— Some time ago, the bureau of the Party Committee of the district of Dibër reviewed the activities of the basic organization of the district Party Committee apparatus, prompted by a current concern: how the work of the apparatus measured up against the tasks dictated by present conditions and the requirements of the 9th and 10th plenums. Following this analysis, a report was also prepared for the Central Committee apparatus, which mentioned, among other things, that some instructors’ level was inadequate, that quite a few of them found it difficult to respond to the new requirements, and that they remained prisoners of old stereotypes. It was also noted that the group of instructors was not at the level needed to master the problems of Party life, as well as the measures being considered to change the situation. This routine report raises a major problem, one that is not confined to Party apparatuses but is, without exception, present in all bodies and basic organizations, in the activity of every communist. Every era has its own demands, and the active participation of communists and the masses has always been necessary. This is all the more true today, amid these intensive processes of development throughout economic and social life, when the thinking and action of people—ordinary workers and leading cadres, specialists and innovators, everyone—is more necessary than ever. Under these conditions, the Party’s work takes on new dimensions at every level. This must be understood correctly and precisely by everyone, so that this truth is put into practice everywhere and does not remain a slogan, as happens when people seek to change the situation. The new dynamism demanded by the Party is not the same as communists setting an example at work. No, it is broader, deeper, and more many-sided. Above all, it means that the Party organization in every combine and cooperative, ministry and other institution must take the lead in the tasks arising each day, create clear understanding among everyone of today’s processes, recognize and promote what is progressive, curb and isolate the incapable, the mediocre, and the conservatives, and also rein in liberal elements seeking to take advantage of the deepening of democracy. As always, every change will be made with the Party at the forefront, with the active support of communists and the masses, and with genuine intellectual thought that aspires to progress—from the simplest things to the creation of new values in the nation’s economy and culture. There is no doubt that these are major tasks. But their true weight is not understood by everyone. Thus one also finds inactive Party organizations, as if these demands had nothing to do with them. In the agendas of basic-organization meetings, a discussion following each Central Committee plenum has often been considered sufficient, while subsequent analyses are quite different: general, couched in outdated formulations, as if they belonged to years gone by. This is unacceptable. Then we hear complaints that here or there, at basic-organization meetings, very few non-Party workers are invited. Naturally, in situations like these, few—or none at all—will attend, because no one needs such tedious and outdated discussions. This is a general phenomenon that must be changed. new values in the nation’s economy and culture. The tasks we have before us cannot be accomplished without a deep sense of responsibility. Yet here and there one hears the question: “What authority does a basic organization have?” A strange question! As “arguments,” people cite the powers held by collectives, directorates and other bodies, professional-union organizations, and so on. Those who ask this question not only narrow the issue, but also unjustly strip the Party organization of its duties and rights, as if one could therefore not even call on it to show a sense of responsibility. This is both a distorted and an outdated understanding. Is there a greater authority—and, at the same time, a greater duty—than understanding the situation of an enterprise, cooperative, sector, or village and, in light of it, calling for this or that measure to be taken? Is it a small matter to encourage and organize debate in organizations, collectives, and among the youth on the many different issues that concern people and affect production and culture? This is a direct contribution to our comprehensive development and progress, and concrete support for the Party’s policy. Is there a broader authority, coupled with responsibility, than organizing genuine Party work so that people are at the forefront of what is required of everyone today, where they work and live? Is there a fuller authority than ensuring that designated bodies and organizations act in accordance with the laws and regulations... The work of ordinary cadres and managers, specialists and innovators—of everyone—is more urgently needed than ever. Under these circumstances, This must be properly and accurately understood everywhere and does not remain a slogan, as happens all too often. The Party has extensive experience. Through its primary organizations, the exemplary conduct of the Communists, and its own authority and that of its members among the masses, it has always taken on major tasks. The same is true today, when the masses’ support for the Party’s recent decisions is even more enthusiastic and powerful. There is only one difficulty, but it can certainly be overcome: today, work cannot be carried out in the same way as yesterday. Experience is valuable, but much needs to change. шаблонները not only are of no use, they must be cast aside, because they are harmful and pose a risk. Every Party apparatus, every bureau and primary organization should take a genuinely critical look at any work that is not going well, seek the causes and set about eliminating them with determination. This is unacceptable. Then we hear complaints that at this or that primary organization meeting very few non-Party workers are present. Of course, in cases like these there will be few, if any, because nobody needs such tedious discussions that are out of touch with the times. This is a widespread phenomenon that says a great deal. Everywhere we have gone, people say that there are many questions among the public, and quite interesting ones at that. Propaganda bodies and institutions often receive calls from work collectives asking for talks and explanations on various issues; production specialists, especially economists, are asked for the same thing. There is widespread, striking interest. Yet nowhere have we heard of a Party organization gathering these questions together and saying plainly: “Here are the questions people are asking; here is what interests our collective, and here are the topics for our organization!” District Party forums, too, should do more on these matters, reflect on them and include them in their analyses, while staying closer to the primary organizations, especially where the need is greatest. Everyone has a broad need and, at the same time, a responsibility to organize genuine Party work so that people are prepared for live. Is there any greater accordance with laws, rules and norms, in keeping with the opinion of the collective and by working together with it? None of this can be done properly if primary organizations treat these matters as lying outside themselves and outside their remit. This has consequences and undermines the Party organization’s role in oversight and action. There is no shortage of dedicated and wise people in primary organizations. They have filled the Party’s ranks. This is all the more true now that the organization discusses and decides its own issues together with the masses, consulting them broadly, including in meetings held face to face with workers. This too is a moment that further strengthens the sense of deep responsibility and spurs everyone to greater and committed work, personal example, and a genuine vanguard role.

