New Delights – the dark future and literature This year, at the beginning of March, I am not surprised when I ask whether there is also interest in literature and in socialist realism in literature and whether there will be further changes. Although with rare exceptions, the activity so far of the League of Writers and Artists of Albania and the activities it carried out up to the 9th Plenum, as well as the field of publishing and distribution of artistic literature, prove that it has been filled with schemes, taboos and restrictions, where openly and secretly authors, works and phenomena that have sought a freer breathing space have been set aside or fought against. The only rule has been that a work be assessed not only according to aesthetic values, but also according to its “ideological position.” This has caused great harm to our literature. For many years, especially after the 4th Plenum of the Central Committee, a heavy climate was created for creativity, in which many authors were condemned to silence, works were banned, and others were published mutilated. The practice of fear and self-censorship spread. Thus creative courage diminished, the variety of voices was impoverished, and the reader himself was harmed, as he could not become acquainted with the normal development of contemporary literature. Under these conditions, a profound review of the concepts that have ruled and a change in publishing and critical policies are needed. Literature cannot remain hostage to ready-made formulas, nor to one-sided judgments. The dignity of the free word, open debate, professional evaluation and the civic responsibility of the writer must be restored. Post-publication notice The unveiling of the poetic book “My Roads” by the poet and lyric singer of humor shows that signs of more visible vitality are appearing in cultural life. On 18 May, in the premises of the club of the League of Writers and Artists, a meeting was held with many readers, where the author’s work and the need to open the literary climate were discussed. The discussions emphasized that the times require more artistic sincerity, less rhetoric and more respect for the reader. These are only first steps, but necessary ones. Only in this way can our literature regain its lost weight and credibility and enter a new stage of development.

Notice after publication The presentation of the poetic book “My Roads” by the poet and lyric singer [?] will take place on 18 May, at 10:00, in the premises of the club of the League of Writers and Artists. Readers, creators and lovers of poetry will take part in the meeting. All interested persons are invited.

COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA RECEIVED THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF BULGARIA, BOJKO DIMITROV (Full text, ATSH) Comrade Ramiz Alia, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party of Labour of Albania, received on 19 May the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria, Comrade Bojko Dimitrov, who is carrying out an official visit to our country. The conversation expressed satisfaction with the development of relations between the two countries and peoples, and emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in fields of mutual interest. Political and diplomatic contacts were assessed, as well as the need to strengthen understanding in the region. The parties also exchanged views on several problems of the international situation, emphasizing the importance of peace, security and cooperation among states. (ATSH) (Photo: ATSH)

(ATSH) At Tirana’s only airport, on 19 May, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PR of Bulgaria, Comrade Bojko Dimitrov, was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PSR of Albania, Reiz Malile, as well as by other senior officials of the ministry. Present at the reception were also the ambassador of the PR of Bulgaria in Tirana and other personalities. After the official ceremony, the two ministers held talks in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, during which bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest were discussed. The visit is considered a contribution to the further expansion of cooperation between the two countries.

The Presidium of the People’s Assembly of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania held a meeting in which several questions concerning the future activity of the legislative body were examined. Discussion focused on the preparation of the next plenary session and on a number of draft laws expected to be submitted for consideration. The meeting emphasized the necessity of improving the quality of work in drafting normative acts and strengthening control over the implementation of laws in practice.

FRUITS OF INNOVATIVE THOUGHT It is truly surprising that a few small newspaper articles and a few recent television appearances have sparked so much discussion around what seems like an ordinary topic: the use of plastic material instead of some traditional materials. But in reality, the issue is not minor. It is linked to raw-material economy, savings, production modernization, and the improvement of working conditions. In several enterprises in the country, successful trials have been carried out to replace metal parts with plastic parts, lowering costs and increasing production durability. The initial results are encouraging. However, there are still hesitations, prejudices and bureaucratic obstacles that slow the spread of this experience. Innovative thinking requires courage, responsibility and concrete support. It is not enough to say that you are in favor of innovation; you must create the conditions for it to be implemented. This requires specialists, cooperation between institutes and enterprises, as well as a more open approach to experimentation. If we want to move forward, we must free ourselves from routine and from worshipping the old simply because it is familiar. The utility of the plastic spoon is not just a technical example; it is proof that, when one thinks with an open mind, useful and concrete solutions can be found for our economy.

(ATSH) In the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, official talks were held between the Foreign Minister of Denmark, Niels Helveg Petersen, and the Foreign Minister of Bulgaria, Bojko Dimitrov. The talks took place in an open and friendly atmosphere. Bilateral relations, the expansion of economic and cultural cooperation, as well as several aspects of the situation in Europe were discussed. The interlocutors expressed the view that maintaining peace and expanding contacts between countries are important factors for regional stability.