of them [?]. To obtain an absolute majority in parliament, the “New Democracy” party needed one more seat, which it secured on April 9 with the support of the Democratic Renewal Party (DIANA). The latter secured only one seat in parliament. Having thus obtained an absolute majority in parliament, with 151 seats, “New Democracy” has the right to form the new government. Reports emphasize that this government will consist only of members of this party, since the chairman of the Democratic Renewal Party declared that his party would vote for “New Democracy” in parliament but would not join the government. Within the party, Micotaqis, as chairman of the “New Democracy” Party, will be tasked by President Sarcetakis with forming the new government. Micotakis told Rojter that, among other things, he would sign a new agreement with the USA to review the presence of American bases in Greece, and would establish full diplomatic relations with Israel within three months; until now, Israel, like the OÇP, has had only a diplomatic mission in Athens and no embassy.

RAIN AND PLANTING