More agile organization — KORÇË — For the district of Korçë, this traditionally difficult month has proved particularly challenging when it comes to the vegetable market. Vegetables reach abundance on the eve of autumn. Nevertheless, if you go into the shops today, you forget that it is June. Here is why: alongside fresh vegetables of the day, such as onions, garlic, spinach, cucumbers (these were grown early in the solar greenhouse built in Shuec, an area with a microclimate), you can also find peppers and peas kept in cold storage, reserve potatoes as well as summer potatoes, and tomatoes brought in from other districts. “This continuity,” says Ropi Orgocka, head of the district trade section, “has been brought about by coordinating tasks and establishing more effective channels. For three years, the main burden of supplying the town market has been shouldered by the district’s three state agricultural enterprises: the one in Plasë, the one in Plashë, and the cattle-breeding enterprise. The benefits of this arrangement are evident. Instead of the dozens of contracts trade had with agricultural economies, most of which were not fulfilled, there are now three secure contracts. Obligations have increased from year to year. In the first year the state agricultural enterprises were responsible only for vegetables; in the second year they also met the market’s potato needs; this year, with the area planted, they will ensure better supplies of beans as well. The relations between trade and agricultural enterprises are such as to encourage production and prompt sales to the benefit of both sides. Measures are being taken to supply shops directly with fresh vegetables from the state agricultural enterprises. This will not apply to the cold-storage facilities, but this year too the enterprise will process and store large quantities of fruit and vegetables. It will also continue the tradition of the food-trading enterprise itself laying in winter reserves. Ten industrial enterprises in the district have been tasked with rapidly building new fruit and vegetable outlets using lightweight metal structures. Shops run by agricultural economies have also expanded their activities. In town, outlets such as those run by the cooperatives of Dishnicë, Drenovë, Lumas, and Polenë, as well as the agricultural enterprises of Plasë, Korçë, and the cattle-breeding enterprise, have made a name for themselves. Another feature of this year is the variety brought by the farmers’ market, while NTUS is enlivening street vending.” Correspondent of “Zëri i Popullit”

— MIRDITË — This Sunday, social-catering establishments and a games hall were inaugurated in the town of Rrëshen. While waiting for the ceremony, we speak with Pal Perlala, head of the trade section at the district executive committee of the Party of Labour. He says that this month is a month of action for their district to improve standards and service in social catering, the weakest part of the entire commercial service sector. These newly established venues will help provide better service to workers. When you meet with buyers and sellers, you can feel that there really have been visible improvements. Everyone expresses satisfaction with the increased level of supply, but everyone also identifies quality and compliance with standards as the pressing demand. Greater care has been taken in supplying fruit and vegetables. When the district has been unable to meet demand with its own produce, supplies have also been brought in from other districts of the country. The townspeople appreciate this, but as for easing prices, what is needed is (Continued on page 2)

— ELBASAN — Conceiving of retail outlets also as collection points makes it possible to increase the quantity and variety of goods on the market. If, for example, eggs have scarcely ever been missing from the Elbasan market, and supplies have improved considerably this year, this is because each month three times as many have been collected from cooperative members’ yards as during the five-month period of the previous year. This year, the towns of Cërrik and Peqin and the center of Belsh have stopped receiving eggs from the poultry-breeding enterprise. The trading enterprises have opened 12 collection points where, in addition to eggs, they collect fruit, vegetables, and other surplus produce from cooperative members’ yards; these are transported to retail outlets more quickly. In the city of Elbasan, the fruit and vegetable trading enterprise, through all 56 of its outlets and by dealing directly with producers, has ensured greater variety as well as regular supplies and fresh produce. Meanwhile, eight agricultural economies in the district have opened their own retail outlets in the city, although their appearance and functionality generally leave much to be desired. On the other hand, the food industry enterprise was the first of the other enterprises to open an outlet selling its own products. Soon the meat-and-dairy enterprise will open an outlet of this kind, followed by other city enterprises. By the end of June (Continued on page 2)

The Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, Comrade Ramiz Alia, sent the following congratulatory telegram to the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Korazon Akino: “The anniversary of the national holiday of the Philippines gives me the opportunity, on behalf of the Albanian people, the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, and myself, to convey to You and, through You, to the Filipino people, heartfelt greetings and sincere wishes for happiness and prosperity.” (ATSH)

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, Muhamet Kapllani, left for a visit to France and the Federal Republic of Germany. At the airport, he was seen off by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; also present were the Ambassador of the French Republic in Tirana, Mishel Bulmer, and the chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Federal Republic of Germany in Tirana (Mr. ... Daun). (ATSH)

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the fall of the People’s Hero Selam Musa Salari, commemorative activities were held in the district of Tepelenë. In the hero’s birthplace, Salari, a rally was organized, attended by cooperative members, party activists and veterans, councillors, members of the hero’s family, as well as young people, Enver’s pioneers, etc. Also present were the First Secretary of the District Party Committee, Gramoz Ruçi, the Chairman of the District Executive Committee of the People’s Council, Gjergji Velo, etc. The First Secretary of the District Party Committee, Muhamet Hadaj, spoke about the life and work of the People’s Hero Selam Musai. A telegram was sent from the rally to the First Secretary of the Party’s Central Committee, Comrade Ramiz Alia. Wreaths of flowers were laid at the hero’s bust in the centre of the village. After visiting Selam Musai’s house museum, they also attended an artistic programme. As part of this, at the house of culture, the folk group “Mustafa ...” ... (Continued on page 3)

Interview with senior scientific associate Niko Pano, given to editor Viron Gjy mshana . Pollution of the living environment has become one of humanity’s greatest and most troubling problems. In our country too, as a result of the further development of life and the national economy, as well as our obligations at the international level, the issues of protecting nature and the living environment are becoming increasingly topical. We encounter these concerns particularly in Tirana, the country’s largest and most important centre, where a population of around a quarter of a million lives and works. — What are the main achievements to date in protecting nature and the living environment in Tirana, and what shortcomings have been observed? — The ecological balance between the physical and geographical characteristics of the natural environment of the district of Tirana and the overall life and economic activity carried out in this district is an issue that is both complex and far-reaching, as well as intricate in nature. Issues concerning the preservation of nature and the living environment in Tirana have repeatedly been the subject of analyses by the Party and government bodies in the district. A series of technical, organizational and research measures have been taken to improve the situation. Within this framework, specialized institutions have generally organized regular monitoring of pollution levels and observation of radioactivity in water, air, and imported and exported food products, and a number of scientific research studies have been carried out. Investments have been made in some facilities with a high potential for pollution, and corresponding measures have been taken to reduce pollution levels. In addition, several highly toxic pesticides have been withdrawn from use in agriculture, and improvements have been made in land management and its protection from erosion. Important measures have also been taken to increase the green areas of parks, etc. These efforts have made it possible for Tirana, in general, to be a beautiful, clean city with many parks and greenery throughout. Yet, alongside these achievements, there are still many problems and issues that have not been resolved and must be addressed to further improve Tirana’s ecological balance. Environmental pollution is putting the waters of Tirana’s surface and underground hydrographic network at risk. This phenomenon is more pronounced in the waters of the Lana, the Tirana River, the Erzen, etc. In these rivers, uncontrolled discharges from the city and from industry have seriously damaged aquatic flora and fauna. The atmosphere is also polluted as a result of dust and smoke emitted by economic and industrial facilities. Environmental damage is also evident from the indiscriminate use of pesticides, etc. — What are the main issues that can help further improve Tirana’s ecological balance, and what are the ways to resolve them? As part of International Week for the Protection of the Environment of Mediterranean Countries, which ended yesterday, a broad meeting was organized in Tirana, in accordance with the plan of the Central Commission for Environmental Protection, on the theme “Ecological problems and the preservation of the living environment in the city of Tirana.” The meeting was organized by the district Executive Committee in cooperation with the sociological unit attached to the District Party Committee. A number of important issues were put up for discussion, including: greenery and nature protection in the surroundings and in the services for health, recreation and culture of workers; problems of air and water pollution; urban planning in the protection and development of urban environments; the environment ... (Continued on page 3)

At the new establishment built in Gjirokastër Castle, fast and courteous service is always available. (Photo: A. Bodinaku - ATSH) At the new establishment built in Gjirokastër Castle, fast and courteous service is always available. (Photo: A. Bodinaku - ATSH)

A few days ago, a seminar on working with books was held in Shupenzë, where participants discussed the work being done in the district of Dibër in this field. Afterwards, a practical activity was observed, which also provided a word about its presentation. At this activity it was written: «Here ...» ... by the teacher of Shupenzë Secondary School, Viktor Cenoshina, as well as a visit to the house of culture and to the area’s new museum, which was inaugurated there that same day. XHEVDET DAÇI volunteer correspondent for “Zëri i popullit”