Yesterday morning at 10 o'clock, in the premises of the "Adriatik" hotel in Durrës, the meeting of the energy ministers and field specialists of the Balkan states was opened. Present at this meeting are delegations from Greece, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Romania. Our country is represented by the delegation headed by comrade Koço Theodhosi. In his opening remarks, the Minister of Industry and Mines, comrade Theodhosi, after welcoming those present, emphasized the importance of this meeting, which is being held within the framework of multilateral cooperation among the countries of the region. Pointing out that energy is one of the fields of particular importance for economic development, he stressed the need to exchange experience and to encourage direct contacts among specialists. In the morning session, reports were presented on the current state of energy systems and the prospects for their development. The delegations presented data on electricity production, on water and thermal resources, as well as on projects under construction. Issues of energy saving, modernization of networks, and technical-scientific cooperation among the participating countries were also discussed. The meeting's work continues today. (Continued on page 2) (Photo: ATSH)

Yesterday morning, comrade Ramiz Alia received the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Italian Parliament, Mr. Flaminio Pikoli, who is paying a visit to our country. The talks dealt with issues related to Albanian-Italian relations and with possibilities for expanding cooperation in fields of mutual interest. Comrade Ramiz Alia emphasized that our country is interested in developing good-neighborly relations and useful cooperation with Italy, on the basis of equality and mutual respect. For his part, Mr. Flaminio Pikoli appreciated the warm reception and expressed interest in getting to know more closely the developments in Albania. Also taking part in the meeting were comrades Reis Malile and Foto Çami. The conversation was held in a friendly atmosphere. (Photo: ATSH)

Comrade participants, I am pleased to greet you on behalf of the Council of Ministers of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania on the occasion of your first meeting. The development of multilateral cooperation among the Balkan countries in the field of energy serves peace, understanding and the economic progress of our peoples. Our countries have resources and experience that can be put at the service of mutual development, so it is important that contacts between institutions and specialists take on a more regular and fruitful character. The People's Socialist Republic of Albania, following a peace-loving policy and a policy of good-neighborliness, supports the expansion of relations with all Balkan countries on the basis of equality, non-interference and mutual respect. I wish you successful proceedings and useful results for your meeting. Adil Çarçani (ATSH)

Yesterday morning, the delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Italian Parliament, headed by Mr. Flaminio Pikoli, paid tribute at the Cemetery of the Martyrs of the Nation. After laying a wreath and observing a minute of silence in honor of the martyrs of the homeland, the members of the delegation visited the relevant museum. The delegation also held meetings with representatives of our institutions and became closely acquainted with several aspects of life in our country. (ATSH)

During his visit to our country, American congressman Tom Lantos held a series of meetings and talks yesterday. He was received by representatives of state institutions and social organizations. During the meetings, issues of Albanian-American relations were discussed, as well as problems of economic, cultural and humanitarian development. Mr. Lantos was interested in the processes of change in Europe and in developments in our country. His Albanian interlocutors emphasized Albania's independent policy and its position on developing normal relations with the United States of America. The American congressman also visited several historical and cultural sites in Tirana. (Continued on page 4)

Yesterday morning, the Minister for Foreign Relations, Reis Malile, received in audience the delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Italian Parliament, headed by Mr. Flaminio Pikoli. The talks expressed the mutual desire to expand relations between the two countries and to develop cooperation in areas of common interest. The delegation also carried out other visits and meetings in Tirana. (Continued on page 4)