— Comrade Ramiz Alia arrived in Korçë to celebrate May Day with the workers of this district — (Photo: ATSH)

The First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party of Labour of Albania, Comrade Ramiz Alia, who is on a working visit in the Korçë district, on Monday attended in the city of Korçë a concert given by the pupils and students of this district. In the evening he received in a meeting communists, cadres and specialists from the district. In this warm and social setting, the problems of the country's and the district's economic and social development were discussed broadly and candidly. Comrade Ramiz Alia dwelt on the assessments made by the Party of the situation in our country and of our socialist future. He pointed out that in no case should we underestimate the economic crisis that has affected many countries, both in the East and in the West. Although they have different social systems, they are nevertheless in crisis. Naturally, said Comrade Ramiz Alia, things are different for us. For us it is important to have a clear understanding and conviction that socialism in our country has been built on sound moral, political, and economic foundations. Therefore the road ahead will always be a road of trouble-free development for us? No! But we have the deep conviction that we are able to overcome problems and difficulties. This is conditional on standing firmly by the Party line, fighting foreign phenomena and further strengthening order and discipline. Our socialist fatherland has every possibility to solve on its own the problem of food, housing, clothing, and so on, and to improve people's lives. Further in the discussion Comrade Ramiz Alia stressed that in recent years great work has been done, especially to create a new climate of work and thought, and for this reason freer and more open discussions on the issues that worry people must be encouraged more boldly, without ever letting up the struggle against ideas and views foreign to socialism. Comrade Ramiz Alia emphasized that enlivening the country's internal life through debate, the expression of opinion, and social criticism serves to strengthen socialism and not to weaken it. Naturally, in such discussions there is no place for manifestations that violate socialist morality, that encourage anarchy or deny our achievements. Our Party considers of first-rate importance the broader involvement of people in the governance of the country, the increase of their responsibility, and the strengthening of social control. The meeting also spoke about the work of Party organizations in the district, the situation in several economic sectors, the improvement of management, labor discipline, and the need for everyone to make their contribution honestly and with dedication. The view was expressed that every collective should work better, save, defend socialist property, and raise the level of service to the people.

— From the meeting with the book coordinators among the cooperativists of Luginas — The village of Bulgarec, before being the work of the agricultural people, before being the activity of a small cultural center organized with considerable interest, is also a center for the dissemination of books and reading. It has at least attracted the attention and help of specialists in the field. In the center of the village, as in many others, there is a library with about 1,500 books. This library has been enriched with artistic and political books, with publications on agriculture and livestock raising, on literature and history. It has a modest but very useful material base for the residents. At the meeting held with the book coordinators in the Luginas cooperative, there was discussion of how to further enliven work with books, how to create better conditions for reading and bring publications closer to people. There were valuable ideas about increasing the holdings, improving the premises, organizing meetings with readers, and expanding the role of the library in the cultural life of the village. It was pointed out that even in simple conditions much can be done if there is dedication and organized work. (To be continued on page 2)

FROM THE SPEECH AT THE MEETING WITH CADRES AND DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES Even if we look at and analyze the development of the world today, we will reach the conclusion that socialism is withstanding shocks and difficulties. It is the only road that ensures peoples freedom, national independence, and social progress. Our experience, all the difficulties we go through, prove this. We must not fall into pessimism, nor lose faith in our own strength. In the meetings held with cadres and various representatives, issues have been raised that are connected with the economy, with supply, with discipline, and with management. These are real concerns, which the Party and the state must follow seriously. But their solution does not come by calling the foundations of socialism into question; it comes by strengthening those foundations, improving working methods, and increasing each person's responsibility. We should not be afraid of criticism. On the contrary, it helps us correct shortcomings, see weaknesses, and move forward. Honest criticism and free thought, when grounded in the interests of the people and the homeland, are a great force. But a clear distinction must be made between constructive criticism and hostile propaganda, and attempts to weaken faith in socialism. Our Party has confidence in the working class, the cooperative peasantry, the intelligentsia, and the youth. In this unity lies the country's strength. With this confidence, with more work, with discipline and better leadership, we will move forward. (To be continued on page 2)

Every day that passes has shed light on many of our tasks and is showing us more clearly each person's responsibilities. More work and organization are required, more attention to the person and to what he thinks. This is the time when words must be supported by deeds, when actions must correspond to the interests of society and socialism. In recent years various phenomena and different opinions have emerged; some of them have served to open our eyes and better understand what needs to be corrected, while others have brought confusion and uncertainty. Therefore, moderation, civic courage, and political clarity are required. We cannot move forward without discussion, but neither without order and responsibility. The future requires real work and concrete results. Albanians have known how to face even more difficult trials. With wisdom, honesty, and faith in our own strength, we can emerge stronger from every obstacle. This is a time for thought, but also a time for action. (To be continued on page 2)

The Party's goal is to advance the economy and culture, to increase efficiency in every field, to further democratize social relations, and to encourage the role and initiative of the masses.