Yesterday morning, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania, Comrade Foto Çami, received the delegation of Italian parliamentarians who are staying in our country on a visit. At the beginning of the talks, Comrade Foto Çami welcomed the guests and expressed satisfaction with this visit, emphasizing the importance of developing relations between the two countries. The head of the Italian delegation thanked him for the reception and noted the interest in becoming closely acquainted with economic, social and cultural developments in Albania. During the meeting, issues of bilateral relations, the possibilities for expanding economic, trade, cultural and tourist cooperation, as well as some international issues of mutual interest were discussed. It was emphasized that the expansion of contacts between the parliaments and institutions of different countries serves understanding and peace. The conversation took place in a friendly atmosphere. (Continued on page 4)

A few weeks ago, the Assembly of the Socialist Autonomous Province of Kosovo proclaimed the province as the Republic of Kosovo and tasked the competent bodies, in accordance with the constitution and the law, to prepare the acts through which economic independence would be realized. This is also one of the important issues for Kosovo's economic development. Since the new Constitution and the constitutional changes in Serbia and Yugoslavia are intended to demolish even the few constitutional powers that Kosovo had, thereby severely affecting the basic rights of citizens and workers and self-management, the Assembly of Kosovo has raised the question of economic independence. Within this independence are the issues of the use of funds, taxes, prices, the market, enterprises and others. As is known, in our economic system prices are an important category through which economic relations and the distribution of income are expressed. In conditions where Kosovo's economy is in an unequal position, the issue of prices has special importance. Prices of agricultural, industrial and service products are in many cases unreal and do not cover production costs. This puts work organizations and workers in a difficult position. A fairer pricing policy is needed, based on the results of work, on the market and on the interests of the country's development. At the same time, the economic mechanism must be such as to encourage production, savings and the rational use of resources. Only with such an economic system will conditions be created for faster development and for overcoming the current stagnation. In this direction, concrete measures are expected from the competent bodies and the commitment of all economic and social entities.[?]

The textile enterprise of Shtërpca has bought considerable quantities of cotton for its own production needs. (Photo: Lika ATHS)

Where there has been blossoming, there is health This is one of the expressions most often encountered in our regions. Although there are visible improvements in the place where we live, there is still much to be done in organizing the living and working environment. In many places, yards, streets and green spaces are not properly maintained. There is a lack of the necessary care for cleanliness, for trees, flowers and the environment in general. In some environments there are good examples, where a great deal has been achieved through volunteer work and civic awareness. There are organizations and collectives that take care of arranging yards and planting ornamental trees and flowers. An orderly environment speaks about the culture of a person and of a collective. Therefore, everyone should contribute in this direction. It is necessary for actions to organize the environment to be more frequent and to involve everyone. Only then will residential areas and workplaces acquire a more beautiful and healthier appearance. (Continued on page 2)

At the invitation of the Presidency of the Provincial Council of Kosovo, today the delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Finland arrived in our country. At Pristina airport, the delegation was welcomed by a group of representatives of the provincial bodies. During its stay in Kosovo, the delegation will hold talks with representatives of the socio-political institutions and public life. The program also includes visits to several work organizations and cultural institutions. The delegation is headed by the committee chairman and consists of several deputies and experts in the field of foreign policy. The purpose of the visit is to become more closely acquainted with developments in Kosovo and to exchange views on matters of mutual interest. (ATA)

Tirana. The delegations of the Balkan countries that will take part in the meeting of the energy ministries have arrived in the capital. At Rinas airport they were welcomed by representatives of the relevant ministry and other bodies. This meeting is expected to discuss issues related to regional cooperation in the field of energy, the exchange of experience and the possibilities for joint projects. The meeting will also examine problems of energy supply, the rational use of resources and the increase of efficiency in energy systems. The participants will also visit several facilities in the sector. (ATA)

In the premises of the library, the presentation of the book dedicated to the well-known poet Lagjush Poradeci took place. Writers, scholars, teachers and lovers of literature took part in this event. There was talk about the poet's life and work, the place he holds in Albanian literature and the artistic values of his creativity. The author of the book, Vjosa Hara, stressed that her aim had been to present the reader with as complete a picture as possible of the poet's figure and his influence on national culture. Those present praised the publication as a contribution of interest to literary studies. (ATA)

Yesterday in our country the spring sowing was completed in most regions. According to preliminary data, the work has generally been carried out well and at satisfactory pace. Agricultural organizations have taken advantage of the good weather days to complete on time the sowing of corn, potatoes, vegetables and other crops. In some areas there were difficulties due to the lack of mechanical equipment and spare parts, but with the commitment of the cooperativists and specialists these difficulties were overcome. Special attention has been devoted to the quality of the work, land preparation and the use of selected seeds. The main task now remains caring for the sown crops, combating weeds and ensuring irrigation where necessary. The competent bodies are asking that the situation on each plot be carefully monitored, in order to secure the highest possible production. (Continued on page 4)

(Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 4) (ATA) (Photo: Lika ATHS) THAMAS VINO