The People's Assembly continued yesterday's proceedings at 9:00 a.m. At this session, consideration and discussion continued on the draft law «On certain amendments and additions to the Criminal Code», and, on the proposal of Communist deputy Çajup Dushi, the text of the amendment to Article 900. Regarding this session, there were statements and discussions on article 2 of the draft law. Thirteen deputies spoke in conclusion. The debate was lively and of a high level; it was characterized by the spirit of responsibility and humanism that is distinguishing this session of the People's Assembly and, as a result, the draft law «On certain amendments and additions to the Criminal Code» was approved by a majority vote. Next, deputy Ramadan Hoxha presented the draft law «On granting amnesty». Sixteen deputies echoed this draft law in their discussions. In general, the need for such an amnesty was discussed, along with the importance of the act of pardon and the trust that our socialist state is showing toward a category of convicted persons. On the other hand, the need was also discussed for those who benefit from this act to be rehabilitated through work and good conduct. Many speakers pointed out that the amnesty once again expresses the humane traditions of the people's power and of our socialist justice. It was emphasized that the draft law had been thoroughly studied and received broad support. At the end, the People's Assembly decreed by majority vote the law «On granting amnesty». Lively discussions were also held on the draft law «On certain amendments to article 3 of the law on elections». The deputies stressed the importance of expanding participation and of the exact implementation of legal norms. Some issues requiring clarification and careful implementation were also pointed out. This draft law was also approved by majority vote. In the end, the session concluded its work in a serious and constructive atmosphere. The deputies expressed their conviction that the laws adopted will serve to strengthen the socialist legal order and the democratic development of the country. (Continued on page 2)

No. Tirana W. H. Draper and his entourage had a meeting with Adil Çarçani In Tirana, W. H. Draper and his entourage had a meeting with Adil Çarçani. First Deputy Prime Minister Haxhi Lleshi and other representatives of our country welcomed the delegation. During the conversation, issues of cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme and the prospects for expanding this cooperation were discussed. At the meeting, the importance of projects related to economic development and technical assistance was emphasized. The parties expressed satisfaction with the constructive spirit of the talks and with the readiness to pursue joint projects realistically. (Continued on page 3)

Report presented on behalf of the Council of Ministers by comrade Manush Myftiu, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers At yesterday's session, the draft law on certain amendments and additions to the Criminal Code was also presented. From the deputies' discussions and proposals it is clear that we are entering a new phase in improving criminal legislation, in line with the present-day developments of our socialist society. On the basis of the principles of our criminal policy, measures have been taken to review a series of provisions, so that penalties may be fairer, more differentiated, and more educational. This is in keeping with socialist humanism and the struggle against foreign influences. The draft law provides for several important changes, relating to a clearer definition of the elements of criminal offenses, a more precise distinction of criminal responsibility, and the expansion of possibilities for differentiated treatment of offenders, especially in cases of lower social danger. A special place is also given to the issue of convicted persons who have given clear proof of improvement. For them, greater possibilities are envisaged for pardon, mitigation, or substitution of the penalty, when the circumstances and their conduct justify this. Alongside these measures, some organizational steps are also envisaged, linked to better implementation of the law, to increased responsibility of the relevant bodies, and to strengthening control over the execution of decisions. These changes do not stem from a weakening of the struggle against crime, but from the effort to make it more effective, fairer, and more in line with the interests of the people and of socialism. (Continued on page 2)

On behalf of UNDP, the value of these meetings and of the good relations of cooperation with our country was also expressed with satisfaction by the regional director general of the programme for Europe and the Arab countries, Murad [?], and other representatives. (Continued on page 2) (ATSHP